In October We Walk

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that walks the walk so you can just scroll.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Declares October “Walktober”

• Layoffs Expected at JPL Amid Budget Cuts

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Pasadena Declares October “Walktober”

Mayor Victor Gordo has officially proclaimed October 2025 as Walktober and Pedestrian Safety Month in Pasadena, encouraging residents to get outside, explore on foot, and stay alert while sharing the road.

The proclamation highlights walking as a healthy, sustainable way to travel and a key part of the city’s Complete Streets initiative, which aims to make Pasadena safer and more accessible for everyone, whether on foot, bike, or car.

Mayor Gordo also recognized local groups like the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition and Day One for promoting active transportation and community wellness.

Residents are encouraged to take part by walking more this month, supporting local businesses, and practicing safe habits at crosswalks — painted or not.

Layoffs Expected at JPL Amid Budget Cuts

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory confirmed Monday that layoffs are expected this month, though the number of affected employees remains unclear. Both Rep. Judy Chu and JPL officials pushed back on social media rumors of thousands of job losses, calling those reports inaccurate.

JPL, managed by Caltech for NASA, has faced ongoing budget challenges, with the proposed 2026 budget reportedly cutting funding by nearly 25%. The lab has weathered multiple rounds of reductions in recent years, threatening the stability of research and exploration programs that have inspired generations.

As someone who once worked at JPL, this news hits close to home. I wish for better days ahead — for the engineers, scientists, and staff who keep the spirit of exploration alive. Here’s hoping for steadier times and continued innovation in the place where curiosity truly leads the way.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷 @pasadenacsc📍Pasadena City Council

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🌿 Chinese Medicinal Garden Open House: Explore The Huntington’s new garden dedicated to plants used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, with informal tours and expert talks throughout the day. Wednesday, October 8 from 10AM–3PM.

• 💼 Los Angeles Small Business Expo 2025: Connect, learn, and grow at the Pasadena Convention Center with industry experts, exhibitors, and fellow entrepreneurs sharing insights on marketing, finance, and innovation. Wednesday, October 8 from 10AM–5PM.

• 🤝 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Club Meeting: Join the Rotary Club of Pasadena for lunch and a talk by historian Dr. William Deverell of USC on “The Velocity of History: California at 175.” Non-members welcome. Wednesday, October 8 at 12PM.

• 🎬 A Film Screening and Conversation with Gaby Moreno: Join Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno at PCC for a screening of Lamento, followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance celebrating Latin roots and storytelling through music. Wednesday, October 8 from 3PM–5PM.

• 🚒 Fire Prevention with the Pasadena Fire Department: Learn how to safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries during this Fire Prevention Week talk led by Fire Inspector Joell Navarro at Pasadena Village. Wednesday, October 8 at 3PM.

• 🎶 INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble: Journey through Peru’s rich musical heritage with live performances of Andean, Criollo, and Afro-Peruvian styles featuring traditional instruments and vocals. Wednesday, October 8 from 4:30PM–5:30PM.

• 🎹 Centering Sounds: Healing Power of Music: Experience the restorative power of music with concert pianist Makiko Hirata—“Dr. Pianist”—at Steinway Piano Gallery, blending artistry and healing in an intimate setting. Wednesday, October 8 at 5:30PM.

Thursday

• ☕ “Meet Me at the Village!” (In Person Edition): Enjoy coffee, bagels, and friendly conversation while learning more about Pasadena Village and connecting with members and neighbors. Thursday, October 9 at 10AM.

• 📖 Village Connections: A Poetry Gathering: Share your favorite verses or original poems over coffee and conversation at Washington Park Community Center during this warm, creative gathering hosted by Pasadena Village. Thursday, October 9 at 2PM.

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Shop fresh, California-grown produce and enjoy dinner, live music, and a charming small-town vibe under the trees by the Gold Line Station. Thursday, October 9 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🎃 The Big Pumpkin Smash: Head to the Sierra Madre Fire Station for the 5th Annual Pumpkin Smash—paint, decorate, and then smash pumpkins in this fun community event celebrating Fire Prevention Week. Thursday, October 9 from 4PM–5PM.

• 🍻 Food Truck Pop-up at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Pair local eats with craft brews on the patio at Stone Brewing Pasadena—this week featuring Brody’s Hawaiian BBQ serving up island favorites fresh off the grill. Thursday, October 9 from 5PM–9PM.

• 🧘 Wellness in the Park: Archetype Slow Flow: Unwind with a free outdoor yoga session led by Archetype Yoga in Playhouse Village—an evening of mindful movement, breath, and relaxation under the open sky. Thursday, October 9 at 5:30PM.

• 🍹 Mojito and Whiskey Thursday at Anayas Restaurant: Sip mojitos or whiskey while enjoying live music by Rodrigo—an evening of great drinks, dining, and rhythm at Anayas. Thursday, October 9 from 7PM–9PM.

Save the Date

• 🎨 ArtNight Pasadena: Explore 18 arts and cultural venues across the city for free—from haunted puppets and show tune sing-alongs to tile exhibits, interactive art, and live music. Friday, October 10 from 6PM–10PM citywide, with Pasadena City Hall as a central hub.

  

• 🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Explore more than 50 artists across 40+ venues as Sierra Madre transforms into a walkable gallery filled with art, live music, and community spirit—featuring special exhibits supporting fire-affected artists. Friday, October 10 from 4PM–8PM.

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

• 🏛️ Crafting Memories: Family Free Day: Kick off Pasadena Heritage’s Craftsman Week with a family-friendly day of art, architecture, and hands-on fun—featuring tile workshops, mini mansion tours, quilting exhibitions, and live music across Pasadena’s historic sites. Sunday, October 12 from 11AM–3PM.

• 🎳 Pasadena Jaycees Bowling Tournament: Roll into Montrose Bowl for a fun night of bowling, music, food, and raffles—all to support local Jaycees projects like Operation Gobbler thanksgiving food drive and Operation Santa toy drive. Wednesday, October 15 from 6:30PM–8:30PM.

• 🍻 Pasadena Pro Musica Presents Oktoberfest!: Raise your voice (and your stein) at this lively choral concert filled with German folk tunes, drinking songs, and singalongs—followed by a festive beer garden reception. Sunday, October 19 at 4PM.

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

Paid Street Parking Coming to Playhouse Village

After years of planning and public input, Pasadena is set to roll out paid street parking in Playhouse Village. Installation of new multi-space pay stations begins this October and November, but payments won’t start until the system officially launches in January 2026.

The new setup will make it easier to find parking, allow longer stays, and support pay-by-app and credit card payments.

City officials say revenue from the program will fund street upgrades, pedestrian improvements, and neighborhood beautification—all aimed at improving access and the overall visitor experience in one of Pasadena’s most vibrant districts.

More details, including rates and meter zone maps, are available here.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

76 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 SE 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 60 (Moderate)

Thursday

80 🌡️ 67 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble: Journey through Peru’s rich musical heritage with live performances of Andean, Criollo, and Afro-Peruvian styles featuring traditional instruments and vocals. Wednesday, October 8 from 4:30PM–5:30PM.

• 🎹 Centering Sounds: Healing Power of Music: Experience the restorative power of music with concert pianist Makiko Hirata—“Dr. Pianist”—at Steinway Piano Gallery, blending artistry and healing in an intimate setting. Wednesday, October 8 at 5:30PM.

• 🥁 Lancer Marching Band: Homecoming Pep Rally: Get into the spirit of Homecoming with Pasadena City College’s powerhouse marching band, bringing big energy and school pride to the West Patio. Thursday, October 9 from 12PM–12:50PM.

• 🍹 Mojito and Whiskey Thursday at Anayas Restaurant: Sip mojitos or whiskey while enjoying live music by Rodrigo—an evening of great drinks, dining, and rhythm at Anayas. Thursday, October 9 from 7PM–9PM.

• 🎼 Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Salon with Composer Juhi Bansal: Join composer Juhi Bansal for an intimate evening exploring her cross-cultural musical inspirations and creative process, blending Indian, Hong Kong, and Western classical traditions. Thursday, October 9 at 7PM.

• 🎷 Angel City Jazz Fest @ Sierra Madre Playhouse: Enjoy an eclectic night of West Coast jazz with Motoko Honda, Matt Small, and friends as the long-running Angel City Jazz Fest brings its signature sound to Sierra Madre. Thursday, October 9 at 8PM.

THANKS!

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