Mariposa Junction Reopened

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that believes mornings should be simple and so should your news.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Mariposa Junction Reopens After the Eaton Fire

• Doo Dah Fans Keep the Tradition Alive

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Save the Date—New Updates!

• Civil News: Pasadena’s First Pedestrian Safety Beacon

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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🍂THE DIGEST

Mariposa Junction Reopens After the Eaton Fire

Mariposa Junction reopened this weekend after nearly a year of recovery from the Eaton Fire — a fire that spared some storefronts but shut down the lives of the five small businesses on the block.

More than 500 people came out for the “Rising Together” celebration. Congresswoman Judy Chu and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez spoke at the ribbon-cutting, alongside local leaders from the Altadena Chamber, Rotary, and Town Council.

Shops like Sidecca, McGinty’s Gallery at the End of the World, Carciofi Design, Ms. Dragon Print & Copy, and a local restaurant returned after months of rebuilding. Sidecca drew one of the biggest lines of the day, with owner Adriana Molina calling the reopening “very special” after months of online-only sales.

When I walked inside, Sidecca was already full of people. The store was bright and colorful with retro fashion, accessories, and all the Altadena-themed merch that regulars love. It felt like it picked up right where it left off, and you could tell how much people had been waiting for it to reopen.

The event also featured pop-ups from Amara Kitchen, Café de Leche, and local artist Austin Scott, who sketched homes lost in the fire — a reminder of how much the community has been through, and how much this block means to Altadena.

Doo Dah Fans Keep the Tradition Alive

The Doo Dah Parade was canceled this year because of wildfire-related financial issues, but fans didn’t let it disappear. Instead, they packed into Old Towne Pub and Dog Haus Biergarten for a scaled-down “Doo Dah Takeover” filled with music, costumes, and the annual Queen coronation.

Nine people auditioned, and “Bootleg Meg” won the title with an original song that judges said captured the year perfectly. Longtime regulars showed up in full character — pirates, hippies, jesters — and plenty of newcomers stumbled in and stayed for the chaos.

It wasn’t a parade, but it still felt like Doo Dah. Organizers say the full parade is expected to return next year.

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📷@newsnroses📍Mariposa Junction, Altadena
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WHAT’S HAPPENING🥧

Monday (11/24/25)

🎃 Autumn Leaf Pumpkins: Kids ages 6–11 can get crafty at the Bob Lucas Library, decorating ceramic pumpkin banks with dried leaves and Mod Podge for a fun fall-themed project. A cozy after-school activity with limited spots available. Monday, November 24 at 4PM.

🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens transforms into a glowing nighttime wonderland filled with interactive light displays, stained-glass cottages, shimmering sculptures, and a beautifully lit Ancient Forest. A magical way to welcome the season. Monday, November 24 from 5:30PM–10PM.

♟️ Chess Night: Whether you’re brand-new or a seasoned player, drop in for a relaxed evening of friendly matches, new strategies, and good company at the library. Just bring your love of the game. Monday, November 24 at 5:30PM.

🍄 Exploring the Mycoverse: Join this fungi-focused community gathering in the peaceful Olive Allée at Arlington Garden, where mycologist Aaron Tupac leads conversations about connection, ecology, and what we can learn from the world of fungi. Each session brings something new. Monday, November 24 at 7PM.

Tuesday (11/25/25)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Start your morning with fresh, locally grown produce and specialty farm goods straight from the people who grow them. A great midweek stop for fruits, veggies, and other delicious finds. Tuesday, November 25 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.

🍽️ Dinner in the Park 2025: Union Station Homeless Services is hosting its annual community meal, providing warm sit-down dinners for program participants across multiple local housing sites. A meaningful tradition centered on care and connection. Tuesday, November 25 (all day).

🎭 ACT–MOVE–FLOW: Teens and adults can jump into this creative, movement-based workshop at the La Pintoresca Branch Library, blending music, dance, and improv to build confidence, expression, and connection. A welcoming space for all abilities. Tuesday, November 25 at 11AM.

🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Wander through Descanso Gardens as it transforms into a glowing, interactive lightscape filled with shimmering installations, stained-glass cottages, and a beautifully lit Ancient Forest. Pure seasonal magic. Tuesday, November 25 from 5:30PM–10PM.

Save the Date

🎸 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.

🎄 A Victorian Holiday at the Queen Anne Cottage: Step back into the 1880s at this charming Victorian celebration, complete with Santa visits, caroling, old-fashioned dancing, and a holiday marketplace with 30+ vendors. A cozy throwback to the season’s simpler joys. November 29–December 14.

💎 International Gem and Jewelry Show: Browse dazzling displays of gems, fine jewelry, beads, and accessories as top designers and wholesalers come together for a three-day shopping event. A fun place to explore everything from diamonds to unique handcrafted pieces. December 5–7.

🏡 Holiday Look-In Home Tour: Take a festive peek inside four beautifully decorated Pasadena homes, each filled with stunning florals, elegant architecture, and holiday charm. Don’t miss the free Holiday Boutique at the Pasadena Scottish Rite Center for extra seasonal shopping. December 6–7.

🎅 Holidayfest!: South Lake Avenue comes alive with live music, free photos with Santa, crafts, raffles, and plenty of festive energy—plus tons of in-store holiday specials. A fun, family-friendly way to kick off the season. Saturday, December 6 from 12PM–6PM.

🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse one of the region’s most beloved flea markets, featuring 400+ vendors offering everything from antiques and collectibles to quirky secondhand finds. A Sunday staple for treasure hunters. Sunday, December 7.

🕯️ Holiday Candlelight: Experience Pasadena Symphony’s most cherished holiday tradition as All Saints Church glows with candlelight and fills with classic seasonal music performed by choir, handbells, and orchestra. A breathtaking way to celebrate the season. December 12–13.

🎄 Jingle & Mingle at Pasadena Playhouse: The Playhouse transforms into a festive holiday hub with concerts, crafts, behind-the-scenes tours, and a free Holiday Open House for all ages. A cheerful way to spend an afternoon or evening. Saturday, December 13.

🏰 Castle Green Holiday Tour: Step into Pasadena’s golden era as Castle Green opens its doors for a festive self-guided holiday tour, complete with live piano music, lawn games, a photo booth, and plenty of seasonal charm. Arrive anytime between 11 and 3. Sunday, December 14 from 11AM–3PM.

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’s First Pedestrian Safety Beacon

Pasadena is completing its first Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at Washington Blvd and Hudson Ave after two fatal collisions there in 2020 and 2021. Community groups had pushed for safer crossings, given the nearby apartments, senior housing, park, and transit stops.

The $284,396 project includes new signals, lighting, striping, and a high-visibility crosswalk. Public Works says the beacon will be activated in December and is designed to stop traffic only when a pedestrian presses the button. Compliance rates for these beacons typically exceed 95 percent.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍁

Monday

66 🌡️ 56 |☀️| 💨 N 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 48 (Good)

Tuesday

74 🌡️ 52 |☀️| 💨 N 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🥕LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎸 Live Jazz at Edwin Mills: The Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions from acclaimed guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio. A smooth, easygoing night of live music in Old Pasadena. Monday, November 24 from 6PM–10PM.

🎷 Live Jazz at Edwin Mills: Hagen Jazz: Settle in for an intimate night of classic, contemporary, and original jazz with Hagen Jazz, an independent artist who’s opened for some of the greats. A perfect midweek unwind in Old Pasadena. Tuesday, November 25 from 6PM–10PM.

THANKS!🦃

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