Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. This week heats up again with temps peaking in the mid-90s by Wednesday, before cooling down with clouds and possible storms later in the week.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
-
Rabid Bat Found in Pasadena
-
ArtCenter’s 2025 Design Invitational
-
Events This Monday & Tuesday
-
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
Happy Birthday Coco! 🎂

THE DIGEST
Rabid Bat Found in Pasadena
Everyone seems to be talking about this, even though I didn’t think it was a big deal or cause for major concern but here it is: Pasadena officials reported a rabid bat near S. San Rafael Ave. and Nithsdale Rd. last Thursday. Public Health says it’s the first confirmed case in Pasadena this year.
The overall risk to the public is low, but the advice is simple: don’t touch bats. If you see one that’s injured, ill, or dead, call Pasadena Humane at (626) 792-7151.
Officials remind us that rabies can spread from a bite or even a scratch, so if contact does happen, wash the area with soap and water right away and get medical care. Pets should be checked by a vet if exposed.
So, no need to panic — just keep your distance from bats and let the pros handle it.
ArtCenter’s 2025 Design Invitational
On Sunday, Sept. 28, ArtCenter College of Design will showcase 50 cars and trucks created by alumni and faculty, along with a few treasures from private collections.
Highlights include classic Corvettes, a Maserati and Alfa Romeo recently celebrated at Pebble Beach, Lucid’s forward-looking Gravity SUV, the customizable Slate Truck, and the first public side-by-side display of the HF-11 and Half-11 supercars.
The Design Invitational is part of ArtCenter’s Alumni Reunion weekend and gives visitors not only an incredible car showcase but also a chance to explore the Hillside Campus Sculpture Garden and learn the stories behind some of the world’s most influential designs. You can purchase tickets here.
@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@pasadenaplayhouse📍Eureka Day, Pasadena Playhouse
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday
-
🏈 High School Football Day: The Rose Bowl Quarterbacks Club spotlights Pasadena’s high school football programs while celebrating the California High School Football Hall of Fame—a morning of tradition, pride, and community. Monday, September 15 from 8AM–9:30AM.
-
⛳ Hit the Green for AbilityFirst: A full day of golf at El Dorado Park with prizes, food, and camaraderie—all in support of AbilityFirst’s mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities. Monday, September 15 at 9AM.
-
📚 Zoe B. Wallbrook in Conversation with Elise Bryant: Vroman’s hosts Zoe B. Wallbrook for a lively discussion and signing of History Lessons, her debut mystery where academia, romance, and murder collide. Monday, September 15 at 7PM.
-
🌌 Astronomy on Tap: Living on Mars & Balloon-Borne Telescopes: This one will be a big one! Dog Haus Biergarten turns into a cosmic classroom as JPL’s Chief Engineer Adam Steltzner and Susan Redmond dive into Mars habitats and sky-high telescopes—plus trivia, music, and stargazing with a pint in hand. Monday, September 15 at 7:30PM.
Tuesday
-
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Fresh-picked produce, jams, and local goods straight from the farmers who grow them—Villa Parke comes alive every Tuesday morning with flavor and community. Tuesday, September 16 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
-
🔬 All Abilities Science: An inclusive, hands-on STEAM session at La Pintoresca Branch where adults of all abilities can explore science in a relaxed, sensory-friendly setting. Tuesday, September 16 at 11AM.
-
🧘 Yoga with Sienna George: Unwind at Altadena Library with an afternoon yoga session led by Sienna George, whose blend of music and movement brings a calming energy to the mat. Tuesday, September 16 from 4PM–5PM.
Save the Date
-
📚 Avatar Book Club at dym Books & Boba: The Dawn of Yangchen: Dive into F.C. Yee’s latest Avatar novel with a community of readers (and boba fans) for an in-depth discussion on Yangchen’s story and its place in the Avatar universe. Sunday, September 21 from 11AM–12:30PM.
-
🎨 Pasadena ARTWalk: Playhouse Village comes alive with over 180 artisans showcasing fine art, photography, fashion, jewelry, home goods, and more. A vibrant outdoor weekend market that celebrates creativity and handmade artistry. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 11:00AM–6:00PM.
-
🏊 RBAC Annual Benefit: “Cheers to 35 Years”: Noor Pasadena hosts an evening celebrating community, leadership, and the future of aquatics. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones leads the night with honors for local leaders and standout student athletes, plus a powerful call to action for water safety. Tuesday, September 30 starting at 5:30PM.
-
🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.
-
🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!
CIVIL NEWS
PUSD Faces Big Deficit
Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) officials say the district could face annual deficits over $30 million if changes aren’t made soon.
Last year looked good on paper with a surplus, but once fire insurance advances are stripped out, the district actually ran a $27 million deficit and reserves are shrinking fast.
The main issues: declining enrollment, the end of pandemic relief funds, and rising costs for health care and special education. Trustees are pushing for cuts to outside contracts and a closer look at employee benefits.
A final audit is due in early 2026, but for now, the district is under pressure from the county to submit a Fiscal Stabilization Plan with this year’s budget.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
90 🌡️ 69 |☀️| 💨 SW 6 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 52 (Moderate)
Tuesday
93 🌡️ 70 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
-
🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee: Start the week with modern jazz flavored by blues, gospel, and funk—Morgan Jones, Scott Worthington, and Marcelo Bucater set the tone with originals and improvisations. Monday, September 15 at 9AM.
-
🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio bring a mix of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original tunes to the stage—smooth, expressive, and rooted in LA’s deep jazz scene. Monday, September 15 from 6PM–10PM.
-
🎵 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee: Pianist Matt Politano leads a morning set of modern jazz and Latin fusion, joined by Blake White on bass and Mark Ferber on drums—an energizing soundtrack for your first cup. Tuesday, September 16 at 8:30AM.
-
🎺 Jumpin’ Joz Band at Edwin Mills: Swing, jump, jazz, and a dash of vintage R&B—the Jumpin’ Joz Band channels the spirit of Basie, Ella, and Sinatra in a high-energy show perfect for dancing or just soaking in the groove. Tuesday, September 16 from 6PM–10PM.

THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who hates mosquitos as much as I do.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.
Want to get your business in News N’ Roses? Your ad here! Let’s talk.
Did I miss something or make a mistake?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].