❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🚀 Uncertain Mars Funding Prompts JPL to Lay Off Hundreds in Pasadena

☔️ Pasadena Weathers Record-Breaking Storm with Minimal Damage

🌿 Discover the Magic of Father Nature Bistro: Pasadena's Premier Destination for Mediterranean Fare and Warm Hospitality.

🌟 Please Support Our Local Business Owners

📚 Pasadena's Longfellow Elementary Magnet School Moves Temporarily for Renovations

😃 Viral Meme

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

Morning (5 am - 10 am): ☁️

The morning starts off cloudy with a slight chill in the air. The temperature hovers around 45°, and the wind blows gently from the east at 2 mph. Dress in layers, as the temperature rises to 50° by 10 am. Light jackets and sweaters will keep you comfortable during this time.

Noon (11 am - 1 pm): ⛅️

Partly cloudy skies will greet you as you head into noon. The temperature climbs to a mild 52°, and the wind picks up slightly from the south, blowing at 5 mph. Opt for a light shirt or blouse with a sweater or light jacket for this part of the day.

Afternoon (2 pm - 5 pm): ⛈️

Showers are expected in the afternoon, so grab your umbrella! Temperatures remain steady around 52°, and the wind blows from the southwest at 7 mph. Dress in waterproof clothing and footwear to stay dry during this time.

Evening (6 pm - 11 pm): 🌧️

Rain continues into the evening, with a 98% chance of precipitation at 8 pm. Temperatures drop to 49°, and the wind maintains its strength from the southwest. Wear warm, waterproof clothing to stay cozy and dry throughout the night.

Uncertain Mars Funding Prompts JPL to Lay Off Hundreds in Pasadena

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, announced it would lay off around 530 employees and eliminate about 40 contractor positions as a cost-cutting measure.

The decision comes as the laboratory faces budget constraints and awaits word from Congress on funding for the Mars Sample Return mission.

JPL Director Laurie Leshin informed lab workers of the layoffs in a memo, stating that the cuts are necessary to adhere to the laboratory's budget allocation while continuing its important work for NASA and the nation.

Pasadena Weathers Record-Breaking Storm with Minimal Damage

A relentless storm has brought record-setting rain to Southern California, causing mud and debris flows in some areas.

However, Pasadena has been largely unaffected, with only minor incidents reported. The city has recorded 6.07 inches of rain as of Tuesday morning.

Discover the Magic of Father Nature Bistro: Pasadena's Premier Destination for Mediterranean Fare and Warm Hospitality.

Nestled in the heart of Pasadena, California, Father Nature Lavash Bistro has been a beacon of Mediterranean culinary excellence for over 30 years.

The fast-casual family restaurant, owned by the dynamic couple Marine and Varak Sossikian, is a celebration of tradition and innovation, offering a modern twist on beloved family recipes.

What sets Father Nature apart is its unwavering commitment to serving deliciously healthy and creative Mediterranean cuisine.

The menu boasts an array of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, ensuring that every palate is catered to.

From mouthwatering Chicken Shawerma to light and airy Falafels, every dish is a testament to the bistro's dedication to quality and flavor.

The Sossikians, as second-generation owners, have brought a fresh perspective to the well-established concept, infusing it with a modern sensibility while maintaining the cherished traditions that have made Father Nature a beloved institution in the community.

Their warm and hospitable environment has earned them a loyal following, with guests being treated like family during every visit.

Father Nature's community involvement extends beyond its culinary offerings. In 2021, the bistro participated in the "Nourish to Flourish" program, a testament to its commitment to the well-being of the community during uncertain times.

Additionally, the initiative with Kaiser Baldwin Park to provide healthy and tasty box lunches for kids exemplifies the bistro's dedication to making a positive impact beyond its doors.

As Father Nature Lavash Bistro approaches its 40th anniversary in May 2024, the team is excited to commemorate this milestone with special offerings and events.

Stay tuned for more information on how this beloved Pasadena institution will be celebrating its four decades of success.

For those eager to experience the culinary delights of Father Nature Lavash Bistro, more information can be found on their website and social media platforms, including Instagram (@fathernaturebistro) and Facebook (Father Nature Bistro).

In a city known for its diverse culinary landscape, Father Nature Lavash Bistro stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of Mediterranean cuisine and the power of family tradition.

As the Sossikians continue to carry the torch of their family's legacy, the bistro remains a cherished destination for those seeking a taste of culinary excellence and warm hospitality in the heart of Pasadena.

Pasadena's Longfellow Elementary Magnet School Moves Temporarily for Renovations

The Pasadena School District has announced that Longfellow Elementary Magnet School will be temporarily relocated to the former Jefferson site to undergo a modernization project. The decision was made after a community meeting and public discussion.

The school, built in 1912, will be modernized with interior renovations, electrical replacement, new Wi-Fi, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, among other improvements. The temporary relocation is based on classroom space and proximity.

The school will move out in June 2025, and students will start school at the temporary location in August 2025. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and end in Summer 2026.

PUSD has an agreement with the City of Pasadena for the Jefferson property and is committed to working with city officials on the next steps.

Upcoming Local Events

Wednesday February, 7

Celebration Stories - 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

American History Lecture Series: Early American History from 700 to 1700 - 11:00 a.m.

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

Lunar New Year Luncheon - 11:45 a.m.

Valentine's Day Card Workshop - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wine & Song: Raspin & the Eldermen and Natalie Gelman - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Indigenous and Black Fridays: What Robinson Crusoe Tells Us about Race - 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Kate - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday February, 8

Free Health Screening - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunar New Year Talk: "Working Women in Ancient China" - 2:30 p.m.

Year of the Dragon - 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Kate - 8:00 p.m.

Friday February, 9

Alverno Heights Academy's Annual Golf Classic - 10:00 a.m.

Wild California Explorers - 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Altadena Neighborhood Farmers' Market - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Candelas Music and Arts Foundation Benefit Concert - 6:00 p.m.

Haunted Pasadena - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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

Saturday February, 10

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

Community Service Day - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Botanic Boutique - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Chinese New Year Festival - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grumpy Monkey, The Musical - 10:00 a.m.

Haiku Walk and Workshop - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Saturday Sing-Along at SCCM - 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

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

Finding Your Voice: Writing Workshop - 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year@PAM - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pop-Up Adoption Event at PetSmart Tujunga - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Vroman's Special Storytime featuring Ruth Spiro presenting Love Grows - 11:00 a.m.

Sew & Sew: Empowering Youth and Adults - 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Grumpy Monkey, The Musical - 1:00 p.m.

Kate - 2:00 p.m.

Kids Art: Pastels & Paint - 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chocolate Storytime - 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Winter Arts Crawl 2024 - 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Journey Through Siam - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Meow and Make: Mardi Gras Masks - 5:00 p.m.

Foothills Dancemakers - 7:30 p.m.

Kate - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday February, 11

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

Botanic Boutique - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Chinese New Year Festival - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grumpy Monkey, The Musical - 11:30 a.m.

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

Kate - 2:00 p.m.

Sustainability Sundays at SCCM - 2:00 p.m.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - 2:00 p.m.

Grumpy Monkey, The Musical - 2:30 p.m.

Foothills Dancemakers - 4:00 p.m.

Restoration Concert Series: Fiato String Quartet - 4:00 p.m.