Fast Times and Good Vibes

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s as committed as someone who signs up for a half marathon. Or 5K. Or any running event for that matter.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Rose Bowl Half Marathon Winner

• Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

• Events Lineup this Week

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday to my sister Debbie! 🎂

THE DIGEST 

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Rose Bowl Half Marathon Brings the Energy (and the Wins!)

After being postponed by wildfires, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K finally hit the streets on Sunday, drawing nearly 10,000 runners ready to race (and ready to party a little, too).

Alejandra Santiago of Inglewood took the women’s half marathon title in 1:21:31 — her first win after climbing the podium in past years. Tim Reed of Irvine grabbed the men’s title in 1:11:07, joking that it was “just me and the motorcycle guy the whole time.” (Hey, winning solo still counts.)

The event also featured a 5K, a Kids Run, and raised money for Eaton Fire relief and The McCourt Foundation’s mission to fight neurological diseases.

PCC Kicks Off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Pasadena City College will launch its Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations with a kickoff breakfast on Thursday, May 1, from 9–11 a.m. at the Creveling Lounge.

The event features special guest Kristina Wong — Pulitzer Prize finalist, Doris Duke Artist Award winner, and Guggenheim Fellow — blending performance, comedy, and reflection.

Organized by PCC’s Coalition of Asian Pacific Employees (CAPE) and the Division of Institutional Equity, Diversity and Justice, the breakfast kicks off a month of events honoring AAPI communities and their impact on American culture and history.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@sodapopmatt📍Jackalope Artisan Fair, Central Park, Pasadena

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

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🌌 Devouring Dwarf Galaxies With Galacticus: Join us for an evening with Carnegie Scientist Dr. Sachi Weerasooriya and learn how computer modeling is used to study dwarf galaxies, 6:15 - 7:30 PM

• 🎴 Game Night: Live trivia at DogHaus where you can eat, drink, play and win prizes, 7 - 9 PM

• ❤️ Words From The Heart: Contribute to a beautiful display on Douglas Alley honoring the special Moms in your life at the ShopFest next month, 10 AM - 11 PM

• 🕯️ Honoring the Dead, Defending the Living: Immigrant workers and their families will gather in Pasadena for a powerful evening of remembrance, resistance, and community solidarity, 5 PM

Tuesday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products straight from the source at this certified farmers' market. 8:30AM–12:30PM.

• 🏠 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design: Bauer Estate & Gardens makes its debut featuring more the 15,000 square feet and set on five acres of peace, 9:30 AM - 5 PM

• 🏫 Celebrating Our Schools, A Night of Resilience and Hope: In the wake of the Eaton Fire, the Pasadena community has demonstrated remarkable strength, unity, and an unwavering commitment to its students and schools, 5 PM

• 📚 Vroman’s Bookstore Discussion: Bridget Morrissey, in conversation with Rebekah Faubion, discusses Anywhere You Go, 7-8 PM

Save the Date

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the Artazan Market, returning to the Pasadena Convention Center May 3–4. Shop fine art, jewelry, textiles, and artisan foods while enjoying live music, chocolate tastings, and hands-on workshops. A spring weekend of inspiration and artistry awaits! Saturday 10AM–6PM | Sunday 10AM–5PM.

• The Concert for Beautiful Pasadena: Benefitting Altadena fire victims, this multi-stage concert will feature local artists, May 3

• 🏛️ Museums of the Arroyo Day: Step into “Life in the Past Lane” on Sunday, May 4 · 12PM–4PM as six local museums—Gamble House, Lummis Home, Pasadena Museum of History, and more—offer free admission, family activities, and shuttle service between stops. It’s the 35th annual celebration of Arroyo culture, architecture, and history.

• 💜 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!

• 🎵 A Night of Hope – Benefit Concert for California Fire Victims: Join Dove Award-winning artist Jordan Feliz and 2024 New Artist of the Year nominee Terrian for a powerful evening of music and unity at Lake Avenue Church. All proceeds support families affected by the California fires. 6PM. Livestream available via Eight Days of Hope’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
  

  

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

• ⛸️ 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!

CIVIL NEWS

🏛️ Special Joint Meeting of the Finance Committee and/or City Council

Attend or tune in as Pasadena’s city leaders discuss key financial and civic matters at City Hall. 4:30PM. Free and open to the public. Agenda subject to change.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

67 🌡️ 51 |⛅| 💨 NE 3 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 28 (Good)

Tuesday

72 🌡️ 55 |⛅| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start your morning with live jazz blending blues, gospel, and funk performed by Pasadena’s own Triple Shot at Jones Coffee Roasters. Monday, April 28 · 9AM. Free.

• 🎻 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s stunning Rose Garden while enjoying live classical performances by soloists and duos from the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Monday, 1PM–3PM. A peaceful afternoon of flowers and melodies.

• 🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Enjoy a lively morning of modern jazz and Latin fusion with Matt Politano and his trio at Jones Coffee Roasters. Tuesday, April 29 · 8:30AM. Free.
  

THANKS!

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