Pasadena a Part of Moon Flyby

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Today, the Four Artemis 2 astronauts will spend seven hours flying by the moon, seeing lunar sights never before seen by human eyes. It truly is history in the making.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Humans Return to the Moon — Artemis II Makes Historic Flyby

• Arab Heritage Month Events

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Civic News

  • Rose Bowl Aquatics Center to Present LA28 Update

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

A MESSAGE FROM CTRL COLLECTIVE

Work remote? Tired of working from your apartment, coffee shops, or the same routine every day? There’s a really solid workspace in Pasadena you might not know about.

CTRL Collective, located at S. Arroyo Parkway & Green St, is a ⭐4.9-rated co-working space built for freelancers, founders, and small teams who need more than a kitchen table setup.

If you’re looking for private offices, they still have a limited number left at promo pricing. Plans start at $1,097/month (3-month minimum) or $1,197 month-to-month. Each office includes two seats, with the option to add up to two more teammates for $100/month each.

Co-working membership comes with 24/7 access, fast WiFi, conference rooms, printing, and free coffee. It’s dog-friendly, has on-site parking, no setup fees, plus extras like phone booths, a podcast studio, and a full kitchen.

👉Book a tour or text Tim at (213) 316-8835 with “OFFICE?” for a booking link.

THE DIGEST

Humans Return to the Moon — Artemis II Makes Historic Flyby

For the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, humans are flying past the Moon, and Pasadena is part of it. JPL’s Deep Space Network is helping make this mission possible, using its global antennas and communications infrastructure to track Orion and receive data across hundreds of thousands of miles.

The Artemis II crew woke up just 18,830 miles from the Moon, with music playing and a recorded message from Apollo legend Jim Lovell welcoming them back to what he called his “old neighborhood.” Not long after, they’re set to break the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth, pushing past the Apollo 13 mark and reaching over 252,000 miles away.

The flyby itself is a full experience. The crew will spend hours observing the Moon up close, watching Earth disappear behind it (“Earthset”), then reappear (“Earthrise”), and even witnessing a solar eclipse from space as the Sun slips behind the Moon. At their closest point, they’ll pass just about 4,000 miles above the lunar surface.

There’s also a moment of complete silence expected in the mission — when Orion passes behind the Moon, communication drops out for about 40 minutes. It’s a reminder of just how far they are, and how much of this mission still depends on precision and trust in the teams back on Earth.

It’s a major step toward putting humans back on the Moon for real, and eventually pushing even farther to Mars.

Here’s some information about the coverage of the event:

Arab Heritage Month Events

Caltech’s Arab Student Union is hosting a full lineup for Arab Heritage Month, with each event highlighting a different part of Arab culture, from film and food to music and community.

Founded in 2024, the group aims to create a welcoming space for Arab students while also inviting the broader community to learn and engage. This series reflects that effort, with a mix of social and cultural events throughout April.

Here’s what they have planned:

• April 10: Movie Night at Old Sasoon Bakery

• April 16: Game Night at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee

• April 23: Dabke Night at Sincerely Syria Shawarma

• April 24: International Food Fair at Abu Omar Falafel

• May 1: Seminar with Zankou Chicken lunch

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, try different foods, or learn something new, this is a thoughtful lineup worth checking out. All are welcome. For more information, click here.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@seereenuh📍Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday (4/6)

🏒 Victory Hockey Camps: A multi-day hockey camp focused on skill development, teamwork, and character-building for players of all levels. Pasadena, CA | Monday | April 6–10 | 8AM–12PM & 12PM–4PM

🐉 Adult Dungeons and Dragons: A beginner-friendly D&D session open to adults 19 and older — registration required. Odyssey Games | Monday | April 6 | 6PM

👟 Monday Fun Run: Superblast 3 Launch Party: A special launch celebration for the ASICS Superblast 3 featuring a DJ, free tacos and drinks, a one-night ASICS deal, and the usual 4 or 6-mile run and 2-mile walk options — bring headlights and reflective gear. Run With Us | Monday | April 6 | 6PM

🎤 Distinguished Speaker Series: Bob Costas: A live talk with legendary broadcaster Bob Costas sharing insights from his career covering major sporting events. Must have subscription to attend (individual tickets not sold). Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Monday | April 6 | 7:30PM

😂 Kev Herrera featuring Lee Valentin: A stand-up comedy show featuring Kev Herrera with Lee Valentin. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Monday | April 6 | 8PM

Tuesday (4/7)

🏒 Victory Hockey Camps: A multi-day hockey camp focused on skill development, teamwork, and character-building for players of all levels. Pasadena, CA | Monday | April 6–10 | 8AM–12PM & 12PM–4PM

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: A weekly market offering fresh local produce and farm products directly from certified growers. Villa Parke | Tuesday | April 7 | 8:30AM–12:30PM

☕ ShopTalk Business Breakfast – A chance to network and learn – a ‘master class’ for small businesses!: A monthly networking breakfast with a business-focused presentation for small business owners and community leaders. Mike & Anne’s Restaurant | Tuesday | April 7 | 8AM

🧵 Needlework Meetup & Open Sewing Studio: Two maker meetups where participants can work on needlework or sewing projects with access to tools and guidance. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Tuesday | April 7 | 6PM

🎭 Opera Production presents “Dido and Aeneas” and “Gianni Schicchi”: A live opera performance featuring works by Henry Purcell and Giacomo Puccini directed by Dr. Anthony Moreno. PCC’s Sexson Auditorium (C 230) | Tuesday | April 7 | 7:30PM

🧠 T. Boyle’s Tavern: Geeks who Drink Trivia: A weekly trivia night where teams can test their knowledge and compete for prizes. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday | April 7 | 8PM

😂 COMEDY | Matt Braunger + Helen Hong + Skyler Higley: A comedy show featuring three comedians performing 20-minute sets for a full hour of stand-up. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Tuesday | April 7 | 8PM

New Upcoming Events

🍨 Carmela Ice Cream Class: A demonstration-based class where Jessica Mortarotti teaches how to make ice cream and sorbet using seasonal ingredients. Carmela Ice Cream | Sunday | April 12 | 9:30AM–12PM

🍵 The Pasadena Festival of Tea: A festival celebrating tea with tastings, vendors, and demonstrations in a Japanese garden setting. The Huntington Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden | Sunday | April 12 | 10AM–4PM

🎭 LIVING YOUNG! A Delightful Play/Workshop: A play/workshop with Dr. Nancy B. Berggren focused on vitality, mindset, and embracing life’s changes. Pasadena New Thought Center | Sunday | April 12 | 1PM – 2:30PM

🎭 Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary School “Once on This Island, Jr” Annual Spring Musical: A school musical performance based on the novel My Love, My Love with multiple showtimes over the weekend. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School | Friday | April 17 | 7PM

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

Pasadena City Council Meeting

The Pasadena City Council holds its regular weekly meeting tonight, open to the public. Click here to view agenda.Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday | April 6 | 6PM

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center to Present LA28 Update

Pasadena is continuing its early planning for the 2028 Olympics, and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will share where things stand at Tuesday’s Recreation and Parks Commission meeting. The center’s COO, Arvin Varma, is scheduled to give an update as the city looks at how to prepare and involve the community ahead of the Games.

An LA28-focused ad hoc committee has been meeting to outline goals, timelines, and ways to engage residents, with a few recent shifts in its membership. That group is expected to continue through the current work cycle, with a decision coming in June on whether Olympic-related planning should be folded into another committee.

The update itself is informational, so no action is expected, but it gives a glimpse into how Pasadena is starting to position itself ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting

A monthly meeting advising the city council on parks, recreation, and related community spaces. Click here to view agenda. City Yards – Public Works | Tuesday | April 7 | 6PM

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

A commission meeting advising on the protection and promotion of Pasadena’s cultural and historic resources. Click here to view agenda. Hale Building | Tuesday | April 7 | 6PM

Human Relations Commission Meeting

A monthly meeting focused on addressing prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination in the community. Click here to view agenda. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Tuesday | April 7 | 6:30PM

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

77 🌡️ 53 |🌤️| 💨 S 9 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 45 (Good)

Tuesday

75 🌡️ 53 |🌤️| 💨 SW 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

☕ The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: A weekly jazz performance featuring modern jazz and Latin fusion led by pianist Matt Politano. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday | April 7 | 8:30AM

🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio: A live jazz performance featuring standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday | April 6 | 6PM–10PM

🎶 Tuesday Musicale in Concert: A free chamber music concert featuring works by Faure, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn with vocal and instrumental performances. First Church of Christ Scientist | Tuesday | April 7 | 12:30PM

🎧 Turntable Tuesday! Open Turntables Every Week Before Karaoke: An open turntable night where DJs can sign up on-site for 20-minute sets before karaoke. The Offbeat – A Bar On York | Tuesday | April 7 | 6PM–9PM

🎷 Jumpin Joz Band: A live jazz and swing performance featuring a mix of jazz, jump, and early R&B music. Edwin Mills | Tuesday | April 7 | 6PM–10PM

🎶 Sons of Hermon at Visionarium: A live music performance by Sons of Hermon at Visionarium Live Italian. Visionarium Live Italian | Tuesday | April 7 | 6:30PM–8:30PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who prefers tulips over roses.💐 Wait… that’s not good for my branding.

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