250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Thomas Paine never signed the Declaration of Independence, but his 1776 pamphlet Common Sense became one of the most influential publications of the American Revolution, convincing thousands of colonists that independence from Britain was both necessary and achievable.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Meet Thomas Paine at Castle Green This July 4^th Weekend

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

• Civic News

• Restaurant Spotlight

  • Osawa

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Meet Thomas Paine at Castle Green This July 4^th Weekend

As communities across the country mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, one Pasadena event is taking a more reflective approach than fireworks and parades. On Sunday, July 5, the Thomas Paine Society will host a Declaration of Independence Town Hall at Historic Castle Green, inviting the public to explore the ideas behind America's founding document and discuss how they resonate today.

Founded in Pasadena in 1993, the Thomas Paine Society is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the life, writings, and ideals of Thomas Paine, whose 1776 pamphlet Common Sense helped inspire the American colonies to pursue independence. The organization also maintains a research library at Castle Green and hosts public programs focused on history, democracy, and civic engagement.

The event features actor Ian Ruskin portraying Thomas Paine in an interactive town hall examining questions about liberty, equality, free speech, and whether the ideals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" remain attainable for all Americans 250 years later. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a different way to commemorate America's semiquincentennial, it's a unique local event that has flown largely under the radar. The discussion takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. at Historic Castle Green. Tickets are $20, or $15 for seniors and students.

News N’ Roses Merch: NASAdena T-Shirts

Pasadena has plenty of city-themed merchandise, but very little that celebrates the city's remarkable legacy in space exploration, astronomy, science, and engineering. Home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, Mount Wilson Observatory, and other world-renowned institutions, Pasadena has played an outsized role in expanding our understanding of the universe.

That's what inspired the NASAdena shirt. The front features the NASAdena logo, while the back showcases three milestones that define Pasadena's scientific legacy: 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

WHAT'S HAPPENING🥅

Wednesday (7/1)

🧠 Trivia Night: Test your knowledge at this weekly trivia night hosted by Game Night Trivia. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | July 1 | 6PM

📚 Linda Codega discusses & signs Pasha the Storm: A queer pirate fantasy author event with conversation, Q&A, and book signing. Vroman's Bookstore | Wednesday | July 1 | 7PM

🦈 JAWS on the BIG Screen!: Watch the classic thriller Jaws during Flashback Wednesday at Regency Academy 6. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday | July 1 | 7:30PM

Thursday (7/2)

🎨 Vroman's Summer Reading Program: Kat's Clay Workshop: A guided air-dry clay activity led by Vroman's resident artist, Kat. Vroman's Bookstore | Thursday | July 2 | 11AM

🌾 Rice Planting at the Japanese Heritage Shoya House: A hands-on drop-in event where you can plant rice in the paddies and learn traditional Japanese farming techniques. The Huntington's Japanese Heritage Shoya House | Thursday | July 2 | 12–2PM

🥕 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

🧘 Tai Chi: A beginner-friendly class blending qigong warm-ups with step-by-step tai chi instruction for all levels. Descanso Gardens | Thursday | July 2 | 5PM

⚽ Round of 32 – World Cup Viewing Party: Switzerland vs. Algeria: Watch Switzerland take on Algeria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on the big screen. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Thursday | July 2 | 8PM

Upcoming Events

🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Admission is free with advance reservation for The Huntington’s monthly Free Day. The Huntington | Thursday | July 2 | 9AM

🍜 FoodieLand Food Festival: A three-day food festival with 200+ vendors, artisan shops, games, and live music. Plus, Pasadena's Fourth of July Drone Show takes place at 9PM on Saturday during the festival. Rose Bowl Stadium | Friday–Sunday | July 3–5 | 3PM–10PM

🎨 Arts @ the Observatory: Russell Crotty: Explore Russell Crotty's Nocturnal Landscapes From the Arid West exhibition inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome. Mount Wilson Observatory | Saturday | July 4 | 1PM–5PM

🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and more from over 400 vendors at the monthly PCC Flea Market. Pasadena City College | Sunday | July 5 | 8AM–3PM

🎷 Jazz in the Park – Sounds from LACM: Enjoy a free outdoor jazz concert featuring Sounds from LACM as part of the Jazz in the Park series. Playhouse Village Park | Sunday | July 5 | 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

Commission on the Status of Women Meeting

The city's monthly commission meeting addressing the needs and concerns of women across Pasadena will take place tonight at Jackie Robinson Center at 6PM. Click here to view agenda.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Osawa

Osawa has quietly built a reputation as one of Pasadena's best Japanese restaurants, and after finally trying it this past weekend, I can see why.

The service immediately reminded me of what the Japanese describe as omotenashi—a style of hospitality centered on anticipating guests' needs and making them feel genuinely welcome. Every member of the staff greeted us warmly, was attentive throughout the meal, and made us feel like they truly cared about our experience. Having spent time in Japan, it brought back memories of the warmth and courtesy I encountered there.

The food more than lived up to that first impression. The sushi and sashimi were exceptionally fresh, and considering the quality, I thought the prices were surprisingly reasonable. If you're visiting during lunch, the lunch specials are especially worth checking out. The Sushi Lunch includes eight pieces of sushi, a negi toro hand roll, and miso soup for $32, while the Shokado Bento—complete with Angus rib eye steak, miso salmon, spicy tuna, sashimi, rice, and miso soup—is an impressive value at $33.

My favorite dish, however, was the Chicken Karaage. It was one of the closest versions I've found to the karaage I ate throughout Japan. The chicken was perfectly crispy without feeling greasy, incredibly juicy, and seasoned just right. I almost ordered another plate to take home.

Osawa manages to deliver high-quality Japanese cuisine without feeling overly formal or overpriced. Between the exceptional hospitality, fresh sushi, generous lunch specials, and outstanding karaage, it's an easy recommendation and a restaurant I'll definitely be returning to.

WEATHER

Wednesday

72 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 48 (Good)

Thursday

77 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Guitarist David Eastlee and his trio perform an evening of jazz standards. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | July 1 | 6PM–10PM

🎻 Live Irish Music: Enjoy live Irish music at Griffins of Kinsale. Griffins of Kinsale | Wednesday | July 1 | 7PM

🎷 World Jazz Night: Enjoy an evening of live jazz performed by musicians from around the world. Club 1881 | Wednesday | July 1 | 8PM–11PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: Jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald performs an evening of jazz standards. Edwin Mills | Thursday | July 2 | 6PM–10PM

THANKS!⚽

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who is a history buff.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to partner with News N’ Roses or plan an event with us that will reach over 5,000+ people? Email me.

Did I miss something or make a mistake?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].