And the Golden Globe goes to…

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that has nothing to do with the Golden Globes. But I’m pretty happy Timothée Chalamet won ‘best male actor in a comedy film’ for the film Marty Supreme. It was a good movie; I recommend watching it at the iPic Pasadena.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Cheeseburger Week Returns Jan. 25^th

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Civic News

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Pasadena Cheeseburger Week Returns Jan. 25^th

Cheeseburger Week celebrates Lionel Sternberger, who in 1924 put a slice of cheese on a hamburger at his father’s roadside stand, The Rite Spot, along Colorado Boulevard. He called it the Aristocratic Burger and ended up creating what’s now considered the first cheeseburger.

More than 100 years later, Pasadena still claims its place as the birthplace of the cheeseburger. During Cheeseburger Week, over 30 local restaurants, lounges, and burger joints offer their own versions, from classic to creative, with vegetarian and vegan options included. Old Pasadena is especially busy throughout the week.

This year’s Cheeseburger Week runs from January 25^th to January 31^st . The event is organized by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and they also run the Cheeseburger Passport and Cheeseburger Challenge for anyone who wants to participate. You can also vote for your favorite cheeseburger in various categories like favorite sliders, favorite gourmet burgers, favorite bar burger, etc. It appears that their website is out-of-date, so I will reach out and get the latest information before the start of Cheeseburger Week.

It’s still a couple weeks out, but a good one to keep on your calendar. For more information, visit their website here. Here are some spots that are participating this year:

• All India Cafe

• Barney’s Beanery

• Blind Donkey (v)

• Cheesecake Factory

• Craft by Smoke and Fire

• Der Wolf

• Dog Haus Biergarten (v)

• Edwin Mills by Equator

• Hawg Heaven BBQ

• Holy Saints! Café

• Hot Wings Cafe

• Kings Row Gastropub

• Lucky Baldwin’s Pub

• Mi Piace

• Popping Yolk Café

• Rocco’s Tavern

• Russell’s

• Tortas Mexico

• True Food Kitchen (v)

(Not all are offering discounts—just solid cheeseburgers. (v) = Vegan/Vegetarian options available. Menus and options vary, so check with individual restaurants for full cheeseburger lineups and vegan offerings. Not all participating restaurants are listed here—just the one’s I could confirm so far.)

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday (1/12/26)

🌳 The Lost Trees of Altadena Return Home: Hear Angel City Lumber founder Jeff Perry share how fire-damaged trees from the Eaton and Palisades fires are being salvaged and returned to the community as lumber for rebuilding. Altadena Library Community Room | Monday, January 12 at 10:30AM

🌸 DIY 3D Paper Flowers: Learn how to create paper flowers using a Cricut in this hands-on workshop with all materials provided. Ages 13-24. Jefferson Branch Library | Monday, January 12 at 4PM

🎸 Ukulele Lessons Series A: Learn the basics of ukulele in this beginner-friendly lesson series taught by Children of One Planet. Ages 8-12. Altadena Library | Monday, January 12 at 4PM

♟️ Chess Night: Drop in for a relaxed evening of chess where beginners and experienced players can practice, learn, and play together. Altadena Library | Monday, January 12 at 5:30PM

🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Join this social group run with 4- and 6-mile options, open to all paces, runners, walkers, and pups, with chances to test shoes and connect with the local running community. Run With Us | Monday, January 12 at 6PM

🔭 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.

Tuesday (1/13/26)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop directly from certified local farmers offering fresh produce and farm products, all grown by the vendors themselves. Villa Parke | Tuesday, January 13 from 8:30AM–12:30PM

🌹 Botanical Workshop: Rose Pruning: Learn hands-on rose pruning techniques from The Huntington’s head rose gardener, including live demonstrations and practical tips you can use at home. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | Tuesday, January 13 at 9AM & 11AM

💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring: Get free, one-on-one mentoring with experienced business professionals to help you start or grow your small business. Lamanda Park Branch Library | Tuesday, January 13 at 1PM

🏈 Rose Bowl Quarterbacks Club – 20th Anniversary of the 2006 Rose Bowl Game: Join Vince Young, Mack Brown, and Dan Fouts for an evening of stories, film-style breakdowns, and Q&A reflecting on the iconic 2006 Rose Bowl and today’s college football landscape. Rose Bowl Stadium | Tuesday, January 13 from 5PM–8PM

🎼 Camerata Pacifica Performs: Enjoy an evening of chamber music spanning Beethoven, Schubert, and Schumann, performed by Che-Yen Chen and Gilles Vonsattel as part of Camerata Pacifica’s 25/26 season. Camerata Pacifica at The Huntington | Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30PM

📚 Denise Nicholas in Conversation with Ed Boyer: Finding Home: Hear Denise Nicholas discuss her memoir exploring art, identity, and activism, followed by a book signing and conversation at Vroman’s. Vroman’s Bookstore | Tuesday, January 13 at 7PM

🧠 T. Boyle’s Tavern: Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Test your knowledge at weekly trivia night with Geeks Who Drink, featuring themed rounds and friendly competition. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday, January 13 at 8PM

😂 Jiaoying Summers: Catch a high-energy stand-up set from Jiaoying Summers, known for her sharp, fearless comedy drawn from culture, identity, and everyday life. The Ice House Comedy Club | Tuesday, January 13 at 8PM

💃 SALSA MIXX – Salsa & Bachata Dance Lessons & Social Dancing: Jump into a lively night of salsa and bachata with guided dance lessons followed by open social dancing set to DJ-selected Latin grooves. The Mixx Pasadena | Tuesday, January 13 at 8PM

Save the Date

🎤 Distinguished Speaker Series – Dr. Laurie Santos: Hear Yale professor and The Happiness Lab host Dr. Laurie Santos share practical insights on well-being, followed by a moderated Q&A with the audience. Distinguished Speakers of Southern California | Wednesday, January 14 from 7:30PM–9PM

💎 Pasadena Bead & Design Show: Explore a curated marketplace of beads, gemstones, artisan jewelry, textiles, and creative supplies from hundreds of makers and designers. Pasadena Convention Center | Friday–Sunday, January 16–18 from 10AM–5PM

🏃 Rose Bowl Half & 5K: Take on either the half marathon or 5K at this annual race that includes a finisher medal, event shirt, and a run around the iconic stadium. Rose Bowl | Sunday, January 18 at 10AM

🎭 A Cabaret Soirée: Altadena Music Theatre hosts its first public gathering since the fires, featuring a screening of Cabaret and a piano bar finale celebrating resilience through the arts. Manoukian Performing Arts Center | Sunday, January 18 at 6PM

🧧 Lunar New Year at Norton Simon Museum: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with family-friendly gallery activities and hands-on crafts inspired by art, movement, and Lunar New Year traditions. Norton Simon Museum | Wednesday, January 21 from 1PM–3PM

🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: Spend the day exploring pop culture with celebrity guests, artist booths, panels, toys, and collectibles in a family-friendly convention setting. Pasadena Comic Con | Sunday, January 25 from 10AM–5PM

🍔 Pasadena Cheeseburger Week: Celebrate Pasadena’s claim as the birthplace of the cheeseburger with a citywide week of signature burgers and special creations honoring Lionel Sternberger’s 1924 invention. Pasadena (citywide) | Sunday–Saturday, January 25–31

📚 Rare Books Pasadena: Browse rare and antiquarian books from dozens of booksellers from around the world as this major book fair returns to Pasadena across two venues. Raymond Theatre | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–6PM & Sunday, February 22 from 11AM–4PM

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

First Pasadena City Council Meeting of 2026

The City Council kicks off the year with discussions on a potential local anti-discrimination ordinance, negotiations for a major affordable housing project, disaster mitigation updates, and other city business. For agenda, click here. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday, January 12 at 4PM

Finance Committee Special Meeting

Attend the City Council’s Finance Committee meeting as members review city financial matters and agenda items ahead of upcoming council decisions. For agenda, click here. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday, January 12 at 3PM

Senior Commission Regular Meeting

Attend the monthly meeting where the Senior Commission advises City Council on issues affecting seniors and quality of life in Pasadena. For agenda, click here. City of Pasadena | Tuesday, January 13 at 2PM

Municipal Services Committee Meeting

Sit in on the City Council’s Municipal Services Committee as members review public works, utilities, and related city services. For agenda, click here. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Tuesday, January 13 at 4PM

Northwest Commission Meeting

Attend the monthly meeting focused on monitoring and advising on planning, development, and community issues in Pasadena’s Northwest area. For agenda, click here. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30PM

Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting

Join the monthly meeting where commissioners advise City Council on environmental policy and review progress on Pasadena’s Environmental Charter and Green City Action Plan. For agenda, click here. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Tuesday, January 13 at 6PM

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

73 🌡️46 |☀️| 💨 NE 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 53 (Moderate)

Tuesday

71 🌡️ 49 |☀️| 💨 NE 4 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎷 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start your morning with modern jazz improvisations and original compositions from this Pasadena-based trio blending jazz, blues, and subtle gospel and funk influences. Jones Coffee Roasters | Monday, January 12 at 9AM

🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions led by guitarist Riner Scivally with his trio. Edwin Mills | Monday, January 12 from 6PM–10PM

🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Start your Tuesday morning with modern jazz and Latin fusion led by pianist Matt Politano, with a rotating lineup of guest musicians. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday, January 13 at 8:30AM

🎶 Jumpin Joz Band: Swing, jump blues, and early R&B come together in a high-energy jazz set that’s just as good for dancing as it is for listening. Edwin Mills | Tuesday, January 13 from 6PM–10PM

🎼 Camerata Pacifica Performs: Enjoy an evening of chamber music spanning Beethoven, Schubert, and Schumann, performed by Che-Yen Chen and Gilles Vonsattel as part of Camerata Pacifica’s 25/26 season. Camerata Pacifica at The Huntington | Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who thinks tomatoes don’t belong on a burger.

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