Did you get tickets for Olympics?

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. You know gas is expensive when you go to another state where gas is usually cheap and has California prices. My bike has been good to me.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Begins Olympic Prep

• Arbor Day Returns to Villa Parke

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Civic News

• Gas or Wine?

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

A MESSAGE FROM CTRL COLLECTIVE

Work remote? Tired of working from your apartment, coffee shops, or the same routine every day? There’s a really solid workspace in Pasadena you might not know about.

CTRL Collective, located at S. Arroyo Parkway & Green St, is a ⭐4.9-rated co-working space built for freelancers, founders, and small teams who need more than a kitchen table setup.

If you’re looking for private offices, they still have a limited number left at promo pricing. Plans start at $1,097/month (3-month minimum) or $1,197 month-to-month. Each office includes two seats, with the option to add up to two more teammates for $100/month each.

Co-working membership comes with 24/7 access, fast WiFi, conference rooms, printing, and free coffee. It’s dog-friendly, has on-site parking, no setup fees, plus extras like phone booths, a podcast studio, and a full kitchen.

👉Book a tour or text Tim at (213) 316-8835 with “OFFICE?” for a booking link.

THE DIGEST

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Begins Olympic Prep

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is already gearing up to host diving for the 2028 Olympics, and preparations are starting to show. The recreation diving pool has recently been drained to allow for precise Olympic measurements and assessments—an early but critical step to ensure the facility meets international competition standards.

These behind-the-scenes efforts are part of a broader push with LA28 and the City of Pasadena to get the venue ready well ahead of the Games. While it may seem early, this type of technical work lays the foundation for everything from competition setup to broadcast logistics.

If you signed up for the LA28 ticket draw as a local resident, keep an eye out—diving event tickets are expected to be part of upcoming ticket drops as availability rolls out in phases.

Arbor Day Returns to Villa Parke

Pasadena is hosting its annual Arbor Day celebration, this Saturday, April 18 at Villa Parke, inviting residents to take part in a community tree-planting event. Organized by the city’s Public Works Department alongside local partners, the event highlights Pasadena’s ongoing focus on urban greening and environmental stewardship.

Volunteers will help plant 15 new street trees, contributing directly to the neighborhood’s landscape while working alongside City staff. The event runs from 8AM to 12PM and will take place at the multi-use field near the picnic tables.

Arbor Day has long been a tradition in Pasadena, bringing the community together around sustainability and shared public spaces. It’s a simple way to spend the morning outside while making a lasting impact on the city.

A MESSAGE FROM FIVE ACRES

Celebrate a century of impact at the Golden Five Acres Gala on June 6, 2026. This special evening marks 100 years at Five Acres’ historic Altadena campus, while honoring 138 years of caring for children across Los Angeles County. Held at a private club in Pasadena, the night draws inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s and brings together community members, supporters, and partners for a meaningful cause.

Guests can expect an elegant evening with live music, cocktails, and a full program designed to celebrate the organization’s legacy and future. It is a chance to be part of a milestone moment while supporting a mission focused on safety, well-being, and permanency for every child.

Tickets are now available, including early bird pricing. Join the Five Acres community in celebrating 100 years of hope, heart, and home. Buy tickets here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (4/15)

🎬 PIFF 2026 Film Screenings: Block: A film screening block featuring multiple entries followed by a moderated Q&A. Laemmle NoHo 7 | Wednesday | April 15 | Various Times

🔬 Connect Week 2026: Deep Tech Crawl: A two-stop tour of Pasadena innovation incubators featuring networking and company showcases. Pasadena Bio Collaborative Incubator | Wednesday | April 15 | 3PM – 7PM

🍖 Connect Week 2026: Pasadena Tech Happy Hour: A casual closing happy hour with BBQ and networking to wrap up Connect Week 2026. Hawg Heaven BBQ | Wednesday | April 15 | 6PM – 9PM

🧵 Female Fiber Artist Series – Kantha Embroidery / Make Deeper Pants Pockets: Two hands-on sewing workshops covering kantha embroidery and techniques to create deeper pants pockets. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday | April 15 | 6PM

🧠 Trivia Night: A weekly trivia event where teams compete across categories to test their knowledge. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | April 15 | 6PM – 8PM

🎤 An Evening with Gabor Maté: The Myth of Normal: Dr. Gabor Maté discusses his book on trauma, health, and well-being. Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Wednesday | April 15 | 7:30PM

🎶 Wine & Song: Chauncey Bowers plus a very special surprise guest: A live music evening featuring Chauncey Bowers and a surprise guest. Square Deal Courtyard | Wednesday | April 15 | 7PM

🎤 Asty’s Bootleg Game Show: Music Edition: A live music trivia game show where contestants compete across themed rounds for a cash prize. Healing Force of The Universe | Wednesday | April 15 | 8PM – 11PM

Thursday (4/16)

🌱 Free Compost for Pasadena Residents: Residents can pick up free compost while supplies last as part of a month-long distribution. Seco St and West Drive | Thursday | April 16 | All Day

🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: A weekly market with California-grown produce, prepared foods, and live music. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | April 16 | 4PM – 7PM

🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: A meeting to practice short speeches with coaching to build confidence and communication skills. Crowell’s Thornton Conference Room | Thursday | April 16 | 6PM

🎨 Personalized Collage: A hands-on class exploring collage techniques using provided materials or personal items. Remainders Creative Reuse | Thursday | April 16 | 6PM

✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: A writing session for free-writing, sharing work, and connecting with other writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday | April 16 | 6PM – 8PM

📸 Pasadena Through a New Lens: A Photographic Exploration of Place and Perspective: A presentation by photographer Jim Staub exploring Pasadena through light, composition, and perspective. Pasadena Heritage | Thursday | April 16 | 6PM – 8PM

🎭 Death of a Salesman: A staging of Arthur Miller’s play following Willy Loman as he confronts disillusionment and the realities of the American Dream. A Noise Within | Thursday | April 16 | 7:30PM

🎬 Pasadena International Film Festival 2026 Great Gatsby Gala & Award Ceremony: A closing night gala and awards ceremony celebrating films and filmmakers from the festival. Der Wolf RestoBar | Thursday | April 16 | 7PM

🎶 Colburn Concerts: Trio Aeris: A concert featuring flute, clarinet, and piano works performed by Colburn School artists. Boston Court Pasadena | Thursday | April 16 | 8PM

Upcoming Events

🌳 Pasadena Arbor Day Celebration: A community tree-planting event with volunteers helping plant new street trees at Villa Parke. Villa Parke | Saturday | April 18 | 8AM – 12PM

🎭 Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary School “Once on This Island, Jr” Annual Spring Musical: A school musical performance based on the novel My Love, My Love with multiple showtimes over the weekend. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School | Friday | April 17–19 | 7PM / 2PM

🏡 The 61st Pasadena Showcase House of Design: Tour the historic Baldwin Oaks Estate in Arcadia as more than 30 designers transform over 30 rooms and gardens, with shops, dining, and special events offered throughout the month-long showcase. Baldwin Oaks Estate | Sunday | April 19–May 17 | All Day

🐶 Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run: Walk or run with your pup in this community fundraiser supporting Pasadena Humane, featuring a 5K course, vendor marketplace, training park, food trucks, and a dog costume contest. Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl | Sunday | April 19 | 8AM

🍽️ Masters of Taste: A luxury outdoor food and beverage festival featuring tastings from top restaurants, bars, wineries, and breweries across Pasadena and Los Angeles. Rose Bowl Stadium | Sunday | April 19 | 3PM – 7PM

*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 Names New City Manager

Pasadena has selected Mike Futrell as its next city manager, with a start date of May 13. Currently serving as Riverside’s city manager, he brings more than 30 years of public-sector experience, including extensive time in executive leadership.

The appointment follows a national search, with Mayor Victor Gordo pointing to Futrell’s collaborative style and leadership. He will replace outgoing City Manager Miguel Márquez, who was recognized for his service to the city.

Futrell said he’s honored to take on the role and highlighted his background in public service. His early priorities will include advancing the 710 vision plan, supporting Eaton Fire recovery efforts, and continuing Pasadena’s transition to carbon-free electricity by 2030.

Public Safety Committee Meeting

A regular meeting of the city council’s Public Safety Committee. Click here to see agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Wednesday | April 15 | 4PM

Hearing Officer Regular Meeting

A meeting covering land use permits and variance hearings. Click here to view agenda. Hale Building | Wednesday | April 15 | 5:30PM

Library Commission Meeting

A regular meeting advising on public library policies and operations. Click here to view agenda. Allendale Branch Library | Wednesday | April 15 | 6PM

GAS OR WINE?

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

Every time I pull into a gas station these days, I feel like I should be handed a wine list and a counseling session. When regular gas starts flirting with six dollars a gallon, a fellow begins to ask serious questions. Do I really need to drive across town for that “special” bottle? Is the $22 glass of cabernet still a treat, or has it become a luxury item dressed up as dinner?

These are the kinds of questions that creep into your head when the numbers on the pump keep climbing. Years ago, people used to ask me about restaurant prices in a more casual way. Now it feels personal. Gas is high, groceries are high, dining out is high, and somewhere in the middle of it all sits that glass of wine you were hoping would take the edge off the week.

So here is the new question: if gas prices are hovering near $6, is it time to rethink your choice of wines?

I think the answer is yes — but not in a gloomy, give-up-the-good-life sort of way. I’m not telling you to trade in your chardonnay for tap water and call it patriotism. I’m saying it may be time to get smarter about where the value is, because plenty of people are paying champagne prices for wine that should never leave the shelf.

Let’s start with the restaurant wine list. We all know the markup is real. If you order wine by the glass, you are paying for convenience, atmosphere, stemware, and the privilege of not having to uncork it yourself. Fair enough. But when a simple pour starts creeping toward the cost of a decent lunch, I begin to wonder if the bottle is for the table or just for the ego.

Here’s a rule of thumb: don’t order wine to impress the room. Order wine that fits the meal, the budget, and the moment. That might mean skipping the glass altogether and ordering a reasonably priced bottle for the table. It might mean trying the house red or house white, which at a good restaurant can be a much better deal than people think. And yes, it might even mean passing on wine entirely one night and going with a cocktail, beer, or iced tea. There, I said it.

My father, Elmer Dills, always had a good nose for value. He knew there was a difference between paying for quality and paying because somebody printed a fancy label or a trendy winery name on a menu. He also knew that if you are going to spend money, spend it where you will actually enjoy it. That may mean one excellent bottle at home instead of two overpriced glasses out on the town.

And let me say a word for drinking wine at home. If gas is eating up your weekly budget, perhaps the smartest wine move isn’t on a restaurant list at all. Maybe it’s your neighborhood market, your favorite wine merchant, or even a well-priced bottle you’ve overlooked because the label didn’t come with a story about a vineyard dog and a hand-harvested moonbeam.

This is not about becoming cheap. Cruz in Sierra Madre, Pasadena Pete, and folks all over town are not cheap — they simply want value. There’s a difference. A lot of us still want to enjoy a nice meal and a nice glass of wine, but we do not want to feel like we’ve financed both the vineyard and the refinery in the same weekend.

So yes, with gas near $6, it may be time to rethink your wine choices. Not lower your standards — rethink them. Look for value. Ask questions. Skip the show-off bottle. Find the pour that makes sense.

Because these days, when it comes to gas or wine, most of us can afford to waste neither.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

72 🌡️ 51 |🌤️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 21 (Good)

Thursday

70 🌡️ 51 |🌤️| 💨 S 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎶 Music at Noon: Juhee Lee, organ: An organ performance by Juhee Lee as part of the Music at Noon series. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | April 15 | 12:10PM – 12:40PM

🎷 Hagen Jazz: A live jazz performance featuring classic, contemporary, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | April 15 | 6PM – 10PM

🎸 Redd Kross: A live performance from the long-running Southern California band known for blending punk, pop, and experimental sounds. Lodge Room Highland Park | Wednesday | April 15 | 7PM

🎶 Live Great American Songbook Night at Visionarium with Teri Bond: An evening of live music featuring Teri Bond performing classics from the Great American Songbook. Visionarium Live Italian | Wednesday | April 15 | 6:30PM – 8:30PM

🎶 Wine & Song: Chauncey Bowers plus a very special surprise guest: A live music evening featuring Chauncey Bowers and a surprise guest. Square Deal Courtyard | Wednesday | April 15 | 7PM

🎷 World Jazz Night: A live jazz night featuring Eric Sittner with guitar and drums. Club 1881 | Wednesday | April 15 | 8PM – 11PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: A live jazz set from a veteran guitarist known for his bop-based style and long career performing with top artists. Edwin Mills | Thursday | April 16 | 6PM – 10PM

🎺 Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra featuring Mara Kaye (vocals): A live performance by a 20-piece ska orchestra known for its high-energy sound and large horn section. Lodge Room Highland Park | Thursday | April 16 | 7PM

🎶 Colburn Concerts: Trio Aeris: A concert featuring flute, clarinet, and piano works performed by Colburn School artists. Boston Court Pasadena | Thursday | April 16 | 8PM

THANKS!

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