Pasadena Celebrates Armenian & Arab American Heritage

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s as fun as dipping your pita in a swirly, creamy, smooth plate of hummus… ha ha. Maybe I’m just hungry?

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Celebrates Arab American & Armenian Heritage

• Coyote Encounters Rattle Pasadena Neighborhood

• Events This Weekend

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

🎉 Pasadena Celebrates Arab American & Armenian Heritage All Month Long

This April, Pasadena is honoring the stories, traditions, and contributions of two deeply rooted communities with Arab American Heritage Month and Armenian History and Heritage Month. From music and dance to hands-on crafts and local art exhibits, the city is rolling out a full calendar of events to celebrate the cultures that help shape Pasadena’s vibrant identity.

Whether you're interested in learning more about Arabic music, exploring Armenian folklore through dance, or supporting Arab- and Armenian-owned businesses, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Most events are free and family-friendly, taking place throughout the month at local libraries across the city.

Highlights include:

🎶 Celebration of Arabic Music – April 19 at 2 p.m., Allendale Branch – April 26 at 11 a.m., La Pintoresca Branch

🧵 Art Exhibits – Aneesa Shami Zizzo (Fiber Art), Hastings Branch – Kourosh Beigpour (Graphic Design), La Pintoresca Branch

💃 Patille Dance Studio Performance – April 5 at 1 p.m., Santa Catalina Branch

✂️ 3-D Pomegranate Craft Kits (ages 3–12) – Available April 14 at Hastings Branch

📖 Armenian Bilingual Storytime & Craft – April 19 at 11 a.m., Santa Catalina Branch

Plus, a spotlight series will feature Arab- and Armenian-owned businesses throughout the month.

For full event details, visit cityofpasadena.net.

🐾 Coyote Encounters Rattle Pasadena Neighborhood

Pasadena residents near Euclid Avenue and California Boulevard are reporting a string of unusually aggressive coyote encounters, prompting concern and caution. Multiple locals have shared stories of coyotes chasing people and pets, including a nighttime incident where one resident was pursued until a passing driver intervened.

Wildlife experts say the behavior may stem from human conditioning, especially if coyotes are being fed—intentionally or not. City officials are reminding the public that feeding wild animals is illegal under both state and local laws and could lead to fines.

To stay safe, remove outdoor food sources, secure your trash, and never feed wildlife. If you encounter a coyote, maintain eye contact, make noise, and try to appear large to scare it off.

📞 To report coyote feeding, call (626) 744-7311 or visit the City Service Center website.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🌌 Stargazing Lecture Series - If You Give a Black Hole a Cookie: On Friday, April 4 at 8:00 PM, Caltech’s Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics hosts a free public lecture by Jean Somalwar exploring how scientists study black holes by analyzing the material they consume. The event is in-person and streamed live on YouTube.

• 🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Join the Caltech Tai Chi Club for free, beginner-friendly classes every Tuesday and Friday, featuring Hao-style tai chi, Yang-style, kung fu, and more. Taught by Peter Mugglebee and advanced students in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Open to all, no membership required. 7PM.

Saturday

• 🍊 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh and local at the Pasadena Farmers’ Market from 8 AM to 12 PM at Victory Park. Enjoy California-grown produce, jams, fish, and more—directly from the farmers. Located at Sierra Madre Blvd. and Paloma St., in front of Pasadena High School.

• 🥎Sideline SidelineSwap: Bring your gently used sports gear and get a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Hastings Village Gift Card for its trade-in value, 10 AM - 6 PM

• 🎶Musical Story Time: The Pasadena Conservatory of Music will be putting on a special musical storytime with featured book: The Bunny Rabbit Show at Vroman’s Bookstore, 11:30 AM

• 🎸The Eclectric: 15th annual free music festival and arts crawl for free, 3 PM

• 🕺Delirium Flashback Band: An 80s live tribute band and dance party by local rockers, 8 PM

Sunday

• 🐕Wiggle Waggle Walk: Join Pasadena Humane at Brookside Park for the annual Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run. Enjoy a morning walk or run with your pup, starting at 9 AM, to support shelter animals. Registration includes a t-shirt, bandana, bib, and medal.

• 🚲Femme Ride: A special event with special guests, bike demos, test rides and fun —for free! All skill levels are welcomed, 9:30 AM

Save the Date

• 🐇Easter Extravaganza: Hop into the fun at the Easter Extravaganza presented by Creative Communal at Pasarroyo, April 12

• 🛍️Rose Bowl Flea Market: The world famous Rose Bowl Flea Market takes place the second Sunday of every month! Come shop from over 2,500 vendors, April 13

• 🎷Caltech Jazz Festival: Featuring the Caltech Jazz Band directed by Barb Catlin. Vocalist./composer Teryn Re and her quartet. The legendary trumpeter/composer Bobby Bradford, April 19

• 🎨Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair, Spring 2025: Discover over 200 local artisans at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair on April 26 and 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Central Park in Old Pasadena. This free outdoor event features handmade goods, including fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Leashed pets are welcome.

  

  Read about Jackalope Pasadena on News N’ Roses!

• 🦸Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, May 24

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 Hosts Business Recovery Events Post-Eaton Fire 

Following the Eaton disaster, Pasadena is offering free advising events to support local businesses. A recent pop-up at The Paseo connected dozens of owners with expert help.

Next up: the Restaurant Resilience Pop-Up on Tuesday, April 8 at Café Santorini, offering one-on-one advising and networking for restaurant owners recovering from the fires.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

68 🌡️ 48 |☀️| 💨 N 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 17 (Good)

Saturday

76 🌡️ 53 |☀️| 💨 NE 5 mph

Sunday

77 🌡️ 56 |☀️| 💨 W 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

THANKS!

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