Summer is Officially Here

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The Rose Bowl hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, where more than 94,000 fans watched Brazil defeat Italy in the first World Cup championship match ever decided by a penalty shootout. The game remains one of the most iconic sporting events ever held in Pasadena.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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Pasadena’s World Cup watch parties return this Wednesday, June 24, with a free public screening of Mexico’s final group-stage match against the Czech Republic at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza. The plaza opens at 4:30 p.m., kickoff is at 6PM, and fans can gather to cheer on El Tri in one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage matchups.

Beyond the game, the plaza will feature food trucks, soccer-themed activities, music, a merch customization station, and a beer garden. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a fun summer evening downtown, it’s a chance to experience a bit of World Cup excitement right in the heart of Pasadena. For more details, click here.

Pasadena is considering a long-term plan to breathe new life into a vacant section of Hahamongna Watershed Park. A local nonprofit, Outward Bound Adventures, wants to transform the former U.S. Forest Service compound into an environmental education and community center, though the project still depends on grant funding and donations that have yet to be secured.

The City Council will review the proposal on Monday, June 22. If approved, the nonprofit would begin feasibility studies and fundraising before moving forward with plans that could include environmental programs, habitat restoration, workforce training, and public events. The potential agreement could last up to 40 years, with no city General Fund money currently committed to the project.

Whether you run a café, wellness studio, creative brand, restaurant or community space, strong visuals can completely change how people connect with your business.

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Currently booking summer shoots & events.

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🍄 Talk All About Fungi and How They can Remind Us of Our Interconnectedness: A community discussion exploring fungi, interconnectedness, and our relationship with the more-than-human world. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Monday | June 22 | 7PM

📚 Teo Rivera-Dundas discusses & signs Slow Guillotine: Author Teo Rivera-Dundas discusses and signs their award-winning novel about three friends navigating art, work, and identity. Vroman's Bookstore | Monday | June 22 | 7PM

🎶 Los Angeles Children’s Chorus West Coast Tour Send-Off Concert: The Grammy-winning Los Angeles Children's Chorus performs a free concert before departing on its West Coast tour. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Monday | June 22 | 7PM

🥕 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other farm products directly from certified local growers. Villa Parke | Tuesday | June 23 | 8:30AM–12:30PM

🧱 LEGO Build-a-thon Party: Kids ages 3–12 are invited to build creative LEGO creations and take on fun challenges. Loma Alta Park Gymnasium | Tuesday | June 23 | 12PM

🧶 Creative Workshops at Remainders: Choose from beginning knitting, basic hand stitching, or an analog typewriter hangout focused on creativity and connection. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Tuesday | June 23 | 6PM

🏄 David Litt discusses & signs It’s Only Drowning: A Memoir: Author David Litt discusses his memoir about learning to surf and an unlikely friendship that bridges cultural and political divides. Vroman's Bookstore | Tuesday | June 23 | 7PM

🎲 Tuesday Turns & Tiles: Join a weekly board game night hosted by Patrick Haugen at FlowState.Studio. FlowState.Studio | Tuesday | June 23 | 8PM–11PM

⚽ Mexico vs Czechia World Cup Watch Party: Join a free, family-friendly watch party as Mexico takes on Czechia in the World Cup. Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza | Wednesday | June 24 | 6PM

🍦 ABVM Summer Social: Celebrate summer with food, ice cream, music, and community at this family-friendly gathering hosted by ABVM. Bring your family and friends for an evening of food, refreshments, and a chance to connect with other members of the community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ABVM Class of 2026–2027. Chipotle and Handel's in Hastings Ranch | Wednesday | June 24 | 5PM–8PM

Upcoming events are added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!

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!

Pasadena’s City Council will meet Monday, June 22 at 6PM in the City Hall Council Chamber (Room S249) to consider city business, hear public comment, and vote on matters affecting the community. Click here to view agenda.

The Accessibility and Disability Commission will meet Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30PM at the Jackie Robinson Community Center to discuss issues related to accessibility, disability inclusion, and improving access to city programs and services. Click here to view agenda.

78🌡️61 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 51 (Moderate)

83🌡️62 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio perform jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday | June 22 | 6PM–10PM

🎶 Los Angeles Children’s Chorus West Coast Tour Send-Off Concert: The Grammy-winning Los Angeles Children's Chorus performs a free concert before departing on its West Coast tour. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Monday | June 22 | 7PM

☕ The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Enjoy modern jazz and Latin fusion performed by pianist Matt Politano and his trio. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday | June 23 | 8:30AM

🎺 Jumpin Joz Band: Enjoy an evening of swing, jazz, early R&B, and rock ’n’ roll-inspired music. Edwin Mills | Tuesday | June 23 | 6PM–10PM

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who doesn’t know what offsides means in football.

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