Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Toy Story 5 is coming out in about a month. I don’t know why they are making more of these—I think they should have stopped it at #3. And this time, the villain is too real: it’s a tablet named Lily Pad. Kids with tablets sound pretty scary if you ask me.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena Honors Local Trailblazers for Community Service
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Rose Bowl Set for $30 Million Renovation Ahead of 2028 Olympics
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Civic News
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Restaurant Spotlight
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Star Leaf
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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 Honors Local Trailblazers for Community Service
Pasadena honored three local changemakers this week with Trailblazer Awards recognizing community impact, cultural leadership, and support for Eaton Fire survivors.
One of the awardees was Ali Shirmohammadi, longtime owner of Haider Baba Restaurant, who was recognized for more than 50 years of service to the Pasadena community. City officials highlighted his support of homeless shelters, religious organizations, foreign students, and local events, along with his annual appreciation luncheon for the Pasadena Police Department, which he has hosted for the past 13 years.
Nikki High, founder of Octavia’s Bookshelf, was honored for creating a bookstore centered on stories by Black, Indigenous, and people of color authors. Following the Eaton Fire, the shop transformed into a mutual aid station providing water, food, clothing, and hygiene supplies to survivors.
The final award went to Altadena Girls, founded by 14-year-old Avery Colvert after the Eaton Fire. The organization began by collecting clothing and personal care items for teen girls affected by the disaster and has since expanded into a community-focused space centered on belonging, creativity, and recovery.
Rose Bowl Set for $30 Million Renovation Ahead of 2028 Olympics
The Rose Bowl Stadium is getting a $30 million makeover ahead of the 2026 college football season and the 2028 Olympics, with new field-level clubs, premium seating, upgraded food options, and luxury fan spaces on the way. The renovation is part of a larger effort to keep the nearly 104-year-old stadium competitive as venues like SoFi Stadium continue redefining the sports experience. Meanwhile, UCLA’s long-term future at the Rose Bowl still remains a big question mark as rumors of a possible move to SoFi continue floating around.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (5/13)
🎹 Music at Noon: Junko Ueno Garrett, piano: Pianist Junko Ueno Garrett performs a midday concert showcasing the expressive style and wide-ranging repertoire that has taken her to audiences around the world. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | May 13 | 12:10PM–12:40PM
🧵 Make a Cardigan Series: This three-week sewing series focuses on improving serger skills while constructing an open front cardigan using knit fabrics. Remainders Creative Reuse | Wednesday | May 13 | 6PM
🧠 Trivia Night: Test your knowledge at this weekly trivia night hosted by Game Night Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room Pasadena. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena | Wednesday | May 13 | 6PM–8PM
🎭 Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon: This classic musical follows two American travelers who discover a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every hundred years. Featuring a live orchestra and songs including “Almost Like Being In Love,” the production brings Lerner and Loewe’s romantic story to the stage. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday | May 13 | 8PM
Thursday (5/14)
🇨🇳 Chinese Club of San Marino: This monthly gathering features lectures and workshops focused on Chinese language and culture in the spirit of cultural exchange and community learning. Crowell’s Barth Community Room | Thursday | May 14 | 10:30AM–12PM
☕ “Meet Me at the Village!”: Pasadena Village hosts a casual information session with coffee, bagels, and conversation for anyone interested in learning more about the organization. Village Office Community room | Thursday | May 14 | 10AM
🎤 Senior Talent Show: Enjoy an afternoon of singing, dancing, recitals, and more as local seniors showcase their talents at Jackie Robinson Community Center. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Thursday | May 14 | 12PM–2PM
🎶 The Great American Songbook: Pianist Bob, vocalist Don, and guest performers bring classic standards and Broadway tunes to life while sharing stories behind the music. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday | May 14 | 1:30PM
🏡 Wrigley Mansion House Tour: Take a guided tour of Tournament House and learn about the history of the Wrigley Mansion, the Rose Parade, and the Rose Bowl Game. Guests must register in advance for complimentary tickets. Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association | Thursday | May 14 | 2PM
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop California-grown produce, prepared foods, and local vendors while enjoying live music and special events at this weekly, award-winning outdoor market. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | May 14 | 4PM–8PM
🏎️ Draft & Drift Thursday!: Compete in Daytona USA races for prizes and enjoy game night specials during this weekly arcade racing event at Barcade. Barcade – Highland Park | Thursday | May 14 | 4:30PM–7:30PM
🖼️ Opening Reception: The American Road Trip: This exhibition celebrates California statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States through artwork inspired by the landscapes, moods, and experiences of cross-country travel. Featured artists include Cliff Barnes, Jacalyn Beam, Brian Belfield, and more. California Art Club Gallery at The Old Mill | Thursday | May 14 | 5:30PM
🚴 Around the Cycle Farmers Market Ride: Join this casual 5-mile group ride to the South Pasadena Farmers Market with a no-drop pace open to all skill levels. Riders will lock up and explore the market together after the ride. Around the Cycle | Thursday | May 14 | 5PM–8PM
🎭 Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon: This classic musical follows two American travelers who discover a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every hundred years. Featuring a live orchestra and songs including “Almost Like Being In Love,” the production brings Lerner and Loewe’s romantic story to the stage. The Pasadena Playhouse | Thursday | May 14 | 7PM
🎭 Exit the King: A Noise Within presents Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist comedy about a king confronting mortality while refusing to let go of power. Directed by Michael Michetti, the production blends dark humor with a surprisingly moving story about acceptance and denial. A Noise Within | Thursday | May 14 | 7:30PM
🎭 Mach 33 Festival: Theater Arts Caltech presents a three-day festival of science-driven theater featuring staged readings of new works exploring the intersection of science and the arts. Featured plays include The Heat of the Sun’s Rays, Haunt Me, Sing For Me, River of Night, Parity, and Hubble. Frautschi Hall (2nd Floor), Hameetman Center, Caltech | Thursday | May 14 | 7:30PM–9PM
🎭 NPRF26: The Labours: Boston Court Pasadena presents a staged reading of Luis Alfaro’s modern reimagining of Herakles, following a female soldier confronting trauma, guilt, and redemption after military service. The reading is part of the New Play Reading Festival 2026. Boston Court Pasadena | Thursday | May 14 | 7:30PM
Upcoming Events
🏰 Castle Green Spring Tour: Explore the historic Castle Green during this self-guided tour featuring the Grand Salon, Moorish and Turkish rooms, select private apartments, and exhibits from the Castle archives. Historic talks and a special exhibit on the legacy of Colonel Green will also be available throughout the event. Castle Green | Sunday | June 14 | 11AM–3PM
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
Human Services Commission Meeting
Pasadena’s Human Services Commission will meet Wednesday at 6PM at the Jackie Robinson Community Center to discuss community human service needs and advise the City Council on issues affecting residents of all ages. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Wednesday | May 13 | 6PM
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Star Leaf
I’m in the Playhouse District pretty often, but somehow it took me way too long to finally try Star Leaf. After one visit, it immediately became one of my regular spots for drinks and food.
Star Leaf brings something different to Pasadena’s restaurant scene. The menu pulls inspiration from across Southeast Asia without feeling overly polished or forced, and the result is a spot that feels lively, social, and actually fun to eat at. One table might be sharing crispy Chilean sea bass and Malaysian curry while another orders cocktails and small bites for happy hour. It works either way.
The restaurant leans heavily into bold flavors. The tropical mango sea bass has a perfect mix of crispy texture and brightness, the Singaporean wings are messy in the best way, and the short rib tacos somehow make total sense on the menu. I also love their pineapple fried rice. It’s a beautifully prepared dish and very tasty. Even the drinks feel more creative than what most upscale casual places are serving right now. The Peacock Margarita, Espresso Martini, and Lucky Star cocktail were all standouts.
Happy hour is probably one of the better deals in the area too. Weekdays from 3PM–6PM and late nights Sunday through Thursday, cocktails drop to around $10, beers are $4–$5, and the bar bites menu is worth going for on its own. The grilled pork banh-mi, curry chicken with fried rice paper, crispy sea bass belly with Thai lemongrass salad, and Bakka wild salmon all feel like actual dishes instead of throwaway happy hour snacks. Even the affogato somehow made its way onto the list for $5, which feels almost unfair.
It feels more like a place people genuinely enjoy hanging out than a restaurant trying too hard to be trendy.
Bonus Bite
Join Peter Dills at the Taste of South Pasadena on May 19, where he’ll be pouring wine and, if history is any indication, pouring a few stories as well. It’s one of the Southland’s tastiest community events, benefiting great local causes and bringing together food lovers, restaurants, and neighbors for an evening of good bites and good fun.
Come say hello, raise a glass, and let’s talk food. More info and tickets: Taste of South Pasadena.
WEATHER
Wednesday
71 🌡️ 55 |🌤️| 💨 SW 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 51 (Moderate)
Thursday
72 🌡️ 56 |🌤️| 💨 S 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC
🎹 Music at Noon: Junko Ueno Garrett, piano: Pianist Junko Ueno Garrett performs a midday concert showcasing the expressive style and wide-ranging repertoire that has taken her to audiences around the world. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | May 13 | 12:10PM–12:40PM
🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy live performances of traditional Chinese music featuring rotating solo musicians playing classical instruments including the dizi, pipa, and erhu. The Huntington’s Chinese Garden | Wednesday | May 13 | 1PM
🎸 The David Eastlee Trio: Guitarist David Eastlee and his trio perform jazz standards during this live music night at Edwin Mills. Eastlee has performed and recorded with musicians including Howard Alden, John Pisano, Pete Christlieb, and Doug Webb. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | May 13 | 6PM–10PM
🎼 Pasadena Chorale Presents A Sea Symphony: The Pasadena Chorale performs Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, pairing grand orchestral music with Walt Whitman’s poetry celebrating exploration and shared humanity. First United Methodist Church Pasadena | Wednesday | May 13 | 7:30PM
🎷 World Jazz Night: The Quinn Johnson Trio performs during this weekly jazz night featuring musicians from around the world at Club 1881. Club 1881 | Wednesday | May 13 | 8PM–11PM
🎛️ Andy Stott: Electronic producer Andy Stott brings his blend of dub techno, post-punk, dream pop, and experimental club music to Lodge Room with support from Debit. The Lodge Room | Wednesday | May 13 | 8PM
🎶 The Great American Songbook: Pianist Bob, vocalist Don, and guest performers bring classic standards and Broadway tunes to life while sharing stories behind the music. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday | May 14 | 1:30PM
🎻 Jones House Band: This live performance features a trio playing pop, movie scores, orchestral pieces, and original compositions using cellos, guitars, and vocals. The show takes place alongside the South Pasadena Farmers Market next to the cafe. Jones Coffee Roasters | Thursday | May 14 | 4PM
🎸 Doug MacDonald: Jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald performs live at Edwin Mills, bringing decades of experience playing alongside artists including Ray Brown, Buddy Rich, Rosemary Clooney, and Ray Charles. Known for his bop-influenced style, MacDonald has been praised for his swing and melodic playing. Edwin Mills | Thursday | May 14 | 6PM–10PM
🎻 Jazz, Neo Soul & Contemporary Hits with PoeticMoor at Visionarium: Violinist Deldric Bratcher, known as PoeticMoor, performs a live set blending jazz, neo soul, and contemporary music at Visionarium. The evening pairs live music with food and drinks in an intimate South Pasadena setting. Visionarium Live Italian | Thursday | May 14 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎶 Caspian Coberly, Negashi Armada (DJ set): Caspian Coberly and Negashi Armada perform live and DJ sets during this all-ages show at Oblivion in Highland Park. Oblivion (Highland Park) | Thursday | May 14 | 7PM
🎬 The Ego Plum Laboratory – performing live scores to classic Gumby episodes: Silver Lake Shorts and Gumby Central present a live multimedia performance featuring new scores to classic Gumby episodes by the experimental ensemble Ego Plum Laboratory. Composer Ego Plum is known for his work on The Cuphead Show!, The Patrick Star Show, and SpongeBob SquarePants. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Thursday | May 14 | 8PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who thinks it’s unfair to think of apple juice as a ‘kid’s drink’.
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