City Hall Turns 97! 🏛️

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is inspiring as the New Year!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• A Timeless Icon of Elegance and History

• Detour Routes for the Rose Parade

• New events and music this weekend

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy Birthday Lelo!

THE DIGEST 🎄

A Timeless Icon of Elegance and History

Today, we celebrate the 97th anniversary of our beloved City Hall, a beacon of architectural beauty and civic pride since its dedication on December 27, 1927. This grand structure, in the heart of Pasadena, is more than just a government building—it’s a symbol of the city’s rich history, a cultural landmark, and a beloved star of the silver screen.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Bakewell & Brown, the building combines Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival styles, complete with a red-tiled roof, ornate fountains, and a stunning 206-foot domed tower. The hall’s design was inspired by the Italian Renaissance and features intricate details, from arched colonnades to its iconic dome—a nod to Florence's Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. Constructed at a cost of $1.3 million, Pasadena City Hall was part of a larger civic improvement project during the 1920s. The building quickly became a symbol of the city’s prosperity and ambition. Over nearly a century, it has housed city offices and served as a focal point for civic celebrations, photoshoots, protests, and cultural events.

Hollywood’s Favorite City Hall! These are my personal favorite features of City Hall:

• Parks and Recreation

• Legally Blonde

• Charlie’s Angels

• The Big Bang Theory

• Shrinking

Pasadena City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, further cementing its status as a historical gem.

Detour Routes For the Rose Parade

Colorado Boulevard will close to motor vehicles earlier than in prior years for the staging of the January 1, 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade. Colorado Blvd. will close beginning at 10:00 pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 and will remain closed through the conclusion of the staging and clean-up following the parade. The parade route will re-open by 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@Pasadena Museum of History | 📍 Pasadena City Hall, 1949

Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT'S HAPPENING 

Friday

• 🌼Rose Parade Float Preview: The Pasadena Police Activities League (“Pasadena PAL”) invites members of the community to an exclusive sneak peek preview of the 2025 Rose Parade floats before they head down Colorado Boulevard, 4 - 7 PM

• 🎙️The Amy Winehouse Live Experience, A Holiday Extravaganza: The Mixx Pasadena invites guests to a special holiday party featuring a live tribute to one of the most powerful and soulful voices of our time, Amy Winehouse, 8 PM - 1 AM

Saturday

• 🛍️ Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: As a Certified Farmers' Market, Pasadena Farmer's Market provide visitors with fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, 8 AM - 12 PM

• 🕺Swing Dance Lessons: The Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association’s Pre-New Years Dance w/Lil’ Mo & The Dynaflos! It’s a Black & White Ball (wear one, or both of those colors), 8 PM

• 📜Historic Churches of Pasadena Walking Tour: Explore the Playhouse Village and tour some of the city's most architecturally significant churches during the Churches of Pasadena Walking Tour, 10 AM & 1 PM

• 🐈Dungeons & Cats: Gaming Session with Tail Town Cats: The feline fantasy game of Dungeons & Cats with 2 Dungeon MEOWsters who will guide you through an evening of Spells, Sorcery, and Cats, 6 PM

• 🎭Roast The Host Live: Three Kraig Smith presents Roast the Host Live at The Ice House Comedy Club. Live at the Legendary room, 9:30 - 11 PM🌼

Sunday

• 🎺Bandfest: the marching bands chosen for the Rose Parade also perform, 2PM

• 🐎Equestfest: Rose Parade’s equestrian units showcase their breeds and demonstrate their talent with performances at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 10 AM - 3 PM

• 👀Explore Pasadena: Pasadena has its roots as an agricultural citrus-growing community, and is now famous worldwide as the home of some of the best-known New Year's Day celebrations, 1 - 3 PM

Save the Date

• 🌹Lululemon Run with Roses: Join lululemon for a 5K run along the iconic Rose Parade route at midnight, Dec. 31

• 🏈Rosebowl Game: The Grandaddy of them all! The Rose Bowl Game began in 1902 making it the oldest of bowls, Jan. 1

• 🦕Jurassic Quest: The nation’s leading dinosaur-themed entertainment experience, Jurassic Quest, will bring its collection of meticulously crafted prehistoric creatures to the Pasadena Convention Center, Jan 3-5

• 🧘Yoga Expo: Immerse yourself in a powerful theme that embodies the core values of yoga and mindful living, Jan 11

• 💎Pasadena Bead and Design Show: featuring over 300 exhibits of artisan materials, jewelry, and creative workshops, Jan 17-19

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 Holiday Closures

The City of Pasadena has announced its holiday closures and service reminders for the 2024 holiday season. Most city offices, including administrative services and libraries, will be closed on designated holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Essential services like police, fire, and trash collection will continue without interruption. Residents are reminded to check adjusted schedules for street sweeping, parking enforcement, and public transit during the holiday period.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

62 🌡️ 50 |⛅| 💨 VAR 2 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 61 (Moderate)

Saturday

66 🌡️ 50 |☁️| 💨 VAR 1-3 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

Sunday

64 🌡️ 46 |☀️| 💨 VAR 0-3 mph, gusts up to 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

THANKS!

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