Ryan Gosling in Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. It’s a little early in the year for Extreme Heat Warnings, but temperatures in Pasadena are climbing past 90°F. Stay cool out there, Pasadena.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Ryan Gosling, Andy Weir, and “Project Hail Mary” Filmmakers Visit NASA JPL

• Bulgarini Gelato Reopens

• Just Announced: Just Like Heaven returns to Pasadena

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

• Civic News

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day tomorrow! ☘️

A MESSAGE FROM CTRL COLLECTIVE

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Membership includes 24/7 access, high speed internet, conference rooms, printing, and free coffee. The space is dog-friendly, offers on-site parking, and has no setup fees. You’ll also have access to dedicated desks, a podcast studio, phone booths, and a full kitchen.

👉Schedule a tour or text Tim at (213) 316-8835 with “OFFICE?” for a booking link.

THE DIGEST

Ryan Gosling, Andy Weir, and “Project Hail Mary” Filmmakers Visit NASA JPL

Ahead of the release of Project Hail Mary, several members of the film’s cast and creative team visited Pasadena’s own NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to discuss the collaboration between scientists and filmmakers that helped shape the movie. Among those in attendance were actors Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, screenwriter Drew Goddard, author Andy Weir, and NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, who serves as deputy director of NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate.

NASA supported the production by connecting the filmmakers with engineers and scientists who answered technical questions during development. The goal was to keep the science in the story grounded in real engineering principles, including spacecraft design and the realities of deep-space travel. Lindgren also met with Gosling during filming to share insights about astronaut training and life in space.

The group spoke during a town hall event at JPL that was broadcast internally across NASA centers. They discussed how real missions often inspire science-fiction storytelling, and how imaginative ideas from films can sometimes inspire scientists as well.

It’s always cool to see well-known actors visit JPL, but this one felt a little different because JPL engineers and scientists directly advised the film. I used to work at JPL, so I was a little jealous I couldn’t be there for this one. Luckily my wife, who still works there as an engineer, attended the event. She was actually the first person to stand up and ask a question during the town hall. She even ended up in one of the official photos JPL released from the event and got to meet Ryan Gosling afterward!

Early screenings open today, with the official release this Friday, March 20.

Bulgarini Gelato Reopens

Bulgarini Gelato has announced a soft reopening after being closed since the Eaton fires.

The beloved Italian spot is now open Thursday–Sunday, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM, with reservations currently required for dine-in. Walk-ins are being accepted for gelato only for now.

The team says they’re excited to welcome guests back and start serving their fresh Italian dishes again as operations gradually ramp up. To make a reservation, call (626) 791-6174. You can follow Bulgarini on Instagram to stay updated.

Just Announced: Just Like Heaven returns to Pasadena

Just Like Heaven Festival is returning to Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl this summer with a stacked indie lineup!

Headliners include The Strokes and LCD Soundsystem, joined by acts like TV Girl, Chromeo, Twin Peaks, STRFKR, and Dayglow. The festival will take place at Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday, August 22.

Register now to access passes on Friday, March 20th at 11:00 AM at justlikeheavenfest.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday (3/16)

🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: A community social run with 4- and 6-mile options where runners and walkers can meet others, test shoes, and join the group run. Run With Us | Monday | 6PM

🐙 Octopus’s Garden: A world premiere play about two marine biologists and a composer whose lives unravel after discovering an octopus that creates extraordinary music. Boston Court Pasadena | Monday | 7:30PM

Tuesday (3/17)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: A certified farmers’ market offering fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products directly from farmers. Villa Parke | Tuesday | 8:30AM–12:30PM

📚 Book Club de mars/March Book Club: Mémoires d’une jeune fille rangée: A book club discussion exploring Simone de Beauvoir’s memoir about identity, independence, and intellectual awakening in early 20th-century France. Alliance Francaise de Pasadena | Tuesday | March 17 | 1PM

🎖️ Masters Series Lifelong Learning – American Women in the Vietnam War: One Story: A talk by Sandi Rhoten sharing her experience serving as an American Red Cross “Donut Dolly” during the Vietnam War. Pasadena Senior Center | Tuesday | 2PM

🧵 Make a Retro Apron: A sewing class for returning sewers or advanced beginners to create a retro-style apron while learning techniques like seam allowances and sewing math. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Tuesday | 6PM

🎻 Building Routines and Forming Habits Workshop with Moni Simeonov: A practical workshop on building effective practice routines and habits led by violinist and educator Moni Simeonov. Pasadena Conservatory of Music | Tuesday | 7PM

🧠 T. Boyle’s Tavern: Geeks Who Drink Trivia with St. Patrick’s Day Special Menu: A weekly trivia night where teams test their knowledge while enjoying food and a St. Patrick’s Day special menu. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday | 8PM

💃 The Mixx: Salsa Mixx: A tropical dance night featuring Salsa and Bachata lessons with Rogelio Moreno followed by social dancing with music by DJ Salsa y Sabor. The Mixx Pasadena | Tuesday | 8PM

Upcoming Events

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 City Council Meeting (CANCELED)

The regular Pasadena City Council meeting scheduled for this date has been canceled. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday | March 16

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

A public meeting of the commission that advises the City Council on the promotion, protection, and designation of Pasadena’s cultural resources and landmarks. Click here to view agenda. Hale Building | Tuesday | March 17 | 6PM

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

88 🌡️ 61 |🌤️| 💨 SW 5 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 51 (Moderate)

Tuesday

93 🌡️ 67 |🌤️| 💨 W 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally performs jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions with his trio. Edwin Mills | Monday | March 16 | 6PM–10PM

🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: A morning jazz performance led by pianist Matt Politano featuring modern jazz and Latin fusion. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday | March 17 | 8:30AM

🎸 The Walters: Indie rock band The Walters perform with Small Forward, sharing songs from their album Good Company along with fan favorites. Lodge Room Highland Park | Saturday | March 14 | 8PM

🎺 Midweek Jazz with Elliott Caine at Visionarium: A live jazz performance featuring trumpeter Elliott Caine. Visionarium | Tuesday | March 17 | 6:30PM–8:30PM

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day at The Barkley: A St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by Shannon the Cannon featuring live music from The Throwbacks, Regal Beagle, and The Mormons. The Barkley | Tuesday | March 17 | 7PM

🍀 Sons of Hermon at Old Towne Pub on St. Patrick’s Day: A live performance by Sons of Hermon celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Old Towne Pub Pasadena | Tuesday | March 17 | 8PM

THANKS!

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