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  • 🌟1940's Rose Queen Passes & 🌳 Denied Tree Damage Claims Skyrocket!

🌟1940's Rose Queen Passes & 🌳 Denied Tree Damage Claims Skyrocket!

Issue #024

❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🌟 Pasadena Mourns the Loss of Margaret Main, the 1940 Rose Queen with a 94-Year Legacy.

🌳 Resident's Fight Reveals Pasadena's High Rate of Denied Tree Damage Claims

🎻 Rising Classical Star to Light Up Pasadena Symphony's Free Concert

🌱 Driving Green: Pasadena Water and Power's Rebate Program Encourages Electric Vehicle Adoption

🌷 Winter Greens and Blooms: Huntington Library Hosts Free Gardening Program

😃 Viral Meme

⭐️ Support Local Business

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

Good morning Pasadena Spotlight!

Today in Pasadena, we begin the day with a chilly morning, with temperatures starting at 47° and rising to 56° by 10 am under partly cloudy skies. A calm wind begins blowing from the north to west.

By noon, temperatures peak at 61°, with winds picking up slightly. The afternoon maintains similar conditions, with a persistent wind gusting from the west.

As evening falls, temperatures dip back down to the low 50s, with the wind shifting northwards.

For comfort throughout the day, it's advisable to dress in layers, keep a light jacket handy during the day, and bundle up a bit more for the evening chill.

Pasadena Mourns the Loss of Margaret Main, the 1940 Rose Queen with a 94-Year Legacy.

Born in 1921, Margaret Jayne Huntley Main was destined for a role in the Tournament of Roses, a dream she realized as the 1940 Rose Queen.

She was a notable figure whose support for the Tournament of Roses extended over nine decades.

As a dedicated participant in the Rose Parade and founder of the Queens' Alumni Association, Main's life was deeply intertwined with the Tournament's history.

Despite offers from Hollywood, she chose a quieter life, filled with education, writing, and a continued devotion to the Rose Parade.

She celebrated her 100th birthday by donning her 1940 Swarovski crystal crown, a symbol of her legacy that continues to inspire the Royal Court of Pasadena.

She passed away at 102, leaving behind a rich legacy.

Resident's Fight Reveals Pasadena's High Rate of Denied Tree Damage Claims

Pasadena resident Bobby Hatch faced a $2,400 repair bill when a tree branch fell on his truck.

The City of Pasadena denied his claim for the cost, despite having previously identified the tree as a potential risk.

The city's reason for denial was that the branch fell due to rain, something it deemed to be out of its control.

This decision is reflective of a broader pattern; city records show that in the past year, out of the 36 tree damage claims received, only 2 were paid. The trend continues this year, with only 1 claim paid out of 38 so far.

An arborist consultant criticized the city's outdated tree evaluation guidelines but agreed with the city's assessment of the incident.

The City of Pasadena plans to remove the tree but did not comment on the criticism regarding its evaluation guidelines or claim processing criteria.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Pasadena area residents in an upcoming issue of Pasadena Spotlight & on our social media?



We ❤️ Local Businesses!



We know our community is brimming with businesses that fascinating stories and big hearts.



If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!



“Pasadena Spotlight” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town.

Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. 

Send us a message, and let’s celebrate the spirit of Pasadena together

👇 Select an option below:

Rising Classical Star to Light Up Pasadena Symphony's Free Concert

Strings Quartet

In the cultural heartbeat of Southern California, a rising star has emerged.

The Pasadena Symphony and POPS proudly present the accomplished winner of the 2023 Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) Concerto Competition - none other than the prodigious violinist, Lev Sakae Taira.

This Saturday, at 7:30 pm, Taira will step into the spotlight at the PYSO Philharmonic & Sinfonia concert.

He will be performing Bruch's powerful and emotive Concerto No. 1 for Violin and Orchestra, a composition that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among audiences.

Held at the majestic Ambassador Auditorium, this concert is a fantastic opportunity to witness the ascension of a future star.

The best part? The performance is entirely free of charge, making it a not-to-be-missed event for all music lovers.

Driving Green: Pasadena Water and Power's Rebate Program Encourages Electric Vehicle Adoption

To encourage sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has introduced a rebate program for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles.

The program offers a rebate of up to $1,500 and is valid for new EV purchases until the end of 2023.

However, the initiative will continue beyond this date for used EVs, making sustainable transportation more accessible and affordable.

This initiative underscores Pasadena's commitment to a greener future and sets an example for other cities to emulate.

Winter Greens and Blooms: Huntington Library Hosts Free Gardening Program

Huntington Library is set to host a special drop-in program this Friday, centered around winter gardening.

Thomas, the manager of the experiential and teaching gardens, will be sharing valuable tips and techniques on winter gardening, ranging from the best plants to grow, seed starting options, to plant care.

The event, which is free of charge and taking place at the Barth Family Entry Grove from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The program is part of Huntington's ongoing mission to promote horticulture in the community.

For more information, individuals are encouraged to visit The Huntington Library's website.

Share Your Holiday Spirit 🎄✨ 

if you've completed your Christmas decoration and would like to showcase your festive spirit, we invite you to share a picture of your decoration with us!

We plan to feature some of the submissions in upcoming issues. Feel free to spread the holiday cheer by sharing a glimpse of your festive setup.

Upcoming Local Events

Thursday, November 30

Taste of Art: English Teatime - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Video Game Club - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Rover-Robics - 5:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Howl-iday Manners - 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Friday, December 1

Man Cave - 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

SoCal Women's Conference - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

"She Kills Monsters" by Qui Nguyen - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Free First Friday - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Annual Holiday Book Sale - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 2

Holiday Look In Home Tour - 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Teddy Bear Tea - 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in Pasadena and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Pasadena Spotlight with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇