❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🌹2024 Rose Parade Draws Largest Post-Pandemic Crowd in Pasadena

🛑 Strike at Hilton Pasadena, Hyatt Place Pasadena Enters Third Day

🎭 Caltech Students Perform in Science Theater Festival in Italy

🗑️ Over 68 Tons of Trash Collected by Pasadena Public Works Department After Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game

👟 Donate Your Gently Used Shoes to Help Those in Need in Pasadena

😃 Viral Meme

✨ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

The day begins with rain and a steady temperature of 49°, easing into showers by 7 am.

The wind will be gentle, coming from the southeast then shifting to the west.

By 9 am, we'll see a mostly cloudy sky. The noon hours will bring sunshine and a temperature increase to 57°, with a slightly stronger west wind.

The afternoon remains mostly sunny and steady in temperature, with partly cloudy skies by 4 pm.

The evening will be clear with a temperature drop and a north-northwest wind. Dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions.

2024 Rose Parade Draws Largest Post-Pandemic Crowd in Pasadena

The 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, attracted its largest crowd since the pandemic, according to officials.

The event, which traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, had seen lower attendance in recent years due to COVID-19 concerns and the parade's scheduling on January 2.

However, the 2024 parade saw a significant increase in attendees, making it the biggest in the last three years. Despite the large crowds, there were few incidents along the 5.5-mile route, with only 10 medical emergencies and no arrests reported.

Strike at Hilton Pasadena, Hyatt Place Pasadena Enters Third Day

A walkout by cooks, housekeepers, dishwashers, bellmen, and other hotel workers at the Hilton Pasadena and Hyatt Place Pasadena continues into its third day.

The workers, who are fighting for higher wages and better working conditions, began their strike on New Year's Eve as part of a larger action involving 15,000 workers from 60 Southern California hotels.

The strike, which began over the July 4th weekend, has seen more than 20 hotels reach tentative labor agreements with Unite Here Local 11, the union representing the workers.

However, the Hilton Pasadena and Hyatt Place Pasadena, operated by Aimbridge Hospitality and Ensemble Hospitality respectively, have yet to reach an agreement.

Caltech Students Perform in Science Theater Festival in Italy

Two Caltech students, Michael Gutierrez and Skyler Ware, recently performed in a play at the Teatro della Meraviglia festival in Trento, Italy.

The two-person show, Another Revolution, follows two graduate students at Columbia University in 1968 and was performed in November to a packed Beckman Institute Auditorium before crossing the Atlantic for a final show on November 24 at the SanbàPolis Theatre in Trento.

Gutierrez and Ware, both dedicated scientists and passionate journalists, were chosen to co-star in the play by Theater Arts at Caltech (TACIT) director Brian Brophy.

The opportunity to perform in Italy was made possible by recent alumnus Jake Mattinson (BS ’19), a quantum engineer at Microsoft and science dramaturg, who connected TACIT and the festival.

Over 68 Tons of Trash Collected by Pasadena Public Works Department After Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game

After the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, Pasadena Public Works Department crews collected over 33 tons of trash from the parade route and 35 tons from the stadium.

An additional 5 tons of cardboard were sent for recycling. The cleanup is a crucial part of returning the city to its pre-parade state and involves 17 workers, 2 front loaders, 3 rear loaders, and 6 pick-up trucks for the collection of bulky items, boards, boxes, cans, and furniture.

Mechanical street sweepers are expected to conduct sweeping of the parade route and adjacent streets on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Donate Your Gently Used Shoes to Help Those in Need in Pasadena

Wilson Middle School in Pasadena is hosting a shoe drive from January 8 until March 8 to collect new or gently used shoes for those in need.

The school is accepting slippers, sandals, athletic shoes, heels, and flats, as long as they are in pairs.

The collected shoes will be donated to various organizations that distribute them to individuals and families in need. Donations can be dropped off at Wilson Middle School, located at 300 Madre St. in Pasadena.

Those interested in donating can contact Ms. Natalie at 626-396-5800 ext. 78023 for more information.

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

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.