Pasadena Honors Firefighter Hero

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s got your back—just like our firefighters do. Except they’re heroes. I’m just a newsletter.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Firefighter Injured Off-Duty— Community Steps Up

• Pasadena Declares June 6 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day

• Events Wednesday & Thursday

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

🧑‍🚒 Pasadena Firefighter Injured Off-Duty — Community Steps Up

Just months after helping save homes during the Eaton Fire, Pasadena firefighter-paramedic Armen Hagopian is now fighting for his own recovery. He was severely injured in a motorcycle crash on May 20 and is now paralyzed from the waist down.

Known for his humor and big heart at Station 36, Armen has always been there for our community. Now, his fellow firefighters and loved ones are rallying around him—with a GoFundMe raising nearly $85,000 so far to help with his long recovery journey.

This moment also reminds us: firefighters are heroes, yet in America—including right here in Pasadena—they’re too often overlooked. Firefighters don’t get priority boarding on planes, VA-style benefits, or even a national holiday in their honor. They risk their lives without asking for much in return—and we need to change that.

Let’s support Armen—and start the conversation about how we support all first responders.
👉 Support Armen’s Recovery

🔶 Pasadena Declares June 6 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day

The City Council will officially recognize June 6 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Pasadena, with a proclamation going to Day One, a local nonprofit focused on youth empowerment and public health.

The day kicks off Wear Orange Weekend (June 6–8) in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a teen victim of gun violence. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange and post photos with #WearOrange to show support.

🔶 Free orange ribbons and info kits will be available June 6 at four city centers:

• Jackie Robinson Center

• Robinson Park Rec Center

• Victory Park Rec Center

• Villa Parke Community Center

Plus, a memorial banner will be set up outside Robinson Park Rec Center for community tributes.

Also, don’t miss Day One’s Safe Home event at the Dena Home Market on June 1 (1–4PM) at 175 N. Euclid Ave—where they'll give out gun safety locks and share best practices.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@nasajpl📍Pasadena (from Mars), NASA’s Perseverance rover just snapped its 5th selfie since landing on Mars in 2021 — and got photobombed by a dust devil swirling across the horizon, 3 miles away.

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

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Victor Shlyakhtenko, piano: Don’t miss this rising piano prodigy as he brings world-class talent to a free midday concert. 12:10PM at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. A perfect musical break to lift your week.

• 🍷 Wine & Song: Philip Krohnengold; Summer Woods: Enjoy an evening of heartfelt tunes and stellar musicianship with touring pro Philip Krohnengold and rising star Summer Woods. 7:00PM. Sip, sway, and soak in the stories.

• 🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster at Westgate Apartments – Pasadena!: Get your claws on lobster rolls, tacos, tots & more as Cousins Maine Lobster rolls into town! 5:00PM–8:00PM at 231 S De Lacey Ave, Pasadena. Order ahead via app or at the truck—cashless only!

• 🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Think you’ve got what it takes? Join the fun with themed trivia rounds, puzzles, and prizes. 6:00PM–8:00PM at Stone Brewing Tap Room. Free to play—bring your brainpower!

• 🦀 Salty Crab Comedy: Get your laugh on with headliner Jimmy Shin and a killer crew of comics at The Ice House. 7:45PM in the California Room. 21+ only, 2-item minimum—come salty, leave smiling!

• 🛰️ Watson Lecture – Tracy Drain: Europa Clipper – The Adventure Begins!: Join Caltech for a stellar evening as Tracy Drain, chief engineer of the Europa Clipper mission, dives into the tech and triumphs of exploring Jupiter’s icy moon. 7:30PM. Free event with limited standby seating.

• 🎤 Wednesdays at the DL with DL Hughley & Friends: Laugh it up with comedy legend DL Hughley and a killer lineup of stand-up stars every week at The Ice House. 8:00PM in the Legendary Room. 21+ only, 2-item minimum—pure comedy gold!

Thursday

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Stroll beneath the trees, shop fresh California produce, enjoy live music, and grab dinner from local vendors—all just steps from the Gold Line. 4:00PM–7:00PM. A perfect weeknight outing!

• 🖼️ Visual Culture Program Event: Join artist Jessica Segall and professor Brian Jacobson for a thought-provoking conversation on art, power, and resource extraction. 4:00PM at Caltech. Free and open to all curious minds.

• 🖌️ PANORAMA: ArtCenter Staff Perspectives Opening Reception: Celebrate the creativity of ArtCenter’s talented staff across diverse media at this vibrant exhibition kickoff. Enjoy art, performances, and community. 6:00PM–8:00PM at ArtCenter College of Design. Free and open to all!

• 🎤 Alternative Karaoke Party and Sing Along: Belt out your favorite alt hits with surround sound, an LED wall, and 2-for-1 drinks all night! 8:00PM at The Mixx. Free admission and parking—let’s rock!

• 🎭 RENT: Experience Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical like never before with Lineage’s powerful production featuring the Lineage Dancers. A celebration of love, resilience, and chosen family. 7:00PM at Lineage Performing Arts Center.

Save the Date

• 🚗 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.

• 🎨 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. 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.

• 👾 Monsterpalooza: Celebrate the art of monsters and movie magic. Featuring over 400 exhibitors of the best artists and creatives at the Pasadena Convention Center, May 30 – June 1

• 🎸 Head in the Clouds: 88rising, the pioneering and internationally renowned music and media company globally amplifying Asian talent and culture, May 31-June 1

• 🐾 Carnival of Cats: Play, party, and purr with 30–40 adorable rescue cats at this free, family-friendly feline fest! A VIP experience with perks like a swag bag and fast pass is available for $25. 11:00AM–6:00PM, Saturday, June 7 at Tail Town Cat Café, 1780 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena.

• ⛸️ Juneteenth Celebration: The NAACP Pasadena Branch will hold its Juneteenth Celebration and 4th Annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall, June 14 at 4 PM.

•  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.

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 Rental Housing Board Meeting: Stay informed on housing policy and tenant protections at this public meeting of the PRHB, formed to uphold fair and equitable housing in Pasadena. 6:00PM, Thursday, May 2. Free to attend and open to the community.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

77 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 53 (Moderate)

Thursday

82 🌡️ 57 |⛅| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Victor Shlyakhtenko, piano: Don’t miss this rising piano prodigy as he brings world-class talent to a free midday concert. 12:10PM, Wednesday, May 28 at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. A perfect musical break to lift your week.

• 🎹 American Portraits: One-Night at Hollywood Piano: Don’t miss a special evening of music celebrating American composers, with pianist Jonathan Levin and operatic tenor Tyrone Chambers. 7:00PM, Wednesday, May 28 at Hollywood Piano (499 S Arroyo Pkwy). Free admission and parking!

• 🎸 Live Music at Monopole Wine: Enjoy an intimate evening of acoustic vibes with duo guitarists Gerardo Morales and Angelo Salazar. 7:00PM–10:00PM, Thursday, May 29 at Monopole Wine, 21 S El Molino Ave. No cover, just a 2-drink minimum!

• 🎶 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: Treat yourself to an evening of smooth jazz with journeyman guitarist Doug MacDonald, a West Coast legend known for his warm tone and timeless swing. 6:00PM–10:00PM, Thursday, May 29 at Edwin Mills. A true player’s player you don’t want to miss!
  

THANKS!

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