193,500 Words

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Whether you just subscribed or have been here all year long, I want to say thank you so much. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year to you, your family, and friends!

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• My Thank You Note

• Pasadena’s Blue Rooster Art Supplies’ Newest Team Member

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Civic News

  • Christmas Tree Recycling Program

• Restaurant Spotlight

  • Peter Dills’ 5 Tried-and-Tested Restaurants for Today-Parade Day, Game Day, or New Year’s Night

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. I made a mistake in Monday’s newsletter. There is no free day at The Huntington this Thursday (tomorrow). While The Huntington typically offers free admission on the first Thursday of the month, it will be closed on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1. I apologize for the oversight, and thank you to everyone who brought it to my attention.

🎄THE DIGEST

Before the year wraps up, I just want to say thank you.

This year, News N’ Roses published 193,500 words across 125 posts. We started January with 194 subscribers and are ending the year with over 4,300 of you reading along.

News N’ Roses exists because you read it, share it, reply to it, and care about what’s happening in Pasadena. Every open, forward, and tip has helped turn this from a small idea into something that actually feels like a community.

What’s next? More events coverage, more inside scoops, more reels, and more blog posts spotlighting local businesses and restaurants — along with growing this community even bigger. At the core, though, nothing changes: I’ll keep showing up consistently in your inbox and doing my best to make Pasadena feel a little more connected.

Thanks for being here this year!
See you in 2026.

— Matthew

Pasadena’s Blue Rooster Art Supplies’ Newest Team Member

Meet Lizard Bennet. She’s a 3½-year-old tortoiseshell cat and the newest team member getting ready for a front-row view of the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.

Lizard lives at Blue Rooster Art Supplies, an independent art supply shop in East Pasadena that’s become a creative hub for local artists and makers. The store offers a thoughtfully curated mix of art supplies, hands-on workshops, and a welcoming space designed to spark ideas and conversation. Adopted from a local shelter and named after Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, Lizard spends most days perched in the shop’s big bay window — the same spot that will double as her parade seat this year.

📷@blueroosterart📍1254 East Colorado Boulevard
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

 ☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (12/31/25)

🎉 Happy Noon Year at Kidspace!: Ring in the New Year early with party hats, a confetti dance party, and a kid-friendly countdown—plus winter play fun perfect for little celebrators. Kidspace Children’s Museum | Wednesday, December 31 • all day

🏈🌹 Rose Bowl Bash: Spend the day soaking up Rose Bowl Game excitement with live band performances, fan activations, games, giveaways, and plenty of football vibes before the big game. Rose Bowl Stadium Lot K | Wednesday, December 31 from 11AM–5PM

🍻 Pasadena CA New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl: Kick off the night with a guided crawl through multiple Pasadena bars, complete with DJs, drink specials, and a champagne toast as midnight approaches. Behind Bars, Urban Pocha, Old Towne Pub, Der Wolf | Wednesday, December 31 from 6PM

🎉 New Year’s Eve Celebration: Ring in 2026 with an evening of music, worship, community, and a block party atmosphere that wraps up with a live New Year’s Eve ball drop simulcast. Lake Avenue Church | Wednesday, December 31 from 7PM

🎉 New Year’s Eve Party at Club54: Dance into the new year with a night of hip-hop, Y2K, and reggaeton as DJs keep the energy up until last call. Club 54 Lounge | Wednesday, December 31 from 8PM–1:30AM

🍾 New Year’s Eve at Barney’s Beanery: Celebrate the new year with three floors of music, billiards, and late-night energy as DJs keep the party going all night. Pre-sale tickets are sold out, but you can still line-up at door. Barney’s Beanery Pasadena | Wednesday, December 31 from 9PM

🎭 New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Party NYE: Dress up, grab a mask, and dance into the new year with DJs spinning all night at this high-energy masquerade party. Ixtapa Lounge | Wednesday, December 31 from 9:30PM–1:30AM

🥂 Osa Rooftop NYE 26 Party: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with DJs, an open bar, and a midnight toast at Pasadena’s rooftop lounge overlooking the city. Osa Rooftop | Wednesday, December 31 from 10:30PM–2AM

🏃‍♀️🌹 lululemon Run With the Roses 5K: Ring in the New Year by running the iconic Rose Parade route at midnight in this flat, fast 5K that turns Colorado Boulevard into one big celebration. 103 W Colorado Blvd. | Wednesday, December 31 at 12AM

Thursday (1/1/26)

🌹🎺 Rose Parade: Kick off the New Year with Pasadena’s most iconic tradition as floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units roll down Colorado Boulevard in America’s New Year’s Celebration. Colorado Boulevard | Thursday, January 1 from 8AM

🌹🚶‍♀️ Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase: Get up close to the Rose Parade floats after they roll, walking alongside these incredible creations to see every flower, seed, and detail—plus food trucks and a festive, family-friendly vibe. Sierra Madre & Washington Boulevards | Thursday, January 1–Saturday, January 3 (various times)

🏈🌹 Rose Bowl Game: Watch college football history unfold as two of the nation’s top teams face off in the Granddaddy of Them All, following the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Rose Bowl Stadium | Thursday, January 1 • Gates open at 10:30AM, 1PM Kickoff

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.

🔭 Astronomy on Tap: Supermassive Black Holes & Radio Astronomy: Grab a drink and dive into mind-blowing space science with short, engaging talks, live Q&A, pub trivia, and guided stargazing with telescopes. Dog Haus Biergarten, Old Town Pasadena. Monday, January 12 at 7:30PM.

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

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

The City just launched its Christmas tree recycling program, with curbside pickup for city refuse customers and limited-hour drop-off sites for everyone else. Here’s the quick breakdown so you don’t waste a trip (or get tagged for doing it wrong).

🌲 Drop-Off Recycling (Now through Jan 2)

• Locations: Eaton Blanche Park (Millicent Way lot) & Robinson Park (Morton St lot)

• Hours: 7AM–2PM daily

• Note: Parks stay open later, but recycling staff leave at 2PM

🚛 Curbside Pickup

• Runs Jan 5–Jan 16 on your normal trash day

• Trees must be:

  • Placed at the curb (not alleys)

  • Completely bare — no stands, lights, ornaments, or tinsel

After Jan 16, trees must be cut down to fit inside your green organics bin with the lid closed.

❌ What won’t be recycled

• Flocked / “snowy” trees → black trash bin

• Artificial trees → trash (unless you donate them)

• Holiday lights:

  • Working → donate

  • Broken → take to a S.A.F.E. Center (they’re e-waste)

The program is run by City of Pasadena and applies only to homes with city refuse service. If you use a private hauler, you’ll need to check with them directly.

❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

65 🌡️ 58 |🌧️75%| 💨 E 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 38 (Good)

Thursday

62 🌡️ 52 |🌧️75%| 💨 E 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🍖RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Peter Dills’ 5 Tried-and-Tested Restaurants for Today-Parade Day, Game Day, or New Year’s Night

by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here.

Rain or shine—these are places I trust. By the time you’re reading this sometime on Wednesday or Thursday, Pasadena will already be in celebration mode. You may be coming off the Tournament of Roses Parade, gearing up for the Rose Bowl Game, or simply figuring out where to eat once the crowds start to thin. After decades of dining around town, these are five restaurants I personally rely on—places that deliver comfort, consistency, and a sense of occasion when timing matters.

• Taylor’s Steakhouse | La Canada
  This is where I go when I want zero surprises. I order a classic gin martini, stirred, followed by a properly cooked steak. Old-school service, quiet confidence, and a dining room that never chases trends.

• Clearman’s North Woods Inn | San Gabriel
  If there’s rain in the forecast, this is my move. Prime rib, a strong cocktail, and a deep booth. The weather almost improves the experience.

• Casa Del Rey | Sierra Madre
  When I want energy without chaos, I land here. I suggest margaritas and shareable plates. Festive, fun, and still manageable.

• Domenico’s Italian Restaurant | Pasadena
  My insider play: to-go. Pizza and salad are my go-to—simple, satisfying, and they travel beautifully. Add your own wine and relax.

• Colombo’s Italian Steakhouse & Jazz Club | Eagle Rock
  Comfort food with personality. Pasta, classic cocktails, and service that still understands hospitality.

Bonus pick: Houston’s | Pasadena
A tough reservation, but if you snag it, stick with the classics and enjoy.

Final thought:
These are places I know, places I trust, and places that work—Wednesday or whenever you arrive. Check out my podcast for more local eats and goodies.

🍾THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who is definitely not staying up until midnight.

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Let me know at [email protected].