Back To School Pasadena!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as satisfying as getting the whole row to yourself on the plane.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Schools Back in Session

• Pasadena Humane Names New CEO

• Events This Monday & Tuesday

• Civil News

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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THE DIGEST

Back to School in Pasadena

It’s back-to-school week for Pasadena Unified, and about 13,500 kids are heading into classrooms across 34 campuses. After everything this community has been through with the Eaton Fire, the theme this year, “Rising Together”, feels spot on.

Sixteen schools have been fully cleared after soil testing and are opening without restrictions, while testing continues at the rest. The district has also added some extra support this year: free breakfast and lunch for all students, new teletherapy services to help kids process the past year, and more magnet and signature programs in areas like STEM, dual language, and IB.

I love some of the little traditions too, like the “clap in” at John Muir High where students are cheered on by alumni and city leaders. It’s the kind of thing that makes the first day feel special. If you’re still getting your family sorted, registration is still open online. Here’s to a school year that feels a little more steady for everyone!

Pasadena Humane Names New CEO

Pasadena Humane has tapped Chris Ramon as its new president and CEO after a nationwide search. A La Cañada native, Ramon first volunteered at the shelter as a teenager and has been on staff since 2018, serving in several leadership roles. Earlier this year, he stepped in as interim CEO and helped steer the organization through the Eaton Fire response, coordinating rescues and care for more than 1,500 animals. Now officially at the helm, he brings both community roots and a strong track record in animal welfare to the job.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@rosebowlstadium📍Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday

• 👟 Monday Fun Run at Run With Us: Run With Us hosts a weekly 4- and 6-mile community run from behind the store. All paces are welcome, and it’s a good chance to try out new shoes from different brands. Monday, August 18 at 6:00PM.

Tuesday

• 🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Tuesday mornings at Villa Parke mean fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local staples straight from the growers. A good stop if you want produce that hasn’t traveled far. Tuesday, August 19 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.

• 🌟 America’s Got Talent – Live Taping: The Civic Auditorium is home to AGT’s 20th season this August—see the performances up close, watch the judges react in real time, and maybe even win a raffle prize during the taping. Tuesday, August 19 at 2:30PM.

• 🌊 Science Tuesdays at Kerckhoff Marine Lab: Weekly talks and hands-on activities dive into new marine science topics, open to all ages at Caltech’s seaside lab. Tuesday, August 19 from 4:30PM–6:00PM.

• 🎸 Summer Concert Series: The Silverados: The Pasadena Senior Center continues its anniversary concert series with a Woodstock-era set from The Silverados—think ’60s rock and the sounds of the Vietnam War era. Tuesday, August 19 at 5:00PM.

• 🧶 Stitch ’n’ Bitch at Octavia’s Bookshelf: Bring your knitting, crochet, or whatever project you’re working on and spend an hour making, chatting, and connecting with fellow crafters. Tuesday, August 19 from 6:00PM–7:00PM.

• 🎶 Free Summer Concert: Upstream: Nothing says summer like steel drums and reggae rhythms on the lawn at Loma Alta Park. Upstream brings their high-energy soca and island sound back to Altadena for another packed evening of music under the stars. Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00PM.

• 🎬 Vertigo on the Big Screen: Hitchcock’s masterpiece returns to the theater with all its suspense and dizzying twists. Catch James Stewart and Kim Novak in this timeless thriller at Regency Academy 6 on Colorado Blvd. Tuesday, August 19 at 7:30PM.

• 🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Trivia night has a new Pasadena home at T. Boyle’s Tavern. Bring your brainpower (and maybe some backup) for fast-paced questions, fun prizes, and the kind of lively Tuesday night that makes the week feel shorter. Tuesday, August 19 at 8:00PM.

Upcoming Events

• 🍰 Rumors: A High Tea, Immersive Theatre Experience: Settle in for an evening where fine dining meets farcical comedy. As you enjoy tiers of scones, sandwiches, and sweets, Neil Simon’s Rumors unfolds around you—an upscale dinner party gone hilariously wrong, complete with chaos, cover-ups, and razor-sharp wit. Friday, August 22.

• 🏡 Friday Nights at The Gamble House: Wind down the week on the Gamble House lawn with live music, wine flights from West Altadena Wine & Spirits, and plenty of room to picnic. Afterward, step inside the historic home’s first floor, where docents will be on hand to share stories about this Pasadena treasure. Friday, August 22 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.

• 🥊 Centennial Square Boxing Show: The gloves are coming out at Pasadena City Hall for the 10th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show. Expect an electrifying night of Olympic-style bouts as young athletes from across Southern California step into the ring under the lights of this iconic setting. Friday, August 22 from 7:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: The Arboretum sets the stage for a night of nostalgia as the Pasadena POPS bring Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles to life. Expect all the timeless hits, reimagined with full orchestral power under the stars. Saturday, August 23 at 7:30PM.

• 🎥 Matinees on the Mountain: Head up to Mt. Wilson for Envisioning the Skies: A Short History of Astronomical Films, a special screening with LA Filmforum. Between the Observatory views, the historic auditorium, and a lineup of vintage cosmic cinema, it’s an afternoon that blends science, history, and a touch of Hollywood magic. Saturday, August 23 from 3:00PM–5:30PM.

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!

CIVIL NEWS

Pasadena City Council Meeting

City Hall’s chambers open up Monday night for the weekly council meeting. This is where the mayor and councilmembers take up everything from development projects to community concerns, and it’s always a window into how Pasadena is being shaped right now. Monday, August 18 at 6:00PM.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Learn how Pasadena preserves its landmarks and cultural treasures. The commission advises City Council on designations and keeps our city’s history alive. Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00PM, Hale Building.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

86 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 41 (Moderate)

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 67 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎵 Triple Shot Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee Roasters: Pasadena’s own trio kicks off the week with a mix of jazz, blues, gospel, and funk—perfect with a morning coffee. Monday, August 18 at 9:00AM.

• 🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Settle into an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions from guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio. With deep roots in the LA jazz scene and a faculty role at Pasadena City College, Scivally brings both artistry and authenticity to every performance. Monday, August 18 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee Roasters: Pianist Matt Politano leads a trio blending modern jazz and Latin fusion—a weekly Tuesday morning set that’s become a Jones Coffee tradition. Tuesday, August 19 at 8:30AM.

• 🎶 Free Summer Concert: Upstream: Nothing says summer like steel drums and reggae rhythms on the lawn at Loma Alta Park. Upstream brings their high-energy soca and island sound back to Altadena for another packed evening of music under the stars. Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00PM.

THANKS!

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