Pasadena’s Heating Up—So Are the Upgrades

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as cool as the blast of AC from an open shop door on Colorado Blvd in the middle of a scorcher.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• New Well, New Courts: Villa Parke Gets a Double Upgrade

• Cheesesteaks by Matū Is Bringing Wagyu to Pasadena

• Fast Fiber, Fewer Headaches

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Civil News

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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Happy Birthday Chris LaBorde! 🎂

THE DIGEST

New Well, New Courts: Villa Parke Gets a Double Upgrade

Pasadena just wrapped up a two-for-one community boost at Villa Parke. Mayor Victor Gordo and Vice Mayor Jess Rivas helped cut the ribbon on a brand new groundwater well and newly resurfaced basketball courts.

The Parke Groundwater Well, which replaces the old Garfield Well after more than a century, goes down about 820 feet and can pump 1,500 gallons per minute—helping keep our city’s water supply resilient for years to come. Pasadena Water and Power started the project during the pandemic, and after a few phases (including installing new court lights and fixing up the turf and irrigation), the whole thing is now complete.

PWP and the Parks Department teamed up on this one, blending long-term sustainability with much-needed recreational upgrades. Now we’ve got better water and better pickup games.

Cheesesteaks by Matū Is Bringing Wagyu to Pasadena

The team behind Matū and Matū Kai is opening a new fast-casual concept in Pasadena this fall: Cheesesteaks by Matū. Located at 625 E. Colorado Blvd, it’ll share space with HiHo Cheeseburger, but operate with its own kitchen, team, and menu.

This new spot keeps it simple—just two things on the menu: the signature Matū Cheesesteak and potato chips. Each sandwich is made one at a time using 100% grass-fed and finished Wagyu beef from New Zealand’s First Light Farms, layered with Cooper Sharp cheese on a seeded, par-baked bun finished in-house.

The concept started as a one-night-only pop-up in 2022 and quickly became a hit, eventually launching as a full lunch item. Now it’s expanding to Pasadena and Calabasas, driven by demand from fans willing to cross the city just to get their hands on one. Once it opens later this fall, I’ll check it out and let you know how it is.

Fast Fiber, Fewer Headaches

Pasadena just tested a new fiber optic installation method that could save time and your street. Partnering with Crown Castle, the city used “Rapid Connect Trenching” to lay 1,440 feet of fiber along Hammond Street—in just two days. Traditional installs take a week and leave behind messy asphalt patches.

This new method slices a narrow slot in the pavement, drops in the cable, and seals it clean. It’s quicker, less disruptive, and keeps more of the road intact. Public Works sees big potential as Crown Castle plans more installs across Pasadena to boost broadband and fix spotty cell service. If the pilot holds up, faster internet might come with fewer cones and detours. Pasadena’s finally getting fiber-optic internet we can count on.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🤝 Pasadena Chamber Luncheon Alliance: Connect with local professionals over lunch at Fogo de Chão during the Chamber’s monthly networking event. Wednesday, August 6 at 11:30AM. Advance registration required—no walk-ins allowed. Food and drink not included in registration fee.

• 🌸 Create & Bloom: A Floral Arrangement Workshop: Brighten your day with fresh flowers and hands-on fun at this cheerful workshop at the Pasadena Senior Center. Wednesday, August 6 at 11:00AM. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and register in advance to save your spot.

• 🎨🧵 Evening Workshops at Remainders: Boxy Tops or Watercolor Florals: Choose your creative path at Remainders with two hands-on classes happening side by side. Sew your own oversized, gender-inclusive Boxy Top (intermediate level, all materials provided), or explore Mixed Media Watercolor, where you’ll paint vases and blooms with a blend of watercolor and delicate detail. Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00PM. Both classes are $30 and include all supplies—just bring your creativity.

Thursday

• 🍑 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll beneath the trees near the Gold Line and shop fresh California-grown produce, enjoy live music, and grab dinner from local vendors. Thursday, August 7 from 4:00PM–7:00PM. A perfect summer evening outing with neighborhood charm.

• 🌸 Crafted Connections: Make an Arrangement With Us: Neighbors & Friends is turning into a floral studio for the night—and you get to walk out with your own dried flower arrangement. Expect color, wine, and that perfect “girl dinner” energy, all wrapped up in a cozy, creative evening. Thursday, August 7 at 6:00PM.

• 🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Think trivia night without the pressure—just games, prizes, and a lot of laughs. Expect word jumbles, picture rounds, and other twists inspired by your favorite game shows. Thursday, August 7 at 6PM.

• 🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Want to get better at public speaking without the pressure? This meetup at Crowell Library is a low-key way to build confidence and sharpen your speaking skills, whether you’re prepping for a big toast or just want to feel less awkward in meetings. Thursday, August 7 at 6:15PM.

• 🥾 Thursday Evening Conditioning Hike, La Cañada Flintridge: Looking to get your heart rate up with a side of sweeping city views? This moderate 5-mile hike up Earl Canyon Motorway serves up a solid climb and a golden-hour skyline. Headlamp and grit required. Thursday, August 7 at 6:45PM.

• 🧘 Yoga in Pasadena: Wind down your Thursday with a peaceful hour of breathwork, meditation, and inner stillness—led by longtime Altadena yogi Jyoti. No poses, no pressure—just calm in a chaotic world. Thursday, August 7 from 7:00PM–8:00PM.

• 📸 Street Photography at Night Meetup: The city transforms after dark—and so does your camera. This hands-on photo walk explores how to work with low light, shadows, and movement to capture compelling nighttime shots. Great for all levels, with tips on everything from slow shutter speed to creative composition. Thursday, August 7 from 8:00PM–10:00PM.

The Biggest Events Later This Week

• 🍷 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.

• 🎬 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.

• 🎶 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 Braces for a Heat Wave—Here’s What to Know

With temps heading into the 90s this week, the City of Pasadena is rolling out heat safety measures and fire prevention tips to keep everyone cool, hydrated, and safe. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors during peak hours, drink water, and keep an eye on neighbors—especially older adults or anyone without A/C.

Fire danger is also up, so the Pasadena Fire Department is reminding folks to clear dry brush around homes, clean out gutters, and properly dispose of cigarettes and charcoal. Bonus points for switching to fire-resistant landscaping.

Need to cool off? Head to a library or community center. And if you’re walking pets, keep it to early mornings or evenings when sidewalks won’t scorch paws. Pasadena Water & Power is asking residents to conserve energy where possible—think fans over A/C when you can, unplug electronics, and limit big appliance use between 4–9 p.m.

For more info, check city alerts and PWP. Emergencies? Call (626) 744-4673 for power or (626) 744-4138 for water.

Commission on the Status of Women Meeting

The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of Pasadena’s Commission on the Status of Women, where members advise City Council on issues impacting women across the community. Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00PM. Meeting details and agenda available online; subject to cancellation.

Pasadena Rental Housing Board Meeting

City Hall’s Council Chambers will host the latest Rental Housing Board meeting—where rent control, tenant protections, and housing policy are all on the table. If you’re a renter or landlord in Pasadena, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. Thursday, August 7 at 6:00PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

91 🌡️ 64 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 73 (Moderate)

Thursday

95 🌡️ 71 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 Music at Noon: Riner Scivally Trio: Enjoy a midday break with smooth jazz from guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio, live at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Wednesday, August 6 from 12:10PM–12:40PM. Free, relaxing, and right in the heart of town.

• 🎐 Music in the Chinese Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s Garden of Flowing Fragrance while listening to live, traditional Chinese music played on classical instruments like the dizi, pipa, and erhu. Wednesday, August 6 from 1:00PM–3:00PM. A peaceful midweek escape in one of Pasadena’s most stunning settings.

• 🍷 Winedown Wednesdays at Anayas Restaurant: Unwind midweek with live music by Rodrigo, great food, and a curated wine list at Anayas Restaurant & Bar. Wednesday, August 6 at 7:00PM. Reservations recommended for the full experience.

• 🎷 Jumpin Joz Band at Edwin Mills: Big horns, vintage vibes, and plenty of swing—Jumpin Joz brings a high-energy blend of jazz, jump blues, and early rock ‘n’ roll that’ll have your feet tapping (or dancing). Think Sinatra meets Ray Charles, live in Old Pasadena. Wednesday, August 6 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎸 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: Settle in for a night of warm notes and cool swing with jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald. A true journeyman of the West Coast scene, MacDonald brings decades of experience—and that rare, effortless touch that only comes with time. Thursday, August 7 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎹 Live Entertainment at The Tap Room: Kick back with a cocktail and soak in the vintage jazz vibes. This Thursday features Christopher Linman bringing cool, straight-ahead piano classics from the golden era. Thursday, August 7 from 8:00PM–11:00PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who still uses dial-up internet. I can’t believe they still sell dial-up service.🌐

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