Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. We live in Pasadena. It doesn’t get that cold. But apparently, your thermostat should be set to 68°F. I’m glad it’s not 67—not because it’s colder but because the youngins would never drop that joke.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Century-Old Bay Window Faces Removal in Pasadena Remodel
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Pasadena Museum of History Hosts Free Holiday Open House
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Save the Dates
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Civil News: Pasadena Community Mourns Caltech Researcher Kenny Lau
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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🎅THE DIGEST
Century-Old Bay Window Faces Removal in Pasadena Remodel
A 128-year-old bay window in Garfield Heights might be on the chopping block as the owners of 1091 N. Marengo Ave. look to add more living space to their 1897 cottage. The Historic Preservation Commission is touring the home Tuesday before deciding whether the window can stay or go.
The owners want to build a 245-square-foot addition on the south side, but their plan removes the original three-sided bay window. City planning staff aren’t thrilled with that and recommend shifting the addition farther back so the window, which they call a defining feature of the house, can be preserved.
The cottage is part of the Garfield Heights Landmark District and still has many of its original details, including a bell-shaped roof, Arroyo stone foundation, and wood windows. The proposed addition uses similar materials but would sit slightly lower than the existing roofline.
After the site tour at 4:45 p.m., the commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. at City Hall before taking a vote.
Pasadena Museum of History Hosts Free Holiday Open House
The Pasadena Museum of History is hosting a free Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7, from 12 to 5 p.m., and it’s a good one to bookmark if you’re looking for something festive and low-key.
The historic Fényes Mansion will be decorated in Edwardian holiday style, with mini self-guided tours available throughout the afternoon. There’s also a hands-on snow-people craft station from Art 2 Go, plus rare access to the Finnish Folk Art Museum, which only opens a few times a year.
Two exhibitions will be on display in the History Center Galleries, and the open house includes a small holiday market featuring local artists, textiles, jewelry, books, and gourmet food gifts.
Everything is free, and the museum is at 470 W. Walnut St. More information can be found here.
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📷@pasadenamuseumofhistory📍Pasadena Museum of History
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☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (12/3/25)
🧶 Holiday Crochet & Knitting: Learn the basics of knitting and crocheting and start crafting handmade holiday gifts—like colorful scarves and cozy creations. Bring your own yarn and tools. Wednesday, December 3 at 11AM–12PM.
🥗 Pasadena Chamber Luncheon Alliance: Connect with local business owners over lunch at Fogo de Chão, with this month’s gathering sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. A great chance to network and enjoy a delicious midweek meal. Wednesday, December 3 at 11:30AM.
🛍️ Community Shopping Event at Ten Thousand Villages: Enjoy refreshments, learn about fair-trade goods, and shop for meaningful holiday gifts—all while supporting global artisans and Pasadena Village. Ten Thousand Villages will donate 15% of sales during the event. Wednesday, December 3 at 4–6PM.
🌱 Seed Processing Workshop: Get hands-on with the basics of seed processing in this workshop led by the Altadena Seed Library—just be ready to get a little dirty. Wednesday, December 3 at 4PM.
🐾 Tablin’ at Paws n’ Claus – Enchant LA: Stop by Pasadena Humane’s booth at Enchant LA to learn about their programs, services, and ways to support local animals—all while enjoying the festive holiday magic at Santa Anita Park. Wednesday, December 3 at 4:30–7:30PM.
🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Stroll through Descanso’s glowing pathways, interactive installations, and shimmering forest scenes—an enchanting nighttime tradition filled with color and magic. Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30PM.
✏️ Drawing from the Gallery: Enjoy an after-hours drawing session inside The Huntington’s galleries, where teaching artists guide you through techniques inspired by works of European and American art. All levels welcome, and all materials are provided. Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30PM.
🎉 Back to Altadena: An 80s Winter Holiday Bash!: Altadena is throwing a full-on 80s holiday house party with live bands, crafts, karaoke, a costume contest, dancing, great food, and all the neon nostalgia you can handle. A big, joyful community night to celebrate, reconnect, and have some fun. Wednesday, December 3 at 6–10PM.
🎶 The Pasadena Chorale: The Light of Hope Concert: The Chorale’s beloved winter solstice folk oratorio returns, blending carols, new songs, and spoken word into a moving celebration of hope and renewal. Held at First United Methodist Church and free to the community. Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30PM.
Thursday (12/4/25)
🎉 Annual Breakfast Honoring Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens: The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual breakfast celebrating incoming 2026 Rose Parade President Mark Leavens, recognizing his decades of service and this year’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.” A big community gathering at the Hilton Pasadena. Thursday, December 4 at 7:30–9:30AM.
🎅 Photos with Santa at One Colorado: Santa arrives for the season! Stop by One Colorado for festive photos every weekend through December 21, plus a special visit on Christmas Eve. No RSVP—just bring your holiday spirit. Thursday, December 4 (all day).
✨ Enchant Los Angeles at Santa Anita Park: Stroll through glowing trails, shimmering light mazes, festive treats, and all the cozy magic that makes Enchant such a standout holiday experience. A dreamy December night out. Thursday, December 4 at 4:30–7:30PM.
🍊 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll under the trees, enjoy live music, grab dinner from local vendors, and pick up fresh California-grown produce—right off the Gold Line station. A perfect Thursday evening community hangout. Thursday, December 4 at 4–7PM.
🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Stroll through Descanso’s glowing pathways, interactive installations, and shimmering forest scenes—an enchanting nighttime tradition filled with color and magic. Thursday, December 4 at 5:30PM.
🌹 2026 Queen & Court Dinner: Celebrate the 2026 Rose Queen and Royal Court over dinner at Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, as the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena introduces this year’s seven Royal Court members. A very Pasadena way to kick off parade season. Thursday, December 4 at 5:30–7:30PM.
🎁 Holiday After Hours at One Colorado: Enjoy a festive evening of late-night shopping, sweet treats, warm drinks, live strolling music, and complimentary gift wrapping with your purchases. A cozy way to shop and celebrate under the holiday lights. Thursday, December 4 at 5–8PM.
🎭 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within’s beloved holiday tradition returns with music, merriment, and Scrooge’s classic journey toward joy and redemption. A perfect seasonal outing for the whole family. Thursday, December 4 at 7PM
Save the Date
🎁 Holiday Toy Drive Supporting USHS (One Colorado): Help spread some holiday magic by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, wrapping paper, or gift bags for Union Station Homeless Services. Drop off donations in the collection barrel near Santa in The Courtyard at One Colorado—running daily through December 15. 9AM–10PM.
💌 Letters to Santa (One Colorado): Kids—and anyone feeling festive—can drop their holiday wishes into Santa’s official North Pole Mailbox in The Courtyard. Send your letter by December 15 to get a personalized reply from Santa himself. Running daily through December 15. 9AM–10PM.
🎄 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, 11AM-2PM.
🎄 Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join Mayor Victor Gordo at Pasadena City Hall for an evening of music, dancing, kids’ crafts, photos with Santa, and the big tree-lighting moment at 6PM. A fun, festive community tradition—plus Pasadena Fire will be collecting toys for the Spark of Love Drive if you’d like to give back. Friday, December 5 at 5–7PM.
💎 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 running Friday, Dec. 5 from 12pm–6pm; Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am–6pm; and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11am–5pm. A fun place to explore everything from diamonds to unique handcrafted pieces.
🏡 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. Saturday & Sunday, December 6–7, 9:30AM – 5PM.
🎅 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, 8AM-3PM.
🏛️ Pasadena Museum of History: Free Holiday Open House: Explore the Fényes Mansion dressed in Edwardian holiday décor, enjoy hands-on crafts, visit the rarely open Finnish Folk Art Museum, and browse unique gifts from local artists—all for free. A festive way to soak up Pasadena’s history. Sunday, December 7 at 12–5PM.
🕯️ 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. Friday, December 12 at 7PM and Saturday, December, 13 at 4PM & 7PM.
🎄 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, 1PM & 5PM.
🏰 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 Community Mourns Caltech Researcher Kenny Lau
The Caltech and Pasadena communities are mourning the loss of Kenny Lau, a 36-year-old postdoctoral scholar in experimental cosmology who passed away on November 22 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident on Cordova Street. The incident received widespread attention across Pasadena this week.
Lau joined Caltech in 2021 and became a postdoc in the Observational Cosmology group in 2023, working closely with Jamie Bock, the Marvin L. Goldberger Professor of Physics and Senior Research Scientist at JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA. His research focused on building cutting-edge instruments to study the early universe.
He made major contributions to some of the field’s most ambitious projects:
• TIME (Tomographic Ionized-carbon Mapping Experiment)
• BICEP, the South Pole–based telescope studying cosmic microwave background polarization
• Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (TKIDs), a next-generation detector technology that may fly on future NASA astrophysics missions
Colleagues describe Lau as exceptionally driven, meticulous, and generous with his time. He was known for spending long hours in Caltech’s Cahill Center, helping younger researchers, and tackling extremely difficult engineering problems with patience and excitement.
Lau earned his PhD in physics from the University of Minnesota in 2023 and completed undergraduate and master’s degrees at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and their families.
Kenny Lau, 36, is survived by his parents, two sisters, and their families.
❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
65 🌡️ 44 |☀️| 💨 NE 5 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 52 (Moderate)
Thursday
66 🌡️ 49 |☀️| 💨 N 4 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎼 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy peaceful, unamplified melodies on traditional instruments like the dizi, pipa, and erhu as you wander The Huntington’s beautiful Chinese Garden. A soothing midweek escape. Wednesday, December 3 at 1PM.
🎶 The Pasadena Chorale: The Light of Hope Concert: The Chorale’s beloved winter solstice folk oratorio returns, blending carols, new songs, and spoken word into a moving celebration of hope and renewal. Held at First United Methodist Church and free to the community. Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30PM.
🎄THANKS!
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