A Lasting Spotlight and A Final Slice

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s as enticing as free pizza at a work event. 🍕

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• La Grande Orange & Luggage Room Close After 16 Years in Pasadena

• Pasadena Playhouse Turns 100: A Century on Stage

• Events This Week

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

😢 La Grande Orange & Luggage Room Close After 16 Years in Pasadena

Two longtime Pasadena favorites — La Grande Orange Café and Luggage Room Pizzeria — closed their doors on March 31 after over a decade at the historic Del Mar Train Station.

La Grande Orange opened in 2008, followed by Luggage Room in 2010, both from restaurateur Bob Lynn. Known for California-style fare and seasonal pizzas, the restaurants became local staples. Lynn cited high expenses and difficulties maintaining the historic property as the reason for closing, despite efforts to find a solution. “We honestly wish that we could remain in operation for many years to come,” Lynn shared in a heartfelt statement.

While Pasadena says goodbye, Lynn continues to run The Misfit in Santa Monica and will reopen a reimagined Ingo’s Tasty Diner as Diner Antonette later this year.

👋 Thanks for the memories — and the pizza.

🎭 Pasadena Playhouse Turns 100: A Century on Stage

The Pasadena Playhouse is celebrating its 100th anniversary in May 2025, marking a century of bold performances, iconic talent, and deep roots in the local arts scene. As California’s official State Theater, it’s long been a creative hub and historic landmark — from its early Hollywood connections to today’s acclaimed productions.

To honor the milestone, the Playhouse will be rolling out a special lineup of shows and events throughout the year, with big moments planned for May. Expect a dynamic mix of classics, concerts, and fresh takes that celebrate its legacy while looking ahead to the next 100.

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📷@sodapopmatt 📍 Rose Bowl Masters Swimming, Short Course Spring 2025 Meet

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🌽 Altadena Farmers’ Market: Fresh produce, handmade goods, and small-batch eats from local queer and POC-owned businesses. Next to Pizza of Venice in Altadena, 3:30–6:00 PM. Order online for pickup or delivery during market hours.

• 🌌 Nia Imara: Painting the Cosmos Astrophysicist and visual artist Nia Imara will discuss and sign her new book Painting the Cosmos: How Art and Science Intersect to Reveal the Secrets of the Universe at 7:00 PM at Vroman’s Bookstore.

• 🎲 Game Night Live at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Join Game Night Live for two hours of free-to-play trivia and game show-style fun at Stone Brewing Tap Room in Pasadena. Each night features two games with interactive rounds like word jumbles, picture challenges, and more—no trivia expertise required. Prizes awarded, and good vibes guaranteed. 6 PM at Stone Brewing Tap Room.

• 😂 Comedy Improv Happy Hour at The Mixx: Catch some of Pasadena’s funniest comedians at The Mixx for a night of improv comedy hosted by the always-hilarious Paddy, plus weekly guest performers. 8 PM at the Mixx.

Thursday

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: The South Pasadena Farmers’ Market returns Thursday, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, just steps from the Gold Line station. Shop certified California-grown produce, enjoy prepared foods, and catch live music under a canopy of trees.

• 💃 LindyGroove: Blues Lesson & Social Dance: Join Danita and Isaiah for a beginner-friendly Blues Connections lesson at 9:10 PM, followed by social dancing with DJ Taryn It Up from 10 PM to midnight. No partner needed. Included with LindyGroove admission.

Save the Date

• 🌌 Stargazing Lecture Series - If You Give a Black Hole a Cookie: On Friday, April 4 at 8:00 PM, Caltech’s Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics hosts a free public lecture by Jean Somalwar exploring how scientists study black holes by analyzing the material they consume. The event is in-person and streamed live on YouTube.
  

  

  
  

• 🐕Wiggle Waggle Walk: Pasadena Humane will once host its popular annual fundraiser, April 6

• 🐇Easter Extravaganza: Hop into the fun at the Easter Extravaganza presented by Creative Communal at Pasarroyo, April 12

• 🎷Caltech Jazz Festival: Featuring the Caltech Jazz Band directed by Barb Catlin. Vocalist./composer Teryn Re and her quartet. The legendary trumpeter/composer Bobby Bradford, April 19

• 🎨Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair, Spring 2025: Discover over 200 local artisans at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair on April 26 and 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Central Park in Old Pasadena. This free outdoor event features handmade goods, including fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Leashed pets are welcome.

  

  Read about Jackalope Pasadena on News N’ Roses!

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 to Host Community Meeting on Hydrogen Fueling Station Project

The Pasadena Public Works and Transportation Departments are inviting residents to a community outreach meeting to discuss plans for a new hydrogen fueling station—part of the City’s ongoing effort to transition Pasadena Transit to a zero-emission bus fleet.
City officials will present early concepts and gather public input on the proposed station. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share feedback on this step toward a more sustainable transit system.

📅 Date: Tuesday, April 15
🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Boys and Girls Club, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

63 🌡️ 46 |☀️| 💨 NE 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 37 (Good)

Thursday

61 🌡️ 46 |🌧️| 💨 NE 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

THANKS!

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