Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. I have big news today!
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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News N’ Roses Acquires IPIC Old Pasadena!
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Pasadena Proclaims Earth Month
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Civic News: LA County Launches “Dine Local” Program for Small Food Businesses
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Restaurant Spotlight: Talon Tap & Wine
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
News N’ Roses Acquires IPIC Old Pasadena
IPIC is my favorite movie theater in Pasadena, so when I saw it was closing its doors after the company filed for bankruptcy, I was honestly pretty sad. I love going to the movies, and it’s hard watching theaters struggle to bring people in for a fun night out with popcorn and a soda.
So… I bought it!
News N’ Roses has officially acquired the IPIC Theater at One Colorado in a last-minute deal to keep it open!
No big changes planned. The reclining seats are staying, the full in-theater dining isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the drinks. And you can still enjoy the delicious Tuna Crispy Rices. The whole experience: showing up early, grabbing a drink, maybe playing a round at the pool table, then settling into a comfortable seat while food comes to you during the movie.
Ryan Gosling once said while visiting JPL during the Project Hail Mary press run, “It’s not your [us movie goers] responsibility to save the movies, it’s ours.” And I respect that. But if there’s even a small chance to make a difference, I’m going to try — for the love of going to the movies.
Still figuring out the details, but more to come soon.
So, if you’ve read this far, I hope you’ve realized by now that this is an April Fool’s joke. But if not…
April Fools! 😂
(although, I wish I could save IPIC).
Pasadena Proclaims Earth Month
Pasadena officially declared April as Earth Month in Monday’s city council meeting. Earth Month is a citywide initiative focused on environmental awareness, sustainability, and community action. While Earth Day is traditionally celebrated on April 22, Earth Month expands that effort into a full lineup of programs designed to help residents learn about environmental issues and take practical steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
Throughout April, the city is hosting a mix of educational, hands-on, and community-driven events that make it easy to get involved. Highlights include:
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Free Compost for Residents (month-long): Pick up nutrient-rich compost at scheduled drop-offs across April.
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Ecological Perspectives on the Eaton Fire (April 4 | Hastings Branch Library): A discussion on wildfire recovery and environmental impact.
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Wiggly Worms & Compost Storytime (April 13 | Santa Catalina Branch Library): A kid-friendly recycling-themed storytime and craft session.
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Arbor Day Tree Planting (April 18 | Villa Park): Volunteer with the city to plant new street trees.
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Earth Day Festival (April 18 | Brookside Park): A larger community event with activities, giveaways, and a goat grazing demonstration.
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Free Transit on Earth Day (April 22): Ride Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride at no cost.
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Stormwater Capture Project Meeting (April 22 | Brookside Golf Club): Learn about and provide input on a major local sustainability project.
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All Abilities Earth Day Program (April 23 | Santa Catalina Branch Library): An inclusive arts and crafts celebration.
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Backyard Composting Workshop (April 25 | Hastings Branch Library): Learn how to turn food scraps into usable soil, with free bins available.
In addition to events, the city is highlighting sustainable local businesses and rolling out new solar rebate programs for homes and businesses. Overall, Earth Month is about making sustainability more approachable, giving residents simple, local ways to take part while reinforcing Pasadena’s long-term environmental goals.
For more information on Earth Month events and programs, click here.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (4/1)
🏛️ Pasadena Rotary Club Weekly Club Meeting with Speaker: Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena: A weekly meeting featuring Mayor Victor Gordo speaking on “How Pasadena Meets the Future.” University Club of Pasadena | Wednesday | April 1 | 12PM
🧩 Escapology Grand Opening (Ticket Giveaway): A grand opening event featuring tours of escape rooms and free player passes for the first 50 visitors. 300 E Colorado Blvd, suite 153 | Wednesday | April 1 | 3PM–4PM
🎵 FREE AFTER-SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM Amplify at Altadena Girls: A free after-school program for girls ages 14–17 focused on songwriting, music production, and collaboration. Pasadena | Wednesday | April 1 | 4PM–5:30PM
🧶 Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: A casual crafting meetup for knitters, crocheters, and anyone looking to create and connect. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Wednesday | April 1 | 6PM–7:30PM
🧵 Sewing With Knit Fabric & Cyanotype Printing: Two creative workshops covering sewing with knit fabrics and cyanotype printing using a historic photographic process. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday | April 1 | 6PM & 8PM
🧠 Trivia Night: A weekly trivia game hosted by Game Night Trivia where teams can test their knowledge. 220 S Raymond Ave, Ste 103 | Wednesday | April 1 | 6PM–8PM
🎶 Wine & Song – Holly Bernt; Jake Manzi with Caleb Rosazza: A live music night featuring performances by Holly Bernt and Jake Manzi with Caleb Rosazza. The Hive | Wednesday | April 1 | 7PM
🎬 THE FUGITIVE on the BIG screen!: A screening of The Fugitive following Richard Kimble’s escape as he searches for the real killer to clear his name. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday | April 1 | 7:30PM
Thursday (4/2)
🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Enjoy free admission with advance reservation during the monthly Free Day. The Huntington | Thursday | April 2 | All Day
🌱 Free Compost for Pasadena Residents: Pasadena residents can pick up free compost throughout April while supplies last. 176 West Dr. | Thursday | April 2 | All Day
🌿 Shadow Hills Nature Journal Club: monthly meet up to draw and observe guided by Terri Mando: A monthly nature journaling meetup focused on observing and recording nature through drawing. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Thursday | April 2 | 9:30AM
🌸 Natural Dye Workshop: A hands-on workshop teaching how to dye fabric using flowers with guidance from Leah Thomas. Descanso Gardens | Thursday | April 2 | 10AM–12PM
🌱 Village Connections: Paint a Pot & Seed Planting: A wellness gathering where participants can paint terracotta pots and plant seeds to take home. Washington Park Community House | Thursday | April 2 | 2PM
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: A weekly market featuring California-grown produce, prepared food vendors, live music, and special events. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | April 2 | 4PM–7PM
✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: A creative writing meetup offering time to write, share work, and connect with other writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday | April 2 | 6PM–8PM
🎭 Opera Production presents “Dido and Aeneas” and “Gianni Schicchi”: A live opera performance featuring works by Henry Purcell and Giacomo Puccini directed by Dr. Anthony Moreno. PCC’s Sexson Auditorium (C 230) | Thursday | April 2 | 7:30PM
🎭 Death of a Salesman: A live production of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play exploring ambition, identity, and the American Dream. A Noise Within | Thursday | April 2 | 7:30PM
Upcoming Events
🥚 Egg Bowl: A spring festival at the Rose Bowl with egg hunts for kids (11AM, 12PM, 1PM), games, crafts, inflatables, food, and an optional Bunny Brunch with a VIP field egg hunt. Rose Bowl Stadium | Saturday | April 4 | 11AM–2PM
🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques and collectibles from over 400 vendors at this large monthly market. Pasadena City College | Sunday | April 5 | 8AM–3PM
🎉 2nd Annual Youth Empowerment Festival: A community festival with carnival games, live performances, wellness experiences, arts and crafts, and an Easter egg hunt for kids and teens. Pasadena City Hall | Saturday | April 4 | 11AM–4PM
🧘 Cats on Mats Yoga: Enjoy 45 minutes of gentle yoga and meditative movement followed by a relaxing cool down surrounded by adoptable cats in Tail Town’s Cat Adoption Lounge. Tail Town Cat Cafe | Sunday | April 5 | 4PM–5PM
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
LA County Launches “Dine Local” Program for Small Food Businesses
LA County just launched Dine Local, a program offering free resources to support small food businesses. Eligible restaurants, food trucks, and cafés can get upgraded card readers, compostable packaging, PPE, hiring support, and help accepting EBT for hot meals through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.
It’s a timely boost as many local spots face rising costs, and the added ability to accept EBT could open up a steady new revenue stream. Businesses can apply through a single online form and choose the support they need.
Commission on the Status of Women Meeting
This monthly meeting advising City Council on issues affecting women across diverse backgrounds and communities takes place tonight. Click here to view agenda. Robinson Park Recreation Center | Wednesday | April 1 | 6PM
Pasadena Rental Housing Board Meeting
The regular meeting of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board overseeing housing policies under Measure H is being hosted tonight at Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Thursday | April 2 | 6PM
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Talon Tap & Wine (Eagle Rock)
by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here or SoundCloud here.
Burger and beer lovers—unite. I’ve got another Peter Dills discovery, and yes, Pasadena, I’m calling this one mine. Just a quick trip over to Talon Tap & Wine and you’ll feel like you just found a hitter nobody else has scouted yet.
This place is a solid leadoff double.
Oh my God—don’t blink or drive too fast, you’ll miss it. And that’s usually where the magic is. My dad built a career on spots like this—the ones you drive by and think, “Should I go in?” That hesitation? That’s your signal. Pull over.
Owned by Tom Anderson—with a background at Parkway Grill—this isn’t some rookie operation. Tom’s been around the league. He knows service, he knows flow, and he knows when to let the game come to him.
Now let’s get to the lineup.
Beer? Deep bench. Some names you know, some you’ve heard whispers about, and a few that might just turn into your new favorite player. You’re not overwhelmed—you’re intrigued. Sit at the bar, ask questions, take a swing. And yes, bring your wine friends… they may not get a hit, but they won’t strike out either.
No official kitchen—but here’s where Talon steals a base. The smash burger on the patio is a clutch performer. Crispy edges, juicy center—no gimmicks, just execution. Sometimes you don’t need a full roster, just a guy who can deliver in the late innings.
The patio? That’s your home field. Dog-friendly, easygoing, and just enough buzz when the game’s on. Baseball nights feel right here. Thursdays and Saturdays, you’ve got a little extra energy—nothing crazy, just a good crowd that knows why they showed up.
Is it a sports bar? Hmmm… if you want it to be, sure. But this isn’t an extra-innings, all-night marathon. Eagle Rock has those. Talon plays a clean nine innings and sends you home happy.
What I like most? It’s authentic. No over-swinging, no trying to be the MVP of the city. Just a well-run spot with experience in the dugout and confidence at the plate.
My dad used to say, “If they’re doing you a favor, leave.” Not here. This place welcomes you like a regular—even if it’s your first at-bat.
Talon Tap & Wine
1353 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock
(323) 274-4369
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
66 🌡️ 52 |🌤️| 💨 SW 9 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 47 (Good)
Thursday
67 🌡️ 50 |🌤️| 💨 S 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: A live jazz performance featuring David Eastlee and his trio playing jazz standards. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | April 1 | 6PM–10PM
🎶 Live Flamenco, Jazz & Latin Fusion at Visionarium with Alfredo Cáceres: A live performance blending flamenco, jazz, and Latin fusion with Alfredo Cáceres. Visionarium Live Italian | Wednesday | April 1 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎶 Wine & Song – Holly Bernt; Jake Manzi with Caleb Rosazza: A live music night featuring performances by Holly Bernt and Jake Manzi with Caleb Rosazza. The Hive | Wednesday | April 1 | 7PM
🎸 Go Kurosawa featuring Sachiko Kanenobu: A live performance by Go Kurosawa with support from Sachiko Kanenobu. Lodge Room | Wednesday | April 1 | 8PM
🎷 World Jazz Night: A live Brazilian jazz performance featuring Mitchell Long on guitar with Lucio Viera and Nando Raio. Club 1881 | Wednesday | April 1 | 8PM–11PM
🎸 Doug MacDonald: A live jazz performance by guitarist Doug MacDonald known for his warm tone and classic jazz style. Edwin Mills | Thursday | April 2 | 6PM–10PM
🎶 Live Music Night at Visionarium Live Italian with Matt Barber: A live music night featuring vocal jazz, pop, and variety performed by Matt Barber. Visionarium Live Italian | Thursday | April 2 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎤 Wallice: A live performance by music artist Wallice. Lodge Room | Thursday | April 2 | 8PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who April fooled you real good today.
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