Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is uplifting as gifting the perfect present 🎁

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Rose Parade Fever

• New Pasadena Book Store

• New events and music this weekend

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy Birthday Kris Angkasa!

THE DIGEST 🎄

Rose Parade Fever, Hype Events

The highly anticipated Rose Parade is just over a week away! While visitors from around the world flock to Pasadena, locals have the unique opportunity to enjoy exciting preview events right in our backyard. Here’s a roundup of must-see experiences to get you in the parade spirit:

🌟 Equestfest Meet the stunning equestrian units of the 2025 Rose Parade up close at Equestfest! Watch as these magnificent horses and talented riders showcase their skills through drills, dances, trick riding, and roping. Enjoy live music, a vibrant vendor court, and interactive displays.

🎵 Bandfest Catch a sneak peek of the award-winning bands that earned a coveted spot in the Rose Parade! Over three shows across two days, watch these incredible musicians, dancers, and auxiliary performers deliver their energetic field shows before they take on the iconic 5 ½-mile march down Colorado Boulevard.

🌺 Float Decorating Experience the awe-inspiring artistry of the Rose Parade floats before they hit the streets! Visit two locations to see these floral masterpieces in their final stages of preparation. Marvel at the intricate application of fruit, seeds, bark, grasses, and, of course, breathtaking flowers, as hardworking volunteers and professionals bring these floats to life. Don’t forget to grab a bite from the food trucks in Lot I at the Rose Bowl while you’re there!

Don’t miss these exclusive opportunities to experience the magic and creativity of the Rose Parade up close. Plan your visits and make it a holiday season to remember in Pasadena!

New Pasadena Bookstore

In our last newsletter, we featured Octavia’s Bookshelf, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Pasadena. This week, we’re thrilled to introduce another gem: DYM, an Asian-owned independent bookstore that embodies the unique diversity of our beloved city. Located in Pasadena’s Hen’s Teeth Square shopping center, DYM is the brainchild of Pasadena locals Desiree Sayarath and Rigo Hernandez. The couple, who had been saving to buy a house, decided instead to invest in their dream of creating a space for book lovers—and the result is nothing short of inspiring. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the passion behind this carefully curated selection of books, catering to readers of all kinds. Sayarath describes her vision beautifully: “Our store is a book and boba shop called DYM, which stands for ‘[Blank] Your Mind’: Decolonize, diversify, deepen, devote, delight—whatever reading means to you.” But that’s not all—starting in 2025, DYM will also offer boba, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for bookworms and boba enthusiasts alike. Be sure to stop by and experience this charming addition to Pasadena’s independent bookstore scene.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@seereenuh | 📍 DYM Bookstore, Pasadena

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WHAT’S HAPPENING 🎅🏼

Monday

• ♟️Chess Night: Beginners & experienced players can drop in and enjoy learning new skills and practicing with each other in a comfortable environment at the Altadena Public Library, 5:30 PM

• ☀️Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop with Forager Crafts: Join Altadena Library for a free, beginner-friendly Stained Glass workshop, where you’ll play with geometric shapes and solder together your own suncatcher, 4 – 6 PM

• 👁️‍🗨️Pasadena Prowl and Amazing Race Tour Solve clues, tackle wacky tasks, and explore your city’s uncovered gems to create a fun, unique experience for your team bonding event at Houston’s, 11 AM & 2 PM

Tuesday (Christmas Eve🎄)

• 🛍️ Pasadena Farmers’ Market Enjoy Fresh Local Fruits, Vegetables, and Farm Products at Pasadena Farmers’ Market, Villa Parke, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• 🤓Geeks who Drink Trivia T. Boyle’s Tavern is the new home of Geeks Who Drink trivia night! Gather your friends and test your knowledge, 8 PM

• 🎄A Christmas Carol: This is the last day to catch this play! A Noise Within the classic by Charles Dickens. Adapted by Geoff Elliott, 2 PM

Save the Date

• 🕎Chanukah Pasadena Help decorate our ‘Menorah of Roses’ outside Pasadena City Hall and join annual Chanukah festivities at this free event, Dec. 25

• 🌹Lululemon Run with Roses: Join lululemon for a 5K run along the iconic Rose Parade route at midnight, Dec. 31

• ⏰80s New Years Eve Party A sell-out event every year! Enjoy DJ Sets, Premium Open Bar, LED Dance Floor, 4K Video Wall, Confetti Cannons, and much much more, Dec. 31

• 🏈Rosebowl Game: The Grandaddy of them all! The Rose Bowl Game began in 1902 making it the oldest of bowls, Jan. 1

• 🦕Jurassic Quest: The nation’s leading dinosaur-themed entertainment experience, Jurassic Quest, will bring its collection of meticulously crafted prehistoric creatures to the Pasadena Convention Center, Jan 3-5

• 🎭HADESTOWN: Teen Edition: PUSD’s All-Star Musical, which draws on the talent of high school students and teachers from all of the district’s high schools, Jan 29 – Feb 1

• 💎Pasadena Bead and Design Show: featuring over 300 exhibits of artisan materials, jewelry, and creative workshops, Jan 17-19

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 Holiday Closures

The City of Pasadena has announced its holiday closures and service reminders for the 2024 holiday season. Most city offices, including administrative services and libraries, will be closed on designated holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Essential services like police, fire, and trash collection will continue without interruption. Residents are reminded to check adjusted schedules for street sweeping, parking enforcement, and public transit during the holiday period.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

68 🌡️ 52 |☀️| 💨 VAR 2 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 92 (Poor)

Tuesday (Christmas Eve🎄)

60 🌡️ 45 |🌧️| 💨 VAR 1-3 mph, gusts up to 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

THANKS!

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