Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as chatty as a hungry cat greeting you at the door.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
CatCon Returns to Pasadena This Weekend
Boys & Girls Club Launches “Future Ready” Makeover
Events This Weekend!
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. If you’re not already following @newsn_roses on Instagram, we’d love to have you there! We also have a Facebook page! The newsletter’s growing quickly, and it’s a fun way to stay connected and keep the local vibes going. Thanks for being part of it!
Happy Birthday to my little brother Gio! 🎂🎉
THE DIGEST
CatCon Returns to Pasadena This Weekend
Who would’ve thought there were enough cat lovers to create something like a cat convention? Well, the world’s biggest event for cat lovers is back at the Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, and this year marks its 10th anniversary. Think Comic Con, but for cat people. CatCon features 150+ vendors, cat-themed merch, giveaways, workshops, and a celeb lineup that includes Nathan the Cat Lady, SpongeCake, and Maple Cat. There’s even a full-on adoption village if you’re looking to meet your new best friend.
Expect cosplay (cat ears encouraged), expert panels on feline health and culture, and plenty of Instagrammable moments. Just leave your actual cat at home—pets aren’t allowed for safety reasons. Get you tickets here!
Boys & Girls Club Launches “Future Ready” Makeover
Big news from the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena: both its Slavik and Mackenzie-Scott branches just got a major upgrade as part of a new initiative called “Future Ready.” The goal is to help local youth bounce back stronger after the Eaton Fire and all the disruptions of the past few years.
What’s new:
At Slavik (E. Del Mar): a fresh outdoor play area, a revamped Arts Center, an ADA-accessible walkway, and a hands-on tech lab called “Why Not You?” Plus: expanded music, art, dance, leadership, and mental health services (including a full-time psychologist).
At Mackenzie-Scott (N. Fair Oaks): a brand-new teen center with evening hours, a Teen Advisory Council, and programs like College Bound, driver’s ed, sports, arts, comedy workshops, and a high-tech innovation lab—with even more coming soon (like a music studio!).
Fall program registration is open now. Visit bgcpasadena.org/future-ready or email [email protected] for info. Pasadena kids deserve the world and this is a big step in the right direction.
@NEWSN_ROSES
In honor of National Intern Day, the City of Pasadena is proud to highlight a few of the incredible interns working across our departments. These interns are gaining real-world experience while making meaningful contributions to our community.
📷@cityofpasadena📍Pasadena City Hall
Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday
🌍 Planet Beautiful Powered by Saie: Head to Sephora at Santa Anita Mall for a day of eco-conscious beauty with Saie and other sustainable brands. Friday, August 1 from 12:00PM–6:00PM. Meet brand reps, explore clean products, and learn how beauty can help protect the planet.
🌿 Twilight Garden Strolls: Wander The Huntington’s gardens as the sun sets and the grounds take on a different kind of magic. Friday, August 1 from 4:30PM–8:00PM. Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a summer evening out.
🖼️ Free First Friday at Norton Simon Museum: Stroll world-class galleries without spending a dime during Norton Simon’s monthly free evening. Friday, August 1 from 4:00PM–7:00PM. No tickets or reservations needed—just show up and enjoy.
💃 Adult Dance & Movement: A welcoming, open-level class that blends playful prompts and creative movement to help you reconnect with your body. Friday, August 1 at 5:30PM. No dance experience needed—just wear something comfy and come as you are.
🎬 Movies in the Park: Inside Out 2: Spread out on the grass at Sierra Madre Memorial Park for a free outdoor screening of Inside Out 2. Friday, August 1 at 7:00PM. Bring your blankets, snacks, and maybe a few tissues—this one tugs at the heart.
🎬 Movies in the Park: Dog Man: Grab a blanket and catch a free screening of Dog Man at Grant Park as part of the Parks After Dark series. Friday, August 1 at 7:00PM. Family-friendly fun under the stars.
Saturday
🐱 CatCon: If you’re a cat person (or just cat-curious), this one’s for you. CatCon returns for its 10th anniversary with 150+ vendors, celeb meet & greets, giveaways, and the biggest feline adoption lounge around. It’s like Comic-Con—just fluffier. Saturday, August 2 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.
🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods straight from the source. Saturday, August 2 from 8:30AM–12:30PM at Victory Park. Real food, real farmers, and the kind of flavors you don’t find at the grocery store.
🥕 Altadena Farmers’ Free Community Market: In response to the Eaton Canyon wildfire, this market now offers free farm-fresh produce to fire-impacted residents through a voucher system. Saturday, August 2 from 9:00AM–12:00PM at Fairoaks Burger in Altadena. Register online to receive a voucher before you go.
🐘 “We Tell Stories” – A Feast from the East: Interactive tales from Japan, China, and India come to life on stage in this family-friendly performance at Sierra Madre Playhouse. Saturday, August 2 at 11:00AM. Kids become part of the storytelling while learning timeless lessons along the way.
🧵 Crafting Meetup at the Gamble House: Bring your latest project and settle in under the oaks for an easygoing afternoon of creativity and connection. Saturday, August 2 from 12:00PM–2:00PM. No RSVP needed—just show up with your craft and a lawn chair.
🎷 Summer Concert Series at Vroman’s: Live jazz takes over the bookstore with Pasadena Conservatory faculty and legendary drummer Roy McCurdy. Saturday, August 2 from 5:00PM–6:00PM. Free, intimate, and packed with talent—you don’t want to miss this one.
🎶 Summer Park Concert Series: Suavé the Band: Kick off the city’s summer concert series with Suavé the Band at Memorial Park. Saturday, August 2 from 5:00PM–8:00PM. Lawn chairs, good vibes, and live music—summer evenings done right.
💃 Aqua Boogie Nights: Make a splash at Villa Parke Pool with swimming, music, and dancing under the stars. Saturday, August 2 from 6:00PM–9:00PM. Family-friendly, free, and full of summer energy—just don’t forget your swimsuit.
🎺 Free Summer Concerts: The Mariachi Divas: Spend your Saturday night on the lawn at Loma Alta Park with the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas. Saturday, August 2 at 7:00PM. Classic mariachi, cool evening air, and community vibes—all free.
🕺 Saturday Night Swing: Nat And Her Tiger Five: Swing into the weekend with live music, dancing, and circus-themed fun at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Saturday, August 2 at 7:30PM. Includes a beginner-friendly lesson, live band, snacks, and good vibes—all levels welcome.
Sunday
🧺 PCC Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and quirky treasures from over 400 vendors at this long-running community favorite. Sunday, August 3 from 8:00AM–3:00PM at Pasadena City College. Come early—this one gets busy.
🎶 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Led by pianist Hank Mehren, this rotating ensemble brings cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion to your Sunday coffee run. Sunday, August 3 at 10:00AM at Jones Coffee Roasters. A smooth start to your day with serious musical chops.
🎻 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Zelter String Quartet: Enjoy Beethoven and a world premiere performance inside Mt. Wilson’s historic dome with the talented Zelter String Quartet. Sunday, August 3 at 3:00PM & 5:00PM. A stunning setting for some truly transcendent chamber music.
🎸 Opening: An Homage to Bruce Springsteen: The South Pasadena Arts Council kicks off a group exhibition celebrating The Boss through powerful photography and illustration. Sunday, August 3 from 3:00PM–6:00PM. Swing by the SPARC Gallery for the opening reception and a visual tribute to one of music’s greats.
🐾 Cats on Mats: Yoga: Unwind with 45 minutes of gentle yoga—surrounded by adoptable cats—at Tail Town Cat Café. Sunday, August 3 at 4:00PM. Bring your mat, skip the perfume, and prepare for some very chill feline energy.
🎶 Concerts in the Park: Soul3Sixty: Head to Garfield Park for an evening of soul, R&B, and feel-good grooves with Soul3Sixty. Sunday, August 3 at 5:00PM. Bring a blanket, grab a bite from Andreas Catering or Rio Soft Serve, and enjoy the summer rhythm.
🎤 Summer Concerts in the Park: Elvis Covers by Harry Shadhoia: Spend your Sunday night with the King—well, almost. Harry Shadhoia brings Elvis classics to life in Sierra Madre Memorial Park. Sunday, August 3 from 6:00PM–8:00PM. Bring a blanket and your best hip-shaking moves.
Save the Date
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Mark your calendars—the second Sunday of the month means vintage heaven at the Rose Bowl. With over 2,500 vendors offering antiques, clothing, art, and more, it’s a goldmine for treasure hunters and bargain lovers. Interested in selling? Call R.G. Canning at (323) 560-7469 to learn how to become a vendor. Sunday, August 10 (VIP entry at 5:00AM, general admission at 9:00AM).
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
Rent Hike Cap Drops Slightly for Pasadena Renters
Heads up: starting tomorrow (Aug 1), the state cap on rent increases is dropping a bit—from 8.9% down to 8% for most Southern California tenants.
This is all thanks to California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which covers many but not all renters in the region. If you’re in an apartment that’s more than 15 years old and not subject to local rent control, this applies to you.
A few quick notes:
Newer buildings (less than 15 years old)? Not covered.
Single-family homes and condos? Only covered if owned by a corporate landlord.
Pasadena has its own rent control laws, which are typically stricter—so this state law might not even be your limit.
Why the change? The annual rent cap is tied to inflation. The L.A. area’s inflation rate was 3% this year, and state law allows landlords to add 5% on top of that—bringing the new total to 8%. Not a huge drop, but in this market, every percent counts.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
86 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 51 (Moderate)
Saturday
87 🌡️ 64 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph
Sunday
87 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Start your Friday with vintage jazz, ragtime, and a splash of blues from pianist Larry Garf at Jones Coffee Roasters. Friday, August 1 at 9:00AM. A mellow morning set with timeless charm.
🪗 Stanley Oropesa Performs: From Bach to film scores, Stanley Oropesa brings his accordion magic to Jones Coffee Roasters. Friday, August 1 at 11:00AM. A lively and unexpected soundtrack to your late-morning coffee.
🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Enjoy a smooth Saturday morning soundtrack with this local jazz favorite at Jones Coffee Roasters. Saturday, August 2 at 10:00AM. Classic tunes, good coffee, and that laid-back Pasadena vibe.
🎷 Summer Concert Series at Vroman’s: Live jazz takes over the bookstore with Pasadena Conservatory faculty and legendary drummer Roy McCurdy. Saturday, August 2 from 5:00PM–6:00PM. Free, intimate, and packed with talent—you don’t want to miss this one.
🎶 Summer Park Concert Series: Suavé the Band: Kick off the city’s summer concert series with Suavé the Band at Memorial Park. Saturday, August 2 from 5:00PM–8:00PM. Lawn chairs, good vibes, and live music—summer evenings done right.
🎺 Free Summer Concerts: The Mariachi Divas: Spend your Saturday night on the lawn at Loma Alta Park with the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas. Saturday, August 2 at 7:00PM. Classic mariachi, cool evening air, and community vibes—all free.
🎼 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser return to Jones Coffee Roasters with a fresh mix of jazz favorites and originals. Sunday, August 3 at 2:00PM. Thoughtful, dynamic, and full of surprises—perfect for a lazy afternoon.
🎶 Concerts in the Park: Soul3Sixty: Head to Garfield Park for an evening of soul, R&B, and feel-good grooves with Soul3Sixty. Sunday, August 3 at 5:00PM. Bring a blanket, grab a bite from Andreas Catering or Rio Soft Serve, and enjoy the summer rhythm.
🎤 Summer Concerts in the Park: Elvis Covers by Harry Shadhoia: Spend your Sunday night with the King—well, almost. Harry Shadhoia brings Elvis classics to life in Sierra Madre Memorial Park. Sunday, August 3 from 6:00PM–8:00PM. Bring a blanket and your best hip-shaking moves.
🎤 Music in the Park: Boombox (Top 40): End the weekend on a high note with crowd-pleasing hits from Boombox at La Cañada’s Memorial Park. Sunday, August 3 from 6:00PM–8:00PM. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy the summer vibes.
THANKS!
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