❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🏈 Rose Bowl Drama: Michigan Clinches Overtime Victory Over Alabama, Advances to College Football Playoff Championship

🚔 Pasadena Woman's Attempted Vehicle Attack at Rose Parade Thwarted by Off-Duty Officers and Local Company's Barriers

🛑 Pasadena Rose Parade Briefly Interrupted by Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators

⚠️ Earthquake Off Rancho Palos Verdes Sends Tremors to Pasadena

💲 Pasadena's Independent Minimum Wage Stands Firm Amidst California's Wage Increase

😃 Viral Meme

✨ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🎉 Good Morning, Pasadena Spotlight Subscribers!

As the day progresses, you'll experience a range of temperatures and wind conditions.

In the morning, prepare for a chill with temperatures in the 40s and a gentle northeasterly breeze.

Noonday warmth will greet you with southerly winds and temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

The afternoon holds steady at 61° with consistent southerly winds.

As evening approaches, temperatures will drop to the 50s, accompanied by a light breeze from various directions.

Dress accordingly and enjoy your day in beautiful Pasadena! 🌞

Rose Bowl Drama: Michigan Clinches Overtime Victory Over Alabama, Advances to College Football Playoff Championship

In an intense overtime showdown at the Rose Bowl, top-seeded Michigan emerged triumphant over fourth-seeded Alabama with a 27-20 victory, securing their place in the College Football Playoff championship game.

The star of the match, Blake Corum, delivered two crucial touchdowns, including the game-winning one in overtime.

This win extends Michigan's undefeated streak and sets them up for the championship game at Houston's NRG Stadium next Monday.

The Wolverines now await the result of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl, where second-seeded Washington and third-seeded Texas are vying for the other spot in the championship game.

The winner of this match will face Michigan on Jan. 8 for the national title.

Pasadena Woman's Attempted Vehicle Attack at Rose Parade Thwarted by Off-Duty Officers and Local Company's Barriers

In a surprising turn of events at the Rose Parade, a 21-year-old Pasadena woman was arrested for allegedly attempting to drive her car into a group of spectators.

The incident was prevented by two off-duty law enforcement officers and a sturdy steel barrier designed by a local Pasadena company, Meridian.

The woman reportedly tried to ram unsuspecting spectators near the intersection of Colorado Blvd. and Chester Ave.

Her vehicle struck the specially designed steel barrier, and the off-duty officers promptly intervened, leading to her arrest.

City officials confirmed that the woman was suffering from a mental health issue.

The CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group, Peter Whitford, emphasized the effectiveness of the barriers in potentially saving lives.

This incident underscores the importance of proactive measures in ensuring public safety during large events like the Rose Parade.

Pasadena Rose Parade Briefly Interrupted by Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators

During the Rose Parade, about 50 Pro-Palestinian demonstrators briefly disrupted the event by walking in front of the first float at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Lake Avenue.

Despite the disruption, the parade resumed after approximately 10 minutes once the demonstrators dispersed, with no arrests or citations issued.

The City of Pasadena had a robust law enforcement presence, collaborating with various agencies to ensure the event's security.

This disruption reflects a broader trend of advocacy for a cease-fire in Gaza, with recent protests also affecting traffic at Los Angeles International Airport.

The incident underscores the need for comprehensive security planning and preparedness for large-scale events like the Rose Parade.

Earthquake Off Rancho Palos Verdes Sends Tremors to Pasadena

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast just south of Rancho Palos Verdes, with its effects felt in Pasadena.

The quake, reported 11 miles south of Rancho Palos Verdes at a depth of about 7 miles, prompted reactions on social media, with Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn sharing her experience and receiving responses from others who also felt the shaking.

While there have been no reports of damage or injuries so far, officials continue to assess the situation.

This earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the importance of preparedness for potential future events.

Pasadena's Independent Minimum Wage Stands Firm Amidst California's Wage Increase

California's minimum wage increases to $16.00 this week, but this change does not impact Pasadena, which already has higher minimum hourly wages in place.

While the state-wide increase affects most hourly employees, certain sectors such as fast-food restaurant and healthcare facility employers in Pasadena will see their minimum wages rise at later dates.

Pasadena's minimum wage ordinance, adopted in 2016, has already set a higher minimum wage than the state requirement.

The city's minimum wage ($16.93) increase in July 2023 was based on the Consumer Price Index, with future modifications also tied to the CPI.

This latest development highlights Pasadena's proactive approach to ensuring fair wages for its workers.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business ✨

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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.

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Upcoming Local Events

Tuesday January, 2

Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase - 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Winter Adventures (Week 2) Ages 5-12 yrs old - 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours at The Huntington - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rose Bowl Stadium Holiday Tours - 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

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

Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting (CANCELED) - 6:00 p.m.

Human Relations Commission Meeting (CANCELED) - 6:30 p.m.

Pasadena Community Access Corporation Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday January, 3

Storytime with Mr. Steve featuring Grumpy Monkey! - 11:00 a.m.

Altadena Farmers' Market - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Enchanted Forest of Light - 5:30 p.m. - 10:0 p.m.

Wine & Song: Brad & Friends - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday January, 4

South Pasadena Farmers' Market - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

Community Police Oversight Commission Regular Meeting (CANCELED) - 6:00 p.m.

Friday January, 5

Monthly Food Bank Distribution - 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Bilingual Drop-In Talks: Zhou Dunyi Admiring Lotuses - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

Alison Dundes Renteln discusses International Human Rights - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday January, 6

Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Meet Me in the Garden - 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Art Deco Architecture of the Playhouse District - New Tour! - 10:00 a.m.

Winter Frolic - All day event

Beginner Sewing - Wildlife Project (Ages 14+) - 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Storytime @ Vroman's Hastings Ranch - 10:30 a.m.

140th Anniversary Celebration Kick-off Event & 10-Year Time Capsule - 11:00 a.m.

Vroman's Special Storytime featuring Marcia and Kori Withers presenting Grandma's Hands - 11:00 a.m.

The Gibbs Sisters discusses and signs Ghost Roast - 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cool Nights Comedy - 7:30 p.m.

Cat Ce & Friends - 9:30 p.m.

Sunday January, 7

Pop-Up Adoption Event at PCC Flea Market - 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Crafts with Carmen at Vroman's Hastings Ranch! - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9 "Daiku" - 4:00 p.m.

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

Nalo J. Stewart discusses and signs "Narration After Dark" - 6:00 p.m.