Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is as fun as wearing matching pajamas.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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JPL Announces Layoffs
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PCC First Centennial Tailgate Party
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Rose Bowl Annual Turkey Trot
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Spotlight: Pasadena Ice Skating Center
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
JPL Announces Layoffs, Impacting 325 Employees Amid Budget Constraints
I know News N’ Roses only covers fun and uplifting stories, but this is a significant development, and JPL is a big part of Pasadena. Having worked at JPL for six years, it holds a special place in my heart, and despite challenging times, JPL remains dedicated to advancing space exploration. That’s why I can’t simply overlook this news.
JPL announced a workforce reduction impacting about 325 employees—around 5% of its staff—due to FY’25 budget constraints. The layoffs will affect technical, business, and support areas across the Lab as part of a challenging adjustment to ensure future mission success. JPL Director Laurie Leshin expressed gratitude for the contributions of affected employees and assured remaining staff that this is expected to be the last such action. On Nov. 13, employees will receive individual notifications, with support available for those leaving.
This is a tough moment for the JPL community, which has faced numerous challenges over its nearly 90-year history. I wish my former colleagues the best as they navigate this transition. Remember, this isn’t an end—your skills and dedication to advancing science and exploration will open doors to new opportunities. You’ll find the next role where you can make an impact, and your JPL family will always be here to support and cheer you on. Thank you for everything you’ve done; brighter days are ahead.
Pasadena City College will celebrate its 100th anniversary with its first annual tailgate on Nov. 16, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the ‘Lancer’s Pass’ Cafeteria. The event, featuring games, food, music, and prizes, leads up to the PCC Lancers’ football game against LA Valley at 6 p.m. This centennial celebration honors PCC’s legacy, which began in 1924 with just 267 students and has grown into one of California’s top community colleges.
The Rose Bowl Stadium will host its 7th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, inviting community members of all ages to walk, run, or stroll a 5K loop around the stadium. The family-friendly event features giveaways, a holiday photo booth, and supports Pasadena schools with a $5,000 matching grant from the Pasadena Educational Foundation. Early bird pricing is available, and proceeds benefit the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation.
@NEWSN_ROSES
📷@seereenuh | 📍 Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday
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🍷Wine Wednesdays: Half off at We Olive & Wine all day long!
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📖Walk n’ Talk Club: Join a community of Social Literature at the South Pasadena Library which meets every second Wednesday of the month at 9 AM
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📷Celebrity Meet and Greet: Twilight Saga star Nikki Reed, Hunger Games’ actor Alex Ludwig will be at the South Pasadena Pavilion for a special in-person appearance and photo opportunity in support of Olive Crest, a nonprofit that fights against child abuse 9 AM – 6 PM
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🍕Mountain Mike Pizza: Celebrate the grand opening with free pizza for the first 100 guests and everyone can enjoy music, raffles, and activities 4 – 8 PM
Thursday
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🐕Pop-up Dog Adoption Event: The Courtyard by Marriott will open its newly reimagined space. Enjoy light bites and sweets while mingling with community members at this dog-friendly property. Courtyard by Marriott will cover all adoption fees that evening 5 PM – 7:30 PM
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👗Designing Hollywood: Studio Wardrobe in the Golden Age: Join author Christian Esquevin and learn about the evolution of costume design and wardrobe departments, and their importance in creating the image of movie stars during Hollywood’s Golden Age at the Pasadena Museum of History 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Save the Date
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🎤Giggle Gaggle with Taylor P. Miller: Amazing night of comedy at The Ice House in Pasadena. Comics you’ve seen on Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Comedy Central and many more this amazing lineup is only $15. Reserve your seats now as seating is limited. Nov. 16. Doors open at 7 PM.
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🪕Pasadena Armenian Festival: Indulge in fun and memorable Armenian cultural experiences right here in Pasadena, California! Come and enjoy your time. Attendance is free, so bring your friends, family or even a date! Nov. 16, 10AM – 5 PM
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🚲Bike the Rivers: A multimodal morning ride as we bike along the Arroyo Seco & LA River bike paths then ride the rails back to the start!, Nov. 16, 8 AM – 12 PM
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🏈PCC Centennial Tailgate: Pasadena City College will celebrate its 100th anniversary with its first annual tailgate on Nov. 16, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the ‘Lancer’s Pass’ Cafeteria. The event, featuring games, food, music, and prizes, leads up to the PCC Lancers’ football game against LA Valley at 6 PM.
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📚Vroman’s 130th Anniversary Celebration: Come celebrate with a true gem of Pasadena. Enjoy raffle prices every 30 minutes, take part in trivia around the store and see limited edition merch!
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🎉DooDah Parade: An annual, whimsical event celebrating creativity and humor with quirky floats, costumes, and lively participants. Established in the late 1970s, it serves as an unconventional alternative to the traditional Rose Parade, attracting large crowds each year. Nov. 24 at 11 AM.
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🦃Rose Bowl Turkey Trot: The sixth annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot continues to raise the bar by providing guests with family fun and outdoor activity on Thanksgiving Day. Runners, walkers, skippers, and jumpers alike can participate this year by running around the 5K recreational loop at America’s Stadium. Known for being a Pasadena family favorite and a Thanksgiving morning tradition, you won’t want to miss it! Thursday, Nov 28th at 8:30 AM.
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 City Council to Hold Public Hearing on Lamanda Park Specific Plan
The Pasadena City Council is set to hold a public hearing on November 18 to review the proposed Lamanda Park Specific Plan (LPSP). The LPSP outlines new goals, policies, and development standards to guide future growth and design in the Lamanda Park area. Community members are encouraged to attend, share input, and learn more about the vision shaping this Pasadena neighborhood. For details on the hearing, submitting comments, or accessing related documents, visit http://Bit.ly/LPSP_1.
SPOTLIGHT: PASADENA ICE SKATING CENTER
Although its just starting to get cold, its been cold at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center. Located within the Pasadena Convention Center, the ice rink offers a modern NHL regulation-size rink with amenities like skate rentals, party rooms, and a pro shop. Open daily, the center provides public skating sessions with flexible hours, perfect for individuals and families. Pasadena residents can enjoy $2 off their admission! They also offer classes in figure skating and hockey for all skill levels, along with specialty programs like synchronized skating and power skating. As home to the Pasadena Maple Leafs Youth Hockey Association and Rose City Crystals synchronized teams, the center also hosts adult hockey leagues and various community events.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
77 🌡️ 54 |☀️| 💨 VAR 1-5 mph, gusts up to 10 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 44 (Good)
Thursday
73 🌡️ 53 |☀️| 💨 VAR 2-7 mph, gusts up to 15 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC
A free, indoor concern on the second Saturday of each month. This month, featuring Might Love a soul, RnB, Funk & Dance Hits band. Altadena Library 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Triple Shot is a modern jazz trio based in Pasadena, performing improvisations and original compositions. They are rooted in the traditions of jazz and blues, with a subtle influence of gospel and funk. Jones Coffee Roasters, Every Tuesday, 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
SPORTS
Upcoming UCLA and PCC Matches
UCLA Football 🏈
11/23 UCLA vs USC | TBD at Rose Bowl Stadium
11/30 UCLA vs Fresno State | TBD at Rose Bowl Stadium
Men’s Football 🏈
11/16 PCC vs. LA Valley| 6 PM at Robinson Stadium
Women’s Soccer ⚽
11/14 PCC vs. Mt. San Antonio | 4 PM at El Camino College (SCC Tournament)
Women’s Volleyball 🏅
11/13 PCC vs. Rio Hondo | TBD
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who already put their Christmas tree up.🙄
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