For the Rainy Days

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that floods you with events happening around town (not the nonstop rainfall). Stay dry, warm, and safe out there!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Youth Soccer Registration Extended at Villa Parke

• Two Standout Shows at Pasadena Playhouse: Song of the North and Amadeus

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Civic News

• Restaurant Spotlight: Chiquita Bonita by Peter Dills

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Youth Soccer Registration Extended at Villa Parke

Villa Parke Youth Soccer registration has been extended to February 21, so if you’ve been meaning to sign your kid up, you’ve got a little more time.

This is Pasadena’s largest city-run youth sports program and has been around since 1989, welcoming more than 1,000 young athletes each season.

Registration is just $10 for Pasadena residents and PUSD students (non-residents pay $85), with additional league fees for uniforms and referees.

There are seven divisions based on birth year, from the Mascots Division (2020–2021) up through First Division (2007–2009). Games are played on the Villa Parke turf field next to the Community Center at 363 E. Villa Street.

You can register online at CityOfPasadena.net/Reserve.

Two Standout Shows at Pasadena Playhouse: Song of the North and Amadeus

Song of the North is coming to Pasadena Playhouse with a visually rich, family-friendly retelling of a story from the Persian epic Shahnameh.

Created by Iranian-born artist and filmmaker Hamid Rahmanian, the 80-minute production blends detailed shadow puppetry with projected animation to follow Manijeh, a heroine who must use her courage and intelligence to rescue her beloved Bijan and help prevent a war between their lands. The show draws on Persian miniature art and traditional visual culture while incorporating modern multimedia elements. It’s recommended for ages 6 and up and has received strong reviews during previous runs in cities like Paris and New York. Performances are set for Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Pasadena Playhouse.

And if you haven’t noticed it in the events lineup yet, I’ve also been posting about Amadeus — it’s currently playing and very well done. Running through March 15, Peter Shaffer’s drama centers on the rivalry between court composer Antonio Salieri and the brilliant, unpredictable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The production stars Tony Award-winner Jefferson Mays as Salieri, with Sam Clemmett as Mozart and Lauren Worsham as Constanze, directed by Tony Award-winner Darko Tresnjak.

NEWSN_ROSES

📷@pasadenaplayhouse📍Amadeus, Pasadena Playhouse
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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (2/18)

✏️ Drawing from the Gallery: Take part in a special after-hours drawing session inspired by works from The Huntington’s permanent collections, with instruction from artists Richard E. Scott and Robert Sherrill. Huntington Art Gallery and Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art | Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30PM.

🐶 Hidden Gems: A Pop-Up Dog Adoption Event at PetSmart Hastings Ranch: Meet adoptable dogs who’ve been at the shelter a little longer and are getting extra time in the spotlight to find their match. Petsmart Hastings Ranch | Wednesday, February 18 at 5PM.

🎤 Social Hour at The Ice House: Head to this weekly midweek hangout featuring rotating trivia, karaoke, and interactive social games in a comedy club setting. The Ice House Comedy Club | Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30PM.

🧵 Community Open Studio – Pay What You Can: Use sewing machines, art supplies, collage materials, and more to work on your own creative projects during this open studio night with a facilitator on hand. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday, February 18 at 6PM.

🧠 Trivia Night: Bring your sharpest friends and test your knowledge at this weekly trivia night hosted by Game Night Trivia. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday, February 18 from 6PM–8PM.

🎲 Game Night: Bring a friend (or meet new ones) for an evening of board games with classic favorites on hand—plus non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available for purchase. Burden of Proof | Wednesday, February 18 from 6:30PM–8:30PM

🎶 Wine & Song: Companion; Ethan J. Perry: Enjoy an evening of live music featuring indie-folk duo Companion alongside Americana Indie Technicolor Jazz artist Ethan J. Perry. Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza | Wednesday, February 18 at 7PM.

🎬 THE NOTEBOOK on the BIG screen!: Revisit the epic love story of a couple separated by World War II and reunited years later, told through the memories of an older man reading from a faded notebook. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday, February 18 at 7:30PM.

🎭 Amadeus: Experience the gripping rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in this Tony and Oscar-winning drama starring Jefferson Mays and directed by Darko Tresnjak. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday, February 18 at 8PM.

Thursday (2/19)

📚 Friends of the Altadena Library Book/Furniture Sale @ Main Library: Browse used books, furniture, craft supplies, and more during this special sale supporting renovations at the Main Library. Altadena Main Library | Thursday, February 19 from 10AM–3PM

🖼️ Curator’s Tour | Cha-Rie Tang: 48 Years of Artistic Innovation in Pasadena: Join curator Cha-Rie Tang for an in-depth look at her exhibition, featuring fused glass, ceramic tiles, and design work spanning decades of creative exploration. Pasadena Museum of History (PMH) | Thursday, February 19 from 11AM–12PM.

🐴 Swedish Dala Horse Magnets: Learn the history behind Sweden’s iconic Dala horse and paint your own magnet in this adults-only craft session. Crowell’s Barth Community Room | Thursday, February 19 at 11AM.

🎬 Xanadu — Bob Baker Marionette Theater: Catch a special screening of Xanadu introduced by Patricia Ward Kelly, celebrating the glittery roller-disco classic starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Bob Baker Marionette Theater (Highland Park) | Thursday, February 19 at 3:30PM.

🎨 Celebrating Black Artists for Kids!: Kids ages 6–12 can learn about influential Black American artists and create their own take-home artwork inspired by their styles. Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park | Thursday, February 19 at 4PM.

🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop certified California-grown produce, prepared foods, and enjoy live music at this weekly farmers’ market held rain or shine. 913 Meridian Ave | Thursday, February 19 from 4PM–7PM.

📖 Dr. Jaiya John Book Launch: Wildflowers Praying at Midnight: Join an intimate evening of readings, community conversation, Q&A, and book signing as Dr. Jaiya John celebrates the release of his latest collection of poetic reflections. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday, February 19 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.

🎤 Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Practice short speeches and build confidence in this supportive public speaking group where visitors are welcome to attend. Crowell Public Library | Thursday, February 19 at 6PM.

🖨️ Letterpress Posters + Risograph Stationery Studio: Choose between a 5-week letterpress course exploring printing, activism, and music culture using historic presses, or a hands-on risograph studio focused on designing bold, colorful stationery like postcards and notepads. Armory Center for the Arts (ACA) | Thursday, February 19 at 6:30PM.

🧵 Intro to Hand Quilting: Learn the basics of hand quilting, including tools, hooping, thread selection, and stitch rhythm, in a class focused on both technique and a slower, meditative approach to sewing. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Thursday, February 19 at 6PM.

👑 Richard III: Experience Shakespeare’s gripping drama of ambition and manipulation as Richard schemes his way toward the throne in a tale of power and betrayal. A Noise Within | Thursday, February 19 at 7:30PM.

🔬 The Story Collider LIVE: True, Personal Stories About Science: Hear scientists and storytellers share hilarious, heartfelt, and personal stories about how science has shaped their lives in this live storytelling show. The Crawford | Thursday, February 19 at 7PM.

🎭 Amadeus: Watch the intense rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart unfold in this Tony and Oscar-winning drama starring Jefferson Mays. The Pasadena Playhouse | Thursday, February 19 at 7PM.

🏡 FIBI Pasadena: Acquisition to Legacy — Estate Planning for Real Estate Wealth: Estate planning attorney Scott P. Schomer shares practical strategies for structuring, protecting, and transferring real estate investments, including how trusts and entities can help reduce risk and avoid probate. CTRL Collective Pasadena | Thursday, February 19 at 7PM.

Save the Date

🧧 Lunar New Year Festival at The Huntington: Welcome the Year of the Horse with lion dances, martial arts, music, and family-friendly performances across the gardens. The Huntington | Saturday–Sunday, February 21–22

🛍️ 1042 Flea Market: Browse a curated flea market where everything is priced at $25 or under, featuring a mix of vintage, resale, and unique finds. CTRL Collective, 112 E Colorado Blvd. (Parking Lot) | Saturday, February 21 from 11AM–4PM

✊🏾🎉 44th Annual Black History Festival: Celebrate Black history and culture with a full day of community programming, performances, and activities. Robinson Park | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–3PM

📚 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

🎷 Out of the Ashes: A Journey of Resilience Through Jazz : This moving program by the Louis Van Taylor Jazz Quartet blends jazz standards, original compositions, and personal reflections as the musicians share their story of loss and return to the stage. The Collaboratory | Sunday, February 22 from 4PM–5:30PM

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

Speak Up Before the February 23 Vote

The Pasadena City Council will take its final vote on February 23 on the proposed 93,539-square-foot R&D lab at Green and Holliston. Once the vote is taken, the decision is final.

Some residents believe the project, as currently proposed, raises broader questions about how Pasadena’s growth standards are applied and how large developments fit near residential areas.

If you want to weigh in, you can submit a comment to the City Council by Sunday, February 22 (for the February 23 hearing), or attend the public meeting on Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Pasadena City Hall, Council Chamber Room S249, 100 N. Garfield Ave.

This is the last opportunity for public input before the final decision.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Chiquita Bonita

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

A friend of mine just got back from Hawaii and told me about a little restaurant where there were only two people working — Mom and Dad, husband and wife, doing everything themselves. It got me thinking… do we have places like that in Pasadena?

Maybe not quite that extreme — but Chiquita Bonita comes pretty close.

I’ve actually written about it before, but this time — for News N’ Roses — it felt worth revisiting, because this family-run Mexican restaurant on East Colorado Boulevard is one of those Pasadena spots that refuses to change just because trends say it should.

I have a simple rule: if I drive by and don’t see Tavo Serrano’s truck out front, I keep going.

Tavo is the host, server, ambassador and unofficial mayor of the dining room. He’s always asking questions — what do people think of the shrimp plate, can he keep the birria at the same price — and when prices have to go up, he apologizes before you even react. That tells you everything about the heart behind the place.

Sit down and you immediately get chips, salsa and a cold beer — the holy trinity of neighborhood Mexican dining. Another test I always use: if you hear Spanish being spoken at most tables, you know you’re in the right place. Chiquita Bonita passes every time.

Inside it’s comfortably old-school, with booths, familiar faces, and recipes that haven’t been reimagined into something unrecognizable. No foam, no deconstruction — just honest Mexican comfort food.

The chicken enchiladas — the family favorite — feature tender chicken wrapped in corn tortillas with a red sauce that tastes like it came from a home kitchen, not a consultant’s recipe book. You can tell this dish stayed on the menu because it matters to someone.

The birria plate takes me right back to Mexico, slow cooked, aromatic, rich without being heavy, the kind of flavor you usually find at a roadside stand rather than on Colorado Boulevard.

Then there’s the shrimp plate, Tavo’s quiet pride. Big shrimp cooked simply and correctly, nothing buried in sauce, nothing overworked. And every time he mentions possibly raising the price, he looks like he’s apologizing to the entire city of Pasadena.

Chiquita Bonita isn’t trying to be the next hot restaurant — it’s trying to be the same good restaurant it’s always been. Cold beer, warm service, and food made with care by people who genuinely want you to come back. A neighborhood constant hiding in plain sight.

Miss your favorite spot like this? I’m all ears. And for more dining stories and local finds, catch my podcast — Dining With Dills.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

51 🌡️ 39 |🌥️| 💨 W 10 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 21 (Good)

Thursday

50 🌡️ 35 |🌧️75%| 💨 S 11 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎹 Music at Noon: Hans Hielscher, organ: Hear internationally acclaimed organist Hans U. Hielscher in a midday recital featuring the artistry that has taken him to stages across Europe, the U.S., and beyond. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday, February 18 from 12:10PM–12:40PM.

🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Enjoy a night of jazz standards led by acclaimed guitarist and composer David Eastlee, who has performed and recorded with a wide range of prominent musicians throughout his career. Edwin Mills | Wednesday, February 18 from 6PM–10PM

🎸 Nathan Evans and The SAINT PHNX Band: Catch Nathan Evans and The SAINT PHNX Band live for an evening of high-energy performance presented by Lodge Room. Lodge Room Highland Park | Wednesday, February 18 at 7PM.

🌍🎶 World Jazz Night: Enjoy an evening featuring top jazz musicians from around the world in an intimate live setting. Club 1881 | Wednesday, February 18 from 8PM–11PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: Catch West Coast jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald, a seasoned performer known for his warm tone, classic standards, and decades of work alongside legendary jazz artists. Edwin Mills | Thursday, February 19 from 6PM–10PM

THANKS!

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