Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that finds the story between City Hall speeches and sidewalk chatter.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena Outlines Economic Game Plan for the 2028 Olympics
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Thousands Gather at Pasadena City Hall for Peaceful “No Kings Day” Rally
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy birthday to my little sister Sarah! 🎂
And to my friend Gio! 🎉
🎃THE DIGEST
Pasadena Outlines Economic Game Plan for the 2028 Olympics
Pasadena’s business leaders are gearing up for the 2028 Olympics—and tomorrow, they’re coming together to talk strategy.
The Pasadena Business and Economic Summit takes place tomorrow, Oct. 21, at Brookside Golf Club, bringing together city officials, local executives, and venue leaders to discuss how Pasadena can make the most of the upcoming Games.
You can expect insights from Veronica Pugin of the LA County Economic Development Corporation, plus a panel featuring leaders from the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena Convention Center, and Santa Anita Park—three key venues that will play major roles in 2028. Mayor Victor Gordo is expected to welcome attendees
If you’re interested in attending, tickets are $90 and includes lunch. You can register at pasadena-chamber.org.
Thousands Gather at Pasadena City Hall for Peaceful “No Kings Day” Rally
Thousands gathered at Pasadena City Hall on Saturday for the “No Kings Day” rally, one of more than 2,500 demonstrations held nationwide. Organized by Indivisible San Gabriel Valley, the event featured live music from local band The NextDoors, speeches, and a peaceful march through Old Pasadena.
Speakers included Rep. Judy Chu, State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, Mayor Victor Gordo, and other community leaders, who called for civic engagement and unity. Participants carried handmade signs, waved flags, and joined together in singing America the Beautiful to close the day.
The demonstration emphasized community, democracy, and peaceful participation, drawing families, students, and longtime residents to City Hall for a day of solidarity and reflection. I’m really proud of our community for showing up, speaking out, and reminding everyone that government should work for the people—and that our voices matter.
WHAT’S HAPPENING👻
Monday
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🍰 Authentic Italian Cooking Demonstration: Join Chef Catiuscia of Pasadena’s Delizie Romane for a hands-on tiramisu lesson and a taste of true Roman hospitality during Italian American Heritage Month. Monday, October 20 from 1–2PM.
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🎃 Pumpkin Composting & Fall Fun with LA Compost: Give your pumpkins a second life! Learn how to compost, save seeds, and explore fun, eco-friendly fall activities with the Altadena Library and LA Compost. Monday, October 20 at 4PM.
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🎓 PUSD College & Career Fair: Discover Your Path: High schoolers and families can meet college reps, explore career options, and get answers about majors, student life, and financial aid at the Pasadena Convention Center. Monday, October 20 from 4–7PM.
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👟 Monday Fun Run: Lace up and join Pasadena’s running community for an easygoing 4- or 6-mile run with prizes, shoe demos, and plenty of good vibes—dogs welcome too! Monday, October 20 at 6PM.
Tuesday
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🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, local produce and meet the farmers who grow your food at this weekly Pasadena favorite—plus enjoy jams, jellies, fish, and more straight from local vendors. Tuesday, October 21 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
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🏙️ 2025 Business and Economic Summit: Join Pasadena’s business and civic leaders at Brookside Golf Club for a lively discussion on the city’s economic outlook, emerging trends, and the future of local industry. Tuesday, October 21 at 11:30AM.
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💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring: Get expert, one-on-one advice from seasoned business mentors to help you launch, grow, or refine your small business at the Pasadena Library. Tuesday, October 21 at 1PM.
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🎭 Fall 2025 Masters Series – Pasadena Playhouse: A Dream on a Dime: Discover the fascinating history of the Pasadena Playhouse—from its humble beginnings to Tony Award-winning success—in this engaging talk by archivist Ross Clark. Tuesday, October 21 from 2–4PM at the Pasadena Senior Center.
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🚶♀️ Walktober Sunset Stroll: Take a scenic evening walk through the charming Pasadena and San Marino neighborhoods with Pasadena Village and Day One—perfect for enjoying fall weather and great company. Tuesday, October 21 at 4:15PM.
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🌌 Carnegie Science Observatories Lecture Series at PCC: Explore the wonders of the universe with Carnegie scientists as they share the latest discoveries in astronomy and physics—followed by guided stargazing (weather permitting). Tuesday, October 21 from 6:15–7:30PM.
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🧭 Distinguished Speaker Series: Ella Al-Shamahi: Join National Geographic Explorer and stand-up comedian Ella Al-Shamahi as she shares her adventures unearthing fossils in some of the world’s most dangerous places—and how science and humor connect us all. Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30PM.
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🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Grab your friends, a pint, and your best random facts for a night of laughs and friendly competition at T. Boyle’s weekly trivia showdown. Tuesday, October 21 at 8PM.
Save the Date
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🌠 What Can Molecules Reveal About the Process That Started Our Universe?: Caltech physicist Nick Hutzler (BS ’07) explores one of science’s biggest mysteries—how matter itself came to exist—followed by preshow mingling, music, and concessions. Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30PM.
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🖌️ LightBox Expo: Dive into a world of creativity at this three-day celebration of art and imagination—where artists, animators, and storytellers from Disney, Netflix, and beyond come together to share, teach, and inspire. Friday–Sunday, October 24–26.
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🐾 Bark in the Park: Howl-o-ween: Bring your furry friends for a tail-wagging Halloween celebration featuring a pup parade, treat stations, and plenty of adorable costumes. It’s the cutest event of the season! Sunday, October 26 from 11AM–2PM.
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💀 Día de los Muertos at Villa Parke: Celebrate life, love, and remembrance with vibrant ofrendas, folklórico dance, art, and community spirit at this annual Pasadena tradition. Friday, October 24 from 5–9PM.
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🎃 Boo Bash with the Badge – Trunk or Treat Halloween Extravaganza: Celebrate Halloween with the Pasadena Police Department at this family-friendly “Trunk or Treat” filled with decorated police vehicles, games, music, and loads of candy. Come in costume and enjoy a safe, spooky night in the heart of Pasadena. Thursday, October 30 from 4–7PM.
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
Pasadena Launches Storefront Revitalization Program
Pasadena is launching a new Commercial Façade Improvement Program to help small businesses freshen up their storefronts and boost downtown vitality. Starting Nov. 3, local businesses can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for exterior upgrades like new signs, lighting, paint, and windows.
The city has set aside $200,500 to support about ten businesses in eligible areas. Applications close Nov. 30, and selected businesses will begin improvements early next year.
The goal: to make Pasadena’s commercial corridors more inviting, vibrant, and walkable—one storefront at a time.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍂
Monday
81 🌡️ 61 🌤️| 💨 W 2 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 38 (Good)
Tuesday
79 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 S 4 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🕷️LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s blooming Rose Garden as live classical music from Pasadena Conservatory musicians fills the air — a perfect blend of nature and melody. Monday, October 20 at 1PM.
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🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Start your morning with smooth jazz and Latin fusion at Jones Coffee, featuring pianist Matt Politano and friends in an intimate café setting. Tuesday, October 21 at 8:30AM.
THANKS!🕸️
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s already doing Christmas shopping. 🙄
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