A 100-year-old Pasadena oak could become a landmark, zombies take over Colorado Boulevard for Thriller, and a Latin American string quartet brings world premieres to Pasadena.
Matthew Ramirez
October 19, 2026
Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. These days, when people see something unbelievable on social media, their first thought is, “Is that AI?” But if you haven’t seen Tesla’s new flying Roadster yet, it’s absolutely insane—and it’s real. Not AI. Though we probably won’t be seeing it fly over Colorado Blvd. anytime soon.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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A 100-Year-Old Pasadena Oak Could Become a Landmark
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Pasadena Zombies Are Taking Over Colorado Boulevard!
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Latin American Classical Music Comes to Pasadena
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Civic News
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Women at the Ballot: Pasadena Voter Education Forum
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NASADENA
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Weather
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Today is the day I was born—a few years back. And although in another universe I may be writing to the folks of another city, I’m happy to be writing this newsletter for you, Pasadena. 🌹🎂
THE DIGEST
🌳 A 100-Year-Old Pasadena Oak Could Become a Landmark
A massive, century-old oak tree on the grounds of a former Pasadena fire station is being considered for landmark status. The canyon live oak sits at 541 S. Oak Knoll Ave. and stands about 60 feet tall, with branches stretching 65 feet across. It's also incredibly rare around here. One local arborist with 45 years of experience says he's only seen a handful in the area.
The property owners have requested landmark designation, which would give the tree additional protections against removal, relocation, and improper pruning. Interestingly, the property was once home to Fire Station No. 34, built in 1917, although nobody knows exactly when the tree was planted.
The Historic Preservation Commission will consider the proposal Tuesday, October 20, at 6PM, with City Council having the final say.
🧟 Pasadena Zombies Are Taking Over Colorado Boulevard!
A crowd of zombies will be dancing through Pasadena this Saturday, but don't worry, they're only after your best Michael Jackson moves. Thrill the World Pasadena is celebrating its fifth year with a massive group performance of Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller dance on Saturday, October 24, at 3PM at El Paseo.
The event is part of a worldwide celebration where thousands of people dress as zombies and perform the famous choreography together. Anyone can participate, regardless of age or dancing ability. Organizers offer free local practices and online tutorials to help everyone learn the moves. The event also raises donations for Pasadena Humane, with 100% of contributions going toward animal care.
🎻 Latin American Classical Music Comes to Pasadena
The Hispano String Quartet is bringing a little Latin American flair to Pasadena this Saturday with Viva la Hispanidad, a concert featuring music from Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico, and beyond. And there's something special on the program: two world premieres! That means the audience will get to hear two pieces performed publicly for the very first time.
The quartet focuses on music by Hispanic and Latin American composers, mixing contemporary works with the traditional sounds of a string quartet. It's a chance to hear a different side of classical music, with pieces you probably won't recognize but might end up loving.
The concert is Saturday, October 24, at 8PM at St. Andrew Catholic Church (311 N. Raymond Ave.). Click here for tickets and more information.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Monday (10/19)
🕺 Toddler Dance Party: Library staff lead little ones ages 1 to 3 through action songs and movement at this drop-in dance-along. South Pasadena Library Community Room | Monday | October 19 | 4PM
🎲 Adult D&D: Register for a Dungeons and Dragons session at Odyssey Games, open to beginners and seasoned players. Odyssey Games | Monday | October 19 | 6–8PM
👟 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: An all-paces social run and walk where you can try the latest shoes and meet the local running community. Run With Us | Monday | October 19 | 6PM
🕹️ Monday Night Multiball: Drop in for pinball tournament play with sign-ups at 7PM and games beginning at 8PM. Barcade – Highland Park | Monday | October 19 | 7PM
🎙️ Distinguished Speaker Series: Justin Trudeau 23rd Prime Minister of Canada (2015-2025): Canada's 23rd prime minister, Justin Trudeau, sits down for a candid evening of conversation at the Civic Auditorium. Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Monday | October 19 | 7:30PM
Tuesday (10/20)
🥦 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Certified local farmers sell their own produce, plus vendors with jams, jellies, and fish — rain or shine. Villa Parke | Tuesday | October 20 | 8:30AM–12:30PM
🍔 In-N-Out Cover To Cover Club: Kids ages 4–12 earn free In-N-Out burgers by reading — every 5 books or 300 minutes read gets them a certificate. South Pasadena Library | Tuesday | October 20 | 10AM
📐 Math Momentum: A retired Caltech professor offers one-on-one math help for students 12 and up, so bring your toughest quiz or assignment. La Pintoresca Branch Library | Tuesday | October 20 | 3:30PM
💬 Kids Comic Book Club: Kids ages 8 to 12 read and talk graphic novels, and try out some comics-making of their own, at this monthly Hastings club. Hastings Branch Library | Tuesday | October 20 | 4:30PM
♟️ Chess Night: Bring your game to the library's outdoor Reading Court for casual chess with players of all skill levels. Bob Lucas Library | Tuesday | October 20 | 5:30PM
🔭 Astronomy in the Park: The Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers set up at Memorial Park to help you spot what's in the night sky this time of year. Sierra Madre Memorial Park | Tuesday | October 20 | 6PM
📚 John Stephens discusses & signs Age of Fury: John Stephens, a writer for Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls, discusses and signs his Gilded Age murder mystery set in New York. Vroman's Bookstore | Tuesday | October 20 | 7PM
💃 The Mixx: Salsa Mixx: Award-winning instructor Rogelio Moreno leads salsa and bachata lessons before the floor opens for social dancing with DJ Salsa y Sabor. The Mixx Pasadena | Tuesday | October 20 | 8PM
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events posted regularly on the website. 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
Women at the Ballot: Pasadena Voter Education Forum
The League of Women Voters and Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women are hosting a free, nonpartisan voter education forum on Monday, October 19, from 6–8PM at Robinson Park Recreation Center (1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.). Learn about voter registration, ballot measures, and trusted election resources ahead of Election Day. Click here to RSVP.
District 7 Community Meeting
Pasadena City Councilmember Jason Lyon will host a District 7 community meeting Monday, October 19 at 6PM at Caltech’s Chen Neuroscience Research Building, 1200 E. California Blvd., featuring special guests Jennifer Paige, Stephanie DeWolfe, and Marie-Claude Fares. Click here for more information.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission meets Tuesday, October 20 at 6PM in the George Ellery Hale Building Hearing Room, 175 N. Garfield Ave., to discuss historic preservation matters in Pasadena. Click here to view agenda.
City Council Meeting
The Pasadena City Council meets Tuesday, October 20, at 6PM in the City Hall Council Chamber, Room S249, with a closed session beginning at 5PM. Click here to view agenda.
NASADENA
NASAdena T-Shirts
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Pasadena’s connection to space and science runs deep. JPL, Caltech and Mount Wilson Observatory have all helped shape major discoveries and missions over the years.
The NASAdena shirt pulls those pieces together, with references to Mars exploration, Caltech astronauts and Mount Wilson’s 100-inch telescope.
Available as a classic tee or crop top.
WEATHER
Monday
83🌡️61 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 44 (Good)
Tuesday
78🌡️61 |☀️| 💨 S 9 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC
🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Pasadena Conservatory musicians play classical violin, cello, and guitar as you wander the Rose Garden. The Huntington's Rose Garden | Monday | October 19 | 1PM
🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Riner Scivally, Mike Alvidrez and Paul Kreibich perform jazz standards, Brazilian tunes and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday | October 19 | 6PM
🎷 Jumpin Joz Band: The band performs swing, jump, jazz, early R&B and old-school rock ’n’ roll inspired by artists including Count Basie, Louis Prima, Benny Goodman, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles. Edwin Mills | Tuesday | October 20 | 6PM
🎸 The Colorado Bar Jam: LA musicians gather for a weekly jam session and hangout. The Colorado Bar | Tuesday | October 20 | 9PM
💃 Live Latin & Flamenco Music with Alfredo Cáceres: Alfredo Cáceres performs live Latin and Flamenco music with food and drinks available throughout the evening. Visionarium Live Italian | Tuesday | October 20 | 6:30PM
THANKS!
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