Pasadena Buzz: Vroman’s Future Secured

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that skips to the story worth reading.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Vroman’s Isn’t Going Anywhere (Well, Sort Of)

• Tierra Mia Coffee Opens on North Lake Avenue

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

🎃THE DIGEST

Vroman’s Isn’t Going Anywhere (Well, Sort Of)

We can breathe a collective sigh of relief — our Vroman’s Bookstore is staying put on Colorado Boulevard. The property that houses the iconic indie bookstore just sold for $15.55 million to GD Realty Group, but Vroman’s signed a long-term lease to keep its shelves open right where they’ve been since 1894.

So yes, the building has new owners but your favorite bookstore isn’t packing up. GD Realty’s founder, Arash Danialifar, even called Vroman’s his “favorite bookstore,” promising it’s not going anywhere “anytime soon.”

The bookstore itself is still for sale, though! Longtime owner Joel Sheldon, who’s turning 80, is looking for a buyer who loves Vroman’s as much as the city does — someone who gets its legacy, supports its staff, and believes bookstores still matter.

Mayor Victor Gordo once called Vroman’s “an invaluable part of what makes our city great,” and honestly, who can argue? For generations, it’s been Pasadena’s literary heart — the kind of place you pop into for a book and leave with three.

So, next time you’re on Colorado, go ahead and stop by. The lights are on, the aisles are full, and Vroman’s isn’t going anywhere — at least for another hundred years or so.

Tierra Mia Coffee Opens on North Lake Avenue

Pasadena just got a little more caffeinated—and a lot more flavorful. Tierra Mia Coffee has officially opened its doors at 817 N. Lake Ave., bringing its signature Latin-inspired specialty drinks to the neighborhood.

The opening comes right as Latino Heritage Month wraps up, making it a fitting celebration of culture, community, and great coffee.

City officials welcomed the new spot, calling it a reflection of Pasadena’s growing diversity and thriving local café scene. So next time you’re craving a horchata latte or a café Cubano, you’ve got a new stop to add to your list.

WHAT’S HAPPENING👻

Wednesday

• 🍹 After Hours Social Mixer: Unwind and connect with local professionals over appetizers and drinks at El Torito—your midweek excuse to mingle and make new friends. Wednesday, October 22 at 5PM.

• 🎼 Centering Sounds: An Evening of Opera & Dance: Experience an inspiring fusion of music and movement with soprano Anastasia Malliaras, guitarist Taso Comensecu, and Lineage Dance Company in this soulful finale to the Centering Sounds series. Wednesday, October 22 at 5:30PM.

• 🍻 Trivia Night at Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena: Test your smarts and sip some craft brews during this fun Wednesday trivia night hosted by Game Night Trivia on Stone Brewing’s cozy patio. Wednesday, October 22 from 6–8PM.

• 📚 Vroman’s Fiction Reading Group: Join fellow book lovers at Vroman’s for a lively discussion of The Vegetarian by Han Kang—an evening of great conversation and literary discovery. Wednesday, October 22 at 7PM.

• 🌠 What Can Molecules Reveal About the Process That Started Our Universe?: Caltech physicist Nick Hutzler (BS ’07) explores one of science’s biggest mysteries—how matter itself came to exist—followed by preshow mingling, music, and concessions. Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30PM.

• 😂 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha: Award-winning comedian Julia Masli turns audience problems into hilariously absurd theater in this unpredictable, no-script performance at the Pasadena Playhouse. Wednesday, October 22 at 8PM.

Thursday

• 🥩 Landlords Free Lunch and Learn: Enjoy lunch at Fleming’s Steakhouse while learning tax-saving strategies and insights for property owners, including how to leverage a 1031 exchange. Space is limited. Fill out form here. Thursday, October 23 from 11:30AM–1PM.

• 🍺 Food Truck Pop-Up at Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena: Grab a pint and dig into local eats from Brody’s Hawaiian BBQ and other rotating food trucks on the Stone Brewing patio—right by the Del Mar Station. Thursday, October 23 from 5–9PM.

• 🍹 Mojito & Whiskey Thursdays at Anayas Restaurant: Sip, dine, and unwind with live music by Rodrigo while enjoying Anayas’ signature mojitos and whiskey specials—a perfect midweek escape. Thursday, October 23 at 7PM.

• ☕ 23rd Annual Women for Racial Justice Breakfast: Join community leaders for an inspiring morning of dialogue, connection, and action toward racial equity, featuring keynote speaker Joanna S. Jackson of the Weingart Foundation. Thursday, October 23 from 8–10AM.

• 🌿 Village Connections: The Art of Conscious Aging: Author Wayne Lehrer leads an uplifting conversation on how to age with intention, community, and joy—sharing insights from his book The Art of Conscious Aging. Thursday, October 23 at 2PM.

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll beneath the trees by the Gold Line station and shop fresh, California-grown produce, enjoy live music, and grab dinner from local food vendors. Thursday, October 23 from 4–7PM.

• 🥊 Wellness in the Park: Free Outdoor Boxing: Power up your evening with a high-energy boxing and fitness workout from Brick City Boxing—part of Playhouse Village’s free outdoor wellness series. Thursday, October 23 at 5:30PM.

• 🧵 Embroidered Lettering: Take your stitching skills up a notch by learning creative lettering techniques and how to transfer patterns onto fabric—all materials included! Thursday, October 23 at 6PM.

• 🎭 Joe Turner’s Come and Gone: Experience August Wilson’s moving tale of hope, identity, and rebirth as a group of travelers seek connection and healing in a 1911 Pittsburgh boarding house. Thursday, October 23 at 7PM.

• 🩸 Mainstage Theater Presents Dracula: Sink your teeth into Neil LaBute’s bold reimagining of Dracula—a dark, stylish, and modern twist on Bram Stoker’s classic, brought to life by PCC’s Theatre Department. Thursday, October 23 at 7:30PM.

Save the Date

• 🖌️ LightBox Expo: Dive into a world of creativity at this three-day celebration of art and imagination—where artists, animators, and storytellers from Disney, Netflix, and beyond come together to share, teach, and inspire. Friday–Sunday, October 24–26.

• 💀 Día de los Muertos at Villa Parke: Celebrate life, love, and remembrance with vibrant ofrendas, folklórico dance, art, and community spirit at this annual Pasadena tradition. Friday, October 24 from 5–9PM.

• 🐐 Goat Yoga at the Gamble House: Stretch, laugh, and make a few furry friends during this lighthearted yoga session on the historic Gamble House lawn—perfect for all levels. Saturday, October 25 with sessions at 9AM and 10:15AM.

• 🎬 Matinees on the Mountain at Mount Wilson Observatory: Escape above the clouds for an afternoon of classic sci-fi and silent films in Mount Wilson’s historic 256-seat auditorium—complete with gorgeous views and a dose of nostalgia. Saturday, October 25 from 3–5:30PM.

• 🐾 Bark in the Park: Howl-o-ween: Bring your furry friends for a tail-wagging Halloween celebration featuring a pup parade, treat stations, and plenty of adorable costumes. It’s the cutest event of the season! Sunday, October 26 from 11AM–2PM.

• 🎃 Boo Bash with the Badge – Trunk or Treat Halloween Extravaganza: Celebrate Halloween with the Pasadena Police Department at this family-friendly “Trunk or Treat” filled with decorated police vehicles, games, music, and loads of candy. Come in costume and enjoy a safe, spooky night in the heart of Pasadena. Thursday, October 30 from 4–7PM.

• 🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Hunt for treasures and unique finds among 400+ vendors offering everything from vintage collectibles to quirky bargains at PCC’s beloved open-air market. Sunday, November 2.

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

Pasadena Prepares for the 2028 Olympics

At the Pasadena Economic and Business Summit, local and county leaders outlined plans for the 2028 Summer Olympics, focusing on venue upgrades, security, transportation, and economic impact.

Rose Bowl CEO Jens Weiden emphasized the venue’s historic Olympic role, while Santa Anita Park’s Pete Siberell discussed preparations for large equestrian crowds. Officials also noted that most hotel rooms are already reserved for athletes and media.

Speakers highlighted the Games as both a logistical challenge and a major opportunity to boost Pasadena’s economy and community legacy.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍂

Wednesday

69 🌡️ 55 🌤️| 💨 W 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 45 (Good)

Thursday

75 🌡️ 62 |🌤️| 💨 N 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🕷️LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🍹 Mojito & Whiskey Thursdays at Anayas Restaurant: Sip, dine, and unwind with live music by Rodrigo while enjoying Anayas’ signature mojitos and whiskey specials—a perfect midweek escape. Thursday, October 23 at 7PM.

• 🎸 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of smooth, timeless jazz with guitarist Doug MacDonald, whose warm tone and effortless swing have made him a West Coast legend. Thursday, October 23 from 6–10PM.

• 🎷 Jumpin’ Joz Band at Edwin Mills: Swing into the weekend early with Jumpin’ Joz Band’s lively blend of jazz, jump, and vintage R&B—guaranteed to get your feet moving and spirits high. Wednesday, October 22 from 6–10PM.

THANKS!🕸️

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