Petals of Promise: Meet the 2025 ROSE Scholars

From rising stars to legendary stages, this week’s newsletter spotlights Pasadena’s 2025 ROSE Scholars, AC/DC at the Rose Bowl, fresh jazz sets, public art initiatives, and more events blooming across the city.

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s as rare as a vintage piece at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

  • Meet Pasadena’s 2025 ROSE Scholars

  • Events this Monday & Tuesday

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Meet Pasadena’s 2025 ROSE Scholars

Eight amazing PUSD seniors just scored big — $20,000 in scholarships from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses! The 2025 ROSE Scholars were chosen not by GPA, but by creativity, heart, and vision. Many reflected on their experiences during the Eaton fires through powerful personal projects.

Congrats to Jameel Franco, Fletcher Paddock, Gael Lemus, Andrew Pimentel, Alyssa Yepez, Leila Nafarrete, Tehilah Favour Ofumbi, and Keilah Yu!

“This year’s scholars show how creativity can inspire, heal, and connect,” said Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens. Big thanks to Citizens Business Bank for backing these future changemakers.

The Rose Parade may be months away, but these students are already blooming.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@rosebowl_fleamarket📍The Rose Bowl Flee Market

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

rose content separator

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

  • 🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start your week with a morning dose of live jazz at Jones Coffee Roasters, featuring Pasadena’s own Triple Shot blending jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. April 14 · 9AM.

  • 🔭 Astronomy on Tap: What happens when two stars get close enough to collide? How do observations of planetary atmospheres tell us about how planets form? April 14, 7:30 PM.

    Astronomy on Tap

    Read about Astronomy on Tap

  • 🌭 Trivia Night at Dog Haus: Flex your brainpower and win fun prizes every Monday night at Dog Haus Biergarten. Free to play, free to join, and full of good vibes. 7PM–9PM.

  • 🌌 From Stellar Death to Cosmic Rebirth: 60 Years of Supernova Study: Astrophysicist David Vartanyan explores the mysteries of supernovae and the science behind cosmic explosions in this free evening lecture at The Huntington. 7PM (doors at 6:30PM).

Tuesday

  • 🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and farm goods straight from local growers at this lively morning market. 8:30 AM–12:30 PM.

  • 👗 Rebuild and Radiate: Beauty for a Cause: Girls and femmes impacted by the Eaton Fire are invited to pick out free prom dresses, makeup, and accessories in a safe, supportive space. Open to displaced students and PUSD/BIPOC youth. April 15 · 4PM–8PM at Montrose Church – Pasadena Campus, 1480 E Washington Blvd.

Save the Date

  • 🖼️ Remember Eaton Canyon: Stop by Callisto Tea House for the opening reception of Remember Eaton Canyon, a solo show featuring Risograph prints by FyerLyon. Saturday, April 19 · 6PM–8PM. Exhibit on display through May 31. 1359 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena.

  • 🐝 Bee Kind To Our Planet: Celebrate Earth Day at One Colorado! Enjoy eco-friendly activities, a pollinator plant workshop, honey tastings, candle-making, and more, April 26

  • 🎨 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.

    Jackalope

    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

  • ⛸️ 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.

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

Robinson Community Survey – Share Your Voice

Help shape public art in Northwest Pasadena by sharing how Mack and Jackie Robinson have influenced you and the community. The City is collecting input for two new artworks at Robinson Park Recreation Center. Survey is confidential and open now.

Debris Removal Deadline Extended

The deadline to submit a Right of Entry form for Phase 2 debris removal is now this Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Fire-impacted residents can opt in for U.S. Army Corps assistance or opt out to manage cleanup independently.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

69 🌡️ 52 |⛅| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 57 (Moderate)

Tuesday

68 🌡️ 52 |⛅| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

rose content separator

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

  • 🎶 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Start your week with a morning dose of live jazz at Jones Coffee Roasters, featuring Pasadena’s own Triple Shot blending jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. Monday and Tuesday at 9AM.

  • 🎹 Valentina Shelton – “Straight, No Chaser” Thursdays: Let Valentina Shelton set the mood with classic straight-ahead jazz from the golden era of the '50s and '60s. Smooth vocals, piano vibes, and perfectly crafted cocktails. Thursday, April 17 · 8PM–11PM.

  • 🎤 Nic Jackson Duo – “Grand Piano” Fridays: Wind down the week with the Nic Jackson Duo performing soulful pop and lounge-style tunes with vintage flair. It’s the perfect backdrop for a classy night out. Friday, April 18 · 8PM–11PM.

  • 🎸 AC/DC – Power Up Tour: Rock legends AC/DC return to the U.S. for the first time in nine years, bringing their Power Up Tour to the Rose Bowl Stadium on Friday, April 18 at 7PM. Expect an electrifying night of classic hits and high-voltage energy. Special guests The Pretty Reckless will open the show. Tickets are available now.​

    ACDC

rose content separator

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who needs to know what’s going on.

signature block

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to get your business in News N’ Roses? Let’s talk.

Did I miss something?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].