Olympic Diving to Return to Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. It’s official: Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Aquatic Center will host the 2028 Olympics Diving events!

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Olympic Diving Returns to Pasadena

• JPL Rover Finds Clues of Ancient Mars Life

• Events This Weekend

• Civil News: Rabid Bat Found in Pasadena

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Olympic Diving Returns to Pasadena

It’s official: the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) will host Olympic diving during the 2028 Summer Games! LA28 just approved the venue switch, putting Pasadena back on the Olympic map.

The Rose Bowl Aquatic Center was originally built with leftover funds from the 1984 Olympics, so this feels like a full-circle moment. RBAC says it’s about more than the Games — it’s about strengthening their mission for water safety, aquatics, and wellness for the whole community. Regular programs like lap swimming and fitness classes will continue, while Pasadena prepares to shine on the global stage.

Mayor Victor Gordo called it “a tremendous win for Pasadena,” and RBAC’s executive director Melanie Sauer said the Games will inspire a new generation of local kids and families. Plenty more details (and chances to celebrate) will come as the Games get closer, but one thing’s clear: Olympic diving is coming home to Pasadena!

JPL Rover Finds Clues of Ancient Mars Life

Big space news from right here in Pasadena: NASA’s Perseverance rover, managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), has collected a rock sample that may hold the strongest evidence yet of ancient life on Mars.

The sample, nicknamed “Sapphire Canyon,” was found in Jezero Crater and shows mineral patterns that could be biosignatures; possible fingerprints of past microbial life. While scientists caution that more research is needed, NASA calls this “the closest we’ve ever come to discovering life on Mars.”

Launched in 2020 and landing in 2021, Perseverance has been exploring an ancient river valley. The new findings just published in Nature are a huge step in the ongoing search for whether Mars once hosted life.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

This Weekend

• 🎶 Made in Memphis | MUSE/IQUE: A powerful celebration of the soul music born in Memphis—where voices like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, and Isaac Hayes turned songs into anthems of resilience and change. Friday, 7:30 pm | Saturday, 7:30 pm | Sunday, 7:30 pm

  

• 🌀 Caltech Tai Chi Club: End your week with a calming tai chi session—Hao- and Yang-style forms taught in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. Open to all skill levels, with beginners encouraged. Friday, September 12 at 7PM.

Friday

• 🌹 South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Yard Sale: Treasure hunting with a purpose—this two-day community yard sale helps fund South Pasadena’s beloved self-built Rose Parade float. Every purchase goes toward keeping a century-old tradition rolling down Colorado Boulevard. Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13 from 8AM–4PM.

• ⌨️ Analog Hangout with Typewriters Anonymous: Step away from screens and rediscover the rhythm of typewriter keys—perfect for letter writing, poetry, or simply creating for the joy of it. A relaxed evening of reflection and shared moments. Friday, September 12 at 7PM.

• 🎭 Eureka Day at Pasadena Playhouse: A Berkeley school in crisis becomes the backdrop for Jonathan Spector’s Tony-winning satire—a sharp, laugh-filled look at consensus politics gone sideways. Friday, September 12 at 8PM.

• 🏈 UCLA vs. New Mexico at the Rose Bowl: The Bruins take the field under the lights in Pasadena, facing off against the New Mexico Lobos in an early-season matchup at the iconic Rose Bowl. Friday, September 12 at 7PM.

Saturday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Fresh-picked produce, local goods, and a chance to buy straight from the farmers who grow your food—Victory Park is buzzing every Saturday morning with seasonal flavors and community spirit. Saturday, September 13 from 8AM–12PM.

• 🌹 South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Yard Sale: Treasure hunting with a purpose—this two-day community yard sale helps fund South Pasadena’s beloved self-built Rose Parade float. Every purchase goes toward keeping a century-old tradition rolling down Colorado Boulevard. Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13 from 8AM–4PM.

• 💪 The Courtyard Series: Fitness with Vuori: One Colorado’s courtyard turns into a wellness space with an energizing Saturday morning workout—bring your mat, water, and sneakers for a refreshing start to the weekend. Saturday, September 13 from 9AM–10AM.

• 🐾 Puppy Yoga at The Langham: Stretch, breathe, and laugh your way through a yoga class surrounded by playful, adoptable pups—an hour of pure joy with a purpose. Saturday, September 13 from 10:30AM–11:30AM.

• 🚀 Build a Space Colony: With guidance from a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, kids and families can dream up what it takes to live on another planet—designing model colonies that cover everything from food to power. Saturday, September 13 from 10:30AM–12PM.

• 📚 Octavia E. Butler Science Fiction Book Club: La Pintoresca Branch brings readers together to explore visionary sci-fi—this month dives into The Last Cuentista at Octavia E. Butler Magnet School with community partners in the mix. Saturday, September 13 from 11AM–12:30PM.

• 🛍️ SoCal Etsy Guild Market Pasadena: The Paseo fills with local makers showcasing art, crafts, and design—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind finds and supporting small businesses. Saturday, September 13 from 12PM–7PM.

• 🔭 Talks & Telescopes: Lia Halloran: Artist and Chapman professor Lia Halloran shares how astronomy, archives, and overlooked voices in science inspire her work—followed by a night of stargazing through Mt. Wilson’s historic telescopes. Saturday, September 13 at 5:30PM.

• 🌟 Huntington Ball 2025: The Huntington’s premier fundraising gala transforms the grounds into a speakeasy-inspired evening of cocktails, dinner on the Library Lawn, and dancing late into the night—all in support of its world-renowned collections and mission. Saturday, September 13 at 6:30PM.

• 🎨🐱 Whiskers & Watercolors at Tail Town Cat Café: Settle in with a brush, a palette, and plenty of feline company as you paint your own “meowsterpiece” during this cat-themed watercolor night. Saturday, September 13 at 6PM.

• 🌙 Descanso After Dark: The gardens transform after sunset with night hikes, stargazing, insect encounters, and even a silent disco—an evening of nature and curiosity under the stars. Saturday, September 13 from 7PM–10PM.

• 🎷 Live Rooftop Jazz with the Karolyn Dudro Quartet: Soak up the South Pasadena night sky with Karolyn Dudro’s soulful vocals backed by a top-tier quartet. Expect smooth jazz, bossa nova, and fresh spins on pop favorites—all from a rooftop setting made for music lovers. Saturday, September 13 from 7:00PM–9:30PM.

Sunday

• 🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: The legendary flea takes over the Rose Bowl every second Sunday with more than 2,500 vendors—think antiques, vintage fashion, art, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Sunday, September 14 from 9AM–3PM.

• 🌿 Yoga and Sounds in the Garden: Qur’an Shaheed leads an outdoor flow at Arlington Garden, blending movement, breath, and live music into a restorative sound journey under the trees. Sunday, September 14 at 12PM.

• 🎻 Old Time Americana with Natalie Brejcha: A family-friendly jam at Pasadena Conservatory of Music—folk tunes, sing-alongs, and rhythms rooted in Americana tradition, all led by Natalie Brejcha. Sunday, September 14 at 12PM.

• 📖 The Gamble House Book Club: Dust Jacket Journeys: Conversations at the intersection of architecture, art, and identity—this quarter’s selection, Everything is Tuberculosis, invites readers to explore the history and inequities tied to the disease. Sunday, September 14 at 2PM.

• 🎼 Restoration Concert Series: Tesserae Baroque Ensemble: Period instruments and spirited interpretations bring 17th- and 18th-century music to life as Tesserae opens the 30th anniversary season in the historic South Pasadena Library Community Room. Sunday, September 14 at 4PM.

Save the Date

• 📚 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.

• 🏊 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

Rabid Bat Found in Pasadena

Pasadena Public Health reported the first rabid bat of 2025 near S. San Rafael Ave. and Nithsdale Rd. The risk to the public is low, but officials are reminding everyone: don’t touch bats.

Key safety tips:

• Never handle bats with bare hands

• Report injured, ill, or dead bats to Pasadena Humane at (626) 792-7151

• If you or your pet have contact with a bat, wash the area right away and seek medical care

Rabies is rare but very serious, so it’s best to keep your distance from bats and other wild animals.

710 Stub Community Workshop

The City of Pasadena is hosting its third community workshop on the future of the former 710 freeway stub this Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Friendship Pasadena Church (80 W. Dayton St.).

City officials will share updated design concepts, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Interpretation services will be available on request, and yes — there will be refreshments.

This workshop is part of the Reconnecting Pasadena initiative, which is all about healing the divide left by the 710 construction in the 1970s and shaping what the reclaimed land will become.

RSVPs are encouraged but not required.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

80 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 26 (Good)

Saturday

81 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 SE 6 mph

Sunday

785 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 SW 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 Made in Memphis | MUSE/IQUE: A powerful celebration of the soul music born in Memphis—where voices like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, and Isaac Hayes turned songs into anthems of resilience and change.
  Friday, 7:30 pm | Saturday, 7:30 pm | Sunday, 7:30 pm

• 🎸 Daryl Darden at Edwin Mills: A seasoned LA guitarist with a soulful blend of jazz and blues, Daryl Darden brings rich tone and effortless groove to a long, easy-flowing set. Friday, September 12 from 7PM–11PM.

• 🎷 Live Rooftop Jazz with the Karolyn Dudro Quartet: Soak up the South Pasadena night sky with Karolyn Dudro’s soulful vocals backed by a top-tier quartet. Expect smooth jazz, bossa nova, and fresh spins on pop favorites—all from a rooftop setting made for music lovers. Saturday, September 13 from 7:00PM–9:30PM.

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds at Jones Coffee: A local favorite with a classic jazz sound, Jenny & The Jazz Birds bring smooth grooves and a touch of funk to your Saturday morning coffee run. Saturday, September 13 at 10AM.

• 🎤 Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys at Edwin Mills: Step into the golden age of jazz with Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys as they bring the Great American Songbook to life—timeless standards from the 1920s through the ’60s. Saturday, September 13 from 7PM–11PM.

• 🎹 The Gold Line Jazz Collective at Jones Coffee: Led by pianist Hank Mehren, this ever-evolving group brings cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion to your Sunday morning coffee ritual. Sunday, September 14 at 10AM.

• 🎶 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser bring their tight-knit duo sound to Jones Coffee, mixing jazz classics with originals in a set that’s as eclectic as it is effortless. Sunday, September 14 at 2PM.

• 🎹 Piano Bar at Stone Brewing Pasadena: An all-request piano show where anything goes—Journey, Elton John, even Snoop Dogg—served up with craft brews in a laid-back, family- and dog-friendly taproom. Sunday, September 14 from 3PM–6PM.

• 🎼 Restoration Concert Series: Tesserae Baroque Ensemble: Period instruments and spirited interpretations bring 17th- and 18th-century music to life as Tesserae opens the 30th anniversary season in the historic South Pasadena Library Community Room. Sunday, September 14 at 4PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s never made it on an Olympic team. That should be most of us, if not all of us. Share it with all of Pasadena!

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