Streets Full of Art, Voices, and Unity in Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as vibrant as a colorful mural of chalk.

• Thousands Rallied in Pasadena for ‘No Kings Day’

• Pasadena Chalk Festival Wraps with Color and Community

• Events This Monday & Tuesday

• Civil News Updates

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

Thousands Rallied in Pasadena for ‘No Kings Day’

More than 4,000 people filled Pasadena’s streets on Saturday in a powerful, peaceful protest against immigration policies and what organizers called “a slide toward authoritarianism”. The “No Kings Day” rally was part of a nationwide wave of protests and drew families, teachers, students, and musicians—including a live performance by Los Jornaleros del Norte, who brought energy and music to the march.

Mayor Victor Gordo and State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez addressed the crowd, sharing personal stories and voicing deep concern over immigration raids and constitutional rights violations. Protesters carried handmade signs, chanted “No hate, no fear,” and danced in the streets—while Pasadena police reported no arrests and only two minor medical incidents.

Many attendees attended the Pasadena Police Department Car Show, the Chalk Festival, and later joined the city’s Juneteenth celebration at City Hall, underscoring the day’s message of community, unity, and dignity.

Pasadena Chalk Festival Wraps with Color and Community

The 32nd Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival wraps up today after transforming downtown into a massive open-air art gallery. Over 500 artists from across the U.S. and Mexico have filled The Paseo and Civic Center with 200+ murals, all created for free as part of a community-focused celebration of rebirth and resilience following a tough year of wildfires.

This year’s festival features a new logo by Bianca Ornelas symbolizing growth and renewal, plus we had a great time with live DJs, food, a beer garden, a children’s zone, and even a classic car show right outside the Paseo. Proceeds from the silent auction support youth arts programs, including a new Room 13 creative space opening at the Jackie Robinson Community Center. It's art with heart—and a whole lot of sidewalk chalk.

And if you missed the action—you may still catch the finished pieces this morning before they start fading away and are cleaned up. Stay tuned for our announcements of this year’s winners in each category!

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@newsnroses📍Pasadena Police Department Car Show

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🎭 Summer with Shakespeare at A Noise Within: Starting Monday, June 16 at 10AM, young performers ages 6–18 can dive into acting, improv, stage combat, and more at A Noise Within in Pasadena. This immersive five-week theatre training camp runs weekdays through July 18—perfect for aspiring actors and Shakespeare fans alike! Call for pricing and enrollment details.

• 🎭 Playhouse Players: The Little Mermaid Jr. Summer Camp: Kids ages 7–12 can dive into two weeks of singing, dancing, and acting at The Pasadena Playhouse starting Monday, June 16 from 9AM–3:30PM. Camp runs through June 27 and culminates in a live performance of The Little Mermaid Jr.—a summer splash of creativity and fun!

• 🌭 Game Night Live Trivia at Dog Haus: Flex your brainpower and snack on sausages at Dog Haus Pasadena every Monday! Join the fun on Monday, June 16 from 7–9PM at 93 E Green St. Free to play, free to enter, and prizes for the trivia champs—bring your A-game!

Tuesday

• 🍓 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Pick up farm-fresh produce, jams, fish, and more at Villa Parke on Tuesday, June 17 from 8:30AM–12:30PM. Located at N. Garfield Ave & E. Villa St—just steps from the 210. Taste the difference straight from the source!

• 🎸 Blues Music with Brother Yusef: Clap, dance, and sing along with Altadena’s own “Fatback Bluesman” at Pasadena Public Library on Tuesday, June 17 from 2–3PM. Brother Yusef brings soulful, foot-stomping blues for all ages—free and full of heart!

• ⚽ FIFA World Cup 2025: CF Monterrey vs FC Internazionale Milano: Don’t miss this high-stakes showdown at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Tuesday, June 17 at 6PM. Watch Mexico’s CF Monterrey face off against Italy’s Inter Milan in a thrilling Group Stage match.

• 🎭 Amapola Players: Mami and Me: Experience an evening of heartfelt storytelling at Parson’s Nose Theater on Tuesday, June 17 at 7PM. Rosa Navarrete’s Mami and Me explores love across generations and borders, followed by a staged reading of The Texas Ocean.

Save the Date

• 🎨 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. June 20th, 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.

• George Takei Signing: Actor, author, and activist George Takei signs his new graphic memoir It Rhymes with Takei, June 20th, 6 PM

• Astronomy on Tap: What happens when two black holes collide? How do scientists use computer simulations to model the behavior of black holes? These topics and more will be discussed, June 23rd, 7:30 PM

• 🌉 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.

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

🚧 Street Closures Begin Today for FIFA Events

Heads up, Pasadena: Holly Street will be closed on select days through June 25 to support the FIFA Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl. Closures run between Raymond Ave and Arroyo Pkwy, with no parking allowed during posted hours. Expect delays and plan alternate routes—Walnut, Del Mar, Fair Oaks, and Los Robles are your best bets.

🏛️ Northwest Commission Special Annual Meeting

Join the City of Pasadena for a special annual session focused on the Northwest Community Plan on Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30PM. Held at Pasadena City Hall, this free public meeting offers updates, oversight, and community input on key neighborhood issues.

🔥 The Dena Project: Altadena’s Recovery, Rebuilt by Community

Small businesses hit hard by the Eaton Fire are getting a powerful boost thanks to The Dena Project—a new, locally-led initiative focused on real recovery driven by the voices of business owners themselves. With coaching, community events, and hands-on support, the project is all about helping entrepreneurs get back on their feet—with dignity and direction.

To kick things off, they’re hosting a Business Recovery Night on Wednesday, June 25 at Prime Pizza’s patio. Free dinner, real conversations, and community-driven solutions. Limited space—register at BuildBackDena.com.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

87 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 75 (Moderate)

Tuesday

86 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Enjoy an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions with guitar virtuoso Riner Scivally and his trio on Monday, June 16 from 6–10PM at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. A smooth soundtrack for your Monday night!

• 🎷 Supasol Band at Edwin Mills: Groove to old school jazz with Supasol Band on Tuesday, June 17 from 6–11PM at Edwin Mills. Pair the tunes with $3 martinis and happy hour drinks from 4PM to close—jazz nights don’t get better than this in Old Pasadena!

• 🎸 Blues Music with Brother Yusef: Clap, dance, and sing along with Altadena’s own “Fatback Bluesman” at Pasadena Public Library on Tuesday, June 17 from 2–3PM. Brother Yusef brings soulful, foot-stomping blues for all ages—free and full of heart!

THANKS!

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