Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Yesterday was Election Day — and while ballots were still being counted somewhere, we were proud to say we already delivered a win: good vibes and better news.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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City Manager Miguel Márquez Says Goodbye — and Thank You
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Operation Gobbler Returns to Fill Plates and Hearts
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Civil News: Pasadena Tightens Lawn Watering Schedule to Once a Week
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
🍂THE DIGEST
City Manager Miguel Márquez Says Goodbye — and Thank You
After three years at Pasadena’s helm, City Manager Miguel Márquez is stepping down to focus on family following his father’s passing. Márquez, who took the role in 2022 when the city was still finding its post-pandemic footing, leaves behind a long list of wins — from balancing billion-dollar budgets and restoring reserves to leading through the Eaton Fire and pushing Pasadena toward 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
Known for his calm, collaborative style (and, according to colleagues, a bit of a “government nerd” streak), Márquez earned respect for his steady hand and humility. “Serving the people of Pasadena has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” he said in a statement.
Mayor Victor Gordo called his departure “a significant loss,” but praised Márquez’s principled leadership and decision to put family first. He’ll stay on until a successor is named — leaving City Hall in steady hands and Pasadena on solid ground.
Operation Gobbler Returns to Fill Plates and Hearts
The Pasadena Jaycees will host the 41st annual Operation Gobbler on Sunday, November 23 from 10AM–2PM at Friends In Deed, providing turkeys and all the fixings for 450 local families in need.
Run by volunteers with big hearts (and even bigger boxes of yams), this event captures the true spirit of the season — neighbors helping neighbors. Donations are still being accepted, from the $30 Cranberry Cutie tier up to the $5,000 Cornucopia Champion level, with every dollar going toward a family’s Thanksgiving meal.
Want to chip in? Visit pasadenajaycees.org/opgobbler — because no one in Pasadena should go without a feast this holiday season.
@NEWSN_ROSES
Bill Gates visited Caltech labs, spoke with staff and students, shared his perspective on how the world can advance meaningful climate progress while keeping human welfare at the heart of the effort, and even spent time with Bernoulli.
📷@caltechedu📍Caltech, Pasadena
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WHAT’S HAPPENING🥧
Wednesday (11/5/25)
🕯️ Hand-Rolled Incense Workshop: Create your own custom incense using natural herbs, resins, and oils in this relaxing hands-on workshop at Altadena Library—perfect for gifts or a little self-care. Wednesday, November 5 from 3–5PM.
🍕 Dine Out for USHS: Enjoy a night out at Blaze Pizza and support a great cause—mention Union Station Homeless Services at checkout, and 20% of your order goes toward helping those in need. Wednesday, November 5 from 5–8PM.
✏️ Drawing from the Gallery: Enjoy an inspiring after-hours art class at The Huntington, where teaching artists guide you through drawing techniques surrounded by world-class artwork. Wednesday, November 5 from 5:30–8PM.
🐶 Hidden Gems: A Pop-Up Dog Adoption Event at PetSmart Hastings Ranch: Meet Pasadena Humane’s “Hidden Gems”—loving dogs looking for their forever homes—at this weekly pop-up adoption event. Wednesday, November 5 from 5–7PM.
🍷 Vintage! Aging in Place Like a Fine Wine: Celebrate community, connection, and the art of aging gracefully at Pasadena Village’s annual Vintage Celebration—an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and good company. Wednesday, November 5 at 5PM.
🍻 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Think trivia nights are all about random facts? Think again! Enjoy picture rounds, word jumbles, and game show–style fun with prizes and craft brews flowing. Wednesday, November 5 from 6–8PM.
📖 Alison Saar and the Arion Press Edition of Octavia E. Butler’s “Kindred”: Join artist Alison Saar and Arion Press’s Blake Riley for a fascinating conversation on the handcrafted fine press edition of Butler’s Kindred, exploring how art, storytelling, and history intertwine. Wednesday, November 5 from 7:30–9:30PM.
💼 Funding Intel Brief: Gain Situational Awareness in the Lending Battlefield: Veterans and military spouses—get candid, insider insight from real lenders during this in-person panel on navigating the small business funding process and securing the capital you need to grow. Wednesday, November 5 from 7–9PM.
🎭 Rio Grande Anthology: The Amapola Players return to Parson’s Nose Theater with Rio Grande Anthology—a compelling evening of stories exploring family, culture, and identity through powerful, original works. Wednesday, November 5 at 7PM.
Thursday (11/6/25)
🌸 Free Day at The Huntington: Stroll the gardens, explore the galleries, and enjoy The Huntington—for free! Advance reservations open the week prior and go fast, so be sure to grab your spot early. Thursday, November 6 (All day).
🌿 Shadow Hills Nature Journal Club: Slow down and connect with nature through art and observation at this relaxed monthly journaling meetup at Arlington Garden—perfect for curious minds and creative spirits. Thursday, November 6 at 9:30AM.
🎨 Celebrating Indigenous Art for Kids!: Kids ages 6–12 can explore Indigenous traditions through a fun, hands-on art workshop featuring sand painting and clay pot making—perfect for celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Month. Thursday, November 6 at 4PM.
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll beneath the trees and shop farm-fresh produce, local eats, and handmade goods—all with live music and a friendly neighborhood vibe just steps from the Gold Line. Thursday, November 6 from 4–7PM.
🎁 Salvation Army Pasadena’s Annual Fundraising Gala: A Night of Hope: Join The Salvation Army for an inspiring evening at The Noor, celebrating stories of hope and resilience while supporting local programs that uplift families and neighbors in need. Thursday, November 6 at 6PM.
🎭 Joe Turner’s Come and Gone: Experience August Wilson’s moving masterpiece at A Noise Within—a lyrical story of hope, identity, and the search for belonging set in a 1911 Pittsburgh boarding house. Thursday, November 6 at 7:30PM.
🎭 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha: Award-winning comedian Julia Masli brings her wildly unpredictable solo show to Pasadena, transforming audience problems into hilarious, spontaneous theater with no script and no safety net. Thursday, November 6 at 7PM.
Save the Date
🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Enjoy an afternoon of discovery and play at Kidspace—for free! Explore hands-on exhibits and outdoor fun with the whole family. Advance reservations required. Friday, November 7 from 2–5PM.
🖼️ Free First Fridays at the Norton Simon Museum: Wander the galleries and sculpture garden for free during Norton Simon’s monthly evening event—no reservations needed, just drop in and enjoy world-class art. Friday, November 7 from 4–7PM.
🎭 Broadway Gamble Ramble: Journey through the historic Gamble House for an immersive night of song, dance, and storytelling that brings Broadway’s evolution to life in an unforgettable setting. Friday, November 7 from 7–9PM.
🎌 Anime Pasadena 2025: One of SoCal’s biggest anime conventions returns with its largest lineup yet—60+ celebrity voice actors, 400 vendors, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and panels on Dragon Ball, Naruto, and more at the Pasadena Convention Center. Friday–Sunday, November 7–9 (doors open 10AM Saturday & Sunday).
🎶 Symphonie Fantastique!: The Pasadena Symphony opens its new season with a thrilling program featuring Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto, Berlioz’s passionate Symphonie Fantastique, and a special premiere celebrating Principal Tuba Jim Self’s 50th season. Saturday, November 8 at 2PM & 8PM.
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Hunt for vintage finds, antiques, and unique treasures at one of the world’s most famous flea markets, featuring over 2,500 vendors filling the Rose Bowl. Sunday, November 9 from 5AM–3PM.
🇺🇸 Veterans Day Celebration: Join the City of Pasadena in honoring our nation’s heroes with a special ceremony at City Hall, featuring guest speakers, a Condor Squadron flyover, and a tribute to the homecoming of the 2D Battalion, 23D Marines. Tuesday, November 11 from 10AM–12PM.
🇦🇲 Pasadena Armenian Festival: Celebrate Armenian culture in the heart of Pasadena with authentic food, artisan vendors, live performances, and family fun at Centennial Plaza in front of Pasadena City Hall. Saturday, November 15, 2025.
✨ DroneArt Show: A Music and Drone Show: Experience a spellbinding night at the Rose Bowl as over 500 illuminated drones dance to live performances of The Four Seasons and Swan Lake, surrounded by candlelight and starlight. Saturday, November 15 at 7PM.
🎬 Film History Tour of the Fényes Mansion: Step behind the scenes of Pasadena’s cinematic past with a guided tour of the historic Fényes Mansion—discovering the films, TV shows, and music videos shot on its storied grounds. Sunday, November 16 from 12:30–2PM.
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 Tightens Lawn Watering Schedule to Once a Week
Heads up, Pasadena — your sprinklers are getting a break! Under new Level 2 Water Supply restrictions, residents can now water lawns just one day per week through March 31. Even-numbered addresses get Mondays, odd-numbered addresses get Tuesdays — and only before 9AM or after 6PM.
The seasonal cutback helps conserve water during the dry months, and PWP is serious about enforcement — leaks must be fixed within 48 hours, and runoff into streets or sidewalks is a no-go.
Don’t worry, your trees and veggie gardens are still safe — low-flow drip systems and hand watering with shut-off nozzles are allowed. Check the full watering schedule at pwp.cityofpasadena.net/wateringschedule
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍁
Wednesday
67 🌡️ 56 🌤️| 💨 SE 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 84 (Moderate)
Thursday
70 🌡️ 54 |🌤️| 💨 NE 3 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🥕LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎸 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of smooth swing and timeless jazz standards with celebrated guitarist Doug MacDonald — a true “musician’s musician” whose warm tone and effortless groove have graced stages from Vegas to LA. Friday, November 7 at 6PM.
THANKS!🦃
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