Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that stayed dry, but only barely.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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After JPL Layoffs, Pasadena Hopes for a Brighter Future
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
After JPL Layoffs, Pasadena Hopes for a Brighter Future
JPL laid off 550 employees yesterday, roughly 11% of its workforce, marking one of the lab’s most difficult days. The news hit hard across Pasadena, where JPL isn’t just an employer — it’s part of the city’s identity.
The lab has been home to generations of engineers, scientists, and dreamers whose work has shaped space exploration and inspired the world. Their contributions reach far beyond the foothills, and their absence will be deeply felt.
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez has proposed new legislation that could boost state funding for California research institutions, but for now, the focus is on the people — the scientists, engineers, and support staff whose work has fueled decades of discovery.
As the dust settles, many in the community are reflecting on what JPL means to Pasadena and holding out hope for steadier days ahead for science, exploration, and everyone who makes it possible.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday
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🏟️ Pasadena Rotary Weekly Club Meeting with Speaker Jens Weiden: Hear from Rose Bowl CEO Jens Weiden as he shares insights on what’s ahead for Pasadena’s most iconic landmark. Non-members are welcome to join this engaging Rotary luncheon. Wednesday, October 15 at 12PM.
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🏠 Craftsman Week Day 4: The Gamble House – Behind the Velvet Ropes Tour: Step beyond the usual tour route for an intimate look inside Pasadena’s most famous Arts and Crafts masterpiece. Explore rarely seen details, enjoy light refreshments, and experience The Gamble House up close. Wednesday, October 15 at 1PM.
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🎬 Films @ Lamanda Park: Settle in for a classic movie afternoon with A Song to Remember (1945), the stirring tale of composer Fryderyk Chopin’s rise to fame and the sacrifices behind his genius. Wednesday, October 15 from 1PM–3PM.
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💡 Craftsman Week Day 4: Crafting Illumination – A Tour of Old California Lighting & Home Design: Step inside Old California’s workshop to see how timeless lighting is made—from hand-drawn designs to museum-quality fixtures that illuminate landmarks like the Gamble House. Wednesday, October 15 from 4:30PM–5:30PM.
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💡 LATechWeek: Hacking Human Happiness: Can tech make us happier? Join designers and innovators from ArtCenter and Innovate Pasadena for a thoughtful discussion on reimagining technology to nurture joy, connection, and well-being. Wednesday, October 15 from 5PM–7:30PM.
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🍺 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Grab a pint and join the fun at this free weekly trivia night featuring word jumbles, picture rounds, and game show–style challenges. Prizes, laughs, and craft beer guaranteed. Wednesday, October 15 from 6PM–8PM.
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🎳 Pasadena Jaycees Bowling Tournament: Roll into Montrose Bowl for a fun night of bowling, music, food, and raffles—all to support local Jaycees projects like Operation Gobbler thanksgiving food drive and Operation Santa toy drive. Wednesday, October 15 from 6:30PM–8:30PM.
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👻 Spooky Trivia at Cervecería Del Pueblo: Get into the Halloween spirit with a frightfully fun night of trivia covering all things spooky—monsters, movies, and mysteries alike. Costumes encouraged, beers cold. Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30PM.
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😂 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha: Live at the Pasadena Playhouse, award-winning comedian Julia Masli transforms audience problems into wildly funny, unpredictable theater—no script, no safety net, just pure comedic chaos. Wednesday, October 15 at 8PM.
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🤣 Pasadena Comedy Show: Laugh the night away at The Mixx with host Paddy and a lineup of hilarious local comedians. Great vibes, free entry, and 2-for-1 drinks all night—what more do you need? Wednesday, October 15 at 8PM.
Thursday
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🍽️ A Lunchtime Conversation with Artist Cha-Rie Tang & Save the Tiles: Enjoy lunch at the historic Blinn House and hear ceramic artist Cha-Rie Tang reflect on her Batchelder-inspired work, her friendship with Dr. Robert Winter, and efforts to preserve local tile artistry. Thursday, October 16 from 11:30AM–2PM.
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🌽 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll under the trees, enjoy live music, and shop fresh California-grown produce right off the Gold Line. Grab dinner from local vendors and soak in the small-town charm. Thursday, October 16 from 4PM–7PM.
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🍔 Food Truck Pop-Up at Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena: Pair craft beer with crave-worthy bites on the patio at Stone Brewing Tap Room. This week features Brody’s Hawaiian BBQ serving island-style plates alongside Stone’s rotating taps. Thursday, October 16 from 5PM–9PM.
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🍻 LATechWeek: Pasadena Tech Happy Hour: Mingle with innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives at this laid-back networking mixer celebrating Pasadena’s growing tech scene. Bring your ideas, grab a drink, and make some new connections. Thursday, October 16 at 6PM.
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🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Build confidence and polish your public speaking skills in a supportive, low-pressure setting at Crowell Library’s Toastmasters meeting. Visitors are always welcome. Thursday, October 16 at 6:15PM.
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🎤 Bullseye LIVE with Jesse Thorn: Celebrate 25 years of Bullseye with a live taping featuring host Jesse Thorn and special guests Cheech Marin, Jason Mantzoukas, Roy Wood Jr., and more. Expect sharp interviews, laughs, and a night full of culture. Thursday, October 16 at 7PM.
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😂 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha: Live at the Pasadena Playhouse, comedian Julia Masli brings her internationally acclaimed, no-script show where audience problems turn into brilliantly absurd, laugh-out-loud moments. Thursday, October 16 at 7PM.
Save the Date
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🚀 Space Race 5K Run/Walk: Lace up for a cosmic cause at this family-friendly 5K supporting the Young At Heart Foundation, helping kids and families awaiting organ transplants. Run, walk, or cheer—it all makes a difference. Saturday, October 18 at Hahamongna Watershed Park.
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🎨 Paint and Aguas Frescas: Sip, paint, and celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month with a refreshing twist! Enjoy delicious aguas frescas while creating your own masterpiece—no experience needed. Saturday, October 18 from 12PM–2PM.
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🍻 Pasadena Pro Musica Presents Oktoberfest!: Raise your voice (and your stein) at this lively choral concert filled with German folk tunes, drinking songs, and singalongs—followed by a festive beer garden reception. Sunday, October 19 at 4PM.
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🖌️ LightBox Expo: Dive into a world of creativity at this three-day celebration of art and imagination—where artists, animators, and storytellers from Disney, Netflix, and beyond come together to share, teach, and inspire. Friday–Sunday, October 24–26.
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🐾 Bark in the Park: Howl-o-ween: Bring your furry friends for a tail-wagging Halloween celebration featuring a pup parade, treat stations, and plenty of adorable costumes. It’s the cutest event of the season! Sunday, October 26 from 11AM–2PM.
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 Joins Statewide ShakeOut Earthquake Drill
Pasadena residents will ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 16, as part of the annual Great ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake drill designed to help Californians prepare for “The Big One.”
The self-led exercise invites residents, schools, and businesses to practice getting low, taking cover, and protecting their heads until the shaking stops. City Emergency Manager Nallely Procopio reminded residents that earthquakes can strike “at any time” — and preparation is the best defense.
The ShakeOut also includes safety tips for people with mobility challenges and encourages everyone to revisit their go-bag and sign up for Pasadena’s emergency alert system (PLEAS).
Participation is free and open to all. More details and preparedness resources are available at ShakeOut.org/California.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
65 🌡️ 52 🌤️| 💨 NW 6 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 30 (Good)
Thursday
73 🌡️ 54 |☀️| 💨 N 4 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎸 Centering Sounds: Classic Rock, New Wave Hits: Rock out ukulele-style as the Ukulele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere reimagines classics from Neil Young to Chaka Khan in a fun outdoor concert at Piccadilly Grace Café. Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30PM.
THANKS!
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