Protest & Preservation: A Big Week for Pasadena's Voice and Culture

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s as outgoing as a dog on a walk in the park. 🐶

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadenans Take Part in Nationwide “Hands Off” Demonstration

• Pasadena Playhouse Reclaims Its Historic Home for 100th Anniversary

• Events on Monday & Tuesday

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Pasadenans Take Part in Nationwide “Hands Off” Demonstration

Hundreds of locals gathered along Colorado Boulevard on Saturday as part of the national “Hands Off” day of protest to exercise their free speech. Stretching from Pasadena Avenue to Los Robles, the half-mile demonstration was one of over 100 similar events held across the country the same day.

Participants lined the sidewalks with signs and banners, while notable figures like Congresswoman Judy Chu, Pasadena City Councilmember Rick Cole, and PCC Trustee Tammy Silver were spotted among the crowd. The demonstration remained peaceful, with Pasadena police reporting no incidents.

While the event was national in scope, Saturday’s turnout showed a strong local presence—and that civic engagement in Pasadena remains active.

Pasadena Playhouse Reclaims Its Historic Home for 100th Anniversary

In a full-circle moment for the city’s arts scene, the Pasadena Playhouse has purchased its historic 70,000-square-foot campus for $9.5 million—just in time for its 100th anniversary. After losing ownership during bankruptcy in 1970, the theater has now reclaimed the property thanks to a $15 million fundraising effort supported by local donors and arts patrons. The campus includes the main 686-seat theater, a restaurant, and a six-story annex. Artistic Director Danny Feldman announced the news at the Playhouse’s centennial gala, calling it a bold new chapter for one of Pasadena’s most treasured cultural institutions.

📍 Theater lovers, rejoice—our landmark stage is here to stay.

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📷@statham.space 📍 Wiggle Waggle, Rose Bowl Pasadena

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🎷 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Kick off your Monday at 9 AM with a free live performance by Pasadena-based Triple Shot, blending jazz, blues, gospel, and funk at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🌕 STEMinar: Lauren Denson: Join Caltech’s Center for Inclusion & Diversity at 12 PM for a talk with JPL’s Lauren Denson on Indigenous perspectives, the Moon, and space stewardship in science.

• 🎤 Open Mic Night: Share your voice or support local talent at this all-ages open mic night hosted by Altadena Library—music, poetry, and stories welcome. Starts at 6PM.

• 🌭 Trivia Night at Dog Haus Biergarten: Test your brainpower and win prizes at this fun, fast-paced trivia night—happening every Monday from 7 PM–9 PM at Dog Haus in Old Pasadena. Free to play, free to join, and all about good times.

Tuesday

• 🍓 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh fruits, veggies, and farm goods straight from local growers at this lively morning market. Tuesday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM.

• 🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Ease into your Tuesday with modern jazz and Latin fusion from Matt Politano’s trio at Jones Coffee Roasters. Music starts at 8:30 AM.

• 🍽️ Pasadena Restaurant Resilience Pop-Up: Local restaurant owners are invited to Café Santorini from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM for a free pop-up event offering one-on-one business advising and networking opportunities. Hosted by the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division and community partners, this event is designed to support recovery and growth for Pasadena’s restaurant community in the wake of recent challenges.

• 🎬 Pulp Fiction on the Big Screen: Catch Tarantino’s cult classic the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen at Regency Academy 6. Flashback Tuesday screening starts at 7:30 PM.

• 💃 Tropical Tuesday at The Mixx: Dance the night away with Salsa and Bachata lessons by award-winning instructor Rogelio Moreno, plus social dancing and 2-for-1 drinks. Starts at 7 PM at The Mixx Pasadena.

Save the Date

• 🌟 Golden Future 50+ Expo: Discover the latest in health, lifestyle, and active aging at SoCal's premier expo for those 50 and over. Enjoy free health screenings, live entertainment, and connect with local and national exhibitors. Thursday, April 10th, 9:00AM–1:30PM at the Pasadena Convention Center.

• 🐇 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

🏛️ Municipal Services Committee Meeting

The City Council’s Municipal Services Committee meets at City Hall at 4 PM to discuss local utility and infrastructure matters. Open to the public and held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, unless otherwise noted.

🌱 Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting

Join the monthly meeting at the Permit Center Hearing Room on Tuesday at 6 PM, where commissioners discuss sustainability goals, environmental policy, and progress on Pasadena’s Green City Action Plan.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

75 🌡️ 56 |☀️| 💨 N 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 59 (Moderate)

Tuesday

75 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 NE 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

THANKS!

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