Baking Tradition, Building Ties

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Halloween is in a month. But you know what’s even scarier? Daylight savings will end in 34 days. 😢

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Kneads Its Latino Heritage—One Concha at a Time

• Pasadena Looks to Mexico for Next Sister City

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

Happy Birthday to my amazing sister Rebeca! 🎂

THE DIGEST

Pasadena Kneads Its Latino Heritage—One Concha at a Time

Nothing says comfort (or community) quite like the smell of fresh conchas baking. On Saturday, Oct. 4 (9AM–1PM), Villa Parke Community Center will host a free Pan Dulce “Concha” Workshop as part of National Latino Heritage Month.

Expect flour-dusted hands, sugar-crusted tops, and stories passed down through generations. Participants will learn to make Mexico’s beloved shell-shaped sweet bread while celebrating the cultural traditions that connect Pasadena’s Latino community to their roots and share them with new generations.

The event is free, family-friendly, and deliciously symbolic: honoring heritage, one pastry at a time. More details here.

Pasadena Looks to Mexico for Next Sister City

Pasadena could soon add a new sibling to its Sister Cities family—Guanajuato, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning colonial architecture and rich cultural history.

For those unfamiliar: a sister city is an official long-term partnership between two cities in different countries, designed to build cultural, educational, and economic ties through exchanges and collaboration.

The idea gained momentum after Guanajuato’s Mayor Samantha Smith Gutiérrez visited Pasadena earlier this year, joining Mayor Victor Gordo and the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee to explore a partnership. Pasadena officials returned the favor with hospitality during the Rose Parade and city tours, and now they’ve been invited to Guanajuato from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7 to continue talks.

Councilmember Steve Madison, who has championed the effort, called for a City Council update as plans move forward. Members of the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee and even representatives from Pasadena’s Police Oversight Commission are expected to take part in the fall delegation.

If approved, Guanajuato would become Pasadena’s first Sister City in Mexico, joining partnerships already established in China, Germany, Japan, Finland, Armenia, and Senegal.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🍴 Cooking for a Cause: Watch up-and-coming chefs face off in a fast-paced cook-off using pantry staples and surprise ingredients, with expert judges crowning the winner at Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery. In honor of Hunger Action Month, the event is raising $10,000 for the Friends In Deed Food Pantry to provide groceries for local families. Monday, September 29 at 10AM.

• 🥟 Teen QQ Dumpling with Jess Wang from Pickle: Teens ages 13–18 can roll up their sleeves to learn how to make savory QQ dumplings with food educator Jess Wang—and of course, enjoy the tasty results. Monday, September 29 from 4PM–5:30PM.

• 📚 Joss Richard with Elissa Sussman: It’s Different This Time: Join author Joss Richard in conversation with Elissa Sussman at Vroman’s for a lively talk and signing of Richard’s sweeping second-chance romance set in New York City. Monday, September 29 at 7PM.

Tuesday

• 🥦 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, seasonal produce and farm products straight from local growers, plus jams, jellies, fish, and more—all in the heart of Villa Parke. Tuesday, September 30 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.

• 🏊 RBAC Annual Benefit: “Cheers to 35 Years”: Noor Pasadena hosts an evening celebrating community, leadership, and the future of aquatics. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones leads the night with honors for local leaders and standout student athletes, plus a powerful call to action for water safety. Tuesday, September 30 starting at 5:30PM.

• 🎉 South Pasadena Chamber Annual Meeting & 21st Anniversary: Celebrate 21 years of community and commerce with food, fun, and networking at Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza alongside local business owners and city leaders. Tuesday, September 30 from 5PM–8PM.

• 🔭 Carnegie Science Observatories Lecture Series at PCC: Dive into the latest cosmic discoveries with Carnegie researchers, then step outside for guided stargazing at the PCC observatory. Tuesday, September 30 from 6:15PM–7:30PM.

Save the Date

• 🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore the gardens, library, and art collections at The Huntington with free admission—just be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Thursday, October 2.

• 🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens: Stroll a glowing autumn trail of hand-carved pumpkins, towering wood spirits, and dazzling light displays, with seasonal treats and a special nighttime railroad ride. Friday, October 3–Thursday, October 30 from 6PM–10PM.

• 🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Explore world-class art and the sculpture garden with free admission during this monthly evening event. Friday, October 3 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🐶 Barks & Boos at the Arboretum: Celebrate Howl-o-ween with furry friends at the LA County Arboretum, featuring a pet costume contest, dog agility course, and adoptable pups from Pasadena Humane. Saturday, October 4 from 11AM–4PM (costume contest at 2:30PM).

• 🍞 Pan Dulce “Concha” Workshop: Learn how to bake Mexico’s beloved sweet bread in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll make fluffy cinnamon brioche-style conchas topped with their signature sugary seashell crust. Saturday, October 4 from 9AM–1PM.

• 🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and treasures from 400+ vendors at this long-running community market. Sunday, October 5 at PCC parking lots.

• 🍫 The Los Angeles Chocolate Salon: Indulge in Southern California’s premier artisan chocolate show at the Pasadena Convention Center, with tastings, demos, and conversations with master chocolatiers. Sunday, October 5 from 10AM–3:30PM.

• 🎨 ArtNight Pasadena: Explore 18 arts and cultural venues across the city for free—from haunted puppets and show tune sing-alongs to tile exhibits, interactive art, and live music. Friday, October 10 from 6PM–10PM citywide, with Pasadena City Hall as a central hub.

  

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

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 Eyes $545K Traffic Safety Grant

At today’s meeting, the Pasadena City Council will consider approving a $545,000 traffic safety grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. If adopted, the funds—funneled through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—would be added to the FY 2026 police budget.

The grant supports:

• DUI checkpoints & saturation patrols

• Red-light and license enforcement

• Pedestrian & bicycle safety programs

• Community education campaigns

Police officials say these grants are critical for reducing collisions without tapping the city’s general fund.

Also on the consent calendar:

• $5M to TKE Engineering for reservoir repairs after storm damage (eligible for federal reimbursement).

• $1.75M each for Dudek and Michael Baker International for environmental services on city water projects.

• $3.36M for General Pump Company to maintain wells and booster stations.

• $446,849 for a new 10-ton boom crane to support street maintenance and parade logistics.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

78 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 25 (Good)

Tuesday

75 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s blooming Rose Garden while enjoying live classical performances from Pasadena Conservatory of Music artists on violin, cello, guitar, and more. Monday, September 29 from 1PM–3PM.

• 🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions with guitar virtuoso Riner Scivally and his trio at Edwin Mills. Monday, September 29 from 6PM–10PM.

• ☕ The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Start your Tuesday with smooth modern jazz and Latin fusion from pianist Matt Politano and his trio at Jones Coffee, joined by guest musicians throughout the year. Tuesday, September 30 at 8:30AM.

• 🎶 The David Eastlee Trio: Settle into Edwin Mills for an evening of jazz standards with guitarist David Eastlee, joined by saxophonist Doug Webb and a lineup of seasoned pros. Tuesday, September 30 from 6PM–10PM.

THANKS!

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