Parks After Dark is Back

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as organized as a Type A friend with a color-coded Google Calendar.

• First Rebuild Begins in Pasadena After Eaton Fire

• From Freeway Fiasco to Fresh Starts

• Parks After Dark

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Civil News Updates

• Restaurant Spotlight: Marina

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

First Rebuild Begins in Pasadena After Eaton Fire

Jun Li Lujan is officially the first homeowner in Pasadena to break ground on rebuilding after the devastating Eaton Fire. Her home in Upper Hastings Ranch—lost in January—will be replaced with a newly designed, fire-resistant 3,000+ sq. ft. house.

A professional designer herself, Lujan worked closely with her team and the city to fast-track the process—getting plans approved in just 23 days. “The fire can destroy your house, but it can’t destroy our regular life, family and friendship,” she said. Her goal? Move back in by Christmas. And for the 100+ homeowners still waiting to rebuild, her progress is a hopeful sign of what's possible.

From Freeway Fiasco to Fresh Starts

Remember those abandoned Caltrans houses that sat around like awkward party guests who never left? Pasadena is finally kicking things into gear.

The City Council just approved the sale of 17 long-vacant properties along the scrapped 710 Freeway corridor—yes, those properties. Bought decades ago for a freeway that never happened, they’ve been collecting dust (and side-eyes from neighbors) ever since.

Now, the city’s putting them on the market, with plans to use the proceeds for affordable housing and neighborhood improvements. It’s out with the blight, in with the bright side.

Because nothing says “Pasadena progress” like turning a decades-old planning mistake into a new housing opportunity.

Parks After Dark: July 10–August 9

Pasadena’s free summer favorite is back! Parks After Dark brings outdoor fun to city parks Thursdays–Saturdays from July 11 to August 10. Enjoy movies, concerts, Aqua Boogie pool parties, glow sports, basketball, soccer, Aztec dance, and more—no registration needed.

🎉 Kickoff Festival: Thursday, July 11, 6–9PM at Robinson Park with food, games, music & softball showdowns.

• 🎬 Movies in the Park: Fridays at 7PM (July 12–Aug 9) at various parks.

• 🎶 Concerts: Aug 3 & 10 at La Pintoresca and Memorial Parks.

• 🏀 Sports: ⚽ Soccer,🏀Basketball, 🥊 boxing clinics,

• 🎉Activities: glow parties, 💦 pool nights—it’s all happening.

See the full schedule at CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-Rec.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🧪 Mad Science LA: Fire and Ice Science Show: Head to Library Park on the Oxley Street side for a thrilling, hands-on science show with Mad Science LA on Wednesday, June 25 at 6PM. This free family-friendly event from South Pasadena Public Library features fiery experiments, fog effects, and a visit from the unforgettable “Eggbert”!

• 🔥 Business Recovery Night: Join fellow business owners and community leaders on Prime Pizza’s outdoor patio for the launch of The Dena Project, a new initiative supporting small businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire. Enjoy free dinner, peer conversations, and learn about upcoming coaching and recovery programs on Wednesday, June 25 from 6PM–7:30PM at Prime Pizza in Pasadena. Free, but registration is required.

• 🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing: Not your average trivia night—play interactive games inspired by classic game shows with word jumbles, picture rounds, and real prizes at Stone Brewing Tap Room on Wednesday, June 25 from 6PM–8PM. Free to play and open to all skill levels—just bring your game face and grab a brew!

• 📚 Vroman's Fiction Reading Group: Join fellow book lovers for a lively discussion of Held by Anne Michaels at Vroman’s monthly Fiction Reading Group. The gathering takes place on the second floor event space inside the bookstore on Wednesday, June 25 at 7PM. Free and open to the public—just bring your thoughts and love for fiction!

Thursday

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Grab fresh produce, enjoy hot food, and catch live music under the trees near the Gold Line on Thursday, June 26 from 4PM–7PM in South Pasadena. Cost varies—rain or shine!

• ⛳ Genki Living Workshops: Golf: Tee up at Brookside Golf Course with instructor Wataru Tomita for a relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop promoting fitness, connection, and fun on Thursday, June 26 from 9AM–12PM in Pasadena. Free, but registration is required and spots are limited!

• 💪 Outdoor HIIT Workout: Boost your strength, endurance, and coordination with a high-energy bodyweight workout led by Basecamp Fitness on Thursday, June 26 at 6PM in Playhouse Village. Free—just bring water and get ready to move!

• 💡 Pasadena Water and Power Open House: Drop by Victory Park Recreation Center to meet the PWP team, explore water and power topics, and share your input on Thursday, June 26 from 6PM–7:30PM. Free and open to all—light refreshments provided, RSVP encouraged.

• 🥧 Cookbook Live with Nicole Rucker: Join LAist and James Beard Award–nominated chef Nicole Rucker for a live recipe demo, Q&A, and sweet treats on Thursday, June 26 at 7PM. Hosted by Gab Chabrán, this evening of food, stories, and bites also includes Italian sandwiches and a pop-up bookshop. $0–$60, includes dessert!

• 🎷 Pop-Up Jazz at The Paseo: Enjoy free jazz under the stars with Wayne Linsey & Friends at The Paseo Summer Series on Thursday, June 26 from 6:30PM–9PM in the courtyard at 300 E Colorado Blvd. Expect smooth tunes, DJ-spun salsa and bachata, and all-around good vibes.

Save the Date

• 🎬 Movie Night at One Colorado: La La Land: Watch La La Land under the stars at One Colorado’s outdoor courtyard theater on Saturday, June 28 at 8:30PM. Free public seating—just bring a blanket and friends!

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park: The Larry Muradian Quintet: Unwind with smooth Sunday night jazz at Playhouse Village Park, 701 E. Union St., Pasadena on June 29 at 8PM. Bring a picnic and blanket for an evening with the Larry Muradian Quintet—just no alcohol, tents, or tall chairs up front. Free and full of groove!

• 🎻 Classical Concert at Mount Wilson Observatory: Experience chamber music like never before—inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome at Mount Wilson Observatory on Sunday, June 29 from 3–5PM. Curated by Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan, this unique concert blends music and science in a breathtaking setting. Enjoy a light reception at 4PM. Dress warmly and wear comfy shoes for the short walk to the dome!

• 🎆 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.

• 🌉 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 Leaders Support Bill Requiring Federal Agents to Show ID

At a press conference outside City Hall, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Mayor Victor Gordo, and local community leaders introduced updates to SB 805, also called the “No Vigilantes Act.” The proposed law would require law enforcement and federal agents in California to clearly display ID and prohibit the use of masks during enforcement actions.

The changes come after nearly three weeks of surprise raids by masked agents across Pasadena—leaving many residents feeling uneasy and unsure of who’s behind the badge.

Mayor Gordo emphasized that these kinds of anonymous operations are not only unsettling but can create dangerous situations for both residents and local police. As Senator Pérez put it: “If you’re enforcing the law in California, people deserve to know who you are.” The bill heads to committee later this summer.

🚦 Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) Meeting

Weigh in on local transportation policies at Pasadena’s monthly TAC meeting, held by the Department of Transportation on Thursday, June 26 at 4PM. Free and open to the public—subject to cancellation up to four days prior.

🌹 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.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Marina does modern Italian with just the right amount of flair. It’s on Cordova Street, right by the Playhouse District, and it’s quickly become a go-to for locals looking for seasonal dishes, good wine, and a place that feels both relaxed and a little special.

Inside, it’s warm and easygoing, anchored by the kind of wood-fired oven that makes everything smell amazing. There’s a wine list that rotates with the seasons, and the team knows their way around a pairing. As the sun sets and golden light spills across the room, the vibe hits that exact "maybe we stay for dessert" energy.

What makes Marina more than just a good dinner spot is their knack for bringing people together—especially with their monthly Wine Dinners. These are full-on experiences, with hand-picked menus and pours from standout winemakers around the world. Next up? A Champagne Club Dinner on June 30 featuring four bottles from Loriot-Pagel, including the ultra-rare Special Club 2018 Brut (Champagne connoisseurs, this one’s for you).

Bonus: Happy Hour runs daily from 5–6 PM (all day Monday), and they’re now open late for summer—until 9:30 PM Mon–Thurs and 10 PM Fri–Sat.

Here are My Go-to’s:

• White Nectarine Salad – Peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, and peak-season nectarines. It’s crunchy, bright, and totally craveable.

• Lily’s Mushrooms – Local oyster mushrooms grilled to smoky perfection with avocado sauce, sumac, and a lemony zip.

• Rabbit Bolognese – A hearty, silky tagliatelle dish that’s like your favorite comfort pasta... but upgraded.

• Branzino alla Griglia – Whole grilled fish with crisp skin, a fresh herb salad, grilled eggplant, and a zingy salsa verde.

  

  Branzino alla Griglia

• Tangerine Smash – Tequila, fresh tangerine juice, and sage. Basically summer in a glass.

Whether you’re sipping Barolo solo at the bar or splitting small plates with your favorite people, Marina serves up modern Italian with heart—and a healthy dose of California cool.

Vivi le tue giornate. Live your days to the fullest—or at least your evenings.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 53 (Moderate)

Thursday

83 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎼 Music at Noon: Evan J. Marshall, Mandolin: Experience the jaw-dropping solo mandolin mastery of Evan J. Marshall at Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 25 at 12:10PM. This free midday concert features classical mandolin with folk flair—performed by one of the world’s finest!

• 🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy the serene sounds of traditional Chinese instruments like the dizi, pipa, and erhu in The Huntington’s Garden of Flowing Fragrance on Wednesday, June 25 at 1PM. A tranquil cultural escape surrounded by beauty—admission $13–$29.

• 🎷 Hagen Jazz at Edwin Mills: Enjoy an intimate night of smooth, soulful jazz with renowned recording artist Hagen Jazz, performing original tunes and reimagined classics on Wednesday, June 25 from 6PM–10PM at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Come early for the best seats!

• 🎷 Pop-Up Jazz at The Paseo: Enjoy free jazz under the stars with Wayne Linsey & Friends at The Paseo Summer Series on Thursday, June 26 from 6:30PM–9PM in the courtyard at 300 E Colorado Blvd. Expect smooth tunes, DJ-spun salsa and bachata, and all-around good vibes.

• 🎙️ Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys at Edwin Mills: Step back in time with Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys as they bring the Great American Songbook to life with timeless jazz standards on Friday, June 27 from 7PM–11PM. A warm, nostalgic night of classic tunes in the heart of Pasadena.

THANKS!

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