Today in Pasadena

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Pasadena’s business community goes way back: the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce traces its roots to the Board of Trade, formed in 1888 to promote the local economy, which at the time was heavily centered on citrus. And to continue that legacy, today I’m kicking off a new recurring section: Local Business Spotlight, where I’ll feature a Pasadena-area business every Monday.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday Christina Woo! 🎂🎉

Five Acres is inviting the community to tee off for a good cause at its annual Golf Classic on Monday, August 24, at San Gabriel Country Club. This year's "Paradise on the Fairway" event also serves as the final celebration of the centennial of the organization's historic Altadena headquarters, bringing supporters together for a day of golf, dinner, and fundraising.

Founded in 1888, Five Acres is an Altadena-based nonprofit that helps children and families heal from abuse, neglect, trauma, and other challenges through mental health services, foster care, adoption, and family support programs across Southern California.

The day begins with golf registration at 10 a.m., followed by a shotgun scramble tournament, lunch, a cocktail reception, silent auction, live auction, awards, and dinner served right on the fairway. The evening's entertainment features Grammy-nominated yacht rock favorites Ambrosia, including original member Joe Puerta, joined by Elliot Lurie, founder and lead singer of Looking Glass, performing classics like Brandy (You're a Fine Girl).

Whether you're hitting the links or joining for dinner, the event offers a chance to celebrate more than a century of Five Acres while supporting its mission to strengthen children and families throughout Southern California. Purchase 2026 Golf Sponsorship & Dinner Tickets here.

Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena is celebrating 20 years in the community. The nonprofit fair-trade shop opened at 567 S. Lake Ave. in 2006, becoming the first Ten Thousand Villages store in California. The locally governed shop sells handcrafted home goods, jewelry, clothing, textiles and more made by artisans around the world, with a mission of creating sustainable income opportunities in underserved communities. To mark the milestone, Ten Thousand Villages will hold a 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at All Saints Church. Its “Fiesta de la Tierra” online benefit auction is also underway through Aug. 22.

What started with a Christmas toy giveaway in 2014 has grown into a Pasadena nonprofit offering fashion education, mentorship, scholarships and leadership development. Former minor league baseball player turned fashion designer Jade Marlin launched the Jade Marlin Foundation after finding a second home in Pasadena, and today it has a staff of more than 20 and dozens of sponsors. On Saturday, Aug. 15, the foundation will host its third annual backpack and school supplies giveaway on North Lake Avenue, continuing a tradition of community events that has expanded from toys and backpacks to food giveaways and year-round programs. I don’t believe you actually need tickets—just arrive early while supplies last. Read more here.

🐉 Conversations@PAM: Mythical Creatures Panel, Part 2: Curator Dave Young Kim and artists Lauren YS, Victoria Jang, and Kyungmi Shin discuss myth, identity, and diaspora. USC Pacific Asia Museum | Monday | August 10 | 2PM

🎲 Adult D&D: Drop-in Dungeons & Dragons session at a local game shop, open to beginners and experienced players. Odyssey Games | Monday | August 10 | 6–8PM

🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: A weekly social run/walk open to all paces, with a chance to test shoes from top brands. Run With Us | Monday | August 10 | 6PM

📚 Joss Richard, in conversation with Lyla Sage, discusses & signs "Let's Kiss All: Author of It's Different This Time discusses and signs her new fake-dating romance novel with fellow author Lyla Sage. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Monday | August 10 | 7PM

🍄 Exploring the Mycoverse: Mycologist Aaron Tupac leads a fungi-focused community workshop on interconnectedness, one of 100+ sessions held since 2021. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Monday | August 10 | 7PM

🌽 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: Certified vendors sell only what they grow, including produce, fish, jams, and jellies. Villa Parke | Tuesday | August 11 | 8:30–12:30PM

🎤 Kids' Karaoke: Outdoor karaoke for kids ages 0–12 with popcorn and water provided while supplies last. Bob Lucas Library | Tuesday | August 11 | 4:30–6PM

🔭 Science Tuesdays: Britt Abrahamson: Caltech's weekly science talk series features presenter Britt Abrahamson. Pasadena Convention Center | Tuesday | August 11 | 4:30–6PM

🏛️ Where Home Meets History: A panel with leaders from Pasadena Heritage, Heritage Housing Partners, and Union Station Homeless Services on how historic preservation intersects with affordable housing. The Blinn House | Tuesday | August 11 | 5:30PM

📚 Olivie Blake, in conversation with Amy Tintera, discusses & signs "Dreamland": NYT bestselling author Olivie Blake discusses and signs her new novel with author Amy Tintera. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Tuesday | August 11 | 7PM

💃 The Mixx: Salsa Mixx: Salsa and Bachata lessons led by LA instructor Rogelio Moreno, followed by social dancing with DJ Salsa y Sabor. The Mixx Pasadena | Tuesday | August 11 | 8PM

Upcoming events posted regularly on our website. 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 Water and Power is looking for partners to help move the city toward its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. Two new proposals would bring solar and battery storage to City-owned properties and allow large property owners and developers to build renewable energy projects that sell power directly to PWP. The first phase includes 13 municipal sites and about 2.6 megawatts of new clean energy capacity. Read about it here.

This week’s City Council meeting has been cancelled.

The Senior Commission will meet Tuesday at 2PM at the Jackie Robinson Community Center to discuss issues and matters affecting older adults in Pasadena. Click here to view agenda.

This week’s Municipal Services meeting has been cancelled.

The Rent Stabilization Department will hold a workshop on rent rollbacks and rent increases Tuesday at 6PM in the first-floor conference room at the Los Robles Building, 199 S. Los Robles Ave. Click here to view agenda.

The Environmental Advisory Commission will meet Tuesday at 6PM in the City Hall Grand Conference Room (Room S038) to discuss environmental issues and matters affecting Pasadena. Click here to view agenda.

The Design Commission will meet Tuesday at 6:30PM in the City Hall Council Chamber (Room S249) to review design matters related to development projects and the built environment in Pasadena. Click here to view agenda.

The Northwest Commission will meet Tuesday at 6:30PM at the Jackie Robinson Community Center to discuss issues and matters affecting neighborhoods and residents in northwest Pasadena. Click here to view agenda.

Hovsepyan Family Optometry is a new family-owned practice in Pasadena led by Dr. Jivan Hovsepyan and his wife, Anna. For Jivan, opening here was a homecoming. He grew up in Pasadena, attending Webster Middle School and Marshall High School before earning his Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science from the Southern California College of Optometry.

I recently stopped by the new practice and had a chance to meet Jivan and Anna. They are wonderful people and have created a welcoming, modern office with state-of-the-art equipment and a focus on giving each patient plenty of time and personal attention.

The practice offers comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, contact lens fittings, medical eye care, myopia management and surgical co-management. Patients can also shop for prescription glasses and sunglasses right in the office, with a selection of frames available to try on.

Jivan’s experience includes training at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and the Four Corners Regional Health Center, along with volunteering at more than 50 free clinics. He also serves as vice president of the Pasadena Host Lions Club.

It’s great to see a locally owned practice with such strong ties to Pasadena open its doors in the community.

Hovsepyan Family Optometry
3768 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite B, Pasadena
hovopto.com
(626) 345-5279

90🌡️68 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 54 (Moderate)

88🌡️67 |☀️| 💨 SW 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🎸 John Mellencamp at the Hollywood Bowl: Rock legend John Mellencamp brings his catalog of heartland rock classics to the Hollywood Bowl for a summer night of live music. Hollywood Bowl | Monday | August 10 | 7:30PM

🎷 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally performs jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions alongside bassist Mike Alvidrez and drummer Paul Kreibich. Edwin Mills by Equator | Monday | August 10 | 6PM–10PM

Greg Mendez at Sid the Cat: Catch dream pop and indie-folk singer-songwriter Greg Mendez live at Sid The Cat Auditorium, with sets also featuring Maria BC and Emily Yacina. Sid the Cat | Monday | 7PM

🎺 Jumpin Joz Band: Jumpin Joz Band brings a lively mix of swing, jump jazz, early R&B, and classic rock ’n’ roll made for listening and dancing. Edwin Mills by Equator | Tuesday | August 11 | 6PM–10PM

💃 Salsa Mixx: Tropical Tuesday features Salsa and Bachata lessons with instructor Rogelio Moreno, followed by social dancing and Latin music from DJ Salsa y Sabor. The Mixx Pasadena | Tuesday | August 11 | 8PM

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who thinks Pasadena needs to be more “walkable”. 🏃

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