Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Going back to work after a long Thanksgiving break is tough, but don’t fear—Christmas is only 24 days away.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena Chamber to Honor 2026 Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens
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Pasadena Updates Parks With New Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Save the Dates
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Civil News
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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THE DIGEST
Pasadena Chamber to Honor 2026 Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is honoring incoming Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens at its Annual Breakfast on Thursday, December 4, at the Hilton Pasadena. Leavens has been involved with the Tournament for nearly 30 years, starting as a volunteer in 1995 and eventually working his way onto the Executive Committee.
He announced the 2026 Rose Parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” earlier this year. The theme takes on added meaning after the Eaton Fire, which he said was chosen to recognize both those affected and the community members who stepped up to help.
The breakfast is expected to draw more than 200 people and runs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $90, with sponsorships and corporate tables available through the Chamber.
Leavens will oversee the 137th Rose Parade and 112th Rose Bowl Game on January 1. Alongside his long Tournament résumé, he also spent 33 years with Nestlé USA in marketing communications and event management.
More event details are available through the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Pasadena Updates Parks With New Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Pasadena’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department is rolling out a series of landscape upgrades focused on water conservation and sustainability. The department will brief the Recreation and Parks Commission on the work at Tuesday’s meeting.
The biggest change is on the east side of City Hall, where turf was removed and replaced with drought-tolerant, California-native plants to cut water use and long-term maintenance. Robinson Park saw similar work this fall, with old shrubs removed, irrigation upgraded, and new native landscaping installed.
Crews also cleaned up fire-damaged medians along New York Drive after the Eaton Canyon fire, clearing debris, assessing irrigation damage, and adding erosion control in preparation for future restoration.
In another effort, Brookside Park hosted a demonstration of electric maintenance equipment from STIHL, giving staff a chance to test tools that could reduce emissions and increase efficiency.
All updates will be presented tomorrow evening, Dec. 2, at the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting at City Yards.
@NEWSN_ROSES
Robinson Park Renovations [Photo by City of Pasadena]
📷@cityofpasadena📍Robinson Park
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday (12/1/25)
❄️ Take & Make: Winter Wonderland Silhouette – Signups Begin: Bring a snowy night to life with a cozy winter craft kit—complete with cut-outs of a snowman, reindeer, trees, and more. Signups open online and go fast, so grab a kit and get creative. Monday, December 1 (all day).
🎨 December Craft Calendar: The Altadena Library is rolling out a whole month of winter-themed craft kits—stop by the Children’s Room any day in December to grab a new project and get creative. Monday, December 1 (all day).
🧥 Winter Clothing Rack Swap: All December long, drop by the Altadena Library’s Loma Alta Park satellite for a community clothing swap—bring up to three gently used items, take up to three, or just browse for something new-to-you. Everything is free, friendly, and community-focused. Monday, December 1 (all day).
🎁 Holiday Toy Drive Supporting USHS (One Colorado): Help spread some holiday magic by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, wrapping paper, or gift bags for Union Station Homeless Services. Drop off donations in the collection barrel near Santa in The Courtyard at One Colorado—running daily through December 15. Monday, December 1 (9AM–10PM).
💌 Letters to Santa (One Colorado): Kids—and anyone feeling festive—can drop their holiday wishes into Santa’s official North Pole Mailbox in The Courtyard. Send your letter by December 15 to get a personalized reply from Santa himself. Monday, December 1 (9AM–10PM).
📚 History of Pasadena Trivia Night: Think you know Pasadena? Put your local history skills to the test at this fun trivia afternoon at Santa Catalina Branch—perfect for city buffs and curious newcomers alike. Monday, December 1 at 3:30PM.
🌲 Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens glows after dark with dazzling light installations, stained-glass cottages, shimmering sculptures, and plenty of cozy nighttime magic. A perfect way to kick off December. Monday, December 1 at 5:30–10PM.
📚 Junior League of Pasadena’s Vroman’s Bookstore Shopping Night: Enjoy treats, drinks, and a cozy evening of browsing at Vroman’s—plus a special 20% off for holiday shopping. A festive community night hosted by the Junior League of Pasadena. Monday, December 1 at 6–8PM.
🎤 Open Mic Night: Share a song, poem, story, or just come enjoy cheering on local talent at this welcoming community open mic. All ages and genres are invited to take the stage. Monday, December 1 at 6PM.
🎻 Chamber Music Master Class | Jonathan William Brown: Watch PCM chamber students get coached by world-renowned violist Jonathan William Brown, formerly of the acclaimed Cuarteto Casals. A great chance to see master-level insight up close. Monday, December 1 at 7PM.
Tuesday (12/2/25)
🎭 Share on Giving Tuesday for Altadena Music Theatre: Support the return of live musical theatre in Altadena by helping replace costumes, sets, instruments, and more after the Eaton Fire—every donation keeps performances and youth programs going. Tuesday, December 2 (all day).
💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring: Get free, confidential, one-on-one advice from experienced business mentors—perfect for anyone starting or growing a small business. Sessions run every other Tuesday at the library. Tuesday, December 2 at 1–5PM.
🎭 Deck the Walls of Barrett Hall: Theatre Americana blends holiday classics with stunning visuals, Indian dance, storytelling, and a few festive surprises for a uniquely multicultural seasonal performance. At the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Tuesday, December 2 at 2PM & 7PM.
✨ Enchant Los Angeles at Santa Anita Park: Wander through glowing holiday trails, a massive light maze, festive treats, and all the twinkling magic that makes Enchant such a seasonal favorite. A perfect December night out. Tuesday, December 2 at 4:30–7:30PM.
🍽️ Holiday Celebration at the Parkway Grill: Enjoy a festive evening of dinner, cocktails, and entertainment at Parkway Grill, all in support of the children served by Hillsides. A warm kickoff to the holiday season with limited reservations. Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30PM.
🎬 Film Screening: Pride and Prejudice: Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a special screening of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, introduced by author Devoney Looser with insights from her new Austen book. A charming literary-meets-cinema evening at The Huntington. Tuesday, December 2 at 6PM.
Save the Date
🎁 Holiday Toy Drive Supporting USHS (One Colorado): Help spread some holiday magic by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, wrapping paper, or gift bags for Union Station Homeless Services. Drop off donations in the collection barrel near Santa in The Courtyard at One Colorado—running daily through December 15. 9AM–10PM.
💌 Letters to Santa (One Colorado): Kids—and anyone feeling festive—can drop their holiday wishes into Santa’s official North Pole Mailbox in The Courtyard. Send your letter by December 15 to get a personalized reply from Santa himself. Running daily through December 15. 9AM–10PM.
🎄 A Victorian Holiday at the Queen Anne Cottage: Step back into the 1880s at this charming Victorian celebration, complete with Santa visits, caroling, old-fashioned dancing, and a holiday marketplace with 30+ vendors. A cozy throwback to the season’s simpler joys. November 29–December 14, 11AM-2PM.
🎄 Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join Mayor Victor Gordo at Pasadena City Hall for an evening of music, dancing, kids’ crafts, photos with Santa, and the big tree-lighting moment at 6PM. A fun, festive community tradition—plus Pasadena Fire will be collecting toys for the Spark of Love Drive if you’d like to give back. Friday, December 5 at 5–7PM.
💎 International Gem and Jewelry Show: Browse dazzling displays of gems, fine jewelry, beads, and accessories as top designers and wholesalers come together for a three-day shopping event running Friday, Dec. 5 from 12pm–6pm; Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am–6pm; and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11am–5pm. A fun place to explore everything from diamonds to unique handcrafted pieces.
🏡 Holiday Look-In Home Tour: Take a festive peek inside four beautifully decorated Pasadena homes, each filled with stunning florals, elegant architecture, and holiday charm. Don’t miss the free Holiday Boutique at the Pasadena Scottish Rite Center for extra seasonal shopping. Saturday & Sunday, December 6–7, 9:30AM – 5PM.
🎅 Holidayfest!: South Lake Avenue comes alive with live music, free photos with Santa, crafts, raffles, and plenty of festive energy—plus tons of in-store holiday specials. A fun, family-friendly way to kick off the season. Saturday, December 6 from 12PM–6PM.
🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse one of the region’s most beloved flea markets, featuring 400+ vendors offering everything from antiques and collectibles to quirky secondhand finds. A Sunday staple for treasure hunters. Sunday, December 7, 8AM-3PM.
🕯️ Holiday Candlelight: Experience Pasadena Symphony’s most cherished holiday tradition as All Saints Church glows with candlelight and fills with classic seasonal music performed by choir, handbells, and orchestra. A breathtaking way to celebrate the season. Friday, December 12 at 7PM and Saturday, December, 13 at 4PM & 7PM.
🎄 Jingle & Mingle at Pasadena Playhouse: The Playhouse transforms into a festive holiday hub with concerts, crafts, behind-the-scenes tours, and a free Holiday Open House for all ages. A cheerful way to spend an afternoon or evening. Saturday, December 13, 1PM & 5PM.
🏰 Castle Green Holiday Tour: Step into Pasadena’s golden era as Castle Green opens its doors for a festive self-guided holiday tour, complete with live piano music, lawn games, a photo booth, and plenty of seasonal charm. Arrive anytime between 11 and 3. Sunday, December 14 from 11AM–3PM.
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
Land Use & Mobility Committee – Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group
The committee meets to discuss land use, mobility, and community impacts related to the 710 corridor—open to anyone interested in local planning and civic updates. Happening at Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers. Tuesday, December 2 at 4:30PM. View agenda here.
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting
Join the monthly meeting where commissioners discuss Pasadena’s parks, recreation programs, the Arroyo Seco, the Rose Bowl, and more. Open to the public for anyone interested in local recreation planning. Held at City Yards – Public Works. Tuesday, December 2 at 6PM. View agenda here.
Human Relations Commission Meeting
The commission meets monthly to work on initiatives that promote inclusion and help reduce prejudice and discrimination in Pasadena. Open to the public and held at the Jackie Robinson Community Center. Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30PM. View agenda here.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
68 🌡️ 52 |☀️| 💨 N 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 80 (Moderate)
Tuesday
65 🌡️ 51 |☀️| 💨 W 4 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎻 Chamber Music Master Class | Jonathan William Brown: Watch PCM chamber students get coached by world-renowned violist Jonathan William Brown, formerly of the acclaimed Cuarteto Casals. A great chance to see master-level insight up close. Monday, December 1 at 7PM.
🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Ease into December with a full day of smooth jazz—standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions from guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio. A great soundtrack for anytime you drop by. Monday, December 1 at 6AM–10PM.
🎼 Tuesday Musicale in Concert: Enjoy a free midday concert featuring chamber works by Smetana, Bach, Arutiunian, and more at First Church of Christ Scientist in Pasadena. A lovely way to add some live classical music to your week. Tuesday, December 2 at 12:30PM.
🎶 The David Eastlee Trio at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of classic jazz standards with guitarist David Eastlee, whose decades of performing and composing bring real depth and warmth to every set. A great midweek wind-down. Tuesday, December 2 at 6–10PM.
THANKS!
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