Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that highlights the best of Pasadena while keeping you informed on the important stuff too.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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PUSD Approves 24.5 Million Dollars in Cuts for Next School Year
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K-Beauty Retailer Olive Young Is Coming to Pasadena
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Events this Weekend
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Civil News
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy birthday to my nephew Hamza! I know you’re turning four, but you’re still “Baby” to me. 🎈🎁
🍂THE DIGEST
PUSD Approves 24.5 Million Dollars in Cuts for Next School Year
The Pasadena Unified School District board voted last night to cut 24.5 million dollars from next year’s budget, eliminating dozens of positions across schools and central administration. This accounts for most of the district’s planned 30.5 million dollar reduction, about 16 percent of PUSD’s projected 189 million dollar general fund budget.
This is not the kind of story News N’ Roses usually leads with, but it is an important one. These decisions affect classrooms, teachers, and the long-term health of our city. It is tough news for families and for anyone who cares about the future of Pasadena’s schools.
The cuts include teachers, librarians, gardeners, and school office staff. The board also approved more than 5 million dollars in reductions to district administration and canceled more than 2.2 million dollars in contracted services such as professional development.
Parents and educators told the board the cuts will hurt programs that keep families in the district, including arts, science, and athletics. More than one thousand people have signed a petition asking PUSD leadership to reconsider.
The district has been spending more than it brings in for several years and is projecting a 29 million dollar deficit next school year. Declining enrollment means less state funding, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education has warned that without significant reductions, the district could struggle to meet its financial obligations and risk losing the ability to govern itself.
A fiscal report is due to the County in early December. Layoff notices connected to these cuts would be issued in March 2026, and the changes would take effect next school year.
It is difficult to see the district facing cuts of this size, especially when they affect students, families, and the future of public education in Pasadena. I plan to do everything I can to reach out to PUSD, public officials, and the broader community to advocate for a reconsideration of these cuts.
If you want your voice to be heard in this moment, adding your name to the petition truly matters.
K-Beauty Retailer Olive Young Is Coming to Pasadena
South Korea’s largest beauty retailer, Olive Young, is opening its first U.S. store in Old Pasadena by May 2026. The company chose Pasadena for its flagship location, citing the city’s proximity to L.A., high-income households, and nearby institutions like Caltech.
Olive Young has more than 1,370 stores in South Korea and is led by CEO Lee Sun-jung, the first woman to head the company. The Pasadena store will offer a curated K-beauty lineup, plus AI-powered skin analysis and personalized consultations similar to their locations in Seoul.
The move comes as U.S. demand for Korean beauty products continues to surge. American shoppers spent $2 billion on K-beauty over the last year, and Korean exports to the U.S. are up 53% year-over-year.
Olive Young will join PlayLab Beauty, Sephora, and Tiffany & Co. in Old Pasadena as part of the area’s growing beauty and retail scene.
@NEWSN_ROSES
Ashwin Vasavada recounts the Curiosity rover’s journey up the slopes of a Martian mountain.
📷@seereenuh📍Watson Lectures, Caltech
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WHAT’S HAPPENING🥧
Friday (11/21/25)
💚 Health Fair & Fresh Produce Distribution: Stop by the Pasadena Senior Center for free health screenings — including blood pressure, glucose checks, and hearing tests — plus guidance on Medicare plans. Fresh produce bags will also be handed out on the patio while supplies last, so bring a reusable bag or cart. Friday, November 21 from 9AM–11AM.
🧵 Cozy Crafters Club: Bring a project or start something new at this relaxed, social crafting meetup — complete with shared inspiration, mutual troubleshooting, and a cozy vibe at Callisto Tea House. Friday, November 21 from 4PM–6PM.
🕊️ Fall of Freedom: Lineage Performing Arts Center joins a nationwide 48-hour celebration of art as protest, bringing together songs, stories, and dances that honor community, identity, and resilience — with a few surprises for longtime supporters. Friday, November 21 at 7:30PM.
🎩 EXPLiCIT Presents The Importance of Being Earnest: Enjoy Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp comedy of manners as Caltech’s EXPLiCIT troupe brings mistaken identities, romance, and quick-witted chaos to the stage — all performed by talented students and community members. Friday, November 21 at 7:30PM.
Saturday (11/22/25)
🌽 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Start your Saturday with fresh, locally grown produce straight from the farmers who grow it — plus jams, jellies, fish, and more from certified vendors at this beloved weekly market in front of Pasadena High School. Saturday, November 22 from 8AM–12PM.
🍓 La Cañada Farmers’ Market: Swing by this friendly Saturday market for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, juices, and all kinds of locally made goodies — set up with love every week, rain or shine. Saturday, November 22 from 9AM–1PM.
🚶 Orange Heights Walking Tour: Explore one of Pasadena’s most architecturally significant neighborhoods with Pasadena Heritage as you wander past beautifully preserved homes by renowned early 20th-century architects and builders in the Orange Heights/Barnhart Tracts Historic District. Saturday, November 22 from 9AM–12PM.
🎨 Jackalope Art Festival: Explore one of Pasadena’s favorite outdoor markets with 200+ indie artisans showcasing handmade art, jewelry, home goods, and more. Enjoy live music, great food, and family-friendly vibes at this free weekend event. Saturday–Sunday, November 22–23 from 10AM–4PM.
🎁 The Huntington Holiday Market: Shop a beautifully curated spread of gifts and handmade treasures from local artisans, plus unique finds from The Huntington Store — all set throughout the garden’s charming indoor and outdoor spaces. Saturday, November 22 from 10AM–6PM.
🛍️ Norma Coombs Elementary School Yard Sale: Hunt for treasures of all kinds — everything priced $3 or less — at this one-day community yard sale supporting the Norma Coombs closet. A fun, budget-friendly way to shop for a good cause. Saturday, November 22 from 10AM–2PM.
🎉 Rising Together: A Grand Reopening Celebration!: Celebrate the grand reopening of Mariposa Junction with a day full of ribbon cuttings, live music, local bites, and community spirit — plus fun giveaways from neighborhood businesses and free treats from Café de Leche, Amara Kitchen, and Altadena Cookie Co. Bring a photo of your home for a complimentary sketch by artist Austin Scott (first 100 guests!). Saturday, November 22 at 10AM.
🃏 Front Row Card Show: Dive into a collector’s paradise with sports cards, comics, TCGs, toys, Funko Pops, memorabilia, original art, and more — plus grading services, giveaways, swag bags for early attendees, and a lively Trade Night to cap it off. Saturday, November 22 from 11AM–5PM.
🎄 Village Holiday Bazaar: Browse handcrafted gifts, collectibles, and homemade treats in a warm, relaxed setting that makes holiday shopping feel joyful instead of rushed. Proceeds support local artists and Pasadena Village’s work with aging-in-place older adults. Saturday, November 22 from 12PM–4PM.
🍂 Village Fall Festival: Celebrate community, culture, and creativity at this joyful fall festival at John Muir High School — featuring local vendors, dancing, storytelling, and a full day of connection and healing for all ages. Saturday, November 22 from 12PM–6PM.
🎹 American Liszt Society | Biennial Chapter Festival 2025: The Pasadena Conservatory of Music hosts a full day of lectures, masterclasses, and standout performances celebrating Liszt’s legacy — including sessions led by PCM’s own Dr. Vatche Mankerian and Dr. Stephen Cook. Saturday, November 22 at 1PM.
🎁 Holiday Open House: Sip eggnog, enjoy treats, and browse a sparkling selection of seasonal gifts at Webster’s Community Pharmacy — with artist Austin Scott on hand to celebrate his “Holiday Greetings from Altadena” collaboration. Plus complimentary gift wrap and a festive gift basket drawing. Saturday, November 22 from 2PM–7PM.
🍷 Swirl. Sip. Stroll. — Vino in the Village: Spend the afternoon wandering Playhouse Village with a commemorative glass in hand, enjoying wine tastings, small bites, and special offers from participating local businesses — a perfect way to explore the neighborhood with friends. Saturday, November 22 from 2PM–5PM.
🎄 The Paseo Holiday Tree Lighting: Ring in the season with The Paseo’s festive tree lighting, complete with photos with Santa, a children’s choir, crafts for the first 100 kids, and cozy treats like hot chocolate and popcorn. A joyful kickoff to Pasadena’s holiday celebrations. Saturday, November 22 from 5PM–7PM.
🛸 Aliens! Foreign and Domestic!: Parson’s Nose Theater presents a quirky double feature — Brecht’s sharp, unsettling portraits of life in Nazi Germany paired with a playful radio-style “War of the Worlds…Pasadena,” where Martians touch down in Oxnard. Saturday, November 22 at 7PM.
🩰 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: Step into the magic of the holidays with this breathtaking ballet featuring an international cast, lavish sets, and hand-crafted costumes from Europe—all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. A dazzling tradition for the whole family. Saturday, November 22 at 3PM and 7PM.
🎩 EXPLiCIT Presents The Importance of Being Earnest: Enjoy Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp comedy of manners as Caltech’s EXPLiCIT troupe brings mistaken identities, romance, and quick-witted chaos to the stage — all performed by talented students and community members. Saturday, November 22 at 7:30PM.
Sunday (11/23/25)
🎨 Jackalope Art Festival: Explore one of Pasadena’s favorite outdoor markets with 200+ indie artisans showcasing handmade art, jewelry, home goods, and more. Enjoy live music, great food, and family-friendly vibes at this free weekend event. Saturday–Sunday, November 22–23 from 10AM–4PM.
🃏 Front Row Card Show: Dive into a collector’s paradise with sports cards, comics, TCGs, toys, Funko Pops, memorabilia, original art, and more — plus grading services, giveaways, swag bags for early attendees, and a lively Trade Night to cap it off. Sunday, November 23 from 11AM–5PM.
🎉 Doo Dah Takeover: Even without the parade, the Doo Dah spirit marches on! Kick off the chaos at Dog Haus Biergarten for Doo Dah’s Big Bang! — a lively alley cabaret packed with music, antics, and the iconic Doo Dah Queen tryouts. Then roll right into the 21+ after party at The Old Towne Pub for a psychedelic Grateful Get-Down to keep the revelry going. Sunday, November 23: 11AM–3PM (Dog Haus) & 3PM–6PM (Old Towne Pub).
🌿 Holding Space With Hands in The Soil: This monthly wellness gathering at Arlington Garden invites all ages to slow down, heal, and reconnect through movement, meditation, creative expression, and community support — especially for those impacted by the Eaton Fire. A gentle space for rest, renewal, and resilience. Sunday, November 23 at 12PM.
🎩 EXPLiCIT Presents The Importance of Being Earnest: Enjoy Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp comedy of manners as Caltech’s EXPLiCIT troupe brings mistaken identities, romance, and quick-witted chaos to the stage — all performed by talented students and community members. Sunday, November 23 at 2:00PM.
Save the Date
🎸 The Mars Volta: The Mars Volta hits the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for a high-energy night from the genre-bending duo behind At The Drive-In, blending experimental rock, wild rhythms, and their unmistakable sound. Doors at 7, show at 8. Wednesday, November 26 at 8PM.
🦃 Rose Bowl Turkey Trot: Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a fun, family-friendly 5K loop around the iconic Rose Bowl — whether you run, walk, skip, or jog, it’s a Pasadena tradition that starts the holiday on a high note. Thursday, November 27 from 8:30AM–10:30AM.
🎁 Holiday Market: Browse work from 80+ local ceramic artists, enjoy tasty bites, and listen to live music at Green & Bisque Clayhouse’s festive annual market — with a special limited-edition tote for the first 25 shoppers each day. Saturday–Sunday, November 29–30 from 10AM–5PM.
🎄 A Christmas Carol: A Noise Within brings back its beloved holiday tradition with a festive, music-filled reimagining of A Christmas Carol — complete with whimsical costumes, lobby crafts, photo ops, and post-show pictures with the cast. Saturday, November 29 (select dates through December 24).
🛍️ Small Business Saturday Takeover: Celebrate Pasadena’s indie shops and kick off the holiday season by supporting the local businesses that give each neighborhood its charm. Stop by a welcome kiosk for a free canvas tote (while supplies last) and spend the day discovering one-of-a-kind gifts all around town. Saturday, November 29.
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
Karin Schnaider Named Pasadena’s New Director of Finance
Pasadena has appointed Karin Schnaider as its next Director of Finance after a national search. She starts December 1 and will oversee the city’s budget, treasury, accounting, revenue, purchasing, and financial reporting. Schnaider brings more than 20 years of municipal finance and leadership experience, most recently serving as Assistant City Manager for the City of Tracy. She previously worked in Pasadena Unified and the cities of Sierra Madre, Benicia, and San Diego.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍁
Friday
58 🌡️ 49 |🌧️35%| 💨 E 10 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 18 (Good)
Saturday
63 🌡️ 50 |⛅| 💨 N 6 mph
Sunday
567 🌡️ 50 |🌤️| 💨 S 4 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🥕LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎷 Live Jazz at Edwin Mills: Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys: Settle in for a cozy night of timeless jazz as Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys perform classics from the Great American Songbook. Smooth, nostalgic, and perfect for a laid-back Pasadena evening. Tonight, from 7PM–11PM.
🎶 French Jazz Night at Edwin Mills: Chloe Perrier: Treat yourself to an elegant night of French jazz as NYC-based singer Chloe Perrier brings her dreamy vocals and poetic style to Pasadena. A perfect blend of Parisian charm and classic jazz. Saturday, November 22 at 7PM–11PM.
🎼 Music @ The Playhouse: Melody of China: Experience a stunning blend of traditional Chinese instruments and modern compositions as Melody of China brings the yangqin, guzheng, erhu, dizi, and more to life in a performance that beautifully bridges ancient sound and contemporary artistry. Saturday, November 22 at 11AM.
🕯️ Sharing Light: A Concert of Peace, Hope & Connection: Artes Vocales brings together choral masterpieces and klezmer-rock band Mostly Kosher for a luminous evening celebrating resilience, compassion, and our shared search for light — from Tallis and Whitacre to Dolly Parton and vibrant Judaic melodies. Saturday, November 22 at 7:30PM.
🎻 Music @ the Playhouse: Duo Remanence: Settle in for an intimate Baroque concert as Duo Remanence brings early-18th-century music to life on beautifully crafted period instruments. A rich mix of Vivaldi, Bach, Marais, and more makes this a cozy, transportive night at the Playhouse. Sunday, November 23 at 7:30PM.
THANKS!🦃
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