Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Three more days until Christmas! I hope you have finished your holiday shopping—there are plenty of Pasadena shops with great last minute gifts.
But most importantly, the best gift is the gift of family and friends. Wishing you a chance to enjoy that together this holiday.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Ice House Fundraiser Brings in $17K for First Responders
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Civil News
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Holiday Storm
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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🎅THE DIGEST
Ice House Fundraiser Brings in $17K for First Responders
The Ice House has a special place in Pasadena. It’s the oldest comedy club in the country, and for decades it has been the room where countless well-known comedians first tried out their material. The club has been around for over 64 years now.
On Friday, December 12, the club hosted the second annual “Shift Happens” comedy show, filling the room to support mental health resources for Pasadena’s first responders. The Ice House announced that the event raised $17,000, and all of it will go toward helping firefighters access the support they need.
The night was organized by Pasadena firefighter Erik Hernandez and his wife, Maggie, through their group 809 Fight for Awareness. Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones opened the evening with a few remarks before the comedians took over.
It was a night of laughter, community, and support for the people who show up for Pasadena every day, especially for their heroic efforts during the Eaton fires.
🎁@NEWSN_ROSES
📷@newsn_roses📍One Colorado
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☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday (12/22/25)
🌿 Boddy House Botanical Display: Take a peaceful stroll through a beautifully curated botanical display created by Descanso’s Horticulture team inside the Boddy House solarium and foyer. Descanso Gardens. Monday, December 22 at 10AM.
🛍️ SoCal Etsy Guild Market: Browse unique handmade goods, watch live art come together, and support local makers at this lively, pet-friendly market in the heart of Old Town. The Paseo on Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. Monday, December 22, 12PM–7PM.
👕 DIY T-Shirt Gifts: Get crafty and design your own graphic tee using tools like a Cricut—perfect as a handmade gift or a treat for yourself. Jefferson Branch Library. Monday, December 22 at 3PM.
♟️ Chess Night: Drop in for a relaxed evening of friendly matches where beginners and seasoned players alike can sharpen their skills and share their love of the game. Altadena Library District. Monday, December 22 at 5:30PM.
🎶 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents A Clayton Family Christmas: Celebrate the season with an intimate holiday jazz evening as John Clayton and Gerald Clayton return for their beloved annual Christmas performance. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar. Monday, December 22 from 6PM–10:30PM.
Tuesday (12/23/25)
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Start your morning picking up fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm goods straight from the farmers who grow them. Villa Parke (Pasadena Farmers’ Market). Tuesday, December 23 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
🚶 Walking Group: Get some fresh air, light exercise, and good conversation while strolling through the park and neighborhood with this friendly community walking group. South Pasadena Community Services Department. Tuesday, December 23 at 8AM.
🛍️ SoCal Etsy Guild Market: Browse unique handmade goods, watch live art come together, and support local makers at this lively, pet-friendly market in the heart of Old Town. The Paseo on Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. Monday, December 22, 12PM–7PM.
🎄 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Experience a magical marionette twist on the classic Nutcracker ballet, featuring whimsical characters and beautifully crafted sets that have charmed audiences for decades. Sierra Madre Playhouse. Tuesday, December 23 at 1:30PM & 7:30PM.
💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring: Get personalized, one-on-one guidance from experienced business mentors to help you start, grow, or fine-tune your small business. Santa Catalina Branch Library. Tuesday, December 23 at 1PM.
🎭 A Christmas Carol: Settle in for a heartwarming holiday classic as A Noise Within brings Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption, music, and merriment back to the stage. A Noise Within. Tuesday, December 23 at 2PM & 7PM.
❄️ Eaton Fire Senior Summit Winter Wonderland: A warm, family-friendly holiday gathering offering support, resources, and moments of joy for seniors and families impacted by the Eaton Fire. Hillside Tabernacle Church, Altadena (Community Women Vital Voices). Tuesday, December 23 from 3PM–6PM.
🎶 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents A Clayton Family Christmas: Ring in the season with an intimate holiday jazz night as John Clayton and Gerald Clayton return for their much-loved annual Christmas tradition. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar. Tuesday, December 23 from 6PM–10:30PM.
Save the Date
✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens lights up after dark with immersive, walk-through installations, glowing art, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Descanso Gardens. Runs to January 4, 5:30PM–10PM.
🌼 Decorating Places – Float Viewing: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rose Parade floats as teams add the final flowers and natural details before New Year’s Day. Rose Parade Decorating Facilities. December 28–30 (hours vary by day).
🎺 Bandfest: Catch a preview of the Rose Parade’s world-class bands as they take the field for spirited performances ahead of their New Year’s Day march. Pasadena City College. December 29–30 (multiple showtimes).
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!
🔔CIVIC NEWS
Holiday Storm Incoming
A heads-up for anyone finalizing Christmas plans: a ‘Pineapple Express’ storm is lining up to soak Southern California this week. Forecasters expect rain to start tomorrow evening and continue through Christmas Eve, with another round arriving Christmas Day and lasting into Friday.
Right now the storm could bring up to 3 inches of rain in many areas, and up to 5 inches in the mountains. The second wave may add another 2.5 inches, with higher totals at elevation. Winds will also pick up, especially on Christmas Eve, with strong southeasterly gusts likely.
The National Weather Service warns of the possibility of urban flooding, mud and debris flows, and winter conditions in the mountains. If you’re traveling for Christmas, plan for delays and keep an eye on the forecast.
Finance Committee Regular Meeting (CANCELED)
The city council’s finance committee meets 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Today’s meeting (12/22/25) is CANCELLED.
❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
67 🌡️ 55 |☁️| 💨 SE 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 56 (Moderate)
Tuesday
62 🌡️ 57|☁️| 💨 SE 10 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎷 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start your morning with modern jazz as this Pasadena-based trio blends improvisation, originals, and grooves rooted in jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. Jones Coffee Roasters, Monday, December 22 at 9AM.
🎶 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents A Clayton Family Christmas: Celebrate the season with an intimate holiday jazz evening as John Clayton and Gerald Clayton return for their beloved annual Christmas performance. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar. Monday, December 22 from 6PM–10:30PM.
🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian grooves, and original compositions led by guitar virtuoso Riner Scivally alongside his swinging trio. Edwin Mills. Monday, December 22 from 6PM–10PM.
🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Sip your morning coffee to the sounds of smooth modern jazz and Latin fusion from this beloved trio led by pianist Matt Politano. Jones Coffee Roasters. Tuesday, December 23 at 8:30AM.
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Settle in for a soulful night of classic jazz standards led by guitarist and composer David Eastlee, joined by top-tier musicians for an evening of timeless swing. Edwin Mills. Tuesday, December 23 from 6PM–10PM.
🎶 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents A Clayton Family Christmas: Ring in the season with an intimate holiday jazz night as John Clayton and Gerald Clayton return for their much-loved annual Christmas tradition. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar. Tuesday, December 23 from 6PM–10:30PM.
🎄THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s dreaming of a white Christmas. The weather forecast says lots of rain.
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