Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as excited for summer events as the kids are for summer break.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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PUSD Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation at Civic Auditorium
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Pasadena’s Rock Roots: Van Halen Landmarks to Explore
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Events This Wednesday & Thursday
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SUMMER IN BLOOM: Movies Under the Stars
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
P.S. 🎂 Happy Birthday Kevin Carpenter!
THE DIGEST
🎓 PUSD Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation at Civic Auditorium
As final exams wrap up this week, five Pasadena Unified schools will celebrate the Class of 2025 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Ceremonies run June 4-5 and will be livestreamed for family and friends.
Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco praised the graduates’ resilience in a year marked by the Eaton Fire—which damaged four schools and displaced many staff. Eight seniors also earned 14 associate degrees alongside their diplomas.
Congrats to the Class of 2025—you’ve overcome so much, and you’re just getting started!
Pasadena’s Rock Roots: Van Halen Landmarks to Explore
Did you know Pasadena is the birthplace of Van Halen? You might have walked past them and never even noticed—plaques and tributes to Van Halen are scattered all around Pasadena, celebrating the city’s rock legacy.
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🎸 The Van Halen Sidewalk (Allen Avenue) – Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic “VH” logo etched right into the sidewalk, a permanent mark of the band’s early days.
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🏠 The Van Halen Family Home (Las Lunas Street) – Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this humble home is where Eddie and Alex practiced tirelessly, setting the stage for their worldwide fame.
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🎤 David Lee Roth’s Childhood Home (Bradford Street) – Just a few blocks away, this spot was Roth’s launchpad for his larger-than-life stage presence and vocal style.
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🎶 Pasadena Civic Auditorium (Memorial Plaque) – Outside this historic venue, a plaque honors Eddie Van Halen’s legendary performances and his impact on rock music.
From sidewalks to plaques, these sites offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of rock royalty—and see how Pasadena shaped one of the greatest bands of all time.
@NEWSN_ROSES
📷@pasadenafiredepartment📍Pasadena Fire conducting annual Wildland Fire Refresher Training with our neighboring Departments
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday
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🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room! Put your knowledge to the test and win prizes with two free rounds of trivia. 6:00PM. Join for a night of fun and friendly competition.
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🎶 Wine & Song: Heather Pierson; Dave Tate: Join us for a soul-stirring evening of music with the captivating Heather Pierson and the genre-blending Dave Tate. 7:00PM, at Wine & Song—an intimate musical journey you don’t want to miss!
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🎷 PCC Studio Jazz Supper Club at The Barkley: Tap your toes to classic jazz standards performed by Pasadena City College’s talented Studio Jazz students. 7:00PM. No cover, but delicious eats and drinks await—bring cash and join the fun!
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🎤 Cat Ce Performs: Don’t miss Cat Ce’s hilarious stand-up set at The Ice House, a night of laughter with one of SoCal’s comedic gems. 8:00PM in the California Room. Grab your tickets and get ready to crack up!
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🎭 A Doll’s House, Part 2: Bold and witty, this sharp sequel to Ibsen’s classic brings Nora back to confront the past and navigate the complexities of independence. 8:00PM at Pasadena Playhouse. A gripping evening of drama and discovery!
Thursday
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🎥 Visual Culture Program Event: Dive deep into the intersection of media and environmental transformation with the Anthropocene Media Working Group. Thursday, June 5 from 10:00AM–5:00PM at Caltech (multiple locations). A full day of discussions about the power and impact of cinematic media on our world.
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🍓 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll under the trees and shop fresh, California-grown produce, enjoy prepared foods, live music, and more! Thursday, June 5 from 4:00PM–7:00PM. A fun, flavorful evening in the heart of South Pasadena!
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🎭 RENT: Join the Lineage Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable performance of RENT, celebrating love, resilience, and the power of community. Thursday, June 5 at 7:00PM. A must-see musical experience!
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🎸 Live Tribute to Johnny Cash by Ring of Fire: Get ready for a foot-stompin’ night of Johnny Cash hits with Ring of Fire! 8PM at The Mixx. Plus, warm up your pipes at the Alternative Karaoke pre-show and enjoy 2-for-1 drinks all night. Free admission and parking—come on down!
Save the Date (lots of new events!⬇️)
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🏰 Springtime at the Castle Green: Step back in time and explore the historic Castle Green, from opulent Turkish rooms to secret treasures of the Castle’s archive room. Sunday, June 8 from 12:00PM–4:00PM at 99 South Raymond Ave, Pasadena. A magical self-guided tour filled with history, beauty, and charm! Learn about the Castle Green here.
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🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Discover rare finds and vintage treasures at America’s biggest flea market! 10AM–5PM, rain or shine. From antiques to handmade goods, there’s something for everyone at this outdoor event.
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🎨 Pasadena Chalk Festival: Watch hundreds of artists transform The Paseo into an open-air gallery of jaw-dropping chalk murals, from portraits to pop culture tributes. Saturday & Sunday, June 14 & 15 from 10:00AM–7:00PM at The Paseo. A must-see for art lovers of all ages!
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🎬 One Colorado Summer Movie Musicals: Enjoy beloved musicals under the stars this summer! Select Saturdays, starting June 14, One Colorado Courtyard. Film Starts 8:30PM. First up: Wicked on June 14—let the magic begin!
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🚗 23rd Annual Pasadena Police Department Car Show: Classic car lovers, mark your calendar! The Pasadena PD hosts their annual car show at The Paseo with proceeds benefiting Pasadena P.A.L. and the Police Explorer Post #19. Saturday, June 14, 10AM–3PM at 300 E. Colorado Blvd.
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🐾 Carnival of Cats: Play, party, and purr with 30–40 adorable rescue cats at this free, family-friendly feline fest! A VIP experience with perks like a swag bag and fast pass is available for $25. 11:00AM–6:00PM, Saturday, June 7 at Tail Town Cat Café, 1780 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena.
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5th Annual DENA Juneteenth 2025: Celebrate Black joy, radical resilience, and community wellness at this family-friendly Juneteenth festival in Altadena. Expect live music, drum and healing circles, line dancing, games, painting, water slides, scholarships, food, vendors, and more. Saturday, June 14 · 10:30AM–3:30PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena.
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🌉 Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party: An unforgettable community celebration atop the Colorado Street Bridge! Saturday, July 19th from 6–11PM. Enjoy live music, local eats, kids’ activities, and vintage vehicles—all while supporting historic preservation. Tickets start at $30; kids under 12 are free!
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🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Stroll through downtown and beyond to enjoy local art in storefronts and galleries during this community collaboration between artists and businesses. June 20th, 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.
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
Join the conversation about healing and equitable solutions for communities impacted by the 710 Freeway in Pasadena. Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00PM. Free and open to all—your voice can help shape the future!
🏫 Pasadena Denies Landmark Status for Roosevelt School
After a heated debate balancing affordable housing and mid-century architecture, the City Council voted to deny landmark status for Roosevelt School. Supporters argued the site’s inclusive history and unique architecture deserved protection, but city officials decided the building had lost its historic integrity. The decision clears the way for Pasadena Unified’s plan to transform the site into staff housing, a project they say is crucial after the Eaton Fire displaced 120 district staff members.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
73 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 SE 1 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 56 (Moderate)
Thursday
74 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 SW 6 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
SUMMER IN BLOOM
This summer, One Colorado transforms its courtyard into a magical outdoor cinema with complimentary screenings of classic and beloved musicals on select Saturdays!
2025 Movie Musical Lineup:
• June 14 – Wicked (PG)
• June 28 – La La Land (PG-13)
• July 12 – Grease (PG-13)
• July 26 – Hairspray (PG)
• August 9 – School of Rock (PG-13)
• August 23 – Coco (PG)
🕰️ VIP Check-in: 7:45 PM | Film Starts: 8:30 PM
Want VIP treatment? Spend $50+ at any One Colorado restaurant or shop for a free IPIC movie pass, popcorn, and drink. Or bring your blankets, snacks, and friends for free public seating—first come, first served!
💫 RSVP now for Wicked and let the summer musical magic begin!
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎶 Music at Noon: Folias Duo: Experience the soulful sounds of this husband-and-wife chamber music duo blending flute and guitar in an enchanting lunchtime concert. Wednesday, June 4 at 12:10PM at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Free and inspiring for all music lovers!
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🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Let the tranquil melodies of traditional Chinese instruments transport you while you wander through the magical Garden of Flowing Fragrance. Wednesday, June 4 at 1:00PM at The Huntington. A unique and serene afternoon of music and nature!
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🎷 PCC Studio Jazz Supper Club at The Barkley: Tap your toes to classic jazz standards performed by Pasadena City College’s talented Studio Jazz students. Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00PM. No cover, but delicious eats and drinks await—bring cash and join the fun!
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🎸 Live Tribute to Johnny Cash by Ring of Fire: Get ready for a foot-stompin’ night of Johnny Cash hits with Ring of Fire! Thursday, 8PM at The Mixx. Plus, warm up your pipes at the Alternative Karaoke pre-show and enjoy 2-for-1 drinks all night. Free admission and parking—come on down!
THANKS!
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