Home Kitchen Dining?

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that starts your day with a good story.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Community Celebrates Resilience at the “Florecita Farm Block Party: Voices of Resilience”

• Pasadena Weighs Allowing Home Kitchen Restaurants

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Community Celebrates Resilience at the “Florecita Farm Block Party: Voices of Resilience”

This past Saturday, the Florecita Farm neighborhood in Altadena came together for a heartfelt “Voices of Resilience” block party, where about 200 residents gathered to honor 34 of their own.
Back in January, when the Eaton Fire roared down the hillside toward the Florecita Farm neighborhood in Altadena, it seemed almost certain the community would suffer the same fate as the four homes that had already burned just above them and so many others across Altadena. But instead of watching helplessly, 34 residents sprang into action. With first responders stretched thin, they turned to whatever they had—hoses, buckets, pool water, shovels. They dug fire breaks, cleared away wind-blown debris, shut off gas lines, and even rescued pets. Working shoulder to shoulder, they managed to hold the fire back, and remarkably, nearly every home in the neighborhood survived.

This past Saturday, the community gathered to honor those extraordinary efforts with a heartfelt “Voices of Resilience” block party. Around 200 neighbors filled the street to celebrate the people who had stood between the flames and their homes. The day felt equal parts joyful and healing, with Dulan’s Soul Food serving plates, bounce houses and play areas for the kids, live music to set the tone, and handmade quilts gifted to every family as a symbol of warmth and care. Pasadena officials joined in, praising the event as a shining example of community spirit, while neighbors themselves said the real reward was simply being together. More than a party, it was a reminder that even in the face of fire, the bonds of a neighborhood can prove unshakable.

Read the full story here.

Pasadena Weighs Allowing Home Kitchen Restaurants

Pasadena may soon let home kitchens double as small restaurants. Yesterday night, the city’s Economic Development and Technology Committee debated on whether to adopt Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs), a state-approved program that allows residents to serve meals from their own homes under specific rules. Meals would be capped at about 30 per day (90 per week) with annual sales limited to roughly $107K, and while customers could pick up food or have it delivered by the operator, third-party apps like DoorDash wouldn’t be allowed.

Supporters say MEHKOs could open doors for food entrepreneurs and bring unpermitted vendors into compliance, while critics point to health and neighborhood concerns. I’ve always wondered why Pasadena has never taken the time to evaluate MEHKOs. Practically all of LA county has moved forward with this opportunity. The committee will decide whether to study the idea further, send it to City Council, or hold off entirely.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• ☕ Morning Brew with Pasadena Village: A midweek coffee meet-up with light breakfast, casual conversation, and a chance to connect with Village members and guests in a relaxed setting. Wednesday, September 17 at 9AM.

• 🏅 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Meeting with Katie Hill: This week’s luncheon features Katie Hill, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services, sharing insights on “Housing our Neighbors, One Person at a Time.” Wednesday, September 17 at 12PM.

• 🎨 Adult Crafternoon: Windchimes: An easygoing afternoon at Loma Alta Park where adults can get creative and make their own windchimes—perfect for adding a handmade touch to the season. Wednesday, September 17 at 4PM.

• 🐦 Gourd Birds Craft: Kids can celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month by transforming dried gourds into vibrant, hand-painted birds—a playful introduction to the Peruvian art of gourd carving. Wednesday, September 17 from 4PM–5PM.

• 🎵 Centering Sounds: A Solo Stroll Through the Blues with Preston Smith: Washington Park hosts an outdoor evening with Preston Smith, a blues artist whose career spans singing at Barbra Streisand’s wedding to jamming with legends like Bonnie Raitt and Eddie Van Halen. Expect soulful harmonica, smooth guitar, and heartfelt songs in a community concert designed to bring people together in reflection and connection. Wednesday, September 17 at 5:30PM.

• 🎨 Art for Impact: An evening at Pasadena PAL where student artists—many of them fire survivors—share original works that highlight resilience and creativity. The fundraiser includes a silent auction, art sales, and a celebration for George, the beloved Great Dane therapy dog turning 8. Proceeds support local youth mental health programs. Wednesday, September 17 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.

• 🍷 Wine & Song at Sierra Madre Playhouse: Host Brad Colerick welcomes singer-songwriter Danielle Ate the Sandwich, guitarist Greg Porée, the Wreckers, and a super-short film fest for a night of music and stories in Sierra Madre. Wednesday, September 17 from 7PM–9:30PM.

Thursday

• 🖼️ Mindful Looking: Possibilities at Sea (1932): Slow down with an intimate gallery talk led by Samantha Cruz, focusing on Paul Klee’s evocative work Possibilities at Sea. Limited to 15 participants, first-come sign-up at the museum desk. Thursday, September 18 at 1PM.

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Under the canopy of Mission Street’s trees, this Thursday market offers fresh California produce, prepared foods, and live music—plus the charm of nearby indie shops staying open late. Thursday, September 18 from 4PM–7PM.

• 💐 Flower Arranging at Oh La La Café: Create your own bouquet with floral artist Kaylyn while enjoying a pastry and drink in a cozy café setting—then take home your vase and arrangement to brighten your space. Thursday, September 18 at 4PM.

• 🚶 Bilingual Sunset Stroll: Take a relaxed evening walk through the Prospect Park neighborhood, hear a bit of local history, then wind down with coffee and pastries back at Pasadena Village. English/Spanish, all ages welcome. Thursday, September 18 at 5:30PM.

• 🍹 El Portal Tequila & Mezcal Tasting: A long-running tradition returns with an evening of tastings, live music, and festive courtyard vibes—celebrating 24 years of flavor, community, and fun. Thursday, September 18 at 5:30PM.

• 🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: A supportive space at Crowell Library to practice public speaking, gain confidence, and get feedback—visitors welcome to drop in and give it a try. Thursday, September 18 at 6:15PM.

• 📚🍴 Cookbook Live with Kiano Moju: LAist’s live food series brings cookbooks to life with demos, conversation, and tastings—this month featuring Kiano Moju and her new book AfriCali: Recipes From My Jikoni. Thursday, September 18 from 7PM–8:15PM.

Save the Date (New Updates!)

• 🇲🇽 Fiestas Patrias at Villa Parke: A lively celebration of Latin American independence with music, traditional dance, and plenty of community spirit—family-friendly and full of color. Friday, September 19 from 5PM–9PM.

• 🖋️ Golden State Tattoo Expo: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a three-day celebration of tattoo culture—get inked, explore art and fashion, catch live performances, and see tattoo legends up close. September 19–21 (Fri 4PM–12AM, Sat 12PM–12AM, Sun 12PM–7PM).

• 💎 65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show: The Pasadena Lapidary Society hosts its 65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show at the Arcadia Masonic Center, featuring dazzling displays of rocks and minerals, lapidary demonstrations, kid-friendly activities, raffles, and dealers selling gems, crystals, fossils, and artisan jewelry. Saturday, September 20 from 10AM–5PM and Sunday, September 21 from 10AM–4PM.

  

• 📚 Avatar Book Club at dym Books & Boba: The Dawn of Yangchen: Dive into F.C. Yee’s latest Avatar novel with a community of readers (and boba fans) for an in-depth discussion on Yangchen’s story and its place in the Avatar universe. Sunday, September 21 from 11AM–12:30PM.

• 🎨 Pasadena ARTWalk: Playhouse Village comes alive with over 180 artisans showcasing fine art, photography, fashion, jewelry, home goods, and more. A vibrant outdoor weekend market that celebrates creativity and handmade artistry. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 11:00AM–6:00PM.

• 🎼 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Under the vaulted dome of Mt. Wilson’s historic 100-inch telescope, the New Hollywood String Quartet performs an all-Schubert program with Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan. A reception with light refreshments follows the performance. Sunday, September 21 at 4PM.

• 🏊 RBAC Annual Benefit: “Cheers to 35 Years”: Noor Pasadena hosts an evening celebrating community, leadership, and the future of aquatics. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones leads the night with honors for local leaders and standout student athletes, plus a powerful call to action for water safety. Tuesday, September 30 starting at 5:30PM.

  

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

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

Public Safety Committee Meeting

City councilmembers gather at City Hall to focus on Pasadena’s public safety priorities, policies, and community concerns. Wednesday, September 17 at 4PM.

Land Use & Mobility Standing Committee Meeting

Part of the 710 Advisory Group, this committee meets at City Hall to focus on land use, transportation, and mobility issues connected to the 710 corridor project. Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

88 🌡️ 70 |☁️| 💨 S 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 46 (Good)

Thursday

81 🌡️ 69 |🌧️| 💨 SE 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎵 Centering Sounds: A Solo Stroll Through the Blues with Preston Smith: Washington Park hosts an outdoor evening with Preston Smith, a blues artist whose career spans singing at Barbra Streisand’s wedding to jamming with legends like Bonnie Raitt and Eddie Van Halen. Expect soulful harmonica, smooth guitar, and heartfelt songs in a community concert designed to bring people together in reflection and connection. Wednesday, September 17 at 5:30PM.

THANKS!

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