Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is as delicious as hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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The Story Of Christmas Lane
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Rose Bowl Wins at Southern Pacific Masters Swimming
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New events and music this week
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST 🎄
The Story of Christmas Tree Lane
Christmas Tree Lane holds the distinction of being the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting display in the U.S., dating back to 1920. The historic deodar cedars lining Santa Rosa Avenue were originally imported from India by Altadena founder John Woodbury in 1883 to create a grand entrance to a mansion that was never built. Decades later, real estate developer Frederick Nash envisioned lighting the mile-long stretch of trees to attract buyers to the area. What began as a marketing effort quickly grew into a cherished holiday tradition, earning national recognition by 1927.
Despite challenges like aging infrastructure and funding issues, the all-volunteer Christmas Tree Lane Association ensures the lights continue to dazzle each year. Declared a California Historical Landmark in 1990 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the Lane is a testament to community pride and resilience. Each holiday season, this glowing landmark welcomes visitors from near and far, offering a magical experience steeped in history.
Rose Bowl Wins Southern Pacific Masters Swimming Short Course Meters Championships
For the fifth time in a row, the Rose Bowl Masters swim team takes home the gold medal as the SPMS champions! The four day championship event was held at the Long Beach City College Aquatic Center and hosted by the Long Beach Masters Grunions swim team. This year’s competition brought together over 500 swimmers from across Southern California, competing in a wide range of events from sprints to distance races. The Rose Bowl Masters stood out with their incredible team spirit, consistent fast finishes, and personal best performances from swimmers of all age groups. Congratulations to the team for their dedication and hard work that led to yet another stunning victory!
@NEWSN_ROSES ⛄
📷@rbacmasters | 📍 Rose Bowl Aquatics Masters Holiday Party
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WHAT’S HAPPENING 🎁
Monday
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🛍️Community Shopping Event: Pasadena Village is partnering with Ten Thousand Villages on a Community Shopping Event, 3:45 PM & 5:45 PM.
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🔭Astronomy On Tap: Caltech Outreach department celebrates Chandra X-Ray Telescopes 25th year anniversary, 7:30 PM.
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🏃Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Test out shoes. Join a community! You will have 4 and 6-mile options. All paces, runners, walkers, and furry friends are welcome, 6 PM.
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🧖♀️Renew Performance Center: Ladies’ Sauna Night: Come decompress with a new Monday night ritual of self-care infrared treatment and kava shots, 6:30 PM.
Tuesday
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🤓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
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🧵Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: Calling all knitters, crochet-enthusiasts, and crafters alike. If you’re working on something, or are simply in need of a little inspiration, then this is for you! 6 PM
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🍎Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Enjoy Fresh Local Fruits, Vegetables, and Farm Products at Pasadena Farmers’ Market, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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🎷The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: led by the legendary pianist Matt Politano, presents modern jazz and Latin fusion, 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Save the Date
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🩰Pasadena Dance Nutcracker: featuring guest artists , the Pasadena Chorale, US National Men’s Dymanstics and Chinese dragons at the San Gabrial Mission Playhouse, Dec 20
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🌹Floatfest: 2-mile display features Rose Parade float after their appearance on the parade route. Each year, nearly 70,000 visitors go to Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevard in Pasadena for a rare opportunity to get up close to these incredible floats and admire the details and creativity that make each display unique. The event’s family-friendly, celebratory atmosphere also gives guests a chance to interact with the float exhibitors, Jan 1 – 3
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🦕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
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🎭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
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💎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 🦌
The Pasadena City Council will convene for its last session of the year. a Special Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., a Regular Closed Session at 5:00 p.m., and the Public Meeting at 6:00 p.m., all at Pasadena City Hall.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER 🎄
Monday
72 🌡️ 48 |☀️| 💨 NNW 3 mph, gusts up to 4 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 35 (Good)
Tuesday
72 🌡️ 50 |☀️| 💨 VAR 2-7 mph, gusts up to 14 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT 🌟
Brunch Bliss at Millie’s Café
Looking for the perfect brunch spot? Millie’s Cafe is one of my favorites! Their massive menu offers everything from classic breakfast staples to unique twists, plus a full vegan menu and an impressive range of coffee drinks—think cardamom lattes and lavender lemonade. Located on the corner of Hill and Washington in Pasadena, Millie’s provides convenient street parking and a small shared garage with the Washington Square shops.
Weekend visits may require a wait, but I’ve never waited more than 30 minutes—just enough time to browse at Octavia’s Bookshelf nearby. Highlights of their menu include eight different eggs Benedict options and fluffy pancakes. My go-to? The lemon ricotta pancakes stuffed with blueberries. It’s a dish that’ll keep you coming back for more!
SPORTS 🎅🏼
Upcoming UCLA and PCC Matches
Women’s Basketball 🏀
12/18 PCC at Grossmont | 5 PM
12/19 PCC at Miracosta | 5 PM
Men’s Basketball 🏀
12/19 PCC at Redwoods | 8 PM
THANKS!
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