Pasadena Celebrates 140 Years

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Did you know: the name Pasadena is derived from an Ojibwa (Chippewa) word meaning "of the valley."

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Celebrates 140 Years Since Incorporation

• Pasadena Celebrates Juneteenth with Roller Jam at City Hall

• Introducing News N’ Roses Merch: NASAdena T-Shirts

• Civic News

• Restaurant Spotlight

  • The Raymond 1886

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST⚽

Pasadena Celebrates 140 Years Since Incorporation

On June 19, 1886, Pasadena officially incorporated, becoming just the second incorporated city in Los Angeles County after Los Angeles. One of the main reasons residents pushed for incorporation was to gain local control and ban saloons and alcohol sales, which the city did the following year.

At the time, Pasadena was a small community of orange groves founded by Midwestern settlers who arrived in the 1870s seeking a better climate. The community soon adopted the name Pasadena, derived from an Ojibwa (Chippewa) word meaning "of the valley." The city's commercial center was clustered around what is now the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue in present-day Old Pasadena, and from that crossroads the city's business district began to grow.

In the decades that followed, Pasadena transformed from an agricultural colony into one of Southern California's premier destinations. Luxury resorts like the Raymond Hotel attracted wealthy winter visitors, the Tournament of Roses began in 1890, and the city grew into a center for science, education, and culture.

Now celebrating its 140th anniversary, Pasadena is home to world-renowned institutions including Caltech, JPL, and the Rose Bowl, while still preserving many of the historic buildings and neighborhoods that tell the story of its early years.

Happy Birthday Pasadena! 🎈

Pasadena Celebrates Juneteenth with Roller Jam at City Hall

Pasadena will celebrate Juneteenth this Saturday, June 20, with the NAACP's 5th Annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall. The free community event features roller skating, family-friendly activities, arts and crafts led by the Armory Center for the Arts, a live DJ, community resources, and food available for purchase.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, it is recognized as a celebration of African American freedom, history, culture, and achievements.

Free roller skate rentals will be available. For more information, click here.

Introducing News N’ Roses Merch: NASAdena T-Shirts

Pasadena has no shortage of city-branded merchandise, but not much that celebrates the city's connection to space exploration, astronomy, science, and engineering. After all, Pasadena is home to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, Mount Wilson Observatory, and many other institutions that have helped shape our understanding of the universe.

That’s the inspiration behind the NASAdena shirt. The front features the NASAdena logo, while the back highlights three local milestones: nearly five decades of Mars exploration, an alma mater of 12 astronauts, and the world's largest telescope from 1907 to 1949. The design is available as both a classic t-shirt and a crop top.

👉 Shop NASAdena Shirts here

A MESSAGE FROM ANGELA NG

Pasadena Photographer for Local Businesses & Brands

Whether you run a café, wellness studio, creative brand, restaurant or community space, strong visuals can completely change how people connect with your business.

I’m Angela Ng, a Pasadena based photographer and creative with 8+ years of experience creating imagery for brands like Sephora, HBO, Pizza Hut, USC and more. I specialize in:

• brand photography

• events

• product & lifestyle shoots

• social media content

I bring a polished and collaborative approach to every shoot, with a focus on telling stories that feel genuine and engaging.

Currently booking summer shoots & events.

View portfolio → ingstories.com
Contact → [email protected]

WHAT'S HAPPENING🥅

Wednesday (6/17)

🧩 Route 66 Fuse Beads Craft!: Create Route 66-themed fuse bead crafts with all supplies provided for children ages 5–12. Santa Catalina Branch Library | Wednesday | June 17 | 3:30PM

🧠 Trivia Night: Test your knowledge at this weekly trivia night hosted by Game Night Trivia. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | June 17 | 6PM

🎸 Ranger Jack's Music and Puppet Show: Sing, dance, and learn through play during this interactive children's music and puppet performance with Ranger Jack. South Pasadena Public Library | Wednesday | June 17 | 6PM–7PM

🎶 Wine & Song: Jessica Gerhardt; Christina Apostolopoulos: Singer-songwriters Jessica Gerhardt and Christina Apostolopoulos perform an evening of folk, rock, and jazz-inspired original music. The Hive | Wednesday | June 17 | 7PM

🕳️ Astronomy on Tap – Black Holes & Gravitational Waves (Tenth Anniversary Week!): Explore black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and gravitational waves through talks, Q&A, astronomy trivia, and guided stargazing. Dog Haus Biergarten Old Pasadena | Wednesday | June 17 | 7:30PM

🎬 Raiders of the Lost Ark on the Big Screen!: Watch Raiders of the Lost Ark as part of Flashback Wednesday at Regency Academy 6. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday | June 17 | 7:30PM

Thursday (6/18)

🎨 Petrykivka Painting: Explore the traditional Ukrainian folk art of Petrykivka painting and learn about its history and techniques. Crowell's Barth Community Room | Thursday | June 18 | 11AM

🏛️ Wrigley Mansion House Tour: Take a guided tour of Tournament House and learn about the history of the Wrigley Mansion, the Rose Parade, and the Rose Bowl Game. Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association | Thursday | June 18 | 2PM

🥕 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Shop certified California-grown produce, prepared foods, and more at this weekly farmers market. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | June 18 | 4PM–8PM

🐶 Mocktails and Mutts: A Pop-Up Adoption Event at Burden of Proof: Meet adoptable pets from Pasadena Humane’s Wiggle Waggle Waggin’ and find your new best friend. Burden of Proof | Thursday | June 18 | 4PM

📚 Crown City with Naomi Hirahara: Author Naomi Hirahara discusses her new historical mystery Crown City and the Pasadena history that inspired it. Pasadena Museum of History | Thursday | June 18 | 7PM

🎻 Party at the Pops: Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an intimate sunset performance by Larry Blank and Morgan James at this fundraiser supporting the POPS Summer Concert Series. LA County Arboretum | Thursday | June 18 | 7PM

Upcoming Events

🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Explore artwork from dozens of local artists at galleries, studios, businesses, and community spaces throughout Sierra Madre during this quarterly art walk. Various locations in Sierra Madre | Friday | June 19 | 4PM–8PM

🎨 DesignerCon Pasadena: Explore a weekend of art, collectibles, designer toys, artist signings, exclusive releases, and pop culture exhibits from independent creators and brands. Pasadena Convention Center | Saturday–Sunday | June 20–21 | 10AM-7PM

🛼 Juneteenth Celebration and 5th Annual Roller Jam: Celebrate Juneteenth with roller skating, live music, food trucks, family activities, and community resources at Pasadena City Hall. Pasadena City Hall | Saturday | June 20 | 3PM–8PM

🎼 Music Through the Seasons – Summer Solstice: Enjoy a seasonal concert featuring the Rogue Lemon Collective along with Neelamjit Dhillon and Chris Votek in a program inspired by the summer solstice. The Gamble House | Saturday | June 20 | 6PM–8PM

🎷 Jazz in the Park: Enjoy a free outdoor jazz concert featuring the Louie Cruz Beltran Trio at Playhouse Village Park. Playhouse Village Park | Sunday | June 21 | 6PM–8PM

Upcoming events are added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!

*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🥅

Public Safety Committee Special Meeting

Pasadena’s Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting Wednesday, June 17 at 5PM (Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers) to discuss public safety issues and provide oversight on matters affecting the city.

Library Commission Meeting

Pasadena’s Library Commission will meet Wednesday, June 17 at 6PM at the Jefferson Branch Library to discuss policies, programs, and other matters related to the Pasadena Public Library system.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT⚽

The Raymond 1886

The Raymond 1886 is one of the most unique dining experiences in Pasadena. Located in a historic Craftsman cottage at 1250 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, the restaurant combines great food, excellent cocktails, and one of the most beautiful outdoor dining spaces in the city. Originally built as the caretaker's cottage for the famed Raymond Hotel, the property still feels like a hidden retreat tucked away among mature trees and landscaped gardens.

I've visited several times over the years, and what keeps me coming back is the atmosphere. Whether you're sitting on the patio for brunch or enjoying dinner under the string lights, it feels removed from the hustle of the city. The menu features modern American cuisine with seasonal ingredients, and the cocktail program is among the best in Pasadena.

For Father's Day, The Raymond is offering a special dinner menu featuring Prime Rib, Wagyu Filet Mignon, lobster, fresh seafood, handmade pasta dishes, and several signature cocktails. If you're looking for a place to celebrate Dad, it's hard to imagine a better setting than dinner on the patio beneath the trees.

Pasadena has plenty of excellent restaurants, but The Raymond manages to combine great food, outstanding cocktails, exceptional service, and a truly unique atmosphere. Every visit feels like an occasion, even when you're simply stopping by for dinner.

WEATHER🥅

Wednesday

77 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 73 (Moderate)

Thursday

72 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC⚽

🎹 Music at Noon: Christian Coulter, Jazz Bass, Piano and Drums: Jazz musician Christian Coulter performs a midday concert featuring bass, piano, and drums. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | June 17 | 12:10PM–12:40PM

🎷 Hagen Jazz: Enjoy an evening of classic, contemporary, and original jazz compositions performed by Hagen Jazz. Edwin Mills by Equator | Wednesday | June 17 | 6PM–10PM

🎷 Jazz Night with Chuck Johnson at Visionarium: Enjoy an evening of live jazz and saxophone performances by Chuck Johnson in an intimate setting. Visionarium Live Italian | Wednesday | June 17 | 6:30PM–8:30PM

🎤 BLK ODYSSY: Austin-based artist BLK ODYSSY brings his blend of neo-soul, hip-hop, funk, and R&B to The Lodge Room with support from Reggie Becton and Gawd. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Wednesday | June 17 | 8PM

🌍 World Jazz Night with Francisco Torres: Enjoy a live jazz performance by trombonist Francisco Torres as part of Club 1881's World Jazz Night series. Club 1881 | Wednesday | June 17 | 8PM–11PM

🎸 The Glimmer Stars at Old Towne Pub: Catch a live performance by The Glimmer Stars at Old Towne Pub. Old Towne Pub Pasadena | Wednesday | June 17 | 8PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: Acclaimed jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald performs an evening of jazz standards and swing-influenced music. Edwin Mills by Equator | Thursday | June 18 | 6PM–10PM

📖 Book Reading + Live Music at Visionarium: Enjoy an evening of stories, live music, and conversation featuring Reverie Fey and Michael J. Campagna. Visionarium Live Italian | Thursday | June 18 | 6:30PM–8:30PM

THANKS!⚽

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