Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena Using Goats to Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
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Pasadena to Hold Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Civic News
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Pasadena Minimum Wage Increasing to $18.57
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Restaurant Spotlight
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Mother’s Day in Pasadena: A Table for Every Mom by Peter Dills
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy birthday Hank! 🎂
A MESSAGE FROM SANTA ANITA PARK
Santa Anita Park isn’t just for race days. From elegant weddings and galas to corporate events, birthday celebrations, and private parties, this iconic Arcadia venue offers one of the most unique event settings in Southern California. With stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains, historic Art Deco spaces, lush gardens, and customizable indoor and outdoor venues, Santa Anita creates unforgettable experiences for groups of all sizes. Their experienced events team and in-house culinary staff help bring every detail to life, whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a large-scale celebration. Learn more about hosting your next event at Santa Anita Park.
THE DIGEST
Pasadena Using Goats to Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
You may have heard (or seen): about 600 goats have been roaming the Arroyo Seco since last month as part of a wildfire prevention effort aimed at clearing dry, fire-prone vegetation across nearly 100 acres of natural parkland.
The goats are expected to continue grazing through the next couple of months, with electrified fencing being used to keep the herd contained as they move through the area.
This pilot program covers nearly 100 acres and is designed to reduce wildfire risk through targeted grazing rather than traditional clearing equipment. City officials say the environmentally friendly approach could become an annual partnership if successful.
The project is funded through the Pasadena and the One Arroyo Foundation, which is also running a “Goat-Fund-Me” campaign allowing supporters to sponsor acreage or even name a goat.
The idea is simple: goats can access steep terrain and dense brush that machinery often can’t reach. As they graze, they help reduce vegetation that could fuel future fires while naturally returning nutrients back into the soil.
Pasadena to Hold Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Pasadena will host its annual Memorial Day Remembrance on Monday, May 25 at 10:30AM at Memorial Park, honoring members of the military who lost their lives in service.
This year’s ceremony will recognize by name 320 Pasadena community members who died in conflicts since World War I. The event will also include a Condor Squadron Missing Man Formation flyover, a 21-gun salute by the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, and a flag presentation to a Gold Star family.
Lt. Colonel Steven Uziel of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines will serve as keynote speaker, with local cadets from Blair High School JROTC and the Pasadena Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps participating in the ceremony.
The public is invited to attend. Click here for more information.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (5/6)
🧵 Community Open Studio & Needlework Meetup: An open creative studio night with tools, supplies, and a meetup for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other needlework projects. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Wednesday | May 6 | 6PM – 8PM
🧠 Trivia Night: Weekly trivia hosted by Game Night Trivia where teams compete over drinks and brewery bites. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | May 6 | 6PM – 8PM
🎭 Exit the King: A darkly comedic play about a king confronting mortality in his final days. A Noise Within | Wednesday | May 6 | 7:30PM
📚 Davin Malasarn discusses & signs The Outer Country: Davin Malasarn discusses and signs his debut novel about family, identity, and separation across continents. Vroman’s Bookstore | Wednesday | May 6 | 7PM
🎬 300 on the BIG screen!: Regency Academy 6 hosts a Flashback Wednesday screening of 300, following King Leonidas and the Spartans in the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday | May 6 | 7:30PM
😂 Netflix Is A Joke Presents: Drew Lynch & Sheryl Underwood: Drew Lynch and Sheryl Underwood perform live as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Fest at the Ice House. The Ice House Comedy Club | Wednesday | May 6 | 7:30PM
Thursday (5/7)
🙏 53rd Annual Pasadena Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast: A community gathering featuring reflection, conversation, and a keynote address from California Community Foundation CEO Miguel A. Santana. Pasadena Convention Center, Hall C | Thursday | May 7 | 7:30AM – 9AM
🌿 Shadow Hills Nature Journal Club: A monthly nature journaling meetup focused on observing and recording the natural world through art and curiosity. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Thursday | May 7 | 9:30AM
🛍️ Timeless Treasures Mother’s Day Sale!: A boutique-style sale featuring jewelry, handbags, and unique gifts. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday | May 7 | 9AM – 11AM
🏊 RBAC Water Safety Day: A community event focused on water safety awareness featuring treading activities, fitness classes, and a water safety social. Join its pledge to tread anytime between 10am – 4 pm, jump in, tread water, and show your support for water safety. From 12:30 -1:30 pm, take part in our “Treading Tunes” water fitness class, then stick around from 1:30 -3:30 pm for our Community Water Safety Social. Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) | Thursday | May 7 | Various Times
🎨 Annual Grand Art Critique: A panel of California Art Club artists reviews anonymously submitted artwork and offers constructive feedback. The Maxwell House | Thursday | May 7 | 1PM – 4PM
🏛️ Wrigley Mansion House Tour: A free guided tour exploring the history of Tournament House and the Tournament of Roses. Tournament of Roses Wrigley Mansion | Thursday | May 7 | 2PM
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: An award-winning weekly farmers’ market featuring California-grown produce, prepared food vendors, and live music. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | May 7 | 4PM – 8PM
🌸 Blooms & Bubbles Event: Sip drinks while creating your own take-home bouquet ahead of Mother’s Day at this floral arranging event. MorningStar Pasadena Independent Living | Thursday | May 7 | 4:30PM – 5:30PM
🇫🇷 Alliance Française de Pasadena Hosts “Tribute to Julia Child” Cooking Class & Fundraiser: A hands-on French cooking class and fundraiser honoring Julia Child with dinner, wine, and conversation. Sauté Culinary Academy | Thursday | May 7 | 6PM – 9PM
🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: A public speaking meetup where participants practice short speeches and build confidence. Crowell’s Thornton Conference Room | Thursday | May 7 | 6PM
🎭 Exit the King: A darkly comedic play about a king confronting mortality in his final days. A Noise Within | Thursday | May 7 | 7:30PM
📚 Nicole Maggi discusses & signs Lost in Yellowstone: A National Park Mystery Volume 2: Nicole Maggi discusses her mystery novel set in Yellowstone National Park in conversation with Ravina Garber. Vroman’s Bookstore | Thursday | May 7 | 7PM
💃 LindyGroove 25th Anniversary Celebration: LindyGroove celebrates its 25th anniversary with live music from Jonathan Stout and His Campus Five featuring Hilary Alexander and a social dance night. LindyGroove | Thursday | May 7 | 9PM – 11:59PM
Upcoming Events
🏛️ Museums of the Arroyo Day: Five museums across Pasadena and Los Angeles will offer free admission for an afternoon of architecture, history, cultural events, and family activities. Participating museums include The Gamble House, Heritage Square, Los Angeles Police Museum, Lummis Home, and Pasadena Museum of History. Museums of the Arroyo | Sunday | May 31 | 12PM – 4PM
Upcoming events are added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!
*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
Pasadena Minimum Wage Increasing to $18.57
The Pasadena minimum wage will increase from $18.04 to $18.57 per hour beginning July 1, 2026, applying to all employers regardless of size. The increase is tied to Pasadena’s local minimum wage ordinance, which adjusts annually based on inflation. The updated rate will remain in place through June 30, 2027. One exception remains fast-food chains covered under California’s statewide fast-food law, which requires qualifying restaurants to pay at least $20 per hour.
Commission on the Status of Women Meeting
A monthly meeting advising the City Council on issues affecting women across the community will be held tonight at Robinson Park Recreation Center. Click here to view agenda. Robinson Park Recreation Center | Wednesday | May 6 | 6PM
Rental Board Meeting Canceled
The May 7 Rental Board meeting has been canceled due to City Council use of the chamber, with the next meeting scheduled for May 21.
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Mother’s Day in Pasadena: A Table for Every Mom
by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here or SoundCloud here.
Mother’s Day isn’t complicated—but it is important. My mother, Rosemary, never asked for much. A card, a little time, and a good conversation. That said, if you’re going out, let’s do it right.
Here’s your no-nonsense guide to Mother’s Day in Pasadena—whether it’s a table for two or the whole family.
Table for 2 – Kabuki Japanese Restaurant Pasadena
If Mom loves sushi, Kabuki on Colorado Boulevard delivers. A mix of locals and in-the-know diners keeps this place honest. Sit at the sushi bar if you can and let the chef guide you.
Note: No Happy Hour on Mother’s Day. Plan for the full menu—and it’s worth it.
Casual & Family-Friendly – Dog Haus Biergarten Pasadena
Not every mom wants a formal dining room. Dog Haus is lively, easy, and perfect for families. Gourmet sausages, burgers, and a relaxed vibe make this a solid choice.
Peterism: Not every celebration needs a tuxedo.
Upscale Experience – Yakiya Japanese Steakhouse
If you want to impress, this is your move. Yakiya is offering a prix-fixe Mother’s Day experience with premium A5 Japanese and American Wagyu, seafood, and tableside grilling. Every mom receives a complimentary Strawberry Guava Spritz with Vanilla Cream Top, setting the tone from the first sip.
Lunch and dinner seatings are available, but reservations are filling fast.
Outdoor & Festive – Casa Del Rey Sierra Madre
For sunshine and margaritas, Casa Del Rey in Sierra Madre hits the mark. Outdoor seating, strong drinks, and classic Mexican favorites make it a relaxed, crowd-pleasing option.
Go for the shredded chicken tacos or chile relleno—and take your time.
My father used to say, “The restaurant isn’t doing you a favor—you’re spending your money.” On Mother’s Day, it’s a little different. Show up on time. Stay off your phone. Give Mom your attention. That’s the best thing on the menu.
WEATHER
Wednesday
71 🌡️ 51 |🌤️| 💨 SW 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 39 (Good)
Thursday
78 🌡️ 56 |🌤️| 💨 SW 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Music at Noon: Julian Kim, piano: Pianist Julian Kim performs a midday classical piano concert. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | May 6 | 12:10PM – 12:40PM
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: The David Eastlee Trio performs an evening of jazz standards at Edwin Mills. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | May 6 | 6PM – 10PM
🎶 Live Music Night at Visionarium with Grace Balint: Grace Balint performs an evening of jazz, classical music, and movie themes in an intimate live setting. Visionarium Live Italian | Wednesday | May 6 | 6:30PM – 8:30PM
🎶 Tempers – Delusion Record Release Show: New York artist Tempers celebrates the release of Delusion with a live performance blending synth pop, techno, and cinematic electronic music. The night also features Touching Ice and Galán (Jorge Elbrecht). Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Wednesday | May 6 | 8PM
🎷 World Jazz Night: An evening of live jazz featuring musicians from around the world. Club 1881 | Wednesday | May 6 | 8PM – 11PM
🎶 Pasadena City College Free Outdoor Concert Series presents Vocal Jazz Combo: A free outdoor vocal jazz performance on the West Patio. Pasadena City College West Patio | Thursday | May 7 | 12PM
💃 LindyGroove 25th Anniversary Celebration: LindyGroove celebrates its 25th anniversary with live music from Jonathan Stout and His Campus Five featuring Hilary Alexander and a social dance night. LindyGroove | Thursday | May 7 | 9PM – 11:59PM
THANKS!
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