Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s as satisfying as the first bite of a cheeseburger🍔🍟
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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A Beacon of Hope for Fire Victims
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MLK Day Celebration
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Cheeseburger Week is Here!
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Events This Week
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Save the Date!
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
A Beacon of Hope for Fire Victims
Octavia’s Bookshelf, Pasadena’s beloved independent bookstore highlighting works by Black, Indigenous, and authors of color, is going beyond books to help those in need. Following a devastating apartment fire that displaced numerous families, owner Nikki High has turned her store into a center of compassion and support. The bookstore is now collecting vital donations, including clothing, toiletries, and gift cards, to aid fire victims in rebuilding their lives. Nikki’s heartfelt efforts remind us that Octavia’s Bookshelf is more than a bookstore—it’s a community hub where neighbors come together to uplift one another in times of crisis.
Cheeseburger Week is Here!
Did you know Pasadena is the proud home of the original cheeseburger? Yep, it all started right here in 1924 when Lionel Sternberger slapped a slice of cheese onto a sizzling burger at his father’s roadside stand, the Rite Spot. Nearly a century later, we honor his delicious ingenuity every year during Restaurant Week! Cheeseburger Week kicks off this week, celebrating the birthplace of America’s favorite sandwich and inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the juiciest, cheesiest, most mouthwatering creations our city has to offer. Over 40 local restaurants, cafes, and burger joints are serving up their best offerings. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a burger adventurer, there’s something for everyone.
Check out the full list of participating restaurants on the Cheeseburger Week website, where you’ll find all the juicy details about who’s serving what and where to go. Many locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery, so you can enjoy Cheeseburger Week your way. Once you’ve savored your burger of choice, don’t forget to vote for your favorites! Categories include best traditional burger, most creative burger, and even the best veggie burger. Your votes help crown the kings and queens of Cheeseburger Week—and give you bragging rights for discovering the best bites in town.
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📷@wildparrotbeer | 📍 Pasadena Neighbor Day, Wild Parrott Brewing Company
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday
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👚Elk Lodge Food Distribution: New clothing, personal care items, bedding, diapers, bottled water, and other essential goods to first responders and community members impacted by the Eaton Fire, 10 AM – 4 PM
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✊MLK Day Celebration: Join the community for a special celebration at Robinson Park Recreation Center with keynote speakers, 10 AM
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🍲Whimsey Pasadena In the past week, Broth for Fuel has been supplying soup and food to firefighters, first responders, American Red Cross displaced families, and volunteers, all day
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📖Free Disaster Relief Clinic: Black Women Lawyers are offering free legal assistance regarding insurance claims, FEMA paperwork, employment issues, and next steps. Walk-ins welcomed, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuesday
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✏️English Language Conversation Group: Open to all adult English language learners who want to practice their spoken English at South Pasadena Public Library. No advance registration is required–just drop in, 10 – 11 AM
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🧵Beginning Knitting: Learn the basics of knitting with a wide assortment of Yarns and Knitting Needles at Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR), 6 PM
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😷Free PPE Distribution: Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) will continue to pass out free personal protective equipment (PPE) to those impacted by the Eaton Fire at 450 N. Lake Ave. through Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Save the Date
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💥Pasadena Comic Con: A pop culture event for all ages! There will be panels, toys, celebrity guests and featured artists (POSTPONED)
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👝Something Good: A benefit market to support the survivors of the Eaton Canyon Fire, Jan. 25
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🧧Lunar New Year: Join USC Pacific Asia Museum in celebrating the Year of the Snake with an afternoon of live performances and art activities, Feb 1
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💎SoCal Etsy Guild Market: A day of handmade fun! Live Art, Handmade Vendors, and Much More, Feb. 8
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🎭Macbeth: Immerse yourself in another powerful collaboration between Director Andi Chapman and A Noise Within, Feb. 9 – March 9
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🌹Black History Parade & Festival: One of Southern California’s largest and longest-running Black history parades, Feb. 15
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 residents and businesses are reminded that City Hall and many City services will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
63 🌡️ 41 |☀️| 💨 S 5 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 98 (Poor)
Tuesday
66 🌡️ 42 |☀️| 💨 S 5 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC
Chamber Music Festival Benefit Concert
Experience an extraordinary evening at First United Methodist Church, featuring LA Phil musicians and pianist Junko Ueno Garrett. The program includes Martinu’s innovative Trio, Popper’s beautiful Requiem, and Dvorak’s celebrated Quartet No. 2. This Saturday’s concert is a benefit event, with all donations and musician fees supporting Red Cross wildfire relief efforts. Click here for more information.
THANKS!
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