Half way thru the week, July, & Summer

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. I know we're already halfway through July, but the Back-to-School displays are popping up everywhere, and honestly… they kill my summer vibe. It's still very much summer, so don't let them rush the season. Stay cool out there!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• PUSD Says It Didn't Go Rogue on Tree Removals

• A Noise Within Brings August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom to Pasadena

• Sir Oinks-A-Lot Finds His Forever Home

• Civic News

• Restaurant Spotlight

  • Betsy (Altadena)

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

PUSD Says It Didn't Go Rogue on Tree Removals

If you haven't been following this one, here's the quick version: PUSD is planning to remove nearly 200 trees as part of a wildfire soil cleanup project across several campuses, and it's sparked weeks of protests, tree-sits, and a disagreement with the City of Pasadena over whether permits were required.

This week, the district released a statement saying it didn't move forward on its own and had been working with the City for months before any trees came down. According to PUSD, the City initially said permits weren't required, then later changed its position. The City says it corrected its guidance but maintains PUSD had already been told earlier this spring that protected tree removals would require permits. More than 75 trees have reportedly been removed so far, and cleanup is expected to continue over summer break.

A Noise Within Brings August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom to Pasadena

A Noise Within is bringing August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom to Pasadena from Aug. 23 through Sept. 20, continuing the theater's long-running commitment to producing Wilson's acclaimed American Century Cycle. Set during a 1927 Chicago recording session, the powerful drama follows blues icon Ma Rainey as she fights to keep control of her music while her ambitious trumpeter, Levee, chases a future that seems just out of reach. Inspired by the life of the "Mother of the Blues," the play explores race, power, ambition, and artistic ownership through one of Wilson's most celebrated works. Amber Liekhus stars as Ma Rainey alongside Jamar Gilbert as Levee, with several familiar A Noise Within performers returning to the stage.

Tickets start at $41.75, with student tickets from $20 and Pay What You Choose preview performances starting at just $10 on select dates. Click here for more details.

News N’ Roses Merch: NASAdena T-Shirts

Pasadena has plenty of city-themed merchandise, but very little that celebrates the city's remarkable legacy in space exploration, astronomy, science, and engineering. Home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, Mount Wilson Observatory, and other world-renowned institutions, Pasadena has played an outsized role in expanding our understanding of the universe.

That's what inspired the NASAdena shirt. The front features the NASAdena logo, while the back showcases three milestones that define Pasadena's scientific legacy: nearly five decades of Mars exploration, an alma mater of 12 astronauts, and the world's largest telescope from 1907 to 1949. The design is available as both a classic t-shirt and a crop top.

👉 Shop NASAdena Shirts here

Sir Oinks-A-Lot Finds His Forever Home

Dogs and cats aren't the only animals that end up at Pasadena Humane. The shelter recently cared for an unexpected guest: a friendly Vietnamese pot-bellied pig they named Sir Oinks-A-Lot. The six-month-old quickly became a favorite among staff and volunteers thanks to his playful personality, enthusiastic oinks, and love of cuddles. After no owner came forward, Pasadena Humane searched for adopters who had the space, experience, and local zoning to care for a pig that could eventually top 200 pounds. They found the perfect match in a family that already had plenty of room for him to roam—and even a dog friend waiting at home. Sir Oinks-A-Lot has officially settled into his new home, where he'll have plenty of space to root around and continue living up to his name.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday (7/15)

🎨 Adult Crafternoon: A relaxed afternoon crafting session for grown-ups at the local library. Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park | Wednesday | July 15 | 4–5:30PM

📖 Fatimah Asghar discusses & signs Daughter of the Mountains: Poems of Heartbreak & Homecoming: Poet and filmmaker Fatimah Asghar reads and signs her latest collection at a beloved Pasadena staple. Vroman's Bookstore | Wednesday | July 15 | 7PM

🎤 Jay Leno, Billy Gardell, Natasha Leggero: Three well-known comics share the stage for a night of laughs. Ice House Comedy Club's Legendary Room | Wednesday | July 15 | 7:45PM

🎭 Mexodus: A new musical exploring the lesser-known Underground Railroad route south into Mexico. Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday | July 15 | 8PM

Thursday (7/16)

⚽ Soccer Show with Futboleros: A live soccer performance show bringing skills and fun to the gym. Loma Alta Park Gymnasium | Thursday | July 16 | 12:30–1:30PM

🌽 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Fresh California-grown produce, prepared food vendors, and live music under a canopy of trees. South Pasadena Farmers' Market | Thursday | July 16 | 4–8PM

🍺 Pasadena Tech Happy Hour: A casual networking meetup for Pasadena's tech community over food and drinks. Hawg Heaven BBQ | Thursday | July 16 | 6–9PM

🧠 Trivia Night: Put your knowledge to the test with weekly team trivia and craft beer at Stone Brewing Tap Room. Stone Brewing Tap Room | Wednesday | July 8 | 6–8PM

🎵 MUSE/IQUE: Defiantly Joni: A musical celebration of Joni Mitchell's iconic and boundary-pushing songbook. Mark Taper Forum | Thursday | July 16 | 7:30PM

🌟 Parks After Dark: Foam & Glow Frenzy: A glowing, foamy evening event for the community at Villa Parke. Villa Parke Community Center | Thursday | July 16 | 8PM

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events are added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out!

*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

Public Safety Committee Regular Meeting

The city council's Public Safety Committee holds its monthly meeting at Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers. Wednesday, July 15 at 5PM.

Library Commission Meeting Canceled

The City has officially canceled the July 15 meeting. The Library Commission typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month to discuss library services, programs, and future initiatives.

Rental Housing Board Meets Thursday

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) meets Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 9PM at Pasadena City Hall (Council Chamber, Room S249). The board oversees the city's Rent Stabilization Ordinance and discusses issues affecting both renters and property owners. Residents can attend in person or join virtually via Zoom, and public comment is welcome. If you want to stay up to date on Pasadena's rental housing policies—or have something you'd like to share with the board—this is your chance.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Betsy

Betsy is one of those places that makes you forget you're only minutes from Pasadena. It offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere that's a welcome change from the crowds and energy of Old Pasadena.

Located in Altadena, Betsy centers its menu around a massive open hearth fueled by both wood and coal. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by the aroma of burning oak and sizzling steaks, while the open kitchen gives every guest a front-row seat to the action. Watching chefs work over the flames adds an energy that's hard to find elsewhere and becomes part of the dining experience itself.

The menu changes seasonally, but one thing I hope never leaves is the New York Strip. Cooked over the wood-and-coal fire, it arrives with a beautifully charred crust while staying perfectly juicy and tender inside. Finished with herb butter and flaky sea salt, it's one of the best steaks I've had in the Pasadena-Altadena area. The live-fire cooking adds just the right amount of smoky flavor without overpowering the quality of the beef.

Seafood lovers won't be disappointed either. The salmon is outstanding, with crisp skin, tender flaky meat, and the same signature wood-fired flavor that makes Betsy's cooking so memorable.

And don't skip dessert. The cheesecake is exceptional—rich, creamy, and the perfect way to end the meal.

The dining room strikes a balance between modern and inviting, with warm lighting, natural wood accents, and the glow of the fire creating a cozy atmosphere that's equally suited for a date night or dinner with friends.

Right next door, Betsy also has a welcoming wine bar that's worth visiting in its own right. Along with an excellent selection of wines, you'll find thoughtfully curated cheeses, meats, and charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with a glass of wine. The bar also serves breakfast and brunch, making it a great spot to visit well beyond dinner service.

One tip: weekends can get busy, so I'd recommend making a reservation ahead of time. If you have to wait—or simply want to ease into the evening—the wine bar next door is the perfect place to start with a glass of wine, a cheese or charcuterie board, and good conversation before heading to your table.

WEATHER

Wednesday

95 🌡️ 69 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

⚠️EXTREME HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THURSDAY

🌆 Air Quality Index: 57 (Moderate)

Thursday

91 🌡️ 67 |☀️| 💨 S 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards performed by guitarist David Eastlee and his trio. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | July 15 | 6–10PM

🎷 World Jazz Night: Enjoy live performances by jazz musicians from around the world. Club 1881 | Wednesday | July 15 | 8–11PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: Jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald brings his longtime mastery of jazz standards and bebop to an evening performance. Edwin Mills | Thursday | July 16 | 6–10PM

THANKS!⚽

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