Fire? Handled. Pay Raise? Delivered.

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that that shows up like your favorite summer playlist: a little nostalgic, a little surprising, and always tuned in to what’s happening around town.

• Pasadena’s Minimum Wage Just Got a Raise—Here’s What to Know

• Kitchen Fire? Not on Engine 38’s Watch

• Events This Monday & Tuesday

• Civil News

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Yep, I goofed—I mistakenly wrote that Pasadena’s birthday, June 29, was Saturday but it was indeed Sunday. Thanks to the kind readers who gently pointed it out. I was so embarrassed, but it’s all fixed on the website. Appreciate you keeping me honest!

THE DIGEST  

💵 Pasadena’s Minimum Wage Just Got a Raise—Here’s What to Know

Starting July 1, the minimum wage in Pasadena officially jumps to $18.04/hour—a bump from last year’s $17.50. This annual adjustment keeps pace with inflation and applies to almost everyone working in town.

BUT—if you’re flipping burgers at In-N-Out or handing out waffle fries at Chick-fil-A, you're already making at least $20/hour, thanks to California’s separate minimum wage law for national fast-food chains (aka any chain with 60+ locations and counter service).

Pasadena passed its own wage law back in 2016, and it's been climbing ever since. This new $18.04 rate holds steady until June 30, 2026, when it’ll tick up again based on the cost of living.

Check that paycheck, and if you're not seeing the numbers add up, your boss might owe you more than just a “Happy Friday.”

🔥Kitchen Fire? Not on Engine 38’s Watch 🚒

Shoutout to Engine 38 for their perfect timing on Saturday afternoon. While rolling past Vallarta Market on Fair Oaks, they heard the fire alarm, saw folks evacuating, and sprang into action—extinguishing a kitchen blaze before it could reach the attic. No injuries, no major damage, just some serious hero energy. Firefighters are such heroes. 👨‍🚒

The market is temporarily closed for a standard Health Department inspection, but thanks to quick work, it’ll be back in action soon.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@pasadenafiredepartment 📍Vallarta Market Fire, Pasadena. Engine 38 Saves the Day!

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🎭 Playhouse Players: 13 JR. : Budding theater stars ages 11–15 can spend two weeks acting, singing, and dancing their way to a final performance of 13 JR. at the Pasadena Playhouse. Camp kicks off on Monday, June 30 from 9AM–3:30PM, running through July 11 (no class July 4). Limited scholarships available.

• 🎨 Block Party Prints at SCCM : Let your little ones get messy and creative with colorful wooden block stamping at the Southern California Children’s Museum on Monday, June 30 at 10:30AM & 2PM. Part of SCCM’s Summer in the City theme, this hands-on art activity is perfect for kids of all ages.

• 🐉 Dungeons & Dragons: A Summer Adventure : Join the Altadena Library for an epic tabletop campaign designed for adults—no D&D experience needed! The quest begins on Monday, June 30 at 6PM, and continues as a 4-part summer series. Free, but registration is required for each session you attend.

• 📚 Heather Buchta in Conversation with Gretchen McNeil : Join Vroman’s Bookstore for a thrilling author event as Heather Buchta discusses and signs her new YA novel All For the Game, alongside author Gretchen McNeil, on Monday, June 30 at 7PM. Free to attend—come for the football, stay for the mystery!

• 🌭 Game Night Live Trivia at Dog Haus : Bring your brains and your appetite to Dog Haus Biergarten for a free night of trivia, prizes, and hot dogs every Monday from 7PM–9PM at 93 E Green St in Pasadena. Free to play, fun to win—no RSVP required, just show up and show off!

Tuesday

• 🍓 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke : Shop fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies, and farm goods straight from certified farmers on Tuesday, July 1 from 8:30AM–12:30PM at Villa Parke (N. Garfield Ave & E. Villa St). Cost varies—no crafts, just real food from real growers!

• 🎒 1st Annual Back to School Supply Drive : From July 1 to August 15, help local students start the school year strong by donating supplies at Eaton Canyon Golf Course (1150 Sierra Madre Villa Ave, Pasadena). Hosted in partnership with the Altadena Sheriff’s Station and Rotary Club—every contribution makes a difference!

• 🦇 Batman Begins on the Big Screen : Don’t miss Bruce Wayne’s epic origin story as Batman Begins returns to theaters for Flashback Tuesday on Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30PM at Regency Academy 6 (1003 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena).

Save the Date

• 🎆 FoodieLand Night Market – Los Angeles : Celebrate the holiday weekend with a feast of flavors at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena from July 4–6, 2025. Enjoy 190+ food vendors, shopping, games, and live music at this massive outdoor night market. Bring your appetite and your friends—this July 4th weekend is gonna be delicious!

• 🎶 Moonlight Melodies : An Evening with The Crooners: Spend a magical night with the Pasadena POPS at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on Friday, July 12 at 7:30PM. Enjoy timeless tunes from Broadway to Bond under the stars. Gates open at 5:30PM for picnicking at 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia.

• 🌼 Mariposa Night : Celebrate the heart of Altadena with an evening of storytelling, music, food, and community on Saturday, July 12 from 7PM–9PM at Beckman Auditorium. Come early for a 5:30PM resource fair with food trucks, live music, and local nonprofits on the lawn. Free and open to all—RSVP requested!

• 🧪 Quantum for Kids @ Caltech : Dive into the strange and exciting world of quantum science with hands-on demos, crafts, coding workshops, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt on Saturday, July 12 from 10AM–2PM at Caltech. Aimed at middle schoolers but open to all ages—free with registration!

• 🌉 Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party : An unforgettable community celebration atop the Colorado Street Bridge! Saturday, July 19th from 6–11PM. Enjoy live music, local eats, kids' activities, and vintage vehicles—all while supporting historic preservation.

• 🎨 Pasadena Bead & Design Show : Discover handcraft at its finest with over 300 artisans showcasing jewelry, textiles, beads, gemstones, and wearable art at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday–Sunday, July 25–27 from 10AM–5PM. Enjoy workshops, live demos, and rare finds from makers across the country.

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 City Council Meeting

Stay informed and engaged with local government at the weekly Pasadena City Council meeting on Monday, June 30 at 6PM. Free and open to the public—check online for any updates or cancellations up to four days in advance.
Attend a special Tuesday session of the Pasadena City Council and stay engaged with local decision-making on July 1 at 6PM. Free and open to the public—check online in advance for possible cancellations.

🌹 Volunteers Needed: Sierra Madre 4th of July Parade

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Independence Day? Join the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association in the 4th of July Parade to help raise funds for their self-built float in the Tournament of Roses. Volunteers will walk the 7-block parade route selling roses on Thursday, July 4 from 9:15AM to around 12PM. Perfect for students—double service hours will be given! Email Hanna at [email protected] to sign up.

🎆 Pasadena Fourth of July Closures & Reminders

City Hall and most city services will be closed Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. Emergency services remain fully staffed, and trash pickup will run on schedule. No delays!

✔️ Free parking at meters (unless marked "No Parking")
✔️ No Pasadena Transit service except Route 33 (Sunday schedule)
✔️ Libraries and community centers closed, but parks stay open
✔️ La Pintoresca splash pad open 9AM–7:30PM, Kennedy Pool open 1–4PM

And remember: All fireworks are illegal in Pasadena. Violators face fines up to $50,000. Stay safe and celebrate smart!

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

84 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 49 (Moderate)

Tuesday

83 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 SSW 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills : Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions with guitar virtuoso Riner Scivally and his trio on Monday, June 30 from 6PM–10PM. A perfect mix of skill, soul, and smooth vibes in the heart of Pasadena.

• 🎷 Supasol Band at Edwin Mills : Kick back with old school jazz and unbeatable drink specials as the Supasol Band brings the groove on Tuesday, July 1 from 6PM–10PM. Enjoy $3 martinis, mixed drinks, and beers from 4PM till close—every Tuesday in Old Pasadena!

• 🎶 A Folk Americana Music Night: Tipps and Obermiller : Enjoy a soulful, genre-blending night of storytelling and song with musical duo Tipps and Obermiller at Beckman Institute Auditorium on Saturday, July 26 from 8PM–10PM. Expect laughter, tears, and toe-tapping tunes. $25 general admission, $10 for Caltech students and youth.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s stocking up on burgers and dogs like it’s a competitive sport. Fourth of July’s coming—grills up!

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