Local Voices for Peace, Young Writers’ Big Ideas, and Clean Transit

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that gives a voice to Pasadena, one word at a time.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Local Leader Urges Peaceful Resistance as Federal Response Grows

• Pasadena’s Middle Schoolers Shine in “Sí Se Puede” Essay Contest!

• Pasadena Fast-Tracks Zero-Emission Transit Fleet

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Pasadena Summer Events 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. I don’t usually cover sensational news like politics, crime, or anything like that—this newsletter is usually all about the fun, positive, and community-oriented side of Pasadena. But with everything unfolding in Los Angeles—these protests against ICE, unfair immigration policies, and for our constitutional rights like freedom of speech and fair trial—I felt it couldn’t be ignored because it directly affects our Pasadena community. So while I’m sharing this news, my goal is to inspire, motivate, and encourage peaceful protest that supports our neighbors and friends, and to hold onto hope for a better, more just country.

THE DIGEST 

🗣️ Local Leader Urges Peaceful Resistance as Federal Response Grows

Pablo Alvarado of the Pasadena-based National Day Laborer Organizing Network is calling for nonviolent resistance to protect day laborers and support immigrant communities during this time of uncertainty. Alvarado called on those not at risk of deportation to protect day laborers and to document any enforcement activity. Emphasizing love and compassion over ideology, he said: “Bring your courage and anger, but please leave your hatred at home.”

His message comes as President Trump has deployed 700 Marines and 2,000 more National Guard troops to Los Angeles, even while saying the situation is “under control.” Governor Gavin Newsom and city officials have condemned the move, calling it an unnecessary escalation.

In Pasadena, Alvarado’s words ring out as a reminder to stay calm, stay united, and refuse to let fear divide the community. It’s a powerful reminder of our community’s ongoing commitment to stand together in challenging times.

✏️ Pasadena’s Middle Schoolers Shine in “Sí Se Puede” Essay Contest!

Pasadena’s young writers wowed the judges this weekend at the “Sí Se Puede” Youth Essay Contest awards ceremony! 🏆 First Place went to Brianna Torres-Blanco, with Luke Castaneda and Destin Cleveland earning Second and Third Place. Honorable Mention went to Lylah Kim.

The contest asked middle schoolers to tackle big ideas—perseverance and resilience in the face of natural disasters, political upheavals, and more—drawing inspiration from labor movement legend César Chávez. Keynote speakers Councilmember Rick Cole and César Chávez Foundation President Manuel Bernal encouraged students to keep writing and lifting their voices. What a celebration of local talent and courage!

🚍 Pasadena Fast-Tracks Zero-Emission Transit Fleet

Pasadena is leading the charge toward clean transportation! City officials announced that Pasadena’s public transit system will transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2037 — three years ahead of the state’s 2040 mandate. The city’s plan includes both hydrogen fuel cell buses and battery electric vehicles, with half of the fleet expected to go zero-emission by 2028. Thanks to more than $100 million in grants, the city is making big strides in sustainability while keeping costs low for residents.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@marinapasadenaofficial📍Marina Pasadena | 841 Cordova Street

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

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Junko Ueno Garrett: Acclaimed pianist Junko Ueno Garrett brings her dynamic performance to Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 11 at 12:10PM. A free midday concert in the heart of Pasadena!

• 🎪 The Found Object Juggling Show with Michael Rayner: Head to the Oxley Street side of Library Park at the South Pasadena Public Library on Wednesday, June 11 at 6PM. Enjoy a free, family-friendly show of juggling, comedy, and wild stunts—plus free Kona Ice while supplies last!

• 🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Flex those trivia muscles at Stone Brewing Tap Room on Wednesday, June 11 from 6–8PM. Enjoy a mix of game show-style rounds, word jumbles, picture rounds, and fun prizes—no super trivia know-it-all status needed!

Thursday

• 🎻 Caltech Chamber Music "Graduation" Concert: Celebrate the next chapter of Caltech’s talented chamber music students at their final performance in Dabney Lounge on Thursday, June 12 from 8:30–9:30PM. Free and open to the public!

• 🍓 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Shop fresh California-grown produce and tasty prepared foods under the shade of towering trees on Thursday, June 12 from 4–7PM at 920 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena. Live music, good eats, and a perfect start to your evening!

• 🌻 Summer Music and Dance: Chervona Kalyna Ukrainian Dance Ensemble: Immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture with colorful folk dances and live music at Descanso Gardens on Thursday, June 12 at 5:30PM. Tickets range from $5–$15, and it’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

• 🌳 Village Concert: Music for Mind, Body, and Soul: Enjoy a free, soothing evening with the evocative sounds of Jie Ma and Clazzical Notes at Washington Park in Pasadena on Thursday, June 12 from 6–7:30PM. A musical escape for adults 50+ to find calm and healing.

• 🧘‍♀️ Free Group Fitness Classes at Playhouse Village Park: Unwind with a restorative 60-minute slow-flow yoga session led by Sara Blumenkranz at Playhouse Village Park on Thursday, June 12 at 6PM. Bring your mat, water bottle, and find your flow—free for all levels!

• 📷 Street Photography at Night Meetup: Dive into the dynamic world of night photography in Pasadena on Thursday, June 12 from 8–10PM. Learn to capture the interplay of light and shadow in the city streets and refine your skills in low-light shooting. A unique hands-on experience for photographers of all levels!

Save the Date

• 🎨 Pasadena Chalk Festival: Watch hundreds of artists transform The Paseo into an open-air gallery of jaw-dropping chalk murals, from portraits to pop culture tributes. Saturday & Sunday, June 14 & 15 from 10:00AM–7:00PM at The Paseo. A must-see for art lovers of all ages!

• 🎬 One Colorado Summer Movie Musicals: Enjoy beloved musicals under the stars this summer! Select Saturdays, starting June 14, One Colorado Courtyard. Film Starts 8:30PM. First up: Wicked on June 14—let the magic begin!

• 🚗 23rd Annual Pasadena Police Department Car Show: Classic car lovers, mark your calendar! The Pasadena PD hosts their annual car show at The Paseo with proceeds benefiting Pasadena P.A.L. and the Police Explorer Post #19. Saturday, June 14, 10AM–3PM at 300 E. Colorado Blvd.

•  5th Annual DENA Juneteenth 2025: Celebrate Black joy, radical resilience, and community wellness at this family-friendly Juneteenth festival in Altadena. Expect live music, drum and healing circles, line dancing, games, painting, water slides, scholarships, food, vendors, and more. Saturday, June 14 · 10:30AM–3:30PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena.

• 🌉 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. Tickets start at $30; kids under 12 are free!

• 🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Stroll through downtown and beyond to enjoy local art in storefronts and galleries during this community collaboration between artists and businesses. June 20th, 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.

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

⛳️ City Council Considers $1.87M Safety Netting for Brookside Golf Course

The Pasadena City Council is set to vote Monday on a $1.87 million contract with Judge Netting, Inc. to expand the cantilever netting at Brookside Golf Course. The project aims to protect pedestrians from stray golf balls, building on a 2023 pilot that stopped over 100 errant balls a month.

Other Council items include a $583,489 office lease for Water and Power staff, $7.6 million in capital improvement amendments (including Eaton Fire repairs), and $40 million in mid-year budget adjustments. Council also voiced support for AB 476, tackling copper wire thefts across the city.

🏛️ Human Services Commission Meeting

The Human Services Commission meets at Pasadena City Hall on Wednesday, June 11 at 6PM. It’s your chance to stay informed and engaged with local human service priorities!

Rental Price Gouging Workshop

Learn your rights and get free legal advice at this free workshop on June 25 from 2–4:30PM at Jackie Robinson Community Center, Pasadena. Designed for those affected by wildfire disasters, this workshop covers protections against rent-gouging and includes a Q&A with housing attorneys.

SUMMER IN BLOOM

Pasadena Summer Events 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Ready to make the most of this summer? Pasadena is bursting with exciting events that cater to everyone’s taste, from jazz in the park and movies under the stars to foodie streetfests, chalk art festivals, and classical concerts under the mountain skies.

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park kicks things off every Sunday evening through July 6 at Playhouse Village Park.

• 📽️ Movies Under the Stars at One Colorado brings classic musicals like Grease and La La Land to the big screen in the beautiful courtyard.

• 🛼 Juneteenth Roller Jam and 🎨 Pasadena Chalk Festival are both happening June 14–15 — perfect for soaking up community vibes.

• 🌉 And don’t miss the Bridge Party on July 19, a historic community celebration with music, food, and vintage vehicles on the iconic Colorado Street Bridge.

• 🎵 Plus: the Descanso Gardens Summer Music Series, 🎶 Pasadena POPS concerts, 🔭 Mount Wilson concerts in the dome, and 🍷 Friday nights at The Gamble House — there’s truly something for everyone!

Mark your calendars and plan ahead! We’ve put together a full breakdown of all these awesome events so you can pick your favorites and dive into the summer fun.

👉 Check out my full guide here ➜ Pasadena Summer Events 2025 Guide

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

82 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 81 (Moderate)

Thursday

82 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Junko Ueno Garrett: Acclaimed pianist Junko Ueno Garrett brings her dynamic performance to Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 11 at 12:10PM. A free midday concert in the heart of Pasadena!

• 🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy traditional Chinese music in the serene Garden of Flowing Fragrance at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, June 11 at 1PM. Let the melodies and tranquil garden setting transport you to another world!

• 🎶Village Concert—Music for Mind, Body and Soul: Washington Park will host a free concert with interactive live performances to harness the therapeutic benefits of music, Thursday, June 12 at 6 PM.

• Jazz in the Afternoon: Join Criterion Coffee Lounge every weekend in June for live jazz performances. Sip on your favorite coffee and enjoy the smooth sound of talented jazz musicians in the heart of Pasadena. Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and June 15 from 12 PM to 2 PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s been hit by a gold ball while running around Brookside Golf Course.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to get your business in News N’ Roses? Your ad here! Let’s talk.

Did I miss something?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].