Got Turkey? Union Station Call For Donations

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. It poured all weekend, but the only thing raining today is your list of local events.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Union Station Calls for Last Minute Turkey Donations

• Storm Update for Pasadena

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Updated Save-the-Date List

• Civil New: City Council Quick Notes

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

🍂THE DIGEST

Union Station Calls for Last Minute Turkey Donations

Union Station Homeless Services is dealing with its biggest Thanksgiving turkey shortage in decades. They need 975 turkeys to serve more than 8,000 holiday meals, but as of Sunday they were still short by about 725. With demand for food up sharply this year, the nonprofit is trying to close the gap fast.

Turkey drop-offs are being accepted today and tomorrow from 9AM to 4PM at the Adult Center at 412 S. Raymond Ave. You can also donate daily from 8:30AM to 2:30PM there, or at their Orange Grove office at 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd. on weekdays.

Volunteer interest is high, but a few shifts are still open between Nov. 17 and 26. Anyone who wants to help can sign up at here.

Storm Update for Pasadena

We finally got a little break this morning after a very wet weekend, but it’s not over yet. Rain is expected to pick up again this afternoon, with the heaviest stretch likely between noon and 7PM Flooding, debris flows, and slow commutes are still on the table, especially near the foothills.

Rainfall could reach about half an inch per hour, with some stronger bursts and a chance of thunderstorms. Winds around 10 to 15 mph may bring down trees already loosened by the soaked ground. Highs stay in the upper 50s.

Free sandbags are available if you need them. Pasadena residents can pick up to 10 at Fire Stations 37 and 38, and Altadena residents can head to the Public Works Fleet Yard.

City and state crews are already staged and staffed, and Pasadena Fire is patrolling high-risk areas. If you can, try to avoid driving during the peak rain. For closures and alerts, Ready.LACounty.gov is a good resource.

Showers ease later tonight, and Wednesday looks calmer before another system arrives Thursday and Friday.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@seereenuh📍City of Astronomy, Pasadena Convention Center
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT’S HAPPENING🥧

Monday (11/17/25)

🦃 Dinner in the Park Turkey Drive: Union Station Homeless Services is calling on the community to help collect 750 frozen turkeys so local families can enjoy a real Thanksgiving meal during a time of rising food costs and reduced benefits. Drop off a turkey and make a direct impact for neighbors who need it most. Monday, November 17–18 from 9AM–4PM

💎 Pasadena Grand Opening Event: Robbins Brothers is celebrating big with a weeklong grand opening—kicking off with surprises at 10AM, plus live music, roaming magicians, champagne, giveaways, and special deals running through November 21.

🌌 Astronomy on Tap: Plasma Physics & Building a Star: Ever wondered how plasma works or what it takes to “build” a star on Earth? Grab a drink at Dog Haus Biergarten and enjoy two bite-sized science talks, Q&A, trivia, and telescope stargazing — all part of a special plasma-themed edition of Astronomy on Tap. Monday, November 17 at 7:30PM.

Tuesday (11/18/25)

🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Pick up super-fresh, locally grown produce and meet the farmers who grow it at this charming midweek market — plus find jams, jellies, fish, and more from certified vendors. Tuesday, November 18 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.

🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens glows after dark with interactive light installations, stained-glass cottages, shimmering sculptures, and illuminated pathways that turn the garden into a dreamy nighttime adventure. Tuesday, November 18 from 5:30PM–10PM.

🌹 San Marino City Club Hosts Rose Queen & Royal Court Dinner: Meet the Rose Parade Queen and Royal Court during a special evening celebrating leadership, service, and one of SoCal’s most beloved traditions. Social hour begins at 5:30, followed by dinner and a program highlighting the inspiring young women of the Court. Tuesday, November 18 at 5:30PM.

🎭 Inheritors (Caltech Playreaders): Settle into the Athenaeum for a staged reading of Inheritors, Susan Glaspell’s powerful multigenerational drama about ideals, courage, and the cost of standing up for what you believe. Directed by Todd Brun and presented by Caltech Playreaders. Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30PM.

🎼 Camerata Pacifica in Concert: Experience an evening of gorgeous chamber music inside The Huntington, with a program ranging from Rachmaninoff’s lush romanticism to contemporary works by Sigfusdottir and Babadjanian. Tuesday, November 18 at 7:30PM.

🤖 AI and Surveillance: How Technology Shapes Our Community: Join Councilmember Rick Cole for a community conversation on how emerging tech — from AI tools to modern surveillance systems — is reshaping privacy, safety, and everyday life in Pasadena. At the Jefferson School Auditorium. For more information, contact Megheti DerBoghossian at [email protected]. Tuesday, November 18 at 7PM.

🍻 The ADC @ The Altadena Ale & Wine House – 21+ Edition: A laid-back night out in Altadena with pizza, beer, wine, darts, a jukebox, and plenty of good conversation at the neighborhood-favorite Ale & Wine House. Tuesday, November 18 from 7PM–10PM.

Save the Date

🚀 Caltech Watson Lecture – Ashwin Vasavada: Go behind the scenes of NASA’s Curiosity rover mission with JPL’s Ashwin Vasavada as he shares how the rover uncovered evidence that Mars was once habitable. Enjoy an evening of science, stories, and stargazing vibes at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium. Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30PM.

🎤 Distinguished Speaker Series – Sanna Marin: Hear from Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland and one of the world’s youngest leaders, as she explores what makes Finland the happiest country on Earth. An inspiring evening of global insight and conversation awaits. Wednesday, November 19 from 7:30–9PM.

🎭 Tom Segura: Come Together: Comedian Tom Segura brings his sharp wit and fearless humor to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for one unforgettable night of laughs. A portion of proceeds supports World Central Kitchen’s humanitarian work. Thursday, November 20 at 7:30PM.

🎨 Jackalope Art Festival: Explore one of Pasadena’s favorite outdoor markets with 200+ indie artisans showcasing handmade art, jewelry, home goods, and more. Enjoy live music, great food, and family-friendly vibes at this free weekend event. Saturday–Sunday, November 22–23 from 10AM–4PM.

🩰 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: Step into the magic of the holidays with this breathtaking ballet featuring an international cast, lavish sets, and hand-crafted costumes from Europe—all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. A dazzling tradition for the whole family. Saturday, November 22 at 3PM and 7PM.

🎸 The Mars Volta: The Mars Volta hits the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for a high-energy night from the genre-bending duo behind At The Drive-In, blending experimental rock, wild rhythms, and their unmistakable sound. Doors at 7, show at 8. Wednesday, November 26 at 8PM.

🦃 Rose Bowl Turkey Trot: Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a fun, family-friendly 5K loop around the iconic Rose Bowl — whether you run, walk, skip, or jog, it’s a Pasadena tradition that starts the holiday on a high note. Thursday, November 27 from 8:30AM–10:30AM.

🎁 Holiday Market: Browse work from 80+ local ceramic artists, enjoy tasty bites, and listen to live music at Green & Bisque Clayhouse’s festive annual market — with a special limited-edition tote for the first 25 shoppers each day. Saturday–Sunday, November 29–30 from 10AM–5PM.

🎄 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within brings back its beloved holiday tradition with a festive, music-filled reimagining of A Christmas Carol — complete with whimsical costumes, lobby crafts, photo ops, and post-show pictures with the cast. Saturday, November 29 (select dates through December 24).

🛍️ Small Business Saturday Takeover: Celebrate Pasadena’s indie shops and kick off the holiday season by supporting the local businesses that give each neighborhood its charm. Stop by a welcome kiosk for a free canvas tote (while supplies last) and spend the day discovering one-of-a-kind gifts all around town. Saturday, November 29.

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

City Council Quick Notes

Pasadena is set to vote on an $11 million, five-year contract that would put one company, Block by Block, in charge of security across all eight city-owned parking garages. The move would replace three separate vendors and standardize coverage. If approved, the program would start in early 2026.

The city is also applying for $1.08 million in state funding to expand its ADU loan program, which helps low-income homeowners build or rehab accessory units.

Other items on the consent calendar include a new Environmental Justice section for the General Plan, a $1 million purchase of fire-safe electrical wires, a $21 million project to underground utilities on Raymond Avenue, new bucket trucks for Water and Power, contracts for water system materials, and updated rules for energy trading oversight.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍁

Monday

59 🌡️ 48 |🌦️70%| 💨 SE 5 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 26 (Good)

Tuesday

57 🌡️ 47 |🌦️40%| 💨 NE 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🥕LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original tunes as guitarist Riner Scivally brings his trio to Edwin Mills — a perfect backdrop for great music and a relaxed night out. Monday, November 17 from 6PM–10PM.

🎼 Camerata Pacifica in Concert: Experience an evening of gorgeous chamber music inside The Huntington, with a program ranging from Rachmaninoff’s lush romanticism to contemporary works by Sigfusdottir and Babadjanian. Tuesday, November 18 at 7:30PM.

🎶 The David Eastlee Trio: Settle into Edwin Mills for a smooth night of jazz standards with guitarist David Eastlee, a seasoned player who’s performed with some of the genre’s greats. A cozy, easygoing evening of live music in Old Pasadena. Tuesday, November 18 from 6PM–10PM.

THANKS!🦃

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone whose umbrella turned inside out and broke 🙁

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to get your business in News N’ Roses? Your ad here!

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].