Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. It’s February. The Santa Ana winds appear to be pushing temperatures well into the 80s, while some East Coast states are just making it out of the teens. We’re lucky to be in Pasadena.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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City of Pasadena Opens ROSE Internship Program for Local Youth
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Free Repair Event in Pasadena This Saturday
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Civic News
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
City of Pasadena Opens ROSE Internship Program for Local Youth
The ROSE Program (Realizing Opportunities through Skillful Employment) is accepting applications for paid internships open to Pasadena residents ages 14–24 from low to moderate-income households.
Participants can earn up to $2,000 after completing required training and a 100-hour work assignment. Placements vary and may include recreation, clerical work, technology, or public safety-related roles. All selected applicants must attend a mandatory training before starting.
The program is sponsored by the City of Pasadena through its Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and is designed to help young people build early job skills.
Applications open today, February 2 and close Friday, February 27. The program is only open to Pasadena residents (Altadena residents and students living outside city limits are not eligible). Click here for more information or to apply.
Free Repair Event in Pasadena This Saturday
Here’s a unique event: If you have something at home that’s broken but still usable, there’s a free repair event happening next Saturday in Pasadena.
Repair Café Pasadena will be at Aveson Global Leadership Academy (300 Madre St.) from 10AM–1PM, with volunteers offering help for small electronics, clothing repairs, bike issues, computer troubleshooting, knife sharpening, jewelry repair, and other everyday items.
The goal is straightforward: keep repairable things out of the landfill and help people extend the life of what they already own. Items should be clean, and if a replacement part is needed, attendees are expected to bring it. Electronics and appliances stop being accepted around noon so volunteers have time to finish repairs.
A “Really, Really Free Market” runs alongside the repairs, where people can leave items they no longer need and take things they can use — no payment involved. Click here to see the flyer.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
All Week Long
🍽️ Dine LA Restaurant Week: Enjoy special prix-fixe menus at participating Pasadena and Los Angeles restaurants—just dine out and ask for the Dine LA menu. Participating Restaurants | Runs until Friday, February 6
Monday (2/2)
🪵 Side Street Projects – Mobile Woodworking for Kids: A hands-on woodworking workshop where kids learn basic design and tool skills using only hand tools in a guided, small-group setting. Bob Lucas Library Parking Lot | Monday, February 2 at 3:30PM & 4:45PM
🎤 Open Mic Night at Callisto Tea House: Share music, stories, or spoken word—or just come listen and support local talent in a welcoming, all-ages setting. Callisto Tea House | Monday, February 2 at 6PM
🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: A weekly social run with 4- and 6-mile options where runners and walkers of all levels can test shoes, meet the community, and have some fun. Run With Us | Monday, February 2 at 6PM
Tuesday (2/3)
🥐 ShopTalk Business Breakfast: A monthly morning meetup where small business owners and community leaders connect over breakfast and hear a practical, business-focused presentation. The Daily, 1119 Fair Oaks Ave. | Tuesday, February 3 at 8AM
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods from certified farmers, plus a small selection of specialty food vendors. Villa Parke | Tuesday, February 3 from 8:30AM–12:30PM
🔥 Ashes & Echoes Exhibit: An Immersive Experience: An immersive exhibition featuring interviews, projections, and interactive elements that share personal stories from community members affected by the fire. Pasadena Convention Center | Tuesday, February 3 from 2PM–8PM
🎖️ Black History Month: The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in the U.S. Army: Retired Sergeant Major Charles Hancock discusses the history and impact of the Buffalo Soldiers and African American contributions to the U.S. military, with time for Q&A. Bob Lucas Library | Tuesday, February 3 at 6PM
🚀 HeyApril AI Product Hunt Launch Hang: A casual get-together for founders, creators, and the local tech community to celebrate the Product Hunt launch, meet others building in public, and hang out over drinks and conversation. CTRL Collective Coworking & Office Space | Tuesday, February 3 from 6:30PM–8PM
📖 Open Book: A Night of Laughs with Kashana Cauley: Author and comedy writer Kashana Cauley discusses humor, writing, and her work in an evening centered on laughter and conversation. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30PM
🎭 The Caltech Playreaders: Rough Crossing by Tom Stoppard: A staged reading of Stoppard’s fast-paced comedy about two playwrights scrambling to finish a musical aboard a 1930s ocean liner. The Athenaeum | Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30PM
🧠 Trivia Night: Test your knowledge during a community trivia night benefiting Union Station Homeless Services, with multiple rounds and a friendly, social vibe. Cervecería Del Pueblo | Tuesday, February 3 from 6:30PM–9PM
🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia at T. Boyle’s Tavern: Team up with friends for a weekly trivia night and test your knowledge in a lively, social setting. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday, February 3 at 8PM
😂 Kaycee Conlee + Leslie Liao + Ian Karmel: A stand-up comedy night featuring longer sets from Kaycee Conlee, Leslie Liao, and Ian Karmel as part of Sierra Madre Playhouse’s monthly comedy series. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Tuesday, February 3 at 8PM
Save the Date
🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Visit The Huntington with free admission by advance reservation during its monthly Free Day. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | Thursday, February 5
🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Enjoy free admission to the museum’s galleries and garden during this monthly open-access afternoon. Norton Simon Museum | Friday, February 6 from 4PM–7PM
🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Explore Kidspace for free during this monthly open window with advance reservation required. Kidspace Children’s Museum | Friday, February 6 from 2PM–5PM
🌺 52nd Annual Camellia Show: Browse hundreds of camellia blooms on display, learn from experts, and explore the gardens during this annual horticultural showcase. The Huntington | Saturday–Sunday, February 7–8
🧘 Yoga Expo: A full-day gathering of yoga, meditation, workshops, and a wellness marketplace featuring educators and holistic practitioners from around the world. Yoga Expo | Saturday, February 7 from 10AM–6PM
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Browse antiques, vintage clothing, local art, and specialty goods from thousands of vendors at this monthly market. Rose Bowl Stadium | Sunday, February 8 from 5AM–3PM
🎤 Distinguished Speaker Series – Pete Buttigieg: Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg discusses today’s political landscape, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. Distinguished Speakers of Southern California | Wednesday, February 11 from 7:30PM–9PM
☕ Community Coffee at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center: Start the morning with coffee, casual conversation, and a chance to connect with members of the RBAC community. Rose Bowl Aquatics Center | Thursday, February 12 from 8:30AM–10:30AM
🧭 February’s Chapter Event: Camino, ft. Krystie Yen: A morning conversation exploring personal paths, creativity, and community as part of the ongoing Camino series. Free event with pastries and coffee included. CTRL Collective | Friday, February 13 from 8:30AM–10AM
🧧 Lunar New Year at One Colorado: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with live music, a traditional Lion Dance, festive treats, and lucky red envelopes throughout the afternoon. One Colorado | Sunday, February 15 from 1PM–4PM
🛍️ 1042 Flea Market: Browse a curated flea market where everything is priced at $25 or under, featuring a mix of vintage, resale, and unique finds. CTRL Collective, 112 E Colorado Blvd. (Parking Lot) | Saturday, February 21 from 11AM–4PM
✊🏾🎉 44th Annual Black History Festival: Celebrate Black history and culture with a full day of community programming, performances, and activities. Robinson Park | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–3PM
📚 Rare Books Pasadena: Browse rare and antiquarian books from dozens of booksellers from around the world as this major book fair returns to Pasadena across two venues. Raymond Theatre | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–6PM & Sunday, February 22 from 11AM–4PM
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
Free Transit Across Pasadena and LA County on Wednesday
Buses and trains will be free on Wednesday, February 4, in Pasadena and across much of Los Angeles County for Transit Equity Day, held each year on the birthday of Rosa Parks.
Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride will offer free systemwide rides, joining LA Metro, Metrolink, LADOT, and Foothill Transit. Metrolink will not require tickets at any station, and LA Metro will waive fares on buses, trains, Metro Bike Share, and Metro Micro.
Transit Equity Day marks the role of public transportation in civil rights and access, while acknowledging the local impact of past transportation decisions in Pasadena.
Deferred Compensation Committee Meeting
A public meeting of the City of Pasadena’s Deferred Compensation Committee overseeing the City’s 457(b) plan. Click here to see agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Tuesday, February 3 at 12PM
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting
A public meeting where the commission advises City Council on parks, recreation, and related city facilities and programs. Click here to see agenda. City Yards – Public Works | Tuesday, February 3 at 6PM
Human Relations Commission Meeting
A public meeting focused on issues related to equity, inclusion, and eliminating discrimination within the Pasadena community. Click here to see agenda. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30PM
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
75 🌡️54 |☀️| 💨 SW 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 47 (Good)
Tuesday
81 🌡️ 53 |☀️| 💨 SE 3 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally leads his trio through jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday, February 2 from 6PM–10PM
🎼 Tuesday Musicale: A midday chamber music program featuring works by Fauré, Vaughan Williams, Mozart, and Dvořák, performed on violin, piano, strings, and voice. Pasadena First Church of Christ, Scientist (Sunday School Room) | Tuesday, February 3 at 12:30PM
🎷 Jumpin Joz Band: A high-energy swing and jazz band playing dance-ready classics inspired by early R&B, jump blues, and big band favorites. Edwin Mills | Tuesday, February 3 from 6PM–10PM
🎶 Visionarium Live Italian: Howie Levine performs Jazznatra selections from the Great American Songbook with piano and bass in an intimate live music setting. 1090 Mission St., South Pasadena | Tuesday, February 3 from 6:30PM–8:30PM
THANKS!
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