Pasadena's Panda Inn Reopens

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is as exciting as the reopening of your favorite restaurant.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Original Panda Inn Reopens

• Union Station Dinner in the Park

• Events this Week

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Original Panda Inn Reopens in Pasadena

Pasadena’s historic Panda Inn reopens after two years, unveiling a stunning transformation and expanded menu that celebrate the Cherng family's legacy. Founded in 1973 by Andrew, Peggy, and the late chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, Panda Inn was the birthplace of the global Panda Express brand. The revamped interior now features sleek wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling windows, a long granite sushi bar, and a private dining area, bringing a modern touch while honoring traditional Chinese design elements. The updated menu includes chef specials like Panda Beef and honey walnut shrimp alongside new offerings such as hamachi tacos and miso butter lobster rolls, while classic dishes like kung pao shrimp remain. The Cherng family’s commitment to community continues through Panda Cares, their philanthropic arm, which has raised over $375 million for hospitals, education, and disaster relief. Chief Brand Officer Andrea Cherng describes this new chapter as a tribute to her family’s hard work and to the sacrifices of immigrant families, blending tradition, innovation, and community impact.

Union Station Dinner in the Park Needs Your Help

Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena is gearing up for its annual Dinner in the Park this Thanksgiving, a cherished event providing a warm meal and community connection to those in need. VP of Advocacy Shawn Morrissey reflects on his own journey from homelessness, recalling the healing and gratitude he experienced during his first Thanksgiving back at the event in 2003. This year, with a significant shortage of food items like turkeys, pies, and dinner rolls, Union Station calls on the community for donations to ensure no one goes hungry. Volunteers and donors are welcome—visit ushs.org/dinner-in-the-park for more information.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING 

Monday

• 🌑Astronomy on Tap: The monthly Caltech Astronomy Outreach meet-up at Dog Haus with fun topics like black holes and the moon! Be sure to get there early and stay for the trivia. 7:30 - 9:30 PM.

• 🔬Unwrapping the Future: Designing for a Sustainable Tomorrow: ArtCenter hosts an evening on sustainable design with a screening of Seaweed Stories, narrated by Forest Whitaker, exploring seaweed's role in replacing plastics. A panel with experts follows, discussing innovation in sustainability. 7-9 PM at the ArtCenter.

Tuesday

• 🥕Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Discover fresh, local produce at the Pasadena Farmers Market! Enjoy seasonal fruits, vegetables, handmade goods, and more from local vendors. 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Villa Park Centre. 

• 🪴Descanso Gardens Free Admission: Enjoy free admission to Descanso Gardens on the third Tuesday of each month! Tickets are required for non-members and released on the first of the month (or the first Monday if it’s a weekend). Opens at 9AM.

Save the Date

• 📚Vroman’s 130th Anniversary Celebration: Come celebrate with a true gem of Pasadena. Enjoy raffle prices every 30 minutes, take part in trivia around the store and see limited edition merch! Nov. 23 from 4 PM to 6 PM

• 🧝‍♀️37th Annual Elves' Faire This magical fair draws crowds from all over Los Angeles to Pasadena Waldorf School with games, gifts, and fun for all! Nov 23rd from 10 AM to 4 PM

• 🎉DooDah Parade: An annual, whimsical event celebrating creativity and humor with quirky floats, costumes, and lively participants. Established in the late 1970s, it serves as an unconventional alternative to the traditional Rose Parade, attracting large crowds each year. Nov. 24 at 11 AM.

• 🦃Rose Bowl Turkey Trot: The sixth annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot continues to raise the bar by providing guests with family fun and outdoor activity on Thanksgiving Day. Runners, walkers, skippers, and jumpers alike can participate this year by running around the 5K recreational loop at America’s Stadium. Known for being a Pasadena family favorite and a Thanksgiving morning tradition, you won’t want to miss it! Nov 28th at 8:30 AM.

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

PUSD is Moving Forward with Measure O

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is advancing Measure O projects to enhance school safety. New front entry security systems, functioning like doorbells with live video and audio, are being installed. For more updates, visit the Measure O page on the PUSD website.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

63 🌡️ 46 |☀️| 💨 NE 4 mph, gusts up to 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 42 (Good)

Tuesday

67 🌡️ 44 |☀️| 💨 VAR 2-5 mph, gusts up to 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC

Area 91

Live music at Kings Row Gastropub with no Cover charge! Enjoy an outdoor/indoor setting at Pasadena’s finest sports bar. Area 91 will be playing all the hits from 80s, 90s and 2000s. Friday, Nov. 22.

Weekly Performance by The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio

Modern Jazz trio led by Matt Politano. Local business, Jones Coffee Shop, hosts jazzy mornings! Indoor seating is available. Early guest arrival is recommended to reserve seating. Special guest performers are known to stop by and play some tunes. Tuesdays from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM.

SPORTS

Upcoming UCLA and PCC Matches

UCLA Football 🏈

11/23 UCLA vs USC | TBD at Rose Bowl Stadium

11/30 UCLA vs Fresno State | TBD at Rose Bowl Stadium

Men’s Soccer⚽

11/20 PCC vs. Bakersfield | 2 PM at Robinson Stadium

Women’s Soccer⚽

11/23 PCC vs. SoCal Regional Playoffs, Round 2 | TBD

Pasadena High School Football Highlight

Pasadena High School's football team secured a 22-16 victory over the San Marino Titans on Friday, marking their second consecutive win and improving their season record to 6-6. Quarterback Brady Beck of San Marino delivered a strong performance with 174 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 46 rushing yards, setting a personal best in rushing. Despite his efforts, the Titans' three-game winning streak ended, bringing their record to 6-6. Pasadena aims to continue their momentum as they host Lynwood High School on Friday at 7:00 PM Lynwood enters the game with a potent offense, averaging 28.9 points per game this season.

THANKS!

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