Quieter Fourth, Louder Community

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that runs smoother than a pit crew change at an F1 race. If you haven’t seen F1 yet, add it to your list—it’s a thrill. Catch it at the Paseo Regal, or treat yourself to dinner and a recliner at iPic (yes, they bring the food right to your seat).

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Drones Over the Bowl: A Quiet Fourth Sparks Mixed Feels

• 14‑Year‑Old Tamale Boss Inspires Pasadena Community

• Rattlesnakes? Yep, It’s That Season.

• Events This Monday & Tuesday

• Poll: Would you Like to See More Kids Events?

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Drones Over the Bowl: A Quiet Fourth Sparks Mixed Feels

Pasadena’s first-ever Fourth of July drone show at the Rose Bowl lit up the sky—but not everyone was dazzled. Some called it a high-tech marvel; others missed the classic boom. Personally, I liked it. I did miss the fireworks a bit—it was very quiet—but the drones were seriously impressive. Maybe next year they can add music or sound effects for more energy. That said, it was super fun to be at FoodieLand and just walk right over. The designs were amazing, the vibe was great, and the kids around me were totally into it. Looks like this quieter Fourth still had plenty of spark.

14‑Year‑Old Tamale Boss Inspires Pasadena Community

Pasadena rallied around 14-year-old Christopher Luna Garcia on Friday, who stepped up to run his family’s tamale cart after his mom was detained in an immigration encounter that sparked controversy across the city. With help from the community, Christopher sold out 500 tamales and raised over $1,500 to help with bills. It was a powerful reminder that in challenging moments, Pasadena knows how to show up with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of tamale love.

Rattlesnakes? Yep, It’s That Season.

Summer hikes mean stunning views, sore calves—and the occasional rattlesnake. Pasadena and Altadena’s trails are prime real estate for these sneaky sun-avoiders, especially after dark. So wear boots, stay on clear paths, and maybe don’t stick your hand in that mysterious hole. If you do meet a snake, don’t panic—back away slowly, and definitely don’t try to play Steve Irwin. If bitten, call 911 and chill (literally and figuratively). Stay safe out there, trailblazers!

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🥁 Triple Shot Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee: Start your Monday with live jazz from this Pasadena-based trio blending blues, gospel, and funk. Monday, July 7 at 9AM. Free—come early for a good seat!

• 🀄 Mahjong Mondays at dym: Play beginner-friendly mahjong, meet fellow book and boba lovers, and sip Milk Tea with a BOGO 50% deal—only on Mahjong Mondays! Monday, July 7 from 6:30–8PM at dym, 2057 N Los Robles Ave. Free to join, no RSVP need.

  

• 🎤 Open Mic Night at Altadena Library: Share your music, poetry, or stories—or just come to cheer on local talent. Monday, July 7 at 6PM. Free and open to all ages and genres.

• 🌭 Game Night Live Trivia at Dog Haus Biergarten: Grab a dog, flex your brain, and compete for prizes at this high-energy, free-to-play trivia night. Monday, July 7 from 7–9PM at Dog Haus in Old Pasadena.

• 🩰 Adult Ballet Summer Intensives with Yelena Zerkovska: Train like a pro with master instructor Yelena Zerkovska in this focused adult ballet intensive, prepping for Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. Begins Monday, July 7 from 6–9PM at The Grand Academy of Ballet. $275 for the full session, space limited to 12 students.

Tuesday

• 🍓 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, local produce and farm goods straight from the growers. Tuesday, July 8 from 8:30AM–12:30PM at Villa Parke. No craft vendors—just real food, honestly grown.

• 🧵 Stitch 'n' Bitch at Octavia’s Bookshelf: Bring your latest project and join fellow crafters for a cozy evening of stitching, chatting, and creative community. Tuesday, July 8 from 6–7PM (ish).

• 🧶 Beginning Crochet at Remainders: Never crocheted before? Learn the basics—chains, stitches, hooks, and yarn—in this beginner-friendly class. Tuesday, July 8 at 6PM. $30, materials included.

• 📚 Josh Jackson in Conversation at Vroman’s: Outdoor writer Josh Jackson shares The Enduring Wild, his journey across California’s public lands, in conversation with Jaclyn Cosgrove. Tuesday, July 8 at 7PM. Free at Vroman’s Bookstore.

• 💃 Historical & English Country Dancing: Love Jane Austen or Bridgerton? Learn elegant dances from centuries past—no partner or costume needed! Tuesday, July 8 from 7:15–10:15PM at Skandia Hall. $10 at the door. Beginners welcome!

Save the Date

• 🌿 Descanso Gardens Summer Music & Dance Series: Enjoy live music and dance under the stars in a stunning garden setting. Each week brings new performers across genres—from jazz to salsa—plus dance lessons, food, and drinks. Thursdays in July from 6–7:30PM at Descanso Gardens. Included with admission.

• 🏡 Friday Nights at The Gamble House: Stroll through Pasadena’s iconic Craftsman home after hours with live music, drinks, and architecture under the stars. Fridays in July from 5:30–7:30PM. Admission includes a self-paced house tour.

• 🥁 Drum Corps at the Rose Bowl: Experience the thunderous energy of world-class drum corps as top teams perform precision marching and music under the lights. Saturday, July 6 at 6:30PM at the Rose Bowl. A must-see for fans of pageantry and performance!

• 🎶 Moonlight Melodies: An Evening with The Crooners: Spend a magical night with the Pasadena POPS at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on Friday, July 12 at 7:30PM. Enjoy timeless tunes from Broadway to Bond under the stars. Gates open at 5:30PM for picnicking at 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia.

• 🌼 Mariposa Night: Celebrate the heart of Altadena with an evening of storytelling, music, food, and community on Saturday, July 12 from 7PM–9PM at Beckman Auditorium. Come early for a 5:30PM resource fair with food trucks, live music, and local nonprofits on the lawn. Free and open to all—RSVP requested!

• 🧪 Quantum for Kids @ Caltech: Dive into the strange and exciting world of quantum science with hands-on demos, crafts, coding workshops, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt on Saturday, July 12 from 10AM–2PM at Caltech. Aimed at middle schoolers but open to all ages—free with registration!

• 🌉 Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party: An unforgettable community celebration atop the Colorado Street Bridge! Saturday, July 19th from 6–11PM. Enjoy live music, local eats, kids' activities, and vintage vehicles—all while supporting historic preservation.

• 🎨 Pasadena Bead & Design Show: Discover handcraft at its finest with over 300 artisans showcasing jewelry, textiles, beads, gemstones, and wearable art at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday–Sunday, July 25–27 from 10AM–5PM. Enjoy workshops, live demos, and rare finds from makers across the country.

POLL: MORE KIDS EVENTS?

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 City Council Meeting

Attend or tune in as city leaders discuss local policy, planning, and community matters. Monday, July 7 at 6PM. Free and open to the public. Held at Pasadena City Hall.

Municipal Services Committee Meeting

Attend this public meeting as councilmembers discuss key issues related to Pasadena’s infrastructure and city services. Tuesday, July 8 at 4PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Free and open to the public.

Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting

Join the public conversation on sustainability as the commission advises City Council on environmental policy and the Green City Action Plan. Tuesday, July 8 at 6PM at the Permit Center Hearing Room. Free and open to all.

Northwest Commission Meeting

Help shape the future of Northwest Pasadena by attending this monthly public meeting focused on community planning and development. Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30PM. Free and open to the public. Held at the Jackie Robinson Community Center.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

84 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 63 (Moderate)

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 66 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🥁 Triple Shot Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee: Start your Monday with live jazz from this Pasadena-based trio blending blues, gospel, and funk. Monday, July 7 at 9AM. Free—come early for a good seat!

• 🎹 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio at Jones Coffee: Ease into your Tuesday with modern jazz and Latin fusion by pianist Matt Politano and his trio. Tuesday, July 8 at 8:30AM. Free—arrive early for a seat!

• 🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original tunes led by Pasadena’s own guitar virtuoso Riner Scivally. Saturday, July 6 from 6–10PM. Free show, great vibes.

• 🎷 Supasol Band at Edwin Mills: Catch old-school jazz and unbeatable happy hour deals—$3 martinis and more—every Tuesday night in Old Pasadena. Tuesday, July 8 from 6–10PM. Live music, good vibes, and strong pours.

• 🎶 A Folk Americana Music Night: Tipps and Obermiller: Enjoy a soulful, genre-blending night of storytelling and song with musical duo Tipps and Obermiller at Beckman Institute Auditorium on Saturday, July 26 from 8PM–10PM. Expect laughter, tears, and toe-tapping tunes. $25 general admission, $10 for Caltech students and youth.

THANKS!

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