No Fireworks, No Problem—Here’s What’s Lighting Up Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that dishes out news and events like burgers and hot dogs at a Fourth of July BBQ.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Drones, Not Fireworks: Rose Bowl’s New July 4th Tradition

• Big Win for Pasadena Homeowners After Eaton Fire Smoke Damage

• New Flavor at the Convention Center

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Civil News Updates

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

🎆 Drones, Not Fireworks: Rose Bowl’s New July 4th Tradition

The Rose Bowl is ditching fireworks for a high-tech glow-up this Fourth of July: a drone light show synced to music, plus a three-day global food fest called FoodieLand.

Think 200+ vendors slinging everything from birria tacos to mochi donuts. Add live music, games, and cultural performances, and you’ve got a weekend-long party with an eco-friendly finale: hundreds of drones lighting up the sky at 9PM, visible only from inside the stadium.

Tickets are $12 (kids under 5 are free) and must be bought ahead of time. Free parking included. For more information, visit FoodieLand’s official page.

🗓️ Friday 3–10PM, Sat–Sun 1–10PM.

🏡 Big Win for Pasadena Homeowners After Eaton Fire Smoke Damage

Pasadena residents dealing with smoke damage from the Eaton Fire just scored a major legal victory. A judge ruled that the California FAIR Plan—meant to provide fire insurance when private insurers won’t—has been illegally denying proper coverage for smoke damage.

The plan’s long-standing stance? Smoke didn’t damage homes, it just made them “dirty.” (Yeah… no.) Repairs often cost tens of thousands, and the court agreed: calling it "dirt" doesn’t cut it.

The ruling could help dozens of local homeowners finally get paid for damage—just one more step toward rebuilding.

🍽️ New Flavor at the Convention Center

Pasadena’s Convention Center and Civic Auditorium just got a culinary upgrade. As of July 1, OVG Hospitality is officially running food and beverage ops—bringing with them mobile ordering, locally inspired menus, and a zero-waste mindset.

Chosen through a competitive process, OVG is known for handling big crowds with big flavor. Think seasonal dishes that reflect Pasadena’s diverse food scene—minus the landfill guilt. It’s their first convention center in California, and they’re kicking things off right in the heart of Pasadena. Let the taste-testing begin.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷SOUTHWESTERN ACADEMY📍Pasadena City College.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🎬 Senior Cinema: Catch a free movie with popcorn, snacks, and drinks at the Hart Park House after the senior lunch. Wednesday, July 2 at 1PM.

• 🧵 Make a Tote: Learn to sew a reversible tote bag and sharpen your skills with sewing math, seam allowances, and creative techniques. Wednesday, July 2 at 6PM at Remainders. All materials provided.

• 🍷 Wine & Song: Rob Laufer; Christina Apostolopoulos: Rob Laufer brings decades of songwriting, film scoring, and collaborations with legends like Fiona Apple and Johnny Cash. Christina Apostolopoulos blends folk, rock, and jazz with soulful vocals and sharp guitar work. Wednesday, July 2 at 7PM at Lost Parrot Café.

• 🎤 Wednesdays at the DL with DL Hughley & Friends: Comedy legend DL Hughley headlines this weekly showcase at the Ice House, bringing big laughs and surprise guests to Pasadena’s most iconic stage. Wednesday, July 2 from 8–10PM.

Thursday

• 🧘 An Introduction to Pilates: Ease into Pilates with a free beginner-friendly session focused on breath, form, and flow. Thursday, July 3 at 10:30AM at Pasadena Public Library—just bring a yoga mat!

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Shop fresh California-grown produce, enjoy live music, and grab dinner under the trees just steps from the Gold Line. Thursday, July 3 from 4–7PM.

• ✒️ Primarium: A Case For Cursive Exhibition Talk & Opening Reception: Dive into the history and cultural shifts behind handwriting in this curated exhibit from ArtCenter’s Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography. Opening night features a talk with type design experts Veronika Burian and José Scaglione. Thursday, July 3 at 6:30PM in Pasadena. Free and open to the public.

• 🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Grab a beer and test your wits with interactive trivia rounds inspired by popular game shows—think word jumbles, picture puzzles, and fun surprises. Free to play, with prizes on the line. Thursday, July 3 at 6PM at Stone Brewing Pasadena.

• 🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Want to get more confident speaking in public? Join this free meetup at Crowell Library to practice short speeches, get feedback, and build communication skills in a low-pressure setting. Thursday, July 3 at 6:15PM. No registration required.

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 Police Chief Reassures Immigrant Community Amid Federal Activity

With federal immigration operations causing unease across L.A., Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris issued a clear message: local police are not involved.

“I recognize the fear and anxiety this can cause,” said Harris, emphasizing that the department is here to serve everyone—regardless of immigration status.

Harris reaffirmed that neither the City nor the Pasadena Police Department will cooperate with or assist federal immigration actions. “Our goal is to protect all people,” he said, “and keep the peace.”

He also urged residents to avoid actions that might escalate tensions and promised continued collaboration with city leaders and community partners to build trust—especially during uncertain times.

🏛️ Restorative Justice Standing Committee Special Meeting

Join the City of Pasadena in a public discussion on repairing the harms caused by the 710 Freeway project. Wednesday, July 2 at 6PM.

🎆 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

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 SSE 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 73 (Moderate)

Thursday

80 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎵 Music at Noon: Neil Stipp, organist: Enjoy a free midday organ performance by renowned concert organist and composer Neil Stipp at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Wednesday, July 2 at 12:10PM.

• 🌸 Music in the Chinese Garden: Stroll through the Garden of Flowing Fragrance as live traditional Chinese music fills the air. Wednesday, July 2 at 1PM at The Huntington.

• 🎷 Jumpin Joz Band at Edwin Mills: Enjoy a night of high-energy swing, jump blues, and vintage jazz from one of SoCal’s hottest dance bands. Perfect for both listeners and swing dancers alike. Wednesday, July 2 from 6–10PM at Edwin Mills.

• 🎸 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: Don’t miss jazz guitar virtuoso Doug MacDonald, whose warm tone and impeccable swing have lit up stages from Vegas lounges to LA’s finest jazz rooms. Thursday, July 3 from 6–10PM at Edwin Mills. A true musician’s musician.

• 🎶 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!

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