❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🚔 In Response to Hate Crime Spike, Pasadena Police Department Reinforces Commitment to Public Safety

🏚️ Pasadena Sees 9% Spike in Homelessness Amid Increasing Senior and First-Time Cases

🌹 Pasadena's Rose Parade to Honor Teenage Organ Donor's Lifesaving Legacy

🎻 Grammy Winner Andrew Brown Takes Helm of Pasadena Symphony and Pops as New CEO

🪷 Huntington Library Unveils 900-Year-Old Buddhist Canon

😃 Viral Meme

✨ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

Good morning, Pasadena! As we kick off December 3rd, let's take a peek at what Mother Nature has in store for our day.

Sunday begins with a cool, partly cloudy morning, with temperatures between 49-60°F and a light north-northeast wind.

Layered clothing is recommended to stay comfortable as temperatures gradually rise.

The noon hours will be mostly sunny with temperatures increasing to a mild 63-67°F. A light jacket would be appropriate as a light breeze continues.

The afternoon will be slightly cloudier and warmer, at 68°F, with a slightly stronger south-southwest wind.

Light clothing is recommended for this part of the day.

Evening brings more clouds and cooler temperatures, between 55-60°F, with a cooler north-northeast breeze.

A light sweater or jacket would be perfect for the cooler evening temperatures.

Stay comfortable and enjoy your day in Pasadena!

In Response to Hate Crime Spike, Pasadena Police Department Reinforces Commitment to Public Safety

Los Angeles County has seen a sharp increase in hate crimes, reaching a 21-year high, according to the L.A County Commission on Human Relations.

The reported hate crimes rose by 18% in 2022, the highest increase since 2001.

There is a particular concern over the rise in crimes against African American and Jewish communities.

The commission credits improved reporting from the anti-hate program LA vs Hate for a more comprehensive view of hate crimes.

Anti-Asian hate crimes declined by 25%, but religious crimes rose by 41%, with 81% being anti-Jewish.

In response to these alarming statistics, the Pasadena Police Department reiterated its commitment to identifying and arresting hate crime perpetrators and attending to the immediate security concerns of the victims and their families.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to building community trust and increasing police legitimacy in handling hate crimes, as per its Hate Crimes Policy Manual.

Pasadena Sees 9% Spike in Homelessness Amid Increasing Senior and First-Time Cases

Pasadena's 2023 Homeless Count revealed a 9% increase in homelessness, with 556 individuals identified.

The report attributed this surge to a rise in first-time homelessness and an increase in homeless seniors.

Nearly half of these individuals had access to shelter, marking the highest rate in a decade.

However, the count also shed light on racial disparities within the homeless community, with Black people constituting 30% of Pasadena's homeless population despite accounting for only 8% of the general population.

Economic concerns were the leading factors for those experiencing homelessness for the first time.

Over half the homeless population was classified as chronically homeless, predominantly single adult males with an average of 22 years of residency in Pasadena before losing housing.

The report emphasized the importance of targeted interventions and increasing housing resources to ensure future reductions in homelessness.

Pasadena's Rose Parade to Honor Teenage Organ Donor's Lifesaving Legacy

The 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena will pay tribute to the late Joseph "Joe" Barratt, an 18-year-old organ donor from Concord, California.

Barratt tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident in February 2020. Despite the tragedy, his decision to donate his organs, made shortly before his death, gave a new lease of life to several individuals, including San Francisco resident, Ted Jung, who received Barratt's heart.

Both Barratt and Jung will be honored at the 2024 Donate Life Rose Parade Float during the annual event in Pasadena.

A commemorative event will also take place at Sutter's California Pacific Medical Center, where Barratt's parents will be presented with a floragraph portrait of their son.

Grammy Winner Andrew Brown Takes Helm of Pasadena Symphony and Pops as New CEO

As it approaches its centennial milestone, the Pasadena Symphony and Pops has welcomed Andrew Brown as its new CEO.

Brown brings over two decades of leadership experience in the performing arts, notably as the CEO of Pacific Chorale where he led significant transformations and won a Grammy.

In his new role, Brown will collaborate with Principal Pops Conductor, Michael Feinstein, to drive the symphony's artistic vision forward.

He plans to bolster the symphony's community engagement, enhance its educational programs serving nearly 800 students annually, and explore opportunities for growth and innovation.

Huntington Library Unveils 900-Year-Old Buddhist Canon

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is hosting an exhibition showcasing the oldest printed book in its collection, the 'Scripture of the Great Flower Ornament of the Buddha', printed in 1085 during the Song Dynasty.

The book, one of the longest sutras in the Buddhist canon, represents doctrines and practices that have deeply influenced East Asia.

The exhibition is designed to provide a unique viewing experience, displaying the book in a specially designed case that reveals its bibliographic characteristics and exquisite detailing.

The exhibition is on display until Dec. 4, and for more details, visit The Huntington's website.

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:

✅ Own a local business? Apply to be featured.

❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.

Upcoming Local Events

Sunday, December 3

Sage X Sow-A-Heart Farm Stand - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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

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

Autumn Blooms: A Fall Ikebana Celebration - 11:00 a.m.

Monday, December 4

Sustainable and Stylish Gift Wrapping Workshop - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Enchanted Forest of Light - 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 5

Pasadena Chorale presents "The Light of Hope Returning" - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 6

Coffee with a Cop - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Pasadena Chamber Luncheon Alliance Networking - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Imagined Wests - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Music in the Chinese Garden - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 7

Allendale Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday, December 8

Tour: Benevolent Beings: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from South and Southeast Asia - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

A Christmas Carol - 7:00 p.m.

Cori Cable Kidder's Holiday Spectacular: A 1940s Christmas Revue - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 9

Restore + Explore: Forest Bathing with Debra Wilbur - 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Christmas & Holiday Luncheon/Breakfast with Santa - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Hill Avenue Winter Craft Festival - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Tree Lane 103rd Anniversary Lighting Ceremony & Winter Festival - 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Winter Celebration with the Candlelight Carolers! - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 10

Rose Bowl Flea Market - 5:00 a.m.

Santa Snacks & Stories - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Mission District Historic Walking Tour - 2:00 p.m.

A Holly Jolly Holiday Concert - 4:00 p.m.

Holiday Community Open House - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Holiday Concert at The Old Mill - 5:00 p.m.