TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that brings you news and events like a freshly picked bouquet of roses.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Cheeseburger Week is underway — and voting is officially open.
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State of the City: What’s Next for Pasadena in 2026
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Civic News: Pasadena, Altadena Projects Receive Federal Funding
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy Birthday to my aunt Tia Loren!
A MESSAGE FROM CTRL COLLECTIVE
Ever wondered what that brick building on S Arroyo and Green is — by the Big Bang Theory alley, across from Dog Haus? It used to be a Bally Total Fitness. Now it’s CTRL Collective.
It’s a modern co-working space with 24-hour access, 365 days a year, designed for people who actually want a great place to work. There are full-time and part-time memberships, dedicated desks, private offices, conference rooms, sound-proof phone booths, and a classroom. There’s also a professional podcasting room you can rent, plus a full kitchen with complimentary coffee.
Pets are welcome, parking is available, and the overall vibe strikes a rare balance — productive but social, focused yet collaborative. I work here, and it’s a solid fit for entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and small teams who want flexibility without the corporate feel. If you’re curious, come by for a free tour and check it out yourself.
THE DIGEST
Cheeseburger Week is underway — and voting is officially open.
Now’s the moment to get out, try as many burgers as you can across Pasadena, and let me know the spots you think deserves a vote. Whether you’re sticking to a favorite or hopping around for a mini burger crawl, this is the fun part.
Voting is open now and closes Saturday at 11:59 PM. Apparently, only members in good standing with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce are eligible to vote but I’m sure that’s not stopping people from voting, honestly. Eat well, support local restaurants, and let Pasadena know who has the tastiest burger.
For special restaurant offerings, click here.
State of the City: What’s Next for Pasadena in 2026
Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo will deliver his annual State of the City address on Wednesday, January 28, officially kicking off the city’s 2026 budget process.
The free, public event takes place at Robinson Park Recreation Center (1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave). Doors open at 6:30PM, with the program starting right at 7PM. There’s free on-site parking, and no ticket or RSVP is required.
This year’s theme for Mayor Victor Gordo’s 2026 State of the City address is “Rising Together.” The charter-mandated speech officially kicks off Pasadena’s annual budget process, leading up to a proposed budget in May. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch live on KPAS or stream it at PasadenaMedia.org.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
All Week Long
🍽️ Dine LA Restaurant Week: Enjoy special prix-fixe menus at participating Pasadena and Los Angeles restaurants—just dine out and ask for the Dine LA menu. Participating Restaurants | Runs until Friday, February 6
🍔 Pasadena Cheeseburger Week: Celebrate Pasadena’s claim as the birthplace of the cheeseburger with a citywide week of signature burgers and special creations honoring Lionel Sternberger’s 1924 invention. Pasadena (citywide) | Runs until Saturday, January 31
Monday (1/26/26)
💼 Pasadena Career Fair: Meet face to face with recruiters and hiring managers from local and national companies to learn about open roles across a wide range of industries. Courtyard by Marriott | Monday, January 26 from 9:30AM–12:30PM
🎻 Master Class: Scottish Fiddling Workshops with Caroline McCaskey: Learn Scottish fiddling techniques in two workshops led by champion fiddler and educator Caroline McCaskey. Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) | Monday, January 26 at 5:30PM & 6:30PM
🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Join this weekly social run with 4- and 6-mile options, open to all paces, plus chances to test shoes and win prizes. Run With Us | Monday, January 26 at 6PM
📖 John Sayles discusses & signs Crucible: The filmmaker and author talks about his historical novel exploring Henry Ford’s influence on Detroit, labor movements, and American industry, followed by a book signing. Vroman’s Bookstore | Monday, January 26 at 7PM
Tuesday (1/27/26)
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and farm products directly from certified growers at this weekly neighborhood market. Villa Parke | Tuesday, January 27 from 8:30AM–12:30PM
🧸 Toddler Tuesday at Kidspace: Enjoy a quieter morning with toddler-friendly activities and play spaces designed specifically for younger children. Kidspace Children’s Museum | Tuesday, January 27 from 10AM–12PM
🎨 Discover Art with Norton Simon Museum: Kids and families can explore museum artworks and create their own art during this hands-on workshop with materials provided. La Pintoresca Branch Library | Tuesday, January 27 at 4PM
🎭 Amapola Players Presents A Night of Resilience & Identity: Experience an evening of performances highlighting themes of resilience and identity from the local community. Parson’s Nose Theater | Tuesday, January 27 at 7PM
🧠🍻 Geeks Who Drink Trivia at T. Boyle’s Tavern: Test your trivia knowledge with Geeks Who Drink during this weekly team-based quiz night. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday, January 27 at 8PM
💃 SALSA MIXX – Salsa & Bachata Dance Lessons & Social Dancing: Learn salsa and bachata with guided lessons, then hit the dance floor for a lively night of social dancing. The Mixx | Tuesday, January 27 at 8PM
Save the Date
🧧 AKASSA Lunar New Year Makers Market: Celebrate Lunar New Year with a community-focused makers market featuring small businesses, hands-on crafting, and festive shopping that gives back. Whimsy Pasadena | Saturday, January 31 from 11AM–2PM
🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds from 400+ vendors spread across PCC’s campus parking lots. Pasadena City College | Sunday, February 1
🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Visit The Huntington with free admission by advance reservation during its monthly Free Day. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | Thursday, February 5
🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Explore Kidspace for free during this monthly open window with advance reservation required. Kidspace Children’s Museum | Friday, February 6 from 2PM–5PM
✊🏾🎉 44th Annual Black History Festival: Celebrate Black history and culture with a full day of community programming, performances, and activities. Robinson Park | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–3PM
📚 Rare Books Pasadena: Browse rare and antiquarian books from dozens of booksellers from around the world as this major book fair returns to Pasadena across two venues. Raymond Theatre | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–6PM & Sunday, February 22 from 11AM–4PM
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
Pasadena, Altadena Projects Receive Federal Funding
Several Pasadena and Altadena projects are set to receive funding after a federal spending bill passed the U.S. House, securing just over $7 million for California’s 28th District, according to Judy Chu.
The funding includes $1 million for upgrades at the Jackie Robinson Community Center in Pasadena, $500,000 for improvements and ADA upgrades at the Altadena Community Center, and $2 million toward a joint fire training center supporting wildfire and emergency response. Additional funds will support street improvements, zero-emissions transit buses, affordable housing development, and fire station reconstruction across the San Gabriel Valley.
Chu said the funding will support public safety, infrastructure, and community services, with several projects tied to ongoing recovery efforts following the Eaton Fire.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
70 🌡️52 |☀️| 💨 E 4 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 47 (Good)
Tuesday
71 🌡️ 53 |☀️| 💨 SW 3 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎷 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start the morning with modern jazz, improvisation, and original compositions from this Pasadena-based trio. Jones Coffee Roasters | Monday, January 26 at 9AM
🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions led by guitarist Riner Scivally. Edwin Mills | Monday, January 26 from 6PM–10PM
🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Kick off the morning with modern jazz and Latin fusion led by pianist Matt Politano, joined by bass and drums with rotating guest musicians. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday, January 27 at 8:30AM
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Hear jazz standards performed by guitarist David Eastlee alongside saxophonist Doug Webb in an intimate trio setting. Edwin Mills | Tuesday, January 27 from 6PM–10PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who loves pickles in their burger.
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