L.A. Zoo Orangutan + COVID Hospitalizations + Mermell's Last Day

It's almost time for the weekend, everyone. But, before that, why not check out the latest edition of the Pasadena Digest? Some of our top stories include a remembrance of the Los Angeles Zoo's 42-year-old orangutan, a rise in the county's COVID-19 hospitalization rate and Pasadena's city manager's final day on the job.

First, today's weather:

Low clouds followed by sun. High: 67 Low: 46.

Here are the top stories today in Pasadena:

1. ‘An Amazing and Beautiful Soul': Bruno the Charming LA Zoo Orangutan Dies at 42 (NBC Southern California)
2. LA County Sees a Slight Uptick in COVID-19 Hospitalizations (NBC Southern California)
3. 1 arrested, 2 outstanding in Glendale follow-home carjacking and robbery, police say (KTLA)
4. City Manager Mermell Praises Staff on His Final Day (Pasadena Now)
5. Pasadena Mayor To Hold Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday (Pasadena Patch)
6. Love KCRW DJ José Galván? Check out live shows he's booking in Boyle Heights (KCRW)

Today's Pasadena Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Pasadena!

Today in Pasadena:

• CIFSS Regional Football Championships (12:00 AM)
• Senior Sunrise Breakfast (@ Football field) (SMHS Master) (6:30 AM)
• Java with Jason (Freshman Parents) (SMHS Master) (9:00 AM)
• SMHS Campus Tour (Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/mU7nKs8ZnT28o7rC6) (SMHS Master) (9:00 AM)
• JV B Basketball vs Burbank - Pasadena High School (3:30 PM)
• V B Soccer @ Burbank - Pasadena High School (3:30 PM)
• F/S B Basketball vs Burbank - Pasadena High School (3:30 PM)
• JV B Soccer @ Burbank - Pasadena High School (5:00 PM)
• V G Basketball @ Burbank - Pasadena High School (5:30 PM)
• “Under the Stars” Outdoor Winter Dance Concert (6:00 PM)
• V B Basketball vs Burbank - Pasadena High School (7:00 PM)

Pasadena Patch Notebook

• Pasadena Humane: "Have you registered for your Holiday Pet Photos yet? 🎄 Join us on Sunday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with pet photographer extraordinaire @ericalikescats! We’ll have adorable holiday props and costumes ready for your pets or bri..." (Instagram)
• Pasadena Humane: "Happy National Mutt Day to Chip! Chip is a mixed breed, but he might be part gremlin or maybe a wood nymph." (Instagram)
• Pasadena Humane: "Thank you so much for all of your wonderful support this Giving Tuesday! Together, we raised over $260,000 for animals in need. Your support helps us to care for animals like Chad, who came to Pasadena Humane in need of lifesaving medica..." (Instagram)
• Visit Pasadena: "What better way than to start the month with a scenic moment taken by @whatagirleats at @thehuntingtonlibrary's Chinese botanical garden. #visitpasadena #pasadenaca #huntingongardens #thehuntington #thehuntingtongardens" (Instagram)
• Pasadena City College: "The Pasadena City College Flea Market is back! We can't wait to see our #PCCLancer community this Sunday. For more information, please visit: https://pasadena.edu/community/flea-market/" (Facebook)
• City of Pasadena - Public Agency: "Last night, we bid farewell to retiring City Manager Steve Mermell. Steve started as an analyst for Pasadena Water and Power in 1989 and served in a variety of roles before becoming city manager in 2016. We'll miss his immense knowledge,..." (Facebook)
• The Pasadena Symphony | The Pasadena POPS: "Our youth orchestra has been rehearsing their hearts out for their first live concert in two years! Come and enjoy their free winter concert this Saturday, December 4 at Ambassador Auditorium. For individual ensemble performance times an..." (Facebook)
• Pasadena Public Library: "Create your own ornament from festive scrapbook paper! Sign up to reserve your kit starting December 6. Sign up at the link in our bio. Kits may be picked up at Hastings Branch Library." (Instagram)
• City of Pasadena - Public Agency: "CDC recommends everyone age 18 and up get a booster shot for maximum protection against COVID-19. Visit http://MyTurn.ca.gov now to book your booster appointment or find a nearby walk-in clinic. #Omicron #VaccinesSaveLives #VaccinatePasa..." (Facebook)
• Pasadena City College: "Don't forget to stop by the PCC Shatford Library to pick up your FREE Finals Survival Kit. You've got this #PCCLancers!" (Facebook)
• Pasadena Public Library: "Create your own ornament from festive scrapbook paper! Sign up to reserve your kit starting December 6: https://bit.ly/3rqTQgP Kits may be picked up at Hastings Branch Library." (Facebook)
• Pasadena Public Library: "Los Angeles Times Assistant Travel Editor Mary Forgione will present Holiday Travel Ideas. Join her for inspiration on great ideas and places to visit during the holidays. Monday, December 6th, at 5pm on Zoom. To reserve your seat, vis..." (Instagram)
• City of Pasadena - Public Agency: "Volunteers are needed to count and survey our neighbors experiencing homelessness on Jan. 25 and 26, 2022. Register to volunteer for the annual Pasadena Homeless Count by Jan. 7: https://bit.ly/3p8ye64" (Facebook)
• The Pasadena Symphony | The Pasadena POPS: "Support us when you shop this holiday season! Shop through Amazon Smile and Amazon donates a portion of your purchase to the Pasadena Symphony: https://bit.ly/PasadenaSymphonyAmazonSmile" (Facebook)
• Pasadena Farmers Market: "@dancingcrowvineyards will be officially joining our family THIS Saturday 12/4/2021!!!🥰 They will be located in between Drake Family Farms Goat Dairy California and Mr. Wonderful... @miketaylor1443 !😃 Let's show this farm how excited w..." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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Events:

• Free Biz Owners/SideGig/Startup Automate your Website-Increase Profits - Live Q&A 3 PM Friday (December 3)
• Christmas Psychic and Healing Expo and Holiday Bazaar (December 4)
• Open Studio & Artist Marketplace (December 4)
• Autopia 2099 - Presented by Nissan! (December 4)
• Jingle and Mingle Gala (December 4)
• Holiday Pop-Up Jewelry Sale (December 5)
• Free Coding for Kids Holiday Workshop (December 5)
• Shine Brightly! @ Grapevine Arbor: support Family Promise of SGV and our homeless families (December 5)
• Cooking with Eva and Amy: Recipes for the Holidays (December 11)
• 2021 Glendora Christmas Parade (December 11)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you soon! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Andy Nguyen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Pasadena Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at andy.nguyen@patch.com.