May the 4th Be With You, Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Did you know Hayden Christensen, the actor that plays Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars, lives in Pasadena? I’ve actually seen him dining at Shushi Enya. He’s a cool dude.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Free Tours Inside Pasadena’s Historic Tournament House

• Golden Five Acres Gala

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Civic News

• Weather

  • Poll: Do you care for the weather section or should I remove it?

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. May the 4^th be with you!

A MESSAGE FROM CTRL COLLECTIVE

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It’s a great fit if you’re remote, freelancing, building something, or just want a better daily routine. CTRL Collective offers full-time and part-time memberships, day passes, and you can even try it free for a week. 👉 Book a tour and see if it fits your workflow.

THE DIGEST

Newsom Visits Pasadena City College

Governor Gavin Newsom visited Pasadena City College last Friday to highlight its Construction Trades Lab, a workforce training program supported by a $2.8 million investment through LA Rises.

The program provides hands-on training in fields like construction and welding, with a focus on preparing workers to support rebuilding efforts following recent wildfires, including the Eaton Fire.

State and local officials emphasized the role of apprenticeship and “earn-and-learn” pathways in creating career opportunities without requiring a four-year degree. Since 2019, California has created more than 674,000 of these opportunities, including about 245,000 registered apprenticeships.

The visit also highlighted additional workforce investments, including $13.2 million in grants for youth apprenticeship programs and broader funding to expand training and address labor shortages across the state.

Free Tours Inside Pasadena’s Historic Tournament House

If you’ve ever driven past the Tournament House and wondered what’s inside, you’ll finally get your chance.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is opening its doors for free public tours starting May 7, running every Thursday at 2PM through August 27. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and is led by volunteer docents who share the history behind the Rose Parade, the Rose Bowl Game, and how everything operates behind the scenes.

The house itself has deep roots in Pasadena history—it was once the home of William Wrigley Jr., founder of Wrigley chewing gum, and his wife Ada. He later donated the property to the city in 1958 with the condition that it become the permanent headquarters for the Tournament of Roses. Since then, it’s been the setting for major announcements like the Rose Queen and Grand Marshal.

Outside, the Wrigley Gardens are open to the public, so you can walk the grounds or bring a picnic before or after your tour.

A few things to know: there’s no elevator, and access to the upper floors is via the original staircase, though a video tour is available on the main floor. Tours are capped at 90 people and reservations are required.

It’s a well-run tour and a rare chance to step inside a place most people only see from the street. Click here for more information.

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. I’m also proud to say News N’ Roses is a media sponsor for the event!

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

Monday (5/4)

📚 Turning Pages, Finding Peace Book Club: A book club exploring the connection between mental and physical wellbeing. Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) | Monday | May 4 | 9AM

🏛️ Historic Preservation: Then & Now: A talk exploring Pasadena’s preservation history and its impact on the city today. The Blinn House | Monday | May 4 | 5:30PM – 7PM

🤸 Teen Capoeira – Drop In: A drop-in class combining martial arts, music, and dance for teens. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Monday | May 4 | 5PM

🌌 May the Fourth Be With You: A Star Wars – Themed Fundraiser for Learning Works Charter School: A Star Wars-themed fundraiser with food, drinks, and a silent auction supporting student programs. Foothill Restaurant | Monday | May 4 | 6PM

🎤 Open Mic Night: An open mic for music, storytelling, and spoken word performances. Social Hall Courtyard – Loma Alta Park | Monday | May 4 | 6PM – 7:30PM

🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: A community run with 4- and 6-mile options open to all paces, including runners and walkers. Run With Us | Monday | May 4 | 6PM

🚴 Incycle Pasadena Monday “FooChow” Night Ride: A recurring night ride for intermediate to advanced road riders with changing routes. Incycle Pasadena | Monday | May 4 | 6PM – 9PM

🍽️ Taste of Spain: Tapas Cooking Experience: A hands-on class where participants learn to make Spanish tapas and paella. Saute Culinary Academy Monrovia, CA | Monday | May 4 | 6PM – 9PM

🎤 Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Anthony Fauci: Dr. Anthony Fauci shares insights from his career in public health and infectious disease research. Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Monday | May 4 | 7:30PM

😂 Netflix Is A Joke Presents: ISMO: A live stand-up comedy show featuring ISMO in the Legendary Room. The Ice House Comedy Club | Monday | May 4 | 7:30PM

Tuesday (5/5)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: A certified farmers’ market offering fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products. Villa Parke | Tuesday | May 5 | 8:30AM – 12:30PM

☕ ShopTalk Business Breakfast: A networking breakfast with a business-focused presentation for local professionals. Mike & Anne’s Restaurant | Tuesday | May 5 | 8AM

🛍️ Timeless Treasures Mother’s Day Sale!: A boutique-style sale featuring jewelry, handbags, and unique gifts. Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) | Tuesday | May 5 | 9AM – 11AM

🌮 Cinco de Mayo @ Bacchus: A Cinco de Mayo celebration with live music and a three-course prix fixe menu. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Tuesday | May 5 | 5:30PM

🚵 Around the Cycle Tuesday Night Dirt: An intermediate no-drop mountain and gravel bike ride covering 12 miles with climbing. Around the Cycle | Tuesday | May 5 | 6PM – 8:30PM

🎧 Turntable Tuesday: An open DJ night where participants sign up on-site for 20-minute sets using their own records or equipment. The Offbeat Bar (Highland Park) | Tuesday | May 5 | 6PM – 9PM

🏃 Group Run with A Snail’s Pace: A weekly group run open to all paces covering just under 5 miles with refreshments after. A Snail’s Pace Running Shop (Monrovia) | Tuesday | May 5 | 6PM

🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia at T. Boyle’s Tavern: A weekly trivia night where teams compete for prizes and bragging rights. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday | May 5 | 8PM

😂 Comedy Night for NENO A Fundraiser Benefiting our Unhoused Neighbors in NELA: A comedy fundraiser featuring Joe Wengert and friends. Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Tuesday | May 5 | 8PM

Upcoming Events

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

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 City Council Meeting

The Pasadena City Council will meet tonight at 6PM. Click here to view agenda. City Hall – Council Chamber Room S249 | Monday | May 4 | 6PM

Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting

The Recreation and Parks Commission will be hosting their monthly meeting advising the city council on parks, recreation, and related matters. Click here to view agenda. City Yards – Public Works | Tuesday | May 5 | 6PM

Human Relations Commission Meeting

This monthly meeting focuses on addressing issues of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination in the community. Click here to view agenda. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Tuesday | May 5 | 6:30PM

WEATHER

Monday

62 🌡️ 51 |🌧️70%| 💨 SW 12 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 50 (Good)

Tuesday

63 🌡️ 50 |⛅20%| 💨 SW 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎹 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: A modern jazz trio performing improvisations and original compositions. Jones Coffee Roasters | Monday | May 4 | 9AM

🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: A live classical music performance set among the Rose Garden with solo and duo musicians. The Huntington’s Rose Garden | Monday | May 4 | 1PM

🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: A live jazz performance featuring standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday | May 4 | 6PM – 10PM

🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: A weekly jazz trio performing modern jazz and Latin fusion. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday | May 5 | 8:30AM

🎼 Tuesday Musicale in Concert: A chamber music concert featuring violin, soprano, piano, and string quartet performances. First Church of Christ, Scientist | Tuesday | May 5 | 12:30PM

💃 The Mixx: Salsa Mixx: A night of salsa and bachata with dance lessons followed by social dancing. The Mixx Pasadena | Tuesday | May 5 | 8PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who disregards the Disney-made movie trilogy as part of Star Wars lore.

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