Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that knows what’s happening before your WhatsApp group chat does.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Celebrate Pasadena’s Black-Owned Businesses This August
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Rose Court Applications Now Open
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Events This Monday & Tuesday
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. If you’re not already following @newsn_roses on Instagram, we’d love to have you there! We also have a Facebook page! The newsletter’s growing quickly, and it’s a fun way to stay connected and keep the local vibes going. Thanks for being part of it!
THE DIGEST
Celebrate Pasadena’s Black-Owned Businesses This August
August is Black Business Month, and there’s no better time to show support for Pasadena’s Black-owned businesses. From restaurants and boutiques to barbershops and bookstores, these local gems are worth celebrating—not just in August, but all year long. Check out the growing list, and if you know a business that should be added, email [email protected]. Established in 2004, Black Business Month is all about recognizing the vital contributions of Black entrepreneurs and helping these businesses thrive.
Rose Court Applications Now Open
If you’re a young woman or student living in the Pasadena area and looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this could be your shot. Applications are now open for the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Rose Court, a local tradition that blends civic engagement, personal growth, and a whole lot of Pasadena pride.
To be eligible, you just need to live or attend school in Pasadena, Eagle Rock, San Gabriel, Highland Park, Alhambra, or nearby. And if you were displaced by the Eaton Fire, don’t worry—you’re still encouraged to apply.
Winners receive a $7,500 scholarship and get to represent Pasadena at some of the city’s most iconic events, including the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing leadership, curiosity, and heart.
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Interviews: Sept 6 & 8
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Rose Court announced: Sept 29
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Parade & Rose Bowl: Jan 1
@NEWSN_ROSES
Eaton Fire Seniors Rebuild Summit
📷@pasadenamayorgordo📍Eaton Fire Seniors Rebuild Summit organized by @community_women_vital_voices.
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday
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🏛️ Guided Tours of Pasadena Senior Center: Curious about what goes on at the Pasadena Senior Center? Take a guided tour and see it for yourself—from art and dance classes to tech labs and more. Monday, August 4 at 12:00PM. A great way to get familiar with one of Pasadena’s most active community hubs.
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🎤 Open Mic Night: Step up or sit back and enjoy as locals share music, poetry, and stories at Altadena Library. Monday, August 4 from 6:00PM–7:30PM. All ages and styles welcome—just bring your voice or your ears.
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🔭 Astronomy on Tap: Grab a drink and your curiosity for this free space-themed night at Dog Haus Biergarten, featuring talks on Titan and supernovae, plus trivia, telescopes, and Q&A with real scientists. Monday, August 4 from 7:30PM–9:30PM.
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👟 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Kick off your week with a casual 4- or 6-mile run through Pasadena. All paces—and pups—welcome. Monday, August 4 at 6:00PM. Meet behind the store for community vibes, gear tests, and a chance at some prizes.
Tuesday
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🛡️ Blair High School’s Viking Days: Get a head start on the school year with Blair’s multi-day event where students can pick up schedules, books, and gear—and sign up for everything from sports to the Parent Portal. Tuesday, August 5 from 8:00AM–3:00PM (see schedule by grade). Families with kids in multiple grades can attend together for convenience.
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🍅 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Load up on fresh fruits, veggies, and farm goods straight from local growers at this midweek market. Tuesday, August 5 from 8:30AM–12:30PM. A great way to support local farmers and taste the difference.
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🚓 National Night Out Pasadena 2025: Meet your local police, firefighters, and city leaders at this annual community event featuring games, giveaways, and neighborhood resources. Tuesday, August 5 from 5:00PM–7:00PM. A fun way to connect and celebrate community spirit.
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🧶 Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: Bring your latest project—or just your curiosity—to this cozy crafting meetup at Octavia’s Bookshelf. Tuesday, August 5 from 6:00PM–7:00PM. Good conversation, creativity, and community, one stitch at a time.
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🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Trivia night is on at T. Boyle’s Tavern! Bring a team or join one there and compete for prizes and bragging rights. Tuesday, August 5 at 8:00PM. Fast-paced, fun, and full of random facts—you’ve got this.
The Biggest Events Later This Week
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🍷 Friday Nights at The Gamble House: Settle in on the lawn for an evening of live music, wine flights from West Altadena Wine & Spirits, and docent-led tours through the historic home’s first floor. Friday, August 8 from 5:30PM–7:30PM. Bring a picnic or grab a slice from Triple Beam—just no outside alcohol or pets.
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🎬 Movies Under the Stars: School of Rock: Rock out under the night sky with this feel-good Jack Black favorite at One Colorado. Saturday, August 9 at 8:30PM (VIP check-in at 7:45PM). Bring blankets and snacks—or go VIP with dinner and perks from IPIC Theatres.
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🎶 Pasadena POPS: The Music of Bond. James Bond.
Experience the iconic scores of 007 under the stars with the Pasadena POPS. Saturday, August 9 at 7:30PM at the LA County Arboretum. Gates open at 5:30PM—perfect for a sunset picnic before the show. -
🔭 Mount Wilson Talks & Telescopes: Planet Nine from Outer Space
Head up the mountain Saturday, August 9 at 5:30PM for a lecture by Caltech astronomer Dr. Mike Brown, co-discoverer of Eris. Then stargaze through the iconic 60- and 100-inch telescopes until 11:30PM. Food truck on site or bring a picnic! -
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Mark your calendars—the second Sunday of the month means vintage heaven at the Rose Bowl. With over 2,500 vendors offering antiques, clothing, art, and more, it’s a goldmine for treasure hunters and bargain lovers. Interested in selling? Call R.G. Canning at (323) 560-7469 to learn how to become a vendor. Sunday, August 10 (VIP entry at 5:00AM, general admission at 9:00AM).
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 City Council Meeting – CANCELED: The regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, August 4 at 6:00PM has been canceled. No rescheduled date has been announced at this time.
🚫 Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting – CANCELED: The regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday, August 5 at 6:00PM has been canceled. No new date has been announced at this time.
Pasadena’s Legislative Policy Committee meets to discuss and guide the city’s legislative priorities. Tuesday, August 5 at 4:30PM. Open to the public—check the website for updates or possible cancellations.
This monthly meeting focuses on promoting equity, inclusion, and community harmony in Pasadena. Tuesday, August 5 at 6:30PM. Open to the public—check the city website for the agenda or any last-minute changes.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
87 🌡️ 64 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 56 (Moderate)
Tuesday
88 🌡️ 66 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start your week with live jazz at Jones Coffee Roasters, where this Pasadena-based trio blends classic swing, blues, gospel, and funk. Monday, August 4 at 9:00AM. A smooth, soulful backdrop to your morning brew.
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🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Unwind with jazz standards, Brazilian grooves, and original tunes from guitar great Riner Scivally and his trio. Monday, August 4 from 6:00PM–10:00PM. A smooth, skillful set in the heart of Old Pasadena.
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🎹 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Kick off your Tuesday with a live set of modern jazz and Latin fusion led by pianist Matt Politano. Tuesday, August 5 at 8:30AM at Jones Coffee Roasters. Smooth sounds, strong coffee—what more do you need?
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🎧 Night Vale Composer Disparition Performs Rare Solo Set at Visionarium: Known for scoring Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead, Disparition brings his eerie, ambient sound to a rare solo show in South Pasadena. Tuesday, August 5 at 7:00PM. Expect immersive electronics, haunting synths, and a one-of-a-kind sonic experience.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who loves to take daily naps. 💤
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