A coyote chased a kid

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses — the newsletter that doesn’t do sensational news but a toddler getting chased by a coyote? You don’t hear that every day. Thankfully, the kid is fine and safe. Be careful out there Pasadena.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

Rosebud Coffee Opens a New Highland Park Café
Playhouse Village’s “A Night Out” Raised $61,500
Events this Wednesday & Thursday
Restaurant Spotlight: Don Ricardo’s
Civic News
- Coyote Chases Toddler
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Rosebud Coffee Opens a New Highland Park Café

Rosebud Coffee is opening its second café — this one in Highland Park — with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 21 at 11:00 AM at 5858 N. Figueroa St. They’re doing a coffee tasting, a ribbon-cutting, and bringing out the youth interns and partners behind Coffee With A Cause, the program the café supports. The tasting includes coffee made with beans roasted at Rosebud’s Pasadena location.

Rosebud operates as a social enterprise, with 100% of profits supporting Coffee With A Cause’s internship + mentorship pathways for young people (ages 16–24) who’ve experienced homelessness, foster care, or justice involvement. If you go, it’s a chance to check out the new space, meet the people behind it, and support something local that’s actually building careers.

RSVP/info: Brenda Lynch — (310) 595-5096, [email protected]

Playhouse Village’s “A Night Out” Raised $61,500

Playhouse Village Foundation filled The Ice House’s Legendary Room on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for the 4th annual A Night Out in Playhouse Village, a sold-out comedy fundraiser headlined by Kevin Nealon. The night brought in $61,500 to support the Foundation’s free community programming and neighborhood improvements in Playhouse Village.

The evening included food and drinks before the show, a headline set from Nealon, and lively live + silent auctions built around Playhouse Village experiences and local favorites. More than 40 businesses donated items, including a Robbins Brothers diamond pendant and earrings set valued at $5,000+. Mayor Victor Gordo welcomed the crowd, and Foundation Board Chair Arash Danialifar emceed.

Proceeds help fund events like Summer Jazz, Movies in the Park, wellness and holiday events, and Bark in the Park, plus enhancements like public art, tree planting for shade, and streetscape upgrades.

NEWSN_ROSES

📷@playhousevillage📍Ice House, Pasadena
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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (2/25)

🎶 Music at Noon: Yen Lin Chin, soprano and Tae Yeon Lim, piano: Soprano Yen Lin Chin and pianist Tae Yeon Lim present a midday recital as part of this free concert series. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday, February 25 from 12:10PM–12:40PM

🏛️ Pasadena Heritage Annual Meeting 2025: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: Members and guests are invited to review the past year, hear plans for the future, vote on board members, and recognize retiring directors. Pasadena Heritage | Wednesday, February 25 from 5PM–7PM

🎤 Social Hour: This weekly midweek hangout mixes comedy club energy with interactive fun like trivia, karaoke, and rotating social games. The Ice House Comedy Club | Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30PM

🌮 Let’s Taco Parkinson’s 2026 (Pasadena): This community dinner raises awareness for Parkinson’s with tacos, mingling, and a presentation and Q&A with neurologist Dr. Kacey Hu on advanced therapies and clinical trials. Mijares Mexican Restaurant | Wednesday, February 25 at 6PM

🧠🍺 Trivia Night: Test your knowledge at this weekly Game Night Trivia event while enjoying craft brews with friends. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday, February 25 from 6PM–8PM

🍷🎶 Wine & Song: Shane Alexander plus special surprise guests: Indie folk artist Shane Alexander brings his intimate tenor and signature guitar style to this live set, joined by a special surprise guest. Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza | Wednesday, February 25 at 7PM

🎶 Pasadena Chorale Presents “I Believe”: The Pasadena Chorale performs works by Michal Dawson Connor and Margaret Bonds in a program centered on faith, hope, and resilience. Pasadena Chorale | Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30PM

🔋 Caltech Watson Lecture – Kimberly See: Chemistry professor Kimberly See explores how batteries work and their role in today’s energy landscape, followed by a Q&A. Caltech | Wednesday, February 25 from 7:30PM–8:30PM

🎬 Breakfast at Tiffany’s on the Big Screen: Audrey Hepburn stars as Holly Golightly in this classic romantic comedy about love, ambition, and unexpected connection in New York City. Regency Academy Cinemas | Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30PM

🎭 Amadeus: This Tony Award-winning drama follows the intense rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, starring Jefferson Mays and directed by Darko Tresnjak. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday, February 25 at 8PM

😂 Pasadena Comedy Show: Enjoy a midweek comedy night hosted by Paddy with rotating guest comedians and improv-style laughs. The Mixx Pasadena | Wednesday, February 25 at 8PM

Thursday (2/26)

🚗 AUTOFEST 2026: The Sierra Madre Collection’s open house returns with hundreds of Porsche builds, food vendors, car awards, and an inside look at the collection. 1669 Colorado Blvd | Thursday, February 26 from 9AM–2PM

🎨 Exclusive California Club Art Tour and Lunch: Join California Art Club President Emeritus Peter Adams and CEO Elaine Adams for a private guided tour of the California Club’s art collection, followed by a hosted luncheon in the Sunset Room. California Art Club | Thursday, February 26 from 10:45AM–1:30PM

🎨 A Cultural Thursdays Event! | The Artist Life of Eva Scott Fényes: Learn about artist and patron Eva Scott Fényes and her lasting impact on Pasadena’s art community in this talk led by Education and Program Manager Daniel Nevarez. Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) | Thursday, February 26 at 2PM

🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop certified California-grown produce, prepared foods, and enjoy live music at this weekly open-air market. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday, February 26 from 4PM–7PM

✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: Connect with fellow writers for a dedicated free-writing session with optional sharing and positive feedback, open to all levels and genres. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday, February 26 at 6PM

🏛️ Pasadena Heritage Presents: The Evening Exchange: Join an evening of discussion and community connection with featured guests from the Altadena Collective at the historic Blinn House. The Blinn House | Thursday, February 26 from 6PM–8PM

🗣️ You’re Welcome: The Gifts from Black America – Real Talk with Michael Harriot: Journalist and author Michael Harriot discusses the impact of Black identity on American history in this talk hosted by PCC’s Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Justice/Intercultural Engagement Center. Pasadena City College | Thursday, February 26 from 6PM–8PM

🐙Octopus’s Garden: This world premiere follows two marine biologists and a composer whose lives unravel after discovering an octopus has composed a transcendent piece of music. Boston Court | Thursday, February 26 at 7:30PM

👑 Richard III: A Noise Within stages Shakespeare’s gripping drama of ambition and betrayal as Richard schemes his way to the throne in a ruthless quest for power. A Noise Within | Thursday, February 26 at 7:30PM

Save the Date

🎶 America Sings! Pasadena: Hundreds of student singers from across the country gather for a day of music and community service, culminating in a grand finale massed choir performance on the steps of City Hall. Pasadena City Hall | Saturday, February 28 from 1PM–4PM

🏆 57th NAACP Image Awards: The nationally televised awards honoring excellence in entertainment and literature by artists of color will air live from Pasadena, celebrating achievements across film, television, music, and more. Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Saturday, February 28

🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and a wide range of vintage finds from more than 400 vendors spread across the PCC parking lots. Pasadena City College | Sunday, March 1

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!

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Don Ricardo’s Bar & Grill

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

National Margarita Day came with plenty of options. In the San Gabriel Valley alone, I had more than a few solid choices. But here I was—back at Don Ricardo’s on Foothill (formerly Paco’s). And there’s a reason for that.

Gilbert Aguilar.

Let’s be clear—Gilbert doesn’t own the place. He just owns the bar when he’s behind it.

In a business where trends come and go, Gilbert sticks to what works: balance, consistency, and hospitality. His margaritas—on the rocks or blended—aren’t overly sweet, aren’t rushed, and aren’t made for Instagram. They’re made to be enjoyed. The salt rim is right. The tequila shines through. And if you want a slight twist, he’ll suggest one without upselling you into oblivion.

I walked in with Pete and Chelsea Jones—Arcadia regulars—and within minutes you could see why Gilbert has such a loyal following. He remembers preferences. He checks in. He makes you feel like you chose the right place.

And that’s the point. On a day dedicated to margaritas, I could have been anywhere. Instead, I went where I knew the drink would be done right.

Don Ricardo’s still delivers the classic Mexican dishes you expect, but when Gilbert is behind the bar, the experience goes up a notch. Great food is important. Great service seals the deal.

Next time you’re on Foothill near 2nd Avenue, stop in. Order the margarita. Watch the craftsmanship.

That’s Eat Local.

Don Ricardo’s Bar & Grill
200 E Foothill Blvd, Arcadia
(626) 357-7270

CIVIC NEWS

Coyote Chases Toddler

A coyote chased a 3-year-old back through his family’s front gate on Tamarac Drive Monday afternoon, and it was caught on the home’s surveillance cameras (video here). The kid was walking toward the family car when the coyote followed him through the gate. His mom yelled, he ran back to her, and the coyote took off. No one was hurt, but it was a close call.

Pasadena Humane says this lines up with coyote mating season (Jan–Mar), when activity can spike and you’re more likely to see coyotes out during the day as they defend territory and den areas. If you’re in the hills (or anywhere you’ve been seeing them lately), it’s a reminder to stay alert and keep kids and pets close when you’re outside.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

77 🌡️ 57 |🌤️| 💨 SW 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 68 (Moderate)

Thursday

82 🌡️ 58 |🌤️| 💨 W 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards led by guitarist and composer David Eastlee, whose career includes performances and recordings with a wide range of notable jazz musicians. Edwin Mills | Wednesday, February 25 from 6PM–10PM

🍷 Wine & Song: Shane Alexander plus special surprise guests: Indie folk artist Shane Alexander brings his intimate tenor and signature guitar style to this live set, joined by a special surprise guest. Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza | Wednesday, February 25 at 7PM

🍀 Live Irish Music Night: Traditional Irish bands take the stage for a lively evening of music every Wednesday night. Griffins of Kinsale | Wednesdays 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 25 from 8PM–11PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: West Coast jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald brings his warm tone and classic standards to the stage, backed by decades of performances alongside legendary artists. Edwin Mills | Thursday, February 26 from 6PM–10PM

🤘 YOB featuring Early Moods: Oregon doom metal trio YOB brings their towering, slow-burning sound to the stage, joined by Early Moods for a heavy night at the Lodge Room. Lodge Room Highland Park | Thursday, February 26 at 8PM

THANKS!

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THE DIGEST

Rosebud Coffee Opens a New Highland Park Café

Playhouse Village’s “A Night Out” Raised $61,500

NEWSN_ROSES