ArtCenter’s Biggest Class Ever & All Happenings This Week

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s as consistent as this weather. 😂 We are getting back some cooler weather, folks. Hope you had a great weekend!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• ArtCenter Celebrates Biggest Graduating Class Ever

• Restaurant Spotlight: Ladies and Gentlemen

• Events this Monday & Tuesday

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

🎨 ArtCenter Celebrates Biggest Graduating Class Ever

ArtCenter College of Design just marked a major milestone, celebrating its largest-ever graduating class with 327 students at the Spring 2025 Grad Show, held April 26 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The free public exhibit showcased standout student work across animation, furniture design, game design, photography, transportation design, and more.

One especially moving piece, “Resilience in the Ashes,” paid tribute to those affected by the recent wildfires. It was created using materials salvaged from burned homes—a deeply personal project for Everard Williams, chair of Photography and Imaging, and alum Jeffrey Sugishita, both of whom lost their homes in the January Eaton Fire.

The event wasn’t just a graduation—it was a celebration of creativity, community, and resilience that makes Pasadena special.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🌌 Astronomy on Tap: How to Catch a Dark Matter Clump: Dive into the mysteries of the universe over beers and burgers at Dog Haus Biergarten! Carnegie scientist Ana Bonaca will explain how scientists detect invisible clumps of dark matter by observing how they disturb stars, while LIGO's Gabriele Vajente will reveal how gravitational waves let us “listen” to black holes and neutron stars colliding across the cosmos. Tonight at 7:30PM. Expect telescopes, pub trivia, NASA swag, and live space-themed rock from Jason Achilles and Forrest Mitchell. Free and open to all ages—just show up!

• 🎤 Open Mic: Take the stage to show your talents in singing, playing and more at the California College of Music, 7 PM

• 💃Dance Classes: Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association kicks off a new series of classes this week—sign up or just show up, 7:30 PM

Tuesday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh fruits, veggies, jams, and farm products directly from local growers at this certified farmers' market. 8:30AM–12:30PM at Villa Parke.

• 🐾 Barks & Blankets: A Community Service Project: Make a no-sew blanket or snuffle mat for shelter pets and get a free signed copy of Dogtown! 4PM at Jefferson Branch Library. Free, supplies provided.

• 🧠 Trivia Madness: Flex your brainpower in a relaxed round of trivia with fellow fact-lovers—tea and coffee included. 4:30PM at Crowell Public Library. Adults only. No registration needed.

• 🍷 Taste of South Pasadena 2025: Sample bites and sips from dozens of local restaurants, wineries, and breweries at this walkable, family-friendly food fest along Fair Oaks and Mission. 5PM–9PM. Hosted by the Rotary Club of South Pasadena.

• 🚵 Around the Cycle Cherry Bomb MTB Ride: Join this intermediate mountain bike ride through local dirt trails—no drop, just good company and fun terrain. 6PM–8PM. Meet at Around the Cycle. No registration needed.

Save the Date

• 💦 Water Safety Day & Tread-a-Thon at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center: Celebrate 35 years of lifesaving impact with RBAC’s Water Safety Day! May 15. The day kicks off with a morning press event featuring Pasadena officials, followed by a community-wide Tread-a-Thon fundraiser. Participants will honor RBAC’s 35th anniversary by treading water for 35 seconds, 3 minutes 35 seconds, or 35 minutes—raising awareness and funds for drowning prevention. All ages welcome.

• 💜 Nurturing Our Wellbeing: Mind, Body & Spirit: Join the community for a day of wellness with free food, fresh produce, live music, dancing, workshops, and family fun! Wednesday, May 14 · 10AM–1PM at Lincoln Avenue Christian Church, Pasadena. Free bus ride available—register at the Jackie Robinson Community Center by May 9. Space is limited!

• 🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, May 24

• 🚗 23rd Annual Pasadena Police Department Car Show: Classic car lovers, mark your calendar! The Pasadena PD hosts their annual car show at The Paseo with proceeds benefiting Pasadena P.A.L. and the Police Explorer Post #19. Saturday, June 14, 10AM–3PM at 300 E. Colorado Blvd.

• 🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Stroll through downtown and beyond to enjoy local art in storefronts and galleries during this community collaboration between artists and businesses. 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.

• ⛸️ Juneteenth Celebration: The NAACP Pasadena Branch will hold its Juneteenth Celebration and 4th Annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall, June 14 at 4 PM.

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!

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Hidden Gem Alert: Ladies & Gentlemen

If you haven’t been to Ladies & Gentlemen yet, let me put you on.

It’s technically a bar—but calling it that feels like calling the Rose Bowl a park. It’s a whole experience.

First, the entrance.
You don’t just walk in. You head through Wunderlust Creamery or down the Exchange Alley stairs, then look for a “restroom” with… unusual decor. A doorman is usually there, reminding you to “flush”—that’s your key to the secret door.

Inside, the ambiance is dark, sexy, and just a little mysterious.
Think plush seating, moody lighting, and hip art on the walls. It’s ideal for date night or a night out when you want to impress without trying too hard.

The drinks? Wildly creative.
Each one is themed and thoughtfully crafted, with flavors that actually deliver. It’s clear the bartenders aren’t just mixing—they’re telling stories in a glass.

And yes, there’s food too. Good food.
My pick? The oysters. Briny, fresh, and plated like a treat. Perfect with whatever cocktail you’re sipping.

Pasadena doesn’t have many spots that feel this hidden and this good. Ladies & Gentlemen pulls it off perfectly.

Just… don’t tell everyone, ok?

CIVIL NEWS

🏛️ Pasadena City Council Meeting: The City Council gathers to discuss Pasadena’s latest civic matters and community issues. Today at 6PM at Pasadena City Hall.

💼 Finance Committee Special Meeting: The Pasadena City Council's Finance Committee convenes to discuss city fiscal matters. Today at 3PM at Pasadena City Hall.

🌳 Recreation and Parks Commission Special Meeting: Join city officials to discuss updates and improvements related to Pasadena parks, the Arroyo Seco, Rose Bowl, and Brookside Golf Courses. Tuesday at 6PM at Pasadena City Hall. Free and open to the public.

⚖️ Free Disaster Relief Legal Clinic: Get help with FEMA appeals, tenant-landlord issues, and habitability concerns after the recent fires. The clinic will be hosted on Thursday, May 22, from 3PM to 6PM at Jackie Robinson Community Center.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

70🌡️ 52 |⛅| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 43 (Good)

Tuesday

66 🌡️ 50 |⛅| 💨 S 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s blooming Rose Garden while enjoying live classical music from soloists and duos on violin, cello, and guitar. Monday, 1PM–3PM at The Huntington Botanical Gardens.

• 🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio: Unwind with jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions from this masterful trio. Catch them Monday, May 12 · 6PM–10PM at Edwin Mills in charming Mills Alley—a stylish bar and restaurant with outdoor seating and a laid-back vibe perfect for live jazz.

• 🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Ease into your Tuesday mornings with modern jazz and Latin fusion from the legendary Matt Politano and his trio at Jones Coffee Roasters. Featuring Blake White on bass and Mark Ferber on drums, with rotating guest musicians throughout the year. Tuesdays · 8:30AM–9:30AM at 693 S. Raymond Ave.

• 🎺 Supasol Band: Groove to Old School Jazz in an intimate, vibey setting. Tuesday, May 13 · 6PM–11PM at Edwin Mills in Mills Alley, where cocktails, cozy patio tables, and smooth sounds come together for the perfect night out.

THANKS!

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