Cool Start to the Week in Pasadena

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that adds something fun to your morning routine.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena’s Boxing Show Packs Centennial Square

• Coffee, Cold Cuts, and Pasta Land on Washington Blvd

• Pasadena Office Tower Sells for $31.5M

• Events This Monday & Tuesday

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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SPONSORED BY ROSE BOWL AQUATICS CENTER

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s “Cheers to 35 Years” Annual Benefit

For 35 years, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center has transformed lives through swim lessons, water safety, fitness, and community programs that reach thousands each year. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Center will host its “Cheers to 35 Years” Annual Benefit at NOOR in Pasadena. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones will emcee the evening, honoring Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, diver and philanthropist Felix Grossman, water fitness leader Wendy Kendall, and the Center’s remarkable student-athletes.

The celebration will feature a delicious dinner, an exciting silent auction, and moving recognition moments that highlight leaders who have advanced the mission of water safety and access for all. Every ticket purchased helps fund vital programs, including swim lessons for children, youth outreach, and financial assistance for families in need.

Secure tickets here and join a celebration that will inspire, make an impact, and uplift the community.

THE DIGEST

Pasadena’s Boxing Show Packs Centennial Square

Friday night’s 10th-annual Boxing Show brought serious energy to City Hall, where about 400 fans circled a ring set up in Centennial Square to cheer on two dozen young fighters. The free event, run by Pasadena’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, mixed food trucks, a car show, and even a native drum circle with three-round bouts from local up-and-coming boxers.

One of the night’s standouts was 17-year-old Jesse Kang, a Pasadena native who trains at Villa Parke under longtime coach Fausto De La Torre. Kang snagged a win in his division and the silver prize belt, calling boxing “a beautiful sport” where “all the glory goes to you.” The crowd seemed to agree—every punch had Centennial Square on its feet.

Coffee, Cold Cuts, and Pasta Land on Washington Blvd

A new Italian deli just recently opened on Washington Blvd, and it’s already drawing a crowd. The Italian Deli Co. is part delicatessen, part trattoria, with a case full of cold cuts and cheeses, sidewalk tables, and pastas from Italian-born chef Enzo. Coffee takes center stage here, with espresso served in ceramic cups using Caffè Vergnano, a 140-year-old Italian roaster. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick espresso in the morning or linger over wine and truffle pinsa in the evening. The Italian Deli Co., is at 1615 E Washington Blvd. Check it out!

Pasadena Office Tower Sells for $31.5M

A nine-story office tower at 790 E. Colorado Blvd. just sold for $31.5M in an off-market deal. Buyer Arash Danialifar of GD Realty Group picked it up from Swift Real Estate Partners, who paid $59M for it back in 2019. That’s a steep discount, reflecting how Pasadena’s office market has been adjusting with hybrid work and shifting demand. The 146,000-square-foot building comes with perks like a fitness center, full kitchen, terraces, and underground parking. About 70% was leased when the sale closed.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🎨 Jove Wang Master Artist Workshop: Learn plein air painting from California Art Club Signature Artist Jove Wang in a three-day intensive workshop. Expect demos, guided sessions, and hands-on instruction from one of the region’s master painters. Monday, August 25 starting at 9:00AM.

• 🏠 Opening: Collective in Residence — Here Lay A Home: The Armory Center for the Arts debuts a powerful participatory installation reflecting on memory, loss, and resilience in Altadena after the Eaton Fires. Blending archive, earth architecture, and community storytelling, the exhibit honors the idea of home—both fragile and enduring. Opens Monday, August 25 (all day).

• 👟 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Start the week with a social run through Pasadena—choose between 4 or 6 miles, test out the latest shoes, and connect with fellow runners of all levels. Even pups are welcome to join the pace. Monday, August 25 at 6:00PM.

• 🍻 Game Night Live Trivia at Dog Haus Biergarten: Hot dogs, cold drinks, and two hours of trivia fun in Old Pasadena. Play solo or with friends, compete for prizes, and kick off the week with laughs and brain games. Monday, August 25 from 7:00PM–9:00PM.

• 📚 Winnie M. Li in Conversation with Naomi Hirahara: At Vroman’s, acclaimed author Winnie M. Li discusses and signs her new novel What We Left Unsaid—a moving story about family, identity, and the roads that reconnect us. She’ll be joined in conversation by Pasadena’s own Naomi Hirahara. Monday, August 25 from 7:00PM–8:00PM.

Tuesday

• 🍅 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Fresh-picked fruits, vegetables, and farm goods straight from the growers make this weekly market a local favorite. From produce to jams and fish, everything here comes with a story and a face behind it. Tuesday, August 26 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.

• 🎸 Summer Concert Series: Atomic Roots Orchestra: Travel back to the birth of rock & roll as the Atomic Roots Orchestra brings the early hits to life. Hosted by the Pasadena Senior Center, this outdoor concert is all about dancing, reminiscing, and celebrating 65 years of music and community. Tuesday, August 26 at 5:00PM.

• 📚 The Cruel Dawn – Author Event: Local author Rachel Howzell Hall returns with the second book in her Vallendor series, a sweeping romantasy of gods, betrayal, and survival. Meet the author at Octavia’s Bookshelf and hear more about this powerful new release. Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00PM–7:30PM.

• 🧵 Fashion Figure Drawing + Needlework Meetup: Remainders Creative Reuse hosts a double dose of creativity—sketch clothing designs and practice fashion illustration, then stick around for a cozy evening of knitting, crochet, embroidery, or needlepoint with fellow makers. Bring your own projects or dive into something new—materials provided. Tuesday, August 26 at 6:00PM.

• 🍕 The ADC at Prime Pizza: Altadena Dining Club closes out August with a night at Prime Pizza. Stop by for slices, drinks, and neighborly hangs, plus the club’s monthly raffle. Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Trivia night takes over T. Boyle’s Tavern with fast-paced questions, fun prizes, and a lively crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned quizzer or just in it for the laughs, it’s the perfect way to spend a Tuesday night. Tuesday, August 26 at 8:00PM.

Save the Date

• 🍸 Rumors: A High Tea, Immersive Theatre Experience: Neil Simon’s farce Rumors takes over the Madeline Garden Bistro, turning high tea into high comedy as dinner guests spiral into a whirlwind of lies, scandal, and absurdity. With a full high-tea meal served during the show, it’s theatre that blends laughter with indulgence. Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, 7PM.

• 🎭 One Man, Two Guvnors at A Noise Within: Set in 1960s Brighton, this Tony Award-winning farce follows a hapless man juggling two bosses who must never find out about each other. Expect quick wit, physical comedy, and a live skiffle band in this riotous modern twist on a classic. Runs August 31 – September 28.

• 🌌 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Leelou and Friends: Under the soaring dome of Mt. Wilson’s historic 100-inch telescope, Leelou blends vocals and cello with a set spanning Norah Jones to Edith Piaf. Joined by Arnaud Dunoyer and Liam Hayden, the performance pairs stunning acoustics with a setting unlike anywhere else. Sunday, August 31 at 3:00PM (reception at 4:00PM).

• 🌺 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore gardens, galleries, and historic collections at no cost during The Huntington’s monthly Free Day. Advance reservations are required, and tickets go fast, so set your reminder early. Thursday, September 4.

• 🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: An afternoon of play and discovery awaits with free admission to Kidspace. Families can explore interactive exhibits and outdoor spaces designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Friday, September 5 from 2:00PM–5:00PM.

• 🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Stroll the galleries and garden without the price tag—Norton Simon opens its doors for free on the first Friday evening of the month. A perfect way to end the week surrounded by world-class art. Friday, September 5 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.

• 🎸 Oasis Live ’25 North American Tour: The Rose Bowl hosts one of the biggest comebacks in music as Oasis takes the stage with special guest Cage The Elephant. Both nights are already sold out, marking Pasadena as part of this historic return. Saturday, September 6 at Rose Bowl Stadium.

• 🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: Michael Feinstein steps out from behind the conductor’s podium to sing his way through the Great American Songbook—from Gershwin classics to Billy Joel favorites, with a moving tribute to lyricist Alan Bergman. Saturday, September 6 at 7:30PM.

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

Finance Committee Special Meeting

Pasadena’s Finance Committee gathers at City Hall for its scheduled session, covering matters of budgets, policy, and city priorities. Monday, August 25 at 3:00PM.

Pasadena City Council Meeting

Pasadena’s mayor and councilmembers convene at City Hall to address city business, policy, and community issues in their weekly public session. Monday, August 25 at 6:00PM.

Municipal Services Committee Meeting

Pasadena’s Municipal Services Committee meets at City Hall to review and discuss city services, infrastructure, and related community issues. Tuesday, August 26 at 4:00PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

90 🌡️ 67 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 104 (Unhealthy air quality for sensitive)

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Ease into your morning with the smooth sounds of piano, bass, and drums as this Pasadena trio blends jazz, blues, gospel, and funk into their set. A perfect soundtrack to your first cup of the day. Monday, August 25 at 9:00AM.

• 🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Guitarist Riner Scivally brings his trio back for an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. With deep roots in the LA jazz scene, his performances mix virtuosity with warmth in an intimate setting. Monday, August 25 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Pianist Matt Politano leads this Tuesday morning set of modern jazz and Latin fusion, joined by Blake White on bass and Mark Ferber on drums. A smooth soundtrack to your first cup of the day. Tuesday, August 26 at 8:30AM.

• 🎷 Hagen Jazz at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of classic, contemporary, and original jazz from recording artist Hagen Jazz, who’s shared stages with legends from Gino Vannelli to Blood Sweat & Tears. An intimate night of smooth sounds awaits. Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s looking for a nice outdoor pool to swim laps at.

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