Pasadena News, CA Local News

A powwow and float at the Rose Parade? Someday, this Pasadena Indigenous group hopes

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 06:00:42 +0000

Imagine a vibrant powwow precession making its way down Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 1 with hundreds of Indigenous dancers adorned in traditional regalia — ribbon shirts and dresses, fancy shawls, jingle skirts, beaded medallions and feathered headdresses all bouncing to the rhythm of drums beat.

Flanking them are horses where elders, powwow pageantry and local leaders waving at a gathered crowd. Behind them, covered in vibrant flowers, towers a float decorated to honor the many Native tribes and nations of the Americas.

Peter Roybal, of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, won’t see his vision become reality on Monday. But as the parade pageantry builds on the eve of the 2024 Tournament of Roses, he hasn’t given up. In fact, he’s already preparing for 2025.

Roybal, of Pasadena, started Powwow on Parade in 2022, a coalition of nations, including Lakota, Tonon O’odam, Navajo, Serrano and Apache, devoted to promoting Indigenous culture and education, using parades as a platform.

And what a platform Jan. 1 is. The Rose Parade, seen by some 50 million across the globe, and nearly a million in person on Jan. 1, is a stage of all stages.

Roybal’s group came close this year to being on that stage on Monday. But there was only so much time – and money.

A Powwow on Parade float was out of the question for 2024, since application submissions and planning began the year before. The group was formally organized in the spring of 2022, leaving little time to raise the float money.

The Tournament of Roses charges float entry fees ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. Commercial design and construction for a float begins at $325,000, according to Candy Carlson, communications director of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

There was another, less costly, option: Powwow on Parade could enter as an equestrian group.

Equestrian units’ costs are significantly less expensive for organizations to participate in the Rose Parade. The Tournament of Roses charges $125 per rider, according to Carlson.

But the effort fizzled.

Roybal said that his organization agreed to be part of the 2024 Rose Parade as an equestrian group.

“We instantly said yes,” he said. “We were going to have it led up by our chairman of our tribe and a coalition of different tribes and nations.”

But Tournament officials ultimately denied the entry, citing safety concerns. For instance, Carlson said, the Tournament wants equestrian units to have experience in parades, such as with loud sounds and distractions that could come up on a 5.5-mile route. Because the group would be using rented horses, the Tournament was concerned that lack of familiarity with the riders could increase the risk of accidents or injury.

Roybal said that instead of an equestrian performance, officials pivoted on the plan, asking Powwow on Parade if it would partner with the annual OneLegacy float — which highlights the Hopi nation through its float design.

“We appreciated the offer, but of course we want it to be our thing, and so create what we want,” Roybal said, noting his group ultimately declined the option. “All respect and no offense to OneLegacy, because we also do not want to take away from their float.”

Peter Roybal stands with Congresswoman Judy Chu after marshalling a Fourth of July parade in Sierra Madre (Courtesy of Powwow on Parade.)
Pasadena Unified School Board recognized Native American Heritage Month this November by ratifying a proposition penned by Powwow on Parade. (Courtesy of Powwow on Parade.)
Pasadena Unified School Board recognized Native American Heritage Month this November by ratifying a proposition penned by Powwow on Parade. (Courtesy of Powwow on Parade.)
Peter Roybal of the of the Chiricahua Apache tribe marshaling a Sierra Madre Fourth of July parade. (Courtesy of Powwow on Parade)

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Significance of powwow

While the group didn’t make it into Monday’s big show, it hasn’t doused the whole meaning behind why they want to be in future parades: Sharing the powwow and its meaning with the world.

“We were created to promote and conserve Native American heritage through art, education and culture,” said Roybal, 50. “Powwows are not just for show, it’s a cultural thing. It’s a religious thing. It’s a ceremonial thing for us. So we want to show people the beauty and the strength of Native American people.”

There are several different stories of how the modern powwow was started. According to powwows.com, some say it evolved from the Grass Dance Societies that formed in the early 19th century. Others believe that it originated with the war dance societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains tribes.

However, experts say the need for powwow is clear — as tribes were forced onto different lands during the reservation period, differences were set aside and cultural solidarity, or “inter-tribalism,” began to emerge with the sharing of songs, dances, clothing, food and art.

By the 1980s, the phrase “powwow,” as a native term for meeting or gathering, was well popularized and has been used widely to describe the cultural event.

Akin to the Rose Parade, powwow honors its own pageantry, coupled with dance performance and drumming.

Last spring, Whittier resident Camryn Redman of the Dine Nation was crowned Miss UCLA Powwow Princess, 2023.

As Redman readies to pass on the crown this March, she said consistent exposure and celebration — like the one Powwow on Parade envisions for a future Rose Parade — is vital for connections in the Native community.

Camryn Redman said that making and eating frybread with her grandmother is a cherished memory. She enjoyed a fully loaded frybread taco after being crowned Miss UCLA Powwow 2023. (Courtest of Camryn Redman)

“I consider myself an Urban Native and that in and of itself has a lot of different connotations,” Redman said. “For me, even though I was not born and raised on a reservation, it is about still finding ways to connect to my community. This all goes back to the idea of having that visibility and being able to identify yourself in a contemporary space. For the Rose Parade to be able to recognize this would mean a lot not just for Native youth, but for people all over the country identifying within that culture.”

What’s next

Fueled by a mission to share their culture, the group is looking toward next year.

Roybal said his organization is working to get things ready ahead of time for next year. In the meantime, they have been working on community outreach and making connections with other tribes.

The door appears open.

When asked whether the Tournament of Roses offers formal scholarships or grants funded to assist marginalized groups with parade and float costs, officials responded, “While the Tournament of Roses does not provide direct scholarship or grant funding for parade participation, we are proud to encourage and support other companies looking to assist those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate.”

Floats such as the American Armenian Rose Float Association’s “Armenian Melodies,” OneLegacy’s “Woven Together: The Dance of Life,” and Visit Lauderdale — as well as international bands, musicians and equestrian groups reflect a wide range of “people of diverse cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations and disabilities,” Carlson said.

In the meantime, PowWow on Parade also remains focused on Native youth in Southern California. This November, the Pasadena School Board acknowledged a partnership with Powwow on Parade, which presented the board with a resolution ratifying Native American Heritage Month.

“We do a lot of outreach with Native American youth and Indigenous youth. We go to schools and we hold events,” Roybal said. “Our foundation is working with LAUSD and Pasadena Unified to change the Native narrative, correct history and tell truth to the Native American story.”

Roybal said they have also worked with Assemblyman James Ramos D-Highland, to encourage Native ideas and true Native history in California.

“We don’t want to hit everybody over the head and have people run away from us,” Roybal said. “We want to encourage them to learn.”

Powwow on Parade visited the powwow circuit to build connections with dancers, performers, musicians and singers, in hopes of hosting them once it is able to secure a float.

“Hopefully, this coming year, we can put it together,” he said.

Rose Parade 2024: Rain yields spotlight to Day 2 of Bandfest, tribute to beloved supporter of event

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 17:46:17 +0000

From the sounds of it, Bandfest 2023 would have been Mike Gin-approved.

Where else would the tip-tapping of rain give way to a joyous array of martial tunes, Disney hits, jazz swings and parade favorites?

The Music Committee honors the life of committee member, Michael Gin,with the Pipes on Parade who played “Amazing Grace” during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

Bandfest, the Tournament of Roses’ two-day, three-show celebration of bands, welcomed a full-house crowd to Robinson Stadium on the campus of Pasadena City College Saturday. An early-morning rainstorm didn’t pause the music — but one discordant note was the absence of Tournament of Roses member Gin, vice chair of the committee that puts on the event.

Gin, of South Pasadena, died suddenly after a fall on Dec. 16. He was 55.

Music Committee Chair, Ciran Hadjian, center, with Walter Besocke, left, honor the life of committee member, Michael Gin,with the Pipes on Parade who played xe2x80x9cAmazing Gracexe2x80x9d during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
The Music Committee honors the life of committee member, Michael Gin,with the Pipes on Parade who played xe2x80x9cAmazing Gracexe2x80x9d during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Music Committee Chair, Ciran Hadjian, center, with Walter Besocke, left, and Jeanette Collier, right, honor the life of committee member, Michael Gin, with the Pipes on Parade who played xe2x80x9cAmazing Gracexe2x80x9d during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Music Committee Chair, Ciran Hadjian, center, with Walter Besocke, right, and Jeanette Collier, left, honor the life of committee member, Michael Gin, with the Pipes on Parade who played xe2x80x9cAmazing Gracexe2x80x9d during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Music Committee Chair, Ciran Hadjian, center, with Walter Besocke, right, and Jeanette Collier, left, honor the life of committee member, Michael Gin, with the Pipes on Parade who played xe2x80x9cAmazing Gracexe2x80x9d during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Jenks High School Trojan Pride Marching Band from Jenks, Oklahoma performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Jenks High School Trojan Pride Marching Band from Jenks, Oklahoma performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band from Pulaski, Wisconsin performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Jenks High School Trojan Pride Marching Band from Jenks, Oklahoma performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Jenks High School Trojan Pride Marching Band from Jenks, Oklahoma performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band from Pulaski, Wisconsin performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band from Pulaski, Wisconsin performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Albertville High School Aggie Band from Albertville, Alabama performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Bands perform during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Rose Parade 2024 – A last-minute guide: 10 things to watch out for this year

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 16:10:14 +0000

Every Rose Parade brings with it “The Moment.” Usually more than one — a lot more.

The towering floral dragon that really spewed flames. The performer who connected with the cheering fans — on Colorado Boulevard or on a sofa somewhere. The high-stepping band boasting more brassy energy than the floats have petals.

The parade rolls at 8 a.m. with live coverage on ABC, KTLA 5, NBC, Univision, RFD-TV, the Cowboy and Cowgirl Channels, and Great American Family. And we know there will be herds of horses, marching bands, the regal Rose Court, myriad parade dignitaries and the other usual delights.

But which entries will spur the moments that stick in the psyches beyond Jan. 1, 2024, for the 50 million folks tuning in? For a certain answer, call us at 10:05 a.m. on Monday.

In the meantime, here are some things that seem worthy of your attention on Monday morning, so time your potty breaks accordingly.

Here are 10 things to watch for during the 2024 Rose Parade:

The Rose Court during the 117th Annual Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, in Pasadena, Calif. It rained on the Rose Parade for the first time in more than a half century. (Photo by Leo Jarzomb, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Skies

This is the topic on which every Rose fan is an amateur historian. Tilt your head toward the clouds and your parade-watching partner will bleat “It hasn’t rained on the parade since 2006. And it’s rained on the 135-year-old event only 10 times in its history.” All true. It SELDOM rains on this parade.

So welcome to our annual conversation on the weather. So far: Forecasters are calling for a 20% chance of showers in the morning, according to the National Weather Service. So we may get to see some umbrella-toting princesses and piccolo-players in ponchos.

Keep it all in perspective. Sure, a shower in Pasadena is history. But in some parts of the country, they’re dealing with blizzards, black ice and brownouts. Here, we get moistened mums and dripping daisies. Briefly.

Singer and actress Audra McDonald is introduced as the Tournament of Roses 2024 Grand Marshal for the Rose Parade during a ceremony at the Tournament House in Pasadena on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

The Tunes

The theme this year is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language,” so expect even more melodies than usual.

This year’s high-profile performers include Destiny’s Child veteran Michelle Williams, “The Voice” title-winner Cassadee Pope and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks.

And the grand marshal herself is a musical legend, Broadway icon Audra McDonald. She probably won’t get to burst into song from the back seat of that 1910 Model M Thomas Flyer that she’ll be riding in. But we can dream, right?

Laura Manz helps decorate Pasadena Humane Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s “Feed The Love” Rose Parade float at the Rosemont Pavilion in Pasadena Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

The Critters

There are always lots of oversized animals, adorned in pampas grasses, straw stalks, sesame seeds and what not, but there seem to be even more this year.

The Pasadena Humane/Hill’s Pet Nutrition float features a dozen playful dogs and cats (these fanciful pets aren’t available for adoption — but see the shelter later for the pups and kits that are).

Cal Poly Universities is energized by electric eels and musical rays. The buzz on Union Station Homeless Services and La Cañada Flintridge entries are provided by bees.

Western Asset’s float boasts a guitar-playing bear. The UPS Story float stars a rapping gator. Elephants packed their trunks and climbed aboard the floats from South Pasadena, Enjoy Illinois and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Downey’s entry wooed a flock of flamingoes. A handful of floats have attracted butterflies. And insects. And carousel horses.

Want to try to total up all the critters? Call us when you’ve got the grand total — we lost count.

(Courtesy Trader Joe’s)

The Antioxidants

Ladies and gentleman, the Fab Florets …

In perhaps the most nutritious float ever — music for your soul, fiber for your innards — Trader Joe’s will unveil the first-ever singing broccoli to grace the parade.

It’s unlikely they’ll be crooning “Green Onions” because that’s an instrumental. But we’re certain the tune will have a good beet. And they are sure to set off a broc party. (Our apologies, but puns are rich in Vitamin P.)

The Long Story

Visit Newport Beach’s float will break the record for longest float ever at 165 feet. “Jingle on the Waves,” kind of a Newport Beach Boast Parade on wheels, is really five floats linked together — all celebrating the holiday season in the Orange County coastal destination.

Oops, sorry, we missed one earlier — there’s ANOTHER flamingo on this one.

El Segundo Little League World Champion players work on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 on the DirecTV “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Rose Parade float which they will ride on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

The Champs

The hits just keep on coming for El Segundo’s 2023 Little League World Series champions, who may set a record for most parades rode in by the time they make it to the majors.

The headline-making team from the South Bay community delivered one dramatic win after another in snagging youth baseball gold and caught the attention of the nation in the process.

Now they will climb aboard the float from El Segundo-based DirecTV. But, no, they don’t get the ride it all the way home.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and tough-guy actor Danny Trejo were forced to walk the Rose Parade route after their historic vehicle shut down. (Photo by Clara Harter, SCNG)

The Mayor (and his shoes?)

If you get to see Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo’s shoes this year, then something went wrong — again.

Last year, Gordo and his vehicle-mate Danny “Machete” Trejo got stalled when their 1907 Autcar shut down. The hearty pair didn’t wait for help — they climbed out of the classic car and hoofed it down the route, to the delight of fans. (Danny even got to show off some most memorable sportcoat-lining.)

This year, the mayor will ride in something a tad more contemporary — a 1967 Crown Firecoach Triple Combination fire truck.

Who knows, Danny may be nearby in an Uber, just in case.

(Courtesy Tournament of Roses)

The Rapid Transit

Grab your tokens and watch for some most unusual buses.

Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian and his family will ride in a double-decker Omnibus, a public-transport classic that dates back to the early 1900s.

Not to be outdone, the groovy La Cañada Flintridge entry features two buses — an oversized hippie bus packed with a rock band comprised of Summer of Love-era flowers and a tiny replica alongside, featuring all-a-buzz admirers called, wait for it, “groupbees.”

Jeffrey Musson, Executive Director of Coding for Veterans, stands in front of the groups Rose Parade float as volunteers begin dry decorating at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

The Soaring Stars

Look up! The Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber returns this year after a one-year hiatus, aiming to make another booming entrance.

Watch for some floral flyers, too. Coding for Veterans’ first float features aircraft inspired by a Black Hawk chopper and an F-35 Lightning II jet.
Graham, one of the defensive leaders for the Wolverines. “It means a lot to people from here. The most historic bowl game so it’s an honor to be here.”

Graham said the team’s CFP preparation for the past month has been different compared to last season, which ended with a 51-45 loss to TCU.

“With more time, you have to just be smarter about what you’re doing,” Graham said. “We changed the way we practiced from last year, a little less banging and clanging on each other and more focusing in, a walkthrough practice, then we will have a full-speed practice. Just kind of switching it up, keeping everyone fresh while still getting that work in.”

The Wolverines (13-0) will face Alabama (12-1) in their third consecutive College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, following a disappointing 2-4 season in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. That season has given Michigan senior defensive back Mike Sainristil a unique perspective on how far the program has come in three seasons.

“To be a part of the No. 1 defense, we know that we have a good challenge, a great challenge on our hands,” Sainristil said when asked about matching up against Alabama. “A great opportunity so I can’t wait, it’s going to be a very fun game come Monday.”

The last time Michigan won a national championship was in the 1997 season when the 12-0 team capped their title run with a 21-16 win against Washington State in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 1998. What’s more, the Wolverines haven’t played in the Rose Bowl since playing USC in 2007, back when it was the Big Ten’s best against the Pac-10’s best.

With the current alignment of the College Football Playoff, Michigan junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy and senior running back Blake Corum never thought they would play in a Rose Bowl Game.

“I did not to be honest with you just because with the College Football Playoff, I never thought it would be at the Rose Bowl,” said McCarthy, who has been staying up late preparing for the big game. “I’ve always just had this feeling that we were going to be playing for a championship every single year, but I didn’t expect it to be here. It’s a tremendous blessing, a tremendous opportunity.”

Added Corum: “I never really thought about it until it actually happened and when I knew we were going to the College Football Playoff, I wanted to play in the Rose Bowl. That’s the game that everyone dreams of.

“The Rose Bowl itself is a great game, but the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff? That’s like a whole other level so I’m excited to play in the Rose Bowl, especially against a great team like Alabama, coached by a great coach. It’s something you dream of.”

Alabama embraces ‘historic’ event

Alabama senior receiver Jermaine Burton is originally from Atlanta, but halfway through high school, he moved and later graduated from Calabasas High in 2020, to prepare himself for moments like Monday’s Rose Bowl Game.

“It’s something that you grew up watching, seeing if you were a sports guy,” Burton said. “Honestly, you never really think that you will play in games like this, you’ll never think that you’ll be the guy playing, just to have the opportunity is a blessing.”

The 6-foot senior, who is averaging 22.2 yards per catch, has 35 receptions for a team-high 777 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Burton said it is important for him to be ready to make a play, whenever the ball is thrown his way.

“You have to make the best of any ball that comes towards you,” Burton said. “You have to make big-time plays. You always have to be willing to go get the ball when it’s in the air. It can’t be a 50/50 ball.”

Alabama head coach Nick Saban raved about Burton.

“We knew he had big-play ability,” Saban said. “I think you always need to have guys like that at the receiver positions and he’s certainly done an outstanding job in terms of not just explosive plays but playing his position, top to bottom.”

Meanwhile, Saban said there are two ways to look at playing in the historic Rose Bowl Game.

“I think everybody respects the tradition of the Rose Bowl, but at the same time, they also need to focus on what they need to do to try to play well in the Rose Bowl, which it’s all about playing against the team we have to play against,” Saban said.
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Alabama leaders like sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe and junior defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry are not taking this moment for granted.

“You never know if you’ll get another opportunity to play in the historic Rose Bowl, so this being a part of our journey means a lot,” McKinstry said.

“I have a bunch of memories because the best thing was to turn on your TV and have college football on, especially the Rose Bowl,” Milroe said with a smile on his face. “I have a lot of memories of watching it, I can even go back to Vince Young (in 2006).”

Strategically, Alabama junior offensive tackle JC Latham is focused on helping his team establish a strong running game and a balanced passing attack.

“It’s really important,” Latham said. “It’s a critical part of the game and that’s what we have to establish early off the first play.”

Burton expects the same effort from the team’s receiving corps.

“If we go out there and execute, the limits are nowhere,” Burton added.
Rose Parade 2024: Kaiser Permanente float celebrates ‘symphony’ between caregivers, patients

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 12:47:22 +0000

Music and performing are a significant part of Sunland resident Traci Green’s life. As a five-year Kaiser Permanente ovarian cancer survivor, she said that besides the help of medical staff and medication, music also helped throughout her health journey.

“I’m very thankful to be part of the Kaiser network during such an incredibly tough time in my life and also it taught me the importance of self advocacy and self care,” she said.

Green is one of many other patients, physicians and staff who are part of Kaiser Permanente’s 2024 Rose Parade float – titled “Symphony of You.” The goal of the float is to represent the many ways that health care providers work harmoniously to care for each member.
- Read more Rose Parade coverage here.
Kaiser Permanente returned for its 18th Rose Parade featuring Kaiser members and the caregivers who have helped them.

The float celebrates life’s milestones and how – like the notes of a song – Kaiser Permanente supports its members and the communities it serves, officials said.

It aligns with the 2024 Rose Parade theme, “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language,” by bringing people together through music.

“Music brings people together and there’s nothing like a community being together singing,” Green said. The theme resonated with her as she found comfort in music and despite her illness continued to sing, play her instruments and work with her band, “The Dickens Country Swing Show,” and is currently an elementary school music teacher.

Green started performing at a young age and has spent her whole life as a performer. She has been part of Los Angeles’ popular folk music band “The Hollow Trees,” for the past 18 years. During the Rose Parade, she will stand alongside her physician Dr. Arsine Henry, whose care and support she is grateful for.

Henry, a physician in charge at the Kaiser Permanente Glendale Medical Offices, is also excited to share New Year’s Day with Green and fellow members, physicians and staff.

“I think it’s important to bring awareness to what physicians and staff at Kaiser Permanente do and how they provide excellent care and also are along the journey with patients through their lives and through the experiences that they’re going through their health challenges and keeping them well,” she said.

Henry believes that music can inspire and bring comfort and joy to people going through difficult times.

“I think music brings people together during good times and sometimes not so good times and that’s such a unifying thing along a person’s journey,” she said, “and the ‘Symphony of You’ theme of the Kaiser Permanente float signifies a lot of that because we’re along that journey with patients throughout their experience.”

Traci Green (left) and Dr. Arsine Henry will be part of Kaiser Permanente’s 2024 Rose Parade float. (Photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente)

Henry said she was grateful and honored to represent Kaiser during the Rose Parade and stand alongside her strong and resilient patient, as Green is the voice of many cancer survivors.

Green encourages all women to pay attention to their bodies and not ignore the signs when something is not right. She hopes sharing her story will inspire and help others who may be experiencing the same challenges she faced fighting ovarian cancer.

“The fact that I’m able to share my story and be able to influence others or be able to help others that might be going through the same is incredible, this is a dream come true,” she said.

Also participating in the float are violinists from the LA Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, the LA Philharmonic’s music education program and a longstanding partner of Kaiser Permanente.

Designed and built by Fiesta Parade Floats, the float is a picturesque display of lush gardens with gorgeous pink and yellow blooms on display, and in the center is a meandering keyboard surrounded by songbirds and butterflies. Under the shade of daisy-like trees, the conductress leads the garden melodies amongst vignettes representing momentous events in her life.

The flowers featured on the float include over 6,000 roses from coral to hot pink and are used to create an ombre deck. Over 2,000 green roses surround the keyboard and garden flowers are decorated with statice and straw flowers. The vignettes are made of rice and onion seeds, and the conductress is composed of many spices to achieve her beautiful tones. The garden includes an assortment of tulips, chrysanthemums, orchids, lilies, and gerbera daisies. The float measures 22 feet high, 18 feet wide and 55 feet long.
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Green said she can’t wait to dance along to the music as she sits along for the ride down Colorado Boulevard on the float.

“Being part of this parade has also taught me so much reflection being at five years as a survivor and I’m blown away,” she said. “I’m here, I survived.”
Rose Parade 2024 Weather Update: Still a slight chance of rain on Jan. 1

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 09:24:12 +0000

With a steady bout of the wet stuff coming down on the L.A. area on Saturday morning, Dec. 30, you might be wondering what the forecast is for Monday, Jan. 1 – Rose Parade Day.

So far, the forecast is holding steady on what it was earlier in the week: A slight chance of rain, 20%, in the morning. according to the National Weather Service.

Given that the parade is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., it suggests you may want to keep those umbrellas and ponchos close on parade day, if you’re venturing out.

Before that, today – Saturday – showers were expected to continue in the morning, leading to partly cloudy skies in the evening. Low temperatures will be in the mid-40s and hights in the low 60s.

On Sunday, New Year’s Eve, there’s also a slight chance of rain in the morning, leading to mostly cloudy skies. Low temperatures will also be in the mid-40s.

It hasn’t rained on the parade since 2006. And it’s rained on the 135-year-old event only 10 times in its history.

—

Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 a.m., then a chance of showers. High near 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 10 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Source: National Weather Service
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Rose Parade 2024: How will the longest float in parade history navigate a 90-degree turn?

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 09:10:54 +0000
- This coming Saturday, volunteers will begin dry decorating Rose Parade floats at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale. Many of the 18 floats are being prepared for decorating on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. A Phoenix worker walks past the Newport Beach Float, “Jingle on the Waves.” (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG
- Timothy Zembek, Asst. Crew Chief, helps coordinate the volunteers as they decorate the Newport Beach float “Jingle on the Waves,” a series of five floats that extends to 165 feet, at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNGt
- Volunteers decorate the Newport Beach float “Jingle on the Waves,” a series of five floats that extends to 165 feet, at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNGt
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Officials with Visit Newport Beach are enthusiastic about the splash their float, “Jingle on the Waves,” is making with this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade.

At 165 feet it will be the longest float in the famed parade’s history.

The whole idea of making it so spectacularly long was to attract significant air time during the parade’s global broadcast, drawing more attention to the city, said Gary Sherwin, CEO and president of Visit Newport Beach, which markets the destination town.

Officials with Phoenix Decorating, which has been building the float for Visit Newport, have ensured Sherwin there will be no hiccups while the world watches.

But what about the 90 degree turn the float will have to make at Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards?

High clouds sit above Colorado and Orange Grove boulevards in Pasadena on Wednesday. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Chris Lofthouse, CEO of Phoenix Decorating, said there has been lots of testing, including with tighter turns. And the float’s design helps.
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“It’s in five pieces, kinda like the trams at Disneyland,” he said. “The hitches are set up so that mathematically, the rear unit cancels and doesn’t start the turn until late. It sets itself up to make a wide turn.”

Lofthouse said the corner is 90 degrees, but also is 60 feet wide. When the float turns, it goes from a narrower street onto a wider street. Each section of the float has a driver and there is a main driver and navigator.

“I have total confidence it will make the corner,” Lofthouse said, adding that his company has sent 887 floats down the Rose Parade route over the years, all of which have had no issues with the corner. “It’s part of our magic.”
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Rose Parade 2024: Bandfest Day 1 comes in loud and clear at Pasadena City College

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:02:29 +0000
- West Chester University Golden Rams Marching Band from West Chester, Pennsylvania performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- Na Koa Alixe2x80x99i – Hawaixe2x80x99i All State Marching Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- William Mason High School Marching Band from Mason, Ohio performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Pasadena City College Herald trumpets and Tournament of Roses Honor Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- William Mason High School Marching Band from Mason, Ohio performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- William Mason High School Marching Band from Mason, Ohio performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Pasadena City College Herald trumpets and Tournament of Roses Honor Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Pasadena City College Herald trumpets and Tournament of Roses Honor Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- Na Koa Alixe2x80x99i – Hawaixe2x80x99i All State Marching Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Salvation Army Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Salvation Army Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Salvation Army Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Banda Municipal de Zarcero from Alajuela, Costa Rica performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Banda Municipal de Zarcero from Alajuela, Costa Rica performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- Na Koa Alixe2x80x99i – Hawaixe2x80x99i All State Marching Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- The Salvation Army Band performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Friday Dec. 29, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
- 1890: The first Tournament of Roses Parade was sponsored by the Valley Hunt Club, which featured a parade of flowers followed by an afternoon of chariot races, jousting, foot races and tug-of-war.
  
  1920: The 31st Rose Parade marked the end of the horse-drawn era. Motor-driven floats, powered by electric and gasoline engines, took over completely.
  
  1999: For the first time in Rose Parade history, four grand marshals were chosen to represent the 20th century: actress and diplomat Shirley Temple Black; astronaut Buzz Aldrin; sports legend Jackie Robinson; and film producer/documentarian David L. Wolper.
  
  2015: The 126th Rose Parade, presented by Honda, themed “Inspiring Stories” was held on the second-coldest New Year’s Day in Pasadena since 1952 (missing the record low by one degree) with a temperature of 33 degrees.
  
  2021: The 132nd Rose Parade was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in 75 years that the New Year’s Day tradition was canceled. It has previously been canceled during World War II in 1942, 1943, and 1945.
  
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Column: Snuggle with your pet on Jan. 1 and cheer Pasadena Humane’s Rose Parade entry

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:37:37 +0000

Lua, a dog available for adoption at Pasadena Humane, will ride on the organization’s entry in the 135th Rose Parade on Jan. 1. Lua visited the float at Rosemont Pavilion last week. Tom Ratanavaraha, her handler and longtime Pasadena Humane volunteer and float rider, took her aboard the “Feed the Love” float. (Photo courtesy of Pasadena Humane)

The final countdown to the 135th Rose Parade is here! On Monday, Jan. 1, Pasadena Humane’s 55-ft float, “Feed the Love,” sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, will be cruising down Colorado Blvd to the joy of millions of viewers throughout the world.

Our float aims to raise awareness about the importance of ending pet homelessness. We hope to inspire viewers to get involved by taking action: adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating to their favorite shelter.

The oversized, animated furry companions featured on “Feed the Love” are singing from their podiums and cat tree tops. Their hearts are bursting with love as they frolic, waggle their tails and wiggle their ears to attract the purr-fect place to call home.

The pets are primarily decorated with strawflower petals, great Ming and Spanish moss-uva, pampas and oat grasses, palm fibers and accents of poppy, sesame and onion seed.

The cat tree towers are decorated with green, yellow and lavender mums. The stacking cubes that serve both as a fun agility adventure and a nice nesting place to get cozy are decorated with a variety of vibrant mums, along with blue, pink and purple statice.

As spectacular as these floral creations are, the true stars of the float are likely to be a handful of very special pups representing the millions of dogs in shelters around the country. My adopted dog, Sueshi, will be joined by Pasadena Humane alums Bowy, Pepper and Bodhi.

If all goes according to plan, we will also have one dog who is available for adoption on the float. Her name is Lua and I’d like to tell you more about her.

Lua is the perfect representation of many of the “longer stay” shelter dogs at our shelter and other shelters around the country over the past year. She’s a well-mannered, middle-aged, large breed dog, who is likely overlooked due to her breed, age and size.

This loving pup first came to Pasadena Humane as a stray in 2022 and was quickly adopted into a wonderful home.

A year later, she found herself in another precarious situation. Lua’s adopter was no longer able to care for her. After a few months of unsuccessfully trying to privately find a new home for Lua, her adopter brought the sweet girl back to the shelter.

Lua quickly established herself as a staff and volunteer favorite. Due to her easy-going nature, she was regularly invited to go on foster field trips. Volunteers sang her praises. Their comments capture Lua’s true “good girl” nature:

“Lua seemed super laid back- sweet, affectionate special dog LOVE HER!”

“Such a bright, playful, loving, gentle giant! Would do well in any home :)”

“Very relaxed, enjoyed rolling on grass.”

“She’s excellent with people! And kids, very sweet and loving.”

Over the last month, Lua has benefited from a stay in a full-time foster home.

Lua’s foster mom describes her as “a super sweet dog” who loves belly rubs, squeaky toys and playing fetch. Lua is the queen of sweet puppy dog eyes, giving gentle nudges with her head for affection. She sleeps in bed with her foster mom every night, enjoying a regular bedtime snuggle routine.

Helping dogs like Lua find forever families is what our float is all about. I hope you’ll tune in to the 135th Rose Parade to see her take center stage.

To learn more about adopting Lua and our participation in the 2024 Rose Parade, visit pasadenahumane.org/roseparade

Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
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Child found in Pasadena reunited with family

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:58:31 +0000

Authorities successfully located the loved ones of a child found in Pasadena on Thursday.

The boy was initially found near the area of Los Robles Avenue and Villa Street, according to Pasadena police.

The "found child was reunited with his family," police said. "Thank you for your assistance."

No identifying information was present with him at the time. No further details surrounding his discovery and reunion with loved ones were released.

Police need help identifying a male child found in Pasadena on Dec. 28, 2023. (Pasadena Police Department)

Missing Arizona woman's vehicle found in Pasadena

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 05:31:14 +0000

Loved ones are searching for a missing Arizona woman whose vehicle was found in Pasadena.

Jade Marmon, 32, disappeared on Oct. 4 from Cottonwood, Arizona, according to Pasadena police.

Her last known location is believed to be near the Pasadena Convention Center where her car was found on Oct. 18.

Loved ones said Marmon has been known to hang around grocery stores and gas stations.

She is described as being “very friendly and doesn't have a problem talking to people and sharing the gospel,” authorities said.

She stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds and has green eyes and brown hair.

Jade Marmon, 32, disappeared on Oct. 4, 2023, from Cottonwood, Arizona and traveled to Southern California according to Pasadena police.

Loved ones search for L.A. County girl missing for months

She tends to wear black clothing and gothic makeup, authorities said.

Marmon’s loved ones have not heard from her since and are concerned for her well-being.

"Your family loves and misses you very much," police said.

Anyone who may have seen Marmon or knows of her whereabouts is asked to call Pasadena Police at 626-744-4241. Anonymous tips can be submitted to "Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Teenage Boy Shot In Pasadena Transported In Extremely Critical Condition

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 01:51:58 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – A shooting in Pasadena Tuesday left a 15-year-old boy in critical condition.

Jan. 18, 2022 (CBSLA).

Police said they received a call at 3:03 p.m. from Pasadena Fire Department notifying them that one of their engines was out on an unrelated call near the 1600 block of Los Robles Avenue when a car pulled up with a gunshot victim in the backseat.

Medics began treating the teenage victim and transported him to an area hospital where he was listed in “extremely critical” condition.

Pasadena Police Public Information Officer Bill Grisafe said that shortly after receiving the call from the fire department, authorities got a 911 call about gunshots heard near Los Robles Avenue and El Dora Road.

A preliminary investigation by police suggests that the shooting occurred in the area reported by the 911 caller, and then the victim was taken to the location where the fire engine was located.

It is not known whether the shooting was gang related or not.

No one is currently in custody and no suspect information has been released.

Families Mourn 3 Teens Killed In Pasadena Crash

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 04:26:50 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Three teenage boys were killed Sunday evening in a vehicle crash in Pasadena.

“My little grandson, he was like a son to me, you know? My baby,” said Betty Maciel, grandmother of Nicholas Torres, one of the victims.

According to California Highway Patrol, 17-year-old Andy Bae was driving a 2005 Honda south on Michillinda Avenue, accompanied by two male passengers, 17-year-old Torres and 16-year-old Eric Gullekson. Family members said all three were friends who met about a year ago.

“My nephew had just met them because he had [gone] to school with them recently,” said Torres’ uncle Jacob Munoz.

At about 8:25 p.m. Sunday evening, police said Bae was driving down Michillinda Avenue south of Foothill Boulevard when he lost control of the vehicle, went up a concrete curb then crashed through a chain-link fence onto an embankment before rolling the car over.

At this time, authorities are unsure what caused the crash.

Bae and Gullekson, both from Temple City, died at the scene, according to the CHP. Torres, who was from Monterey Park, later died at a hospital. Maciel rushed to the hospital but arrived after Torres died.

“My son Jacob called me and he told me that my grandson got into a bad accident,” she said. “I called his mother right away and she went right out there to the scene.”

Family and friends of the teens gathered to organize a memorial with flowers, candles and tributes written onto the walls of the overpass near the collision. Torres was set to graduate high school later this month.

“He was a really good kid,” said Joel de la Torre, the teen’s stepdad. “I just want to be here for my wife and the rest of my kids. That’s all I could do.”

Anyone with information on the crash was urged to call the CHP Altadena Area office at 626-296-8100.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Hundreds Of Local Students Pound The Pavement In Rose Bowl Half Marathon In Pasadena

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:30:51 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Hundreds of local students gathered on Sunday to take on the Rose Bowl Half Marathon in Pasadena.

The 13.1 mile race began at 7 a.m., beginning just outside of the Rose Bowl, before participants ran through Colorado Street Bridge, Old Town Pasadena and Cal Tech University before finishing on the field of the world-famous Rose Bowl.

Among its participants were Students Run LA, a program that teaches at-risk youth long-term goals through continuous races on a monthly basis, leading to the full Los Angeles Marathon.

“It is an opportunity to make them understand that they are young, youthful, that they really haven’t reached their peak and that they have a long road ahead of them, that they can achieve long-term goals,” said Sam Scruggs, who works at Locke High School with Students Run LA.

Scruggs added that the program assist its young participants in knowing that they can accomplish anything, teaching them that they can achieve their long-term goals, with a very long road ahead of them.

Over 3,000 students throughout the county partake in the program.

CBS reporters were on hand to speak with a number of student runners prior to the race. “I really like to challenge myself. I grew up in Mexico, so I never had the opportunity to join a sport,” said Denise Garcia. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment and knowing that I am able to run 13.1 miles,” she continued. “Every time I check my pace, it gets better. It makes me feel like I’m able to accomplish anything.”

Carlos Hildago, another student taking part in the half-marathon, in his second year of competition, also spoke with CBS reporters prior to the race, “The experience I get is amazing – being with other people.”

The 13.1 mile race began at 7 a.m., beginning just outside of the Rose Bowl, before participants ran through Colorado Street Bridge, Old Town Pasadena and Cal Tech University before finishing on the field of the world-famous Rose Bowl.

DUI Suspect Runs Into Pasadena Neighborhood After Leading Police Pursuit

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:05:11 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Los Angeles Police Department officers were in pursuit of a suspect wanted for driving under the influence on Wednesday evening.

The pursuit began in the Eagle Rock area just after 10:45 p.m., and the suspect led officers on a short pursuit before bailing on foot into a home in Pasadena.

When the suspect exited the vehicle, it was left in drive, coming to a stop against a neighboring fence.

Authorities are now searching the area for the suspect.

Students At Pasadena Unified Return To Classes Amid COVID Surge

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:09:01 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Pasadena schools were back in session Tuesday morning after the winter break.

The Pasadena Unified School District is working with the Pasadena Public Health Department and recommending multiple prevention measures to help keep students healthy.

The requirements include weekly testing for all unvaccinated students in grades TK through 12 as well as vaccine clinics at several schools.

“We ran a testing clinic over the break and yesterday was the busiest day so I think parents want to make sure that their children are safe and other children are safe as well,” said PUSD Chief Academic Officer Elizabeth Blanco.

Surgical-grade masks will also be required both indoors and outdoors on all campuses when people can’t maintain six feet of distance.

Parents are also encouraged to keep children home if they have any COVID symptoms.

Hundreds Gather At Floatfest To View 133rd Tournament Of Roses Parade Winners

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:28:31 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered to attend Floatfest, an annual tradition where attendees get the opportunity to view the floats that were featured in the Rose Parade up-close.

COVID-19 regulations didn’t hold many back either, as attendees were required to show either proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to get on the grounds, as well as required masks.

Gates opened two hours early for senior citizens, who were granted the earliest opportunity to wake up and smell the flowers, while general admission ticket-holders were allowed in at 9 a.m. to view the thousands of flowers that adorned the floats that paraded down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day.

One early morning attendee, Priscilla Fuchita, couldn’t resist pulling her mask down to get the full affect, “Oh, it is awesome. You just see the detail and the creativity, the imagination. I cheated and took my nose thing down a little bit to smell the flowers, it’s really a nice way to do it.”

Many attend Floatfest as an annual tradition, but Cathy Burkman, who hadn’t been since she was a child, couldn’t believe the true extent creators go to for detail and creativity. “It was fun as a kid to see it as a whole,” she said, “But when you’re an adult you can see all the specific details, up-close is different.”

The UPS Store took top honors in the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade, winning the 2022 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry “Rise, Shine & Read!’ featuring a proud father rooster reading to his family of chicks on a 35-foot-tall, 55-foot-long animated float.

The UPS Stores float participates in the 133rd Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2022. – The parade features floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units to ring in the New Year along the 5.5 mile (8.8 km) route along Colorado Blvd in Pasadena. (Photo by RINGO CHIU / AFP) (Photo by RINGO CHIU/AFP via Getty Images)

The float, built by Irwindale-based Fiesta Parade Floats, demonstrates the importance of literacy.

The Sweepstakes Award honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment. UPS Store also won this honor in 2019 and 2020.

A factor well-considered when it comes to awarding the floats is not only their creativity, but their attention to detail, especially in regards to the parade’s annual theme.

Floatfest visitors, like Lynn Marecrk, were also appreciative of the little things when she got her up-close look at the larger than life floats, “I just love this, the creativity and how they use everything to bring it to life is just amazing. … We were noticing how there’s cabbages and bell peppers and all these exciting vegetables being used – things you wouldn’t notice on TV. I love the themes, how everybody creates something that fits the themes, this is just a little treasure for me.”

Creators and volunteers are grateful for the opportunity as well, as it gives the public a true chance to see all of the effort they put in to make something special. Pam Wiedenbeck, told CBS reporters that there’s a lot more than what can be seen during the parade, disclosing that this year, due to shortages from the pandemic, they dried and chopped fruits and vegetables to finish their creations.

Floatfest Chairman Robert Hickam offered a little bit of clarity into what this event means, not just to the staff but to the guests who attend from across the globe. “They come here from all over the country and sometimes all over the world. Sometimes just seeing the magic in their eyes when they see this up-close, it’s unlike anything that’s out there,” he said.

The other winning floats, 23 in all, are:

— Louisiana Travel “Feed Your Soul”
Wrigley Legacy Award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment

— Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day “Seeding Tomorrow”
President’s Award for most outstanding use and presentation of flowers

— Lions Club International “Quest for Kindness”
Leishman Public Spirit Award for most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant

— Donate Life “Courage to Hope”
Extraordinaire Award for most extraordinary float

— AIDS Healthcare Foundation “Vaccinate Our World”
Queen’s Award for most outstanding presentation of roses

— RFD-TV/Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom “Wild Kingdom”
Director’s Award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral

— City of Torrance / Torrance Rose Float Association “The Embodiment of Nature”
Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length

— Kaiser Permanente “A Healthier Future”
Theme Award for most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme

— Sierra Madre Rose Float Association “Nature’s Classroom”
Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact

— City of Alhambra “School Rocks”

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: The City of Alhambra, “School Rocks,” float at the 133rd Rose Parade Presented By Honda on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

Tournament Volunteer Award for most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length

— City of Hope “Garden of Hopes and Dreams”
Past President’s Award for most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials

— The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation “Saluting America’s Band Directors: We Teach Music. We Teach Life.”
Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment

— California Physical Therapy Association “Physical Therapists Improve the Way You Move”
Grand Marshal Award for most outstanding creative concept and float design

— The Masked Singer “Anything Can Happen”
Isabella Coleman Award for most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design

— Reese’s University
“Chocolate. Peanut Butter. Success.”
Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float

— Cal Poly Universities “Stargrazers”
Animation Award for most outstanding use of animation

— La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association “Who Says We Can’t?”
Crown City Innovator for most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology

— Western Asset “Let Imagination Be Your Guide”
Fantasy Award for most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination

— Trader Joe’s “You Are Invited”
Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions

— Wetzel’s Pretzels “California Cruisin”
Golden State Award for most outstanding depiction of life in California

— Burbank Tournament of Roses Association “An Unlikely Tale”
Mayor’s Award for most outstanding float from a participating city

— South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association “Sky’s the Limit”
Founder’s Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization

— China Airlines “Biking Around Taiwan”
International Award for most outstanding float from outside the United States

(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

UPS Store Wins Top Float Honors For The 2022 Tournament Of Roses Parade

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 18:56:01 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – The UPS Store has taken top honors in Saturday’s 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade, winning the 2022 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry “Rise, Shine & Read!’ featuring a proud father rooster reading to his family of chicks on a 35-foot-tall, 55-foot-long animated float.

The float, built by Irwindale-based Fiesta Parade Floats, demonstrates the importance of literacy.

The Sweepstakes Award honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment. UPS Store also won this honor in 2019 and 2020.

The other winning floats, 23 in all, are:

— Louisiana Travel

“Feed Your Soul”

Wrigley Legacy Award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment

— Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day

“Seeding Tomorrow”

President’s Award for most outstanding use and presentation of flowers

— Lions Club International

“Quest for Kindness”

Leishman Public Spirit Award for most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant

— Donate Life

“Courage to Hope”

Extraordinaire Award for most extraordinary float

— AIDS Healthcare Foundation

“Vaccinate Our World”

Queen’s Award for most outstanding presentation of roses

— RFD-TV/Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

“Wild Kingdom”

Director’s Award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral

— City of Torrance / Torrance Rose Float Association

“The Embodiment of Nature”

Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length

— Kaiser Permanente

“A Healthier Future”

Theme Award for most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme

— Sierra Madre Rose Float Association

“Nature’s Classroom”

Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact

— City of Alhambra

“School Rocks”

Tournament Volunteer Award for most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length

— City of Hope

“Garden of Hopes and Dreams”

Past President’s Award for most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials

— The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation

“Saluting America’s Band Directors: We Teach Music. We Teach Life.”

Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment

— California Physical Therapy Association

“Physical Therapists Improve the Way You Move”

Grand Marshal Award for most outstanding creative concept and float design

— The Masked Singer

“Anything Can Happen”

Isabella Coleman Award for most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design

— Reese’s University

“Chocolate. Peanut Butter. Success.”

Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float

— Cal Poly Universities

“Stargrazers”

Animation Award for most outstanding use of animation

— La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association

“Who Says We Can’t?”

Crown City Innovator for most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology

— Western Asset

“Let Imagination Be Your Guide”

Fantasy Award for most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination

— Trader Joe’s

“You Are Invited”

Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions

— Wetzel’s Pretzels

“California Cruisin”

Golden State Award for most outstanding depiction of life in California

— Burbank Tournament of Roses Association

“An Unlikely Tale”

Mayor’s Award for most outstanding float from a participating city

— South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association

“Sky’s the Limit”

Founder’s Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization

— China Airlines

“Biking Around Taiwan”

International Award for most outstanding float from outside the United States

133rd Tournament Of Roses Parade Restarts Beloved Tradition

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 15:52:31 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – The 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade made a colorful return to Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena Saturday, with crowds lining the sidewalks to see dozens of elaborate floral floats, high-energy marching bands and equestrian teams in the iconic New Year’s Day tradition that was called off last year due to COVID-19.

“Dream. Believe. Achieve.” was the parade theme this year, a celebration of “education’s ability to open doors, open minds and change lives.”

“Education paves the path to success with a world of opportunities achieved through knowledge, compassion and determination. Education is the great equalizer,” Tournament of Roses Association President Robert Miller said. “As a community college educator, I have seen firsthand the life- changing miracle that education provides.”

The UPS Store took top honors in the parade for the third consecutive time, winning the 2022 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry “Rise, Shine & Read!’ featuring a proud father rooster reading to his family of chicks on a 35-foot- tall, 55-foot-long animated float.

The float, built by Irwindale-based Fiesta Parade Floats, demonstrated the importance of literacy.

The festivities began at 8 a.m. with a performance by Grammy-winning singer LeAnn Rimes, featuring a remixed and re-mastered version of “Throw My Arms Around the World,” created specifically for the Pasadena celebration.

Rimes, who first appeared in the Rose Parade in 2006, was accompanied by the Rose Parade Dancers, the Mark Keppel Dance Company, Rose Parade Flag Bearers and four drummers. A burst of fireworks set the stage for the two-hour parade.

Many spectators along the 5 1/2-mile parade route staked out their spots overnight despite unseasonably low temperatures. In 2019, the event drew an estimated 700,000 people in person, while 37 million people watched the television broadcast.

Some Rose Parade traditions remain unchanged since the first parade in 1890. That includes the requirement that every inch of the 37 floats must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. The most delicate flowers, including roses, were placed in individual vials of water, set into floats one by one.

This year’s grand marshal was Emmy-winning actor LeVar Burton, who is also a director, educator and lifelong advocate of children’s literacy and known to generations of children for his role as host of PBS’ “Reading Rainbow.”

La Canada High School senior Nadia Chung reigned over the parade as Rose Queen, joined by the six members of her Royal Court:

— Jeannine Briggs, John Marshall Fundamental High School;

— Abigail Griffith, Pasadena High School;

— Jaeda Walden, La Canada High School;

— Swetha Somasundaram, Arcadia High School;

— Ava Feldman, South Pasadena High School; and

— McKenzie Street, Flintridge Sacred Heart.

The parade featured 17 marching bands. In a Rose Parade first that highlighted the theme of education, the Band Directors Marching Band included 270 band directors from across the United States and Mexico, ranging from recent music education graduates to retired veteran directors.

Other bands included the Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Band and the U.S. Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band, including musicians from Camp Pendleton.

Seventeen equestrian teams on the parade route included The New Buffalo Soldiers, a group of first responders who present a historical representation of the 10th Regiment, Company H of the U.S. Cavalry, formerly enslaved individuals who served as soldiers but received little recognition for their sacrifice.

The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team, an all-women, high-speed precision rodeo specialty act, were among the other groups that rode on horseback to entertain the crowd.

The parade wrapped with a grand finale headlined by Grammy nominee Jimmie Allen and an appearance by the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute team.

Following the landing of the Golden Knights, Allen performed his hit song “Good Times Roll,” accompanied by his four-piece band, the Rose Parade Dancers, the Mark Keppel Dance Company and the Rose Parade Flag Bearers.

Allen made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 hits off his 2018 debut album, “Mercury Lane.” His two- time platinum debut single “Best Shot” claimed the number one spot on country radio for three weeks.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, attention will shift to the 108th Rose Bowl, where the Ohio State Buckeyes will take the field against the Utah Utes, in the latter team’s first appearance in the New Year’s Day game.

The two teams have matched up only once before — in 1986, when OSU dominated — and some sports analysts say OSU’s players may still be reeling from their bitter loss to rival University of Michigan.

Parade-watchers with tickets and football fans in the stadium were required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative result from a test for the virus. Those 18 and older also have to show a photo ID.

Masks were required to be worn throughout the parade.

The parade’s floats will be on display at Floatfest after the parade and all day Sunday along a two-mile route at Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards. Visitors are advised to carry clear bags to get through security quickly.

Roads were expected to remain closed until 2 p.m. along Colorado Boulevard from Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard and northbound on Sierra Madre to Paloma Street.

Utah, Ohio State Fans Prepare For Rose Bowl Game

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:41:36 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – New Year’s Day isn’t just about the parade, but the Rose Bowl as well. Stores are filled with red, not just for roses – but for Ohio State and Utah – who are facing off in the Grand Daddy of them all.

KCAL9’s Jeff Nguyen spoke with fans from both teams outside a merchandise store on Colorado Boulevard.

This is a first time experience for Utah fans – they only became qualified for the game in 2011 when they move to the PAC-12 conference.

For the folks in Utah – they only qualified for the game a few years back because they moved into the PAC-12 conference.

“We never thought it would happen. We were WAC (Western Athletic Conference), Mountain West [Conference], this was never on our radar,” said Utah fan Cory Kennedy. “So once we got into the PAC-12… this has been the dream.”

The Utes are playing in the first Rose Bowl Game after defeating the Oregon Ducks 37-10 in the Pac-12 Championship game.

“This is a bucket list thing for us,” said Ohio State fan Jimmy Hull.

The Buckeyes are making their 16th appearance in the Rose Bowl and their first since defeating Washington 28-23 in 2019.

“We are thrilled that our team is here and we are planning for this to not be the last time,” said Meggin Kennedy.

Utah has one the Pac-12 south division in three of the last four season and won their first PAC-12 Conference Championship this season.

“I love flowers. I’ve always wanted to come see the Rose Bowl Parade,” said Ohio State fan Debby Sharvin. “I’m so thrilled to be able to do that.”

Whether attendees are rooting for the Buckeyes or the Utes – both sides had something in common – no one was wearing a heavy coat.

Because when you’re coming from Ohio or Utah – Pasadena in January is basically t-shirt weather.

Spectators Claim Spots Ahead Of 133rd Rose Parade

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:10:54 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Despite souring COVID-19 rates in Los Angeles County, the Rose Parade is back this year after it was cancelled in 2021.

Thousands of spectators hoping to secure prime viewing for the 133rd Rose Parade began claiming spots along the route Friday. Although infections are surging again in the county this winter, Saturday’s parade and accompanying Rose Bowl Game are moving ahead as scheduled.

After a challenging couple of years caused by the pandemic – the Blake family carried on with a Southern California tradition: camping on Colorado Boulevard for the Rose Parade.

“This will be our 8^th year. I don’t think there’s ever been so empty spaces. Usually, it’s jam packed,” said Mallory Blake.

From the low-riders to the floats that were slowly moved into position. The parade is back after it was cancelled last year and LA County is seeing an alarming surge of new infections.

“Masks are not required outside but we are highly recommending it, because you need that extra layer of protection,” said Lisa Derderian, a Pasadena Spokesperson.

And proof of vaccination or a recent negative test is required at the stands that seat 10-thousand or more, as well as the Rose Bowl Game.

“I like to be able to watch the parade and say hey I saw that behind the scenes… before it was already out here,” said Mckenna Blake.

Andrea Canfield says she and her family wanted give their kids a break from being cooped up.

“We wanted to find a place that there wasn’t anybody around,” said Canfield. “So hopefully nobody – it’s supposed to be six feet from the campsites – so they abide by the rules.”

It’s as nice as sidewalk camping can get – chairs, a dining table, even beds. Denis Valenzuela has watched the Rose Parade from the sidewalk on Colorado Boulevard more than a dozen times – but this year, she hesitated due to Omicron.

“We teeter totted a lot about it, but we figured we would stay masked, and we’ve been isolating ourselves as a family,” said Valenzuela.

She hopes people will spread out and believes that it’s doable this year.

“If you look out, there is hardly anyone out here,” said Valenzuela. “We have been here since 7:00 a.m. and usually there’s more people here.”

Adriana Dakimowicz is attending her first rose parade this year. She too is conscious of keeping her family safe.

“Just keep to ourselves, not intermingle,” said Dakimowicz.

Kim Kelly and her sister Kathleen have the same plan.

“Well, I am sitting here with my mask on so yes, it did weigh on us,” said Kelly. “I am a nurse at UCLA so I am aware of the risks. But with being outside and being vaccinated and boosted, I felt like it was safe.”

Despite the increased traffic, about half of the businesses on Colorado Boulevard are boarding up and have chosen to close early Friday and stay closed through New Year’s Day.

“It’s very difficult for them to maintain their staffing levels and the health precautions when people enter into the restaurants,” said Chief John Perez of the Pasadena Police Department.

Along the parade route, masks are encouraged, but not required. Perez is still asking everyone to “make sure you wear yours masks. The masks in this weather will keep you warm.”

A woman attending the parade says she hopes when the parade is televised, it shows the world that people still gather – as long as it’s done safely.

“To show other people that we can still be active and still do the things we used to do, as long as we take precautions and if we all get vaccinated, we can do the things we used to do.”

Those in the parade grandstands must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Masks will also be required during the event.

Starting at 12 p.m., people were able to claim sidewalk seats along the 5 1/2-mile route, but all people and property such as blankets and chairs must remain on the curb until 11 p.m.

After 11 p.m., spectators can move out to the blue “Honor Line” on the street.

People planning to camp out must follow these rules:

Small, professionally made barbecues that are elevated at least 1 foot off the ground are permitted along the route, but they must be at least 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles. A fire extinguisher also must be readily available.
People under age 18 will only be permitted on the parade route from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday if they are supervised by an adult.
Parade-goers should be prepared for cold weather and dress in layers.
Tents, sofas or boxes that can be used as stools or seats are prohibited along the route.
Bonfires along the route are prohibited.
No items can be sold along the route without a city permit.
Selling spaces along the parade route is prohibited.
Horns may not be sold, given away or purchased along the route.
No public areas can be roped off.
Ladders or scaffolding that can be used for elevated viewing of the parade are prohibited.
Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on public streets and sidewalks and other public areas.

Colorado Boulevard will close to traffic at 10 p.m. and remain closed until 2 p.m. Saturday. Closures will be effective from Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard and northbound on Sierra Madre to Paloma Street.

The following freeway ramps will also be closed:

westbound 210 Freeway off-ramp at Sierra Madre and drop off lane;
eastbound 210 off-ramp at San Gabriel;
eastbound 134 Freeway off-ramp at Orange Grove;
southbound 710 Freeway off-ramp at Del Mar;
northbound 710 on-ramp at Del Mar;
northbound 710 on-ramp at California; and
southbound 710 left turn pocket.

The Tournament of Roses chose the theme”Dream. Believe. Achieve.” this year.

The parade will kick off at 8 a.m. with a performance by Grammy-winning singer LeAnn Rimes. Emmy-winning actor LeVar Burton will serve as the grand marshal.

A total of 37 floats will be in the parade, along with 17 equestrian groups and 17 marching bands.

Volunteers Begin To Prepare For 2022 Rose Bowl Parade

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 02:12:01 +0000
It's the last week of the year and that means the countdown is on to the Rose Parade and all the magnificent floats! Volunteers are racing to transform steel floats into colorful masterpieces. KCAL9's Tom Wait has more on the preparation.

Rose Parade, Rose Bowl Game Still on Jan. 1 Slate Despite COVID-19 Surge

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 19:54:48 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – While surging COVID-19 numbers have forced cancellations or postponements across a wide range of events, organizers of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game said today plans for those New Year’s Day traditions are going forward — though “we are prepared to adjust our plans as necessary.”

Due to surging cases in December 2020, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation relocated last year’s game to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in order to allow spectators to attend.

“At the present time, we fully expect the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game to be held as scheduled on New Year’s Day 2022 in beautiful Pasadena, California,” according to a statement from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

The only other time that the Rose Bowl Game had been held outside of Pasadena, prior to last year, was in 1942 during World War II when the game was relocated to Duke Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

“We are aware of the rising COVID-19 infection rates, and are monitoring the situation very closely.”

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Public Health Department reported 6,509 new cases of COVID-19, over double the previous day’s total.

“As we continue to work with the Pasadena Public Health Department in regards to their health order, we are confident in our ability to host both the parade and game successfully, and in compliance with all the applicable government protocols needed to keep everyone safe. We are prepared to adjust our plans as necessary.”

The city and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses are instituting new rules to ensure this year’s events are as safe as possible. In addition to a masks requirement, attendees must show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.

The association added: “The health and well-being of our parade participants and guests, as well as that of our volunteer members, professional staff and partners, remains our number one priority.”

Last year’s Rose Parade was canceled because of the pandemic. This year’s event — themed “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” — will wrap up with performances by Grammy nominee Jimmie Allen, TikTok favorite Timothy Fletcher and an appearance by the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights.

Ohio State will play Utah in the Rose Bowl game, set to kick off at 2 p.m.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Rose Parade To Continue As Scheduled

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:05 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — The City of Pasadena is pushing ahead with its largest events of the year amid the latest COVID-19 surge.

“The numbers are increasing which is a concern, but we also know that with the precautions we have in place we are doing everything that we possibly can,” said city spokesperson Lisa Derderian.

Last year’s Rose Parade and Floatfest were canceled last year, the first time since 1945, as the region dealt with a devastating winter surge. This plus the relocation of the Rose Bowl Game dealt a devastating economic hit to the city and local businesses. The Rose Bowl has only been moved from its namesake stadium twice in history. Once during World War II, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and last year during the winter surge which saw cases jump exponentially.

“It was a pretty big blow for us,” said Ervin Galvan, owner of We Olive And Wine Bar Pasadena.

However, the city and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses are instituting new rules to ensure this year’s events are as safe as possible. In addition to a masks requirement, attendees must show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.

“We are…monitoring the situation very closely,” a Tournament of Roses spokesperson said in a statement to CBSLA. “We are confident in our ability to host both the parade and game successfully, and (with) protocols needed to keep everyone safe. We are prepared to adjust our plans as necessary.”

Business owners are hopeful that the new regulations will allow the events to continue and bring much-needed traffic back to Colorado Boulevard.

“It’s great for business,” said Galvan. “Especially being on Colorado Boulevard. It’s really great foot traffic. A lot of exposure.”

According to Derderian businesses are already preparing for out-of-town visitors.

“Our hotels are all sold out,” she said. “Our restaurants already have reservations on New Year’s Eve.”

Pasadena Crash Leaks 1,300 Gallons Of Fuel Into Alhambra Wash

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:30:56 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — A crash in Pasadena Sunday afternoon caused a spill that sent hundreds of gallons of fuel draining into the Alhambra Wash.

Dec. 19, 2021. (city of Alhambra/Twitter)

At around 3:15 p.m., a vehicle struck a fuel pump at the Union 76 Gas Station on Arroyo Parkway and Glenarm Street, according to the city of Pasadena.

A witness told CBSLA that a female driver behind the wheel hit the pump in such a way that it disabled the mechanism that would normally prevent gasoline from spilling as it did. The emergency shutoff malfunctioned, and authorities were instead forced to cut power to the gas station.

The city said the collision caused about 1,300 gallons of fuel to spill and then drain into the Alhambra Wash.

Hazmat crews with the city of Pasadena and Los Angeles County responded, as a portion of the intersection was closed. The spill was partly contained Sunday night. Cleanup efforts were expected to continue well into Monday afternoon, the city of Alhambra said.

(city of Alhambra)

During the cleanup process, residents in the surrounding area were advised to stay indoors and close windows. Anyone who reports feeling sick from the fumes should call 911.

LA County Hazmat and a private contractor will continue the clean up on the gasoline spill until 2pm today. They are coordinating the cleanup throughout the wash, starting in Pasadena, passing through Alhambra and ending in San Gabriel. All Alhambra crews have been released. pic.twitter.com/zDMsmKZ6jE

— City of Alhambra (@cityofalhambra) December 20, 2021

Authorities Investigating Hate Fliers Dispensed Throughout Pasadena, Beverly Hills Neighborhoods

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 03:59:41 +0000

BEVERLY HILLS/PASADENA (CBSLA) – Residents in several neighborhoods throughout the Southland awoke to messages of anti-semitic propaganda in their front yards on Sunday morning.

Several hundred fliers were distributed in neighborhoods in both Pasadena and Beverly Hills on Sunday morning, between 12:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., according to a report from the City of Pasadena.

For the second time within a month, antisemitic flyers containing COVID-19 conspiracy theories have been distributed to homes in Beverly Hills, a Jewish majority city, according to an Instagram post by Vice Mayor Lili Bosse. pic.twitter.com/mVGNLGyzNd

— The Beverly Hills Courier (@BHCourier) December 19, 2021

Authorities were made aware of the fliers just around 8:30 on Sunday morning, where more than 200 fliers were said to have been tossed onto resident’s driveways and front yards.

In Pasadena, the fliers were dispersed in plastic bags weighed down by gravel, while in Beverly Hills they were filled with rice.

Messages portrayed on the fliers included, “Every single aspect of the COVID Agenda is Jewish,” and named several prominent health executives.

The four-block radius in which fliers were distributed in Pasadena included Washington Boulevard, Mentor Avenue, Catalina Avenue and Wilson Avenue.

Beverly Hills Mayor Bob Wunderlich, issued a statement on Sunday in response to the anti-semitic messages, “In Beverly Hills, we are proactively fighting hating speech like this – as well as a variety of crimes. This is not the place where people should come to perpetrate hate speech or other sorts of crimes.”

Pasadena’s Mayor, Victor Gordo also released a statement issuing the same sentiment, “The distribution of antisemitic fliers in Pasadena and other Southern California communities over the weekend is abhorrent and totally antithetical to the values of our city and its residents. Our thoughts are with our residents and all those hurt by these disgusting acts. We know Pasadena residents — of all faiths — will to stand together and speak out against hatred in all forms.”

A similar event occurred in Beverly Hills, a Jewish majority city, in November. The team of investigators has not yet related the two incidents.

In response, the Beverly Hills Police Department indicated that they would be increasing patrols in the area, as well as dispersing private security teams throughout the city.

Grammy Nominee Jimmie Allen To Headline Rose Parade Finale

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 21:08:44 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Grammy nominee Jimmie Allen is set to perform at the finale of the 2022 Rose Parade, organizers announced Friday.

Jimmie Allen is nominated for a 2022 Best New Artist Grammy.

Organizers also announced that TikTok favorite Timothy Fletcher will perform while the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights descend from the sky.

During the grand finale, four members of the Golden Knights — the Army’s parachute team — will fall from the sky and land on the street for a live football toss from the parade route to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Their descent will be accompanied by Fletcher, a drummer who has gained popularity on Instagram and Tiktok.

Allen will then perform his hit song “Good Times Roll,” accompanied by a four-piece band.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the parade will kick off with a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes.

Rimes will perform a remixed version of the song, “Throw My Arms Around the World,” created especially for the New Year’s Day event.

The 133rd Rose Parade will return on Jan. 1 after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

52 Rescued ‘Christmas Cats’ Available For Adoption At Pasadena Humane Society’s Winter Wonderland Event

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 19:14:23 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Dozens of cats and kittens rescued recently in Pasadena are looking for a new home for the holidays.

(credit: Pasadena Humane Society)

The 52 cats and kittens, who “were found living in unsanitary conditions inside the home and in a crawl space underneath the house,” will be available for adoption Saturday at Pasadena Humane Society’s Winter Wonderland cat adoption event.

These felines have been given festive, seasonally-appropriate names like Jolly, Merry, and Jingle. They have all since been given the necessary medical care, and will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before they go to their new homes.

“If you are able to open your heart and home this holiday season, please consider adopting one of the Christmas Cats,” Pasadena Humane President and CEO Dia DuVernet said in a statement.

The Winter Wonderland cat adoption event will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Humane Society, 361 S. Raymond Ave. Discounts may be available for cats 6 months and older.

LeAnn Rimes To Kick Off 2022 Rose Parade With Special Performance

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:50:56 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — The Rose Parade will kick off on Jan. 1 with a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced Wednesday.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 08: LeAnn Rimes performs during Weekend 2 of the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park on October 08, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic)

Rimes will perform a remixed version of the song, “Throw My Arms Around the World,” created especially for the New Year’s Day event.

She will be accompanied by the Rose Parade Dancers, the Mark Keppel Dance Company, Rose Parade Flag Bearers and four drummers.

The performance will conclude with fireworks and kick off the two-hour parade.

Rimes first appeared in the Rose Parade in 2006.

The annual parade was canceled in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

First Omicron Case Detected In Pasadena Resident

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 03:08:35 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — On Monday, the Pasadena Public Health Department reported its first COVID-19 Omicron case.

The person did not recently travel internationally and is believed to have acquired the infection locally in early December. The resident was fully vaccinated and had a booster dose. The person only had a mild illness and did not require hospitalization. All of the close contacts are currently self-isolating.

Health officials continued to advocate for residents to receive their vaccines and booster shots.

“Now is the time for anyone who is not yet vaccinated to get fully vaccinated, and for everyone 16 years and older to get a booster dose. Getting vaccinated, including a booster, remains your best defense against COVID-19 variants,” said Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, Director of the Pasadena Public Health Department.

Pasadena Restaurants Losing Outdoor Dining To Rose Parade

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 06:58:48 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – For months, restaurants along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena have battled the detrimental monetary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with outdoor dining.

Outdoor dining on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. (Photo Credit: KCAL9 News)

Come Tuesday, many of those restaurants will lose that outdoor dining for almost three weeks, due to the return of Pasadena’s biggest event – The Rose Parade.

City crews will remove the traffic barriers starting on Wednesday as they begin to prepare for the parade, set to take place on New Year’s Day for the 133rd time.

While these moves may make an effect on the immediate day-to-day of restaurant owners in Pasadena, they understand that it comes with the territory.

“It’s gonna hurt the business, but you know what, it’s something they do every year. Last year we didn’t have a Rose Parade, “Juan Anaya, owner of Anaya’s Restuarant said. “We need to support whatever decisions they make, especially the city of Pasadena. They help us a lot with this… thanks to this patio, we survived during the worst part of the year – last year and this year too.”

Nikos Baltas, manager of Mi Piace, echoed that statement, “As I said this parade is very crucial to the city and they need the room. So, we’ll do what needs to be done and we’ll move on and everybody’s gonna be happy I think.”

(Photo Credit: KCAL9 News)

Business should return to what has become normal for these owners as soon as January 6, when city crews will replace the traffic barriers, giving restaurants a chance to bounce back from the temporary setback – something they’ve grown accustomed to over the last couple of years.

Sidewalk dining is set to resume even earlier on January 2, once the Rose Parade is officially over.

The Rose Parade was forced to cancel for just the fourth time since its inception in 1890 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s parade, along with new safety regulations, will look much different from years past.

Woman Shot In Face, Arm While On 210 Freeway In Pasadena Before Driving Herself To Hospital

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:20:19 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Police Friday were seeking information after a woman was shot and critically wounded while driving on the 210 Freeway in Pasadena.

The shooting occurred Thursday evening around 7:30 p.m. on the eastbound 210 Freeway near Lincoln Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.

“Detectives … determined a 27-year old female adult victim drove herself to Huntington Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds to her face and arm,” the CHP said in a statement released Friday afternoon. “She is listed in critical condition.”

The woman’s identity was not immediately released. No information was available on the shooter.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective M. Yasutake of the CHP’s Major Crimes Unit at 323-644-9550.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
Pasadena Prepares For Rose Parade Festivities Amidst Rising COVID-19 Cases

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:41:38 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – In just a few short weeks Pasadena will be paraded by tens of thousands of people – quite literally.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: A general view of the stadium as the sun sets as the Oregon Ducks play the Wisconsin Badgers during the third quarter in the Rose Bowl game presented by Northwestern Mutual at Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The Tournament of Roses Parade, often referred to simply as The Rose Parade, or as “America’s New Year Celebration,” is set to take place on New Year’s Day, has been a yearly occasion since 1890, canceled only four times – 1942, 1943 and 1945 due to World War II, and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scheduled to return in 2022, The Rose Parade is, as always, partnered by The Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl Stadium is just three miles from Colorado Boulevard, where most of The Rose Parade takes place, as just as many people will flood the stadium to watch the Utah Utes face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes. After a year away, taking place at a neutral location (AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas), The Rose Bowl, with it’s 90,000+ capacity, will fill once again, as it returns to it’s rightful place in Pasadena.

After the parade comes Floatfest, a two-mile long showcase of all of the floats that took part in the parade, allowing spectators to appreciate the beauty and detail put into each float. This is, yet another event that brings tens of thousands of people to the streets of Pasadena.

Despite being cancelled last year, many residents are still apprehensive about joining the festivities, especially as case numbers continue to rise, and reported Omicron variant cases appear on the daily. They do however welcome the tight restrictions being put into place ahead of the parade, as an estimated 700,000 spectators are expected to line the streets.

(Photo Credit: KCAL9)

This year’s rules, for all three events, include:
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination OR Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, at least within 72-hours of the event;
- All guests aged 2-years and older must wear a mask;
- Ticket-holders aged 18-years and older must provide a photo ID when presenting either the COVID-19 vaccination, either digitally or physically, or the negative COVID-19 test.
Pasadena City Spokeswoman Lisa Derderian clarified, stating that Tournament organizers are just following the health orders already in place in Pasadena.

She did indicate that non-ticketed spectators lining the streets to watch the parade won’t have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test, but they will be encouraged to wear masks.

Derderian urged attendees to do their due diligence ahead of time:

“Where we know there will be confusion is (that) some people, will be staying outside of Pasadena – it may be L.A. city jurisdiction, L.A. County, or if they’re staying in Pasadena, all three jurisdictions have different health directives. So, it’s imperative that they call ahead of time, whether it be the hotels they’re staying at, the restaurants they’ll be frequenting, the entertainment venues they’ll be attending… because it will vary.”

As always, the Parade is slated for January 1 and will begin at 8:00 a.m. continuing several hours. The Rose Bowl game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. the same day and FloatFest starts after the conclusion of the Rose Parade and goes through January 2.

This year’s theme, originally planned for 2021 is “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” As the Rose Parade’s website states, the theme centers around “celebrating education’s ability to open doors, open minds and change lives.”

PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Rose Parade float on the parade route during the 128th Tournamnet of Roses Parade Presented by Honda on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

The parade will run over five-and-a-half miles, featuring the traditional four categories of entries: floral-decorated floats entered by a participating corporation, non-profit organization or municipality, equestrian units, bands, and Tournament Entries.

LeVar Burton will be serving as the Parade’s Grand Marshal. Burton is an actor, director and children’s literacy advocate. He is known for “Reading Rainbow,” “Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Ali.” He has been awarded an Emmy Award, 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his work. In recent years he began writing children’s literature, and has two published books in this genre.
‘From Pasadena, With Love,’ City Of Roses Honors Small Businesses

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 02:20:09 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Both enamored the neon-lit machines displaying, alien battles, race cars and even a yellow sphere gobbling ghosts, it was only fitting that Mark and Mia Guenther’s love story began with the most classic arcade game.

“We connected over pinball college,” said Mark who first met his wife after he invited her to play on the pinball machine he kept in his dorm room.

After college, the couple slowly but surely continued to collect arcade games until it was too much to keep in their home.

“It was like one game turned into five, turned into 50,” said Mia. “Once we kind of hit a certain point, we [had] to open up a space to put these in because they can’t come in the house.”

In 2015, they decided to spread their love for vintage games with their own Neon Retro Arcade in Pasadena. It succeeded for its first five years until the pandemic closed it for 15 months.

“There were many times where we should’ve given up — or could’ve given up,” said Mia. “But people really love this place and we do too. We can’t imagine our lives without it.”

While it was difficult to persevere those 15 months, the business made it through. To show appreciation for the small businesses that persevered through one of the most difficult economic downturns in American History, the City of Pasadena started the event “From Pasadena, With Love” beginning on Nov. 27, Small Business Saturday.

“We’re so appreciative of everything that the community, as well as the city, has done to support the small shops,” said Jill Pearson, owner of Homage. “That’s why we’re still here.”

The campaign lasts until Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Patrons can receive free gifts and enter giveaways while also getting discounts at various small businesses.

According to the Small Business Administration, local businesses raked in a record $19.8 billion during last year’s Small Business Saturday. The organization believes the record will be broken once again this year.

Pasadena Offers $10,000 Reward For Information In Shooting That Killed 13-Year-Old Iran Moreno

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 22:59:54 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — A $10,000 reward was announced Wednesday for information in the murder of 13-year-old Iran Moreno, who was struck by a stray bullet while playing video games in his bedroom.

(credit: Pasadena Police Department)

The reward was offered by the City of Pasadena, less than a week after the shooting sent a stray bullet into the boy’s home in the 900 block of North Raymond Avenue just after 6 p.m. Saturday. Police say Iran had been playing video games in his bedroom when he was shot.

Pasadena police say their homicide detectives are “working diligently to follow-up on all investigative leads,” and that tips from the public in previous investigations have “have proven to be instrumental” in making an arrest.

Iran was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241. Anonymous tips can also be called in to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), online at crimestoppers.org, or by downloading the P3 Tips mobile app.

2 Killed In Pasadena Shooting

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 23:23:28 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Two people are dead after a dispute between two men escalated to a shooting in Pasadena Tuesday afternoon.

“We don’t think it was a burglary, we could always be incorrect on that [but] we don’t think it was a burglary,” said Pasadena Police Chief John Perez. “This was not a gang-related incident that we are aware of.

The incident was first reported at about 2:30 p.m. in the area of Orange Grove Boulevard and Sunnyslope Avenue. When officers arrived they found one victim suffering from several gunshot wounds and later located a suspect who was armed with a gun. According to Pasadena Police Chief John Perez, the suspect, who was in his 20s, shot and killed a 70-year-old man before carjacking one woman. When police arrived the suspect began to flee police on foot before exchanging gunfire with officers. No officers were injured. The suspect was later rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his gunshot wounds and later died. It is unknown if the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound or was struck by one of the officers’ rounds.

There may be as many as three potential crime scenes in connection with the shooting, and several streets have been blocked off for the police investigation.

Vigil Held For 13-Year-Old Iran Moreno Balvaneda Killed By Stray Bullet In Pasadena

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 02:27:20 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — It was a day of mourning and disbelief in Pasadena Monday as more candles were lit in honor of a 13-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet inside his home.

13-year-old Iran Moreno Balvaneda was killed by a stray bullet in Pasadena.

Iran Moreno Balvaneda was in his bedroom Saturday evening, playing video games when what police are calling a stray bullet came through the window. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but didn’t make it.

Maria Balvaneda lives next door and is Iran’s cousin.

“We heard two ‘pops’ but we thought it was fireworks,” she said. “My uncle and my aunt are not doing well still. They’re hanging in there and my parents and I told them that they can’t give up. They have three other kids to look out for and life isn’t over. That justice will be served.”

Frustration continued to grow Monday as police continued to search for the shooter.

“You’re at your house thinking you are safe as well and you can’t be safe anywhere. This community, this city, is just too dangerous,” said family friend Maria Munguia. “He grew up such a loving kid with the biggest smile on his face.”

“He was a good kid,” said Balvaneda. “He loved video games, basketball, soccer. He was a straight-A student.”

As quickly as this community gathered to support the family of the 13-year-old, they are also demanding change.

“There is an uptick in violence, in particular, gun violence,” said Pasadena City Council Member John Kennedy. “The way to work us out of this is a heavy police presence.”

Police were back on the scene Monday talking to neighbors, trying to get them to come forward about who had the gun and fired the shots into the home.

“We hear words like tragedy and senseless but that gets old to me,” said Pasadena Police Department Chief John Perez. “This just needs to stop and we need to put people in jail for doing this.”

Although investigators do not believe the child or this home was the intended target, it’s little comfort for a family that now has to bury a child.

Officials Test Drive Floats Before Rose Parade To Return In Pasadena January 2022

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:19:50 +0000

IRWINDALE (CBSLA) – Officials in Irwindale were test driving the floats Saturday for the Tournament of Roses with just eight weeks to go until the event on January 1, 2022.

The parade will feature the theme that was planned for this year’s procession, “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” But the theme will be expanded beyond its original focus on education to celebrate the perseverance of health care professionals, first responders and essential workers during the pandemic.

The 2021 Tournament of Roses Parade was officially canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Financial strain has been really tough,” said Tim Estes, of Fiesta Parade Floats. “We lost 100% of our income last year and this year’s income is gonna be down about 50%.”

Since it started in 1891, the annual parade has not taken place only three times – the wartime years of 1942, 1943, and 1945. Every year, the parade and the accompanying Rose Bowl football game bring millions of people to Pasadena from around the country and the world on New Year’s Day, many of whom camp alongside the parade route for days beforehand.

Anthony Valladares Sentenced To 16 Years For Kidnapping That Ended With Chinese National’s Body Buried In Mojave Desert

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:16:06 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A Pasadena man is in federal prison Monday after being sentenced to more than 16 years for his role in a kidnapping scheme of a Chinese national whose body was later found buried in the Mojave Desert.

(credit: FBI)

Anthony Valladares, 29, was sentenced Friday in the violent abduction of Ruochen “Tony” Liao of Santa Ana in 2018. Liao’s body was eventually found buried in the Mojave Desert late last year.

Judge Fernando M. Olguin called the kidnapping scheme a “horrendous crime.” Olguin also ordered Valladares to pay $33,090 in restitution.

Valladares, who prosecutors say acted as the “muscle” in the scheme, had pleaded guilty in October of last year to one count of conspiracy to kidnap. According to prosecutors, Valladares took cash for intimidating, beating and subduing Liao, which was key part of the conspiracy planned with Chinese nationals Guangyao Yang, 28, and 35-year-old Peicheng Shen.

Shen had met with Liao several times, purportedly to help him collect a debt from another person, according to court documents. During their third meeting at a San Gabriel shopping center in July of 2018, Shen lured the unsuspecting Liao to a minivan driven by 25-year-old Alexis Ivan Romero Velez of Azusa, and used a word in Chinese to signal Valladares – who had been hiding in the van – to attack, prosecutors said. Liao was subdued with a taser, then tied up and his head covered with a black hood.

When he pleaded guilty last year in the case, Valladares admitted to helping Yang acquire the taser and the revolver and bullets used in the kidnapping.

Liao was taken to Rosemead, moved into a different car, and eventually brought to a house in Corona. He was confined in a closet with his legs bound, eyes taped shot and arms restrained behind him, prosecutors said. The cause of Liao’s death was not given, but prosecutors said Valladares was not physically present at the time.

The day after the kidnapping, Liao’s father received a demand for a $2 million ransom to be deposited into three Chinese bank accounts within three hours. After Liao died, Shen and Yang drove to Mojave to bury his body and other physical evidence, prosecutors said. Shen had the closet where Liao had been held re-carpeted, and Yang searched online to figure out how fast a corpse decomposes in soil, according to court papers.

The two Chinese nationals, who were last known to be living in West Covina, are in custody in China in connection with the kidnapping. Velez, the driver, pleaded guilty in September 2019 to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10.

Party In Pasadena Turns Violent; One Woman Shot

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 01:04:18 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – A Halloween party in Pasadena turned violent when one person got shot and another got pistol-whipped before the suspects fled the scene.

A shooting on the in the 800 block of South Raymond Avenue was reported at around 2:30AM on Saturday evening. The party was taking place in a commercial building.

According to witness reports, an altercation started that resulted in the shots being fired.

One woman was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the stomach, while another was taken to the hospital to address serious potential head injuries after getting pistol-whipped as the suspects fled. Both women are expected to survive.

They were seen driving away in two different cars, one white and one red.

Police are currently looking for three suspects who were involved in the incident, as well as looking for information on who organized the party.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Pasadena Natural Gas Line Ruptured, Evacuations Underway

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:41:56 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – A natural gas line has ruptured at a Pasadena property. The bungalow property, located at the 600 block of South Marengo Avenue, consists of six units, has been completely evacuated.

No injuries have been reported thus far, and a gas company is on the scene.

Traffic is being directed away from the area.

Incident: Gas leak – 600 blk., south Marengo Ave. in a six unit bungalow property. Five adults evacuated. No injuries, Gas company onscene @PasadenaGov

— Pasadena Fire Dept. (@PasadenaFD) October 21, 2021

More to come.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Brush Fires Burning Near 210 Freeway In Pasadena

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 21:13:35 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — Crews were working Tuesday to contain three brush fires burning near the 210 Freeway in Pasadena.

The fires erupted near the westbound 210 at Lake Avenue around 1:30 p.m., the Pasadena Fire Department said.

By 1:32 p.m., the flames from one of the fires had burned a quarter-acre.

Active incident: 1/4 acre vegetation fire
w/b 210 at Lake Ave. Several engines, CHP and PPD on scene. Smoke visible for several miles. Traffic impacted.@PasadenaGov

— Pasadena Fire Dept. (@PasadenaFD) October 19, 2021

Smoke was visible for several miles and traffic in the area was impacted.

Pasadena Unveils Plaque Honoring Guitar Legend Eddie Van Halen

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 21:00:44 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — The city of Pasadena Monday unveiled a plaque at the Civic Auditorium honoring legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen a year after his death.

The plaque was unveiled in a private ceremony. City officials said although Van Halen’s family could not attend the event, they support the dedication.

The guitar icon, who died from cancer on Oct. 6 at age 65, attended school in Pasadena with his drum-playing older brother, Alex.

The band Van Halen performed more than a dozen shows at the Civic Auditorium before becoming a global icon.

Van Halen signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1977 after the company’s president attended one of their backyard gigs in Pasadena.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Bear Spotted Wandering Through Pasadena Neighborhood

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:05:26 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – A bear was wandering through a Pasadena neighborhood Monday morning.

The bear was first spotted in the 1100 block of North Robles Avenue sometime before 10:50 a.m.

Pasadena police were on scene. Officers were asking people to avoid the area if possible.

Bear sightings are a common occurrence in the San Gabriel Foothills, which includes parts of Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia and Duarte. The bears often wander south from the Angeles National Forest looking for food.

Pasadena Implements COVID Vaccine Mandate For Bars, Large Outdoor Events

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 16:28:38 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – The city of Pasadena is following suit with Los Angeles County by mandating people be vaccinated against COVID-19 or test negative in order to enter bars or attend mega-events.

Under the health order issued Monday, proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours will be required for customers and employees to enter bars and nightclubs.

The requirement applies to everyone ages 12 and older.

The same condition will be in place for anyone attending an event at a outdoor venue with 10,000 or more people, such as a football game at the Rose Bowl.

Beginning on Oct. 7, customers and employees either going to a bar or a large event will have to show proof of at least one dose of COVID-19, and full vaccination beginning on Nov. 4.

This falls exactly in line with the health order issued by the L.A. County Public Health Department earlier this month. The city of Pasadena has its own independent health department.

Pasadena has seen a slight uptick in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. According to the latest numbers, Pasadena has recorded a total of 13,179 cases and 361 deaths from the disease since the start of the pandemic.

94.8% of all Pasadena residents ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Bear Wanders Through Sierra Madre Neighborhood On Labor Day

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 14:20:50 +0000

SIERRA MADRE (CBSLA) – A bear was spotted meandering through a Sierra Madre neighborhood Monday afternoon.

A bear in the backyard of a home in Sierra Madre, Calif., on Sept. 7, 2021. (Credit: Michael Oliver/Twitter)

A resident posted cell phone video of the bear walking along a backyard fence in the 200 block of East Sierra Madre Boulevard.

Bear sightings are quite common in the San Gabriel foothill communities of Sierra Madre, Altadena, La Verne and Monrovia.

Forced to contend with drought conditions or sometimes wildfires in the Angeles National Forest, bears will travel south looking for food and water.

In August, a large bear was spotted on the property of a home in Pasadena, near Eaton Canyon.

Bears are also commonly spotted in the foothill neighborhoods of the Santa Susana Mountains, including Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. Also last month, a young bear was seen several times in a Simi Valley neighborhood.

Large Bear Spotted In Backyard Of Pasadena Home

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 20:26:01 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) — A large bear has been spotted at a home in Pasadena, not far from the Eaton Canyon area.

Pasadena police issued a warning at about 11:20 a.m. Friday that a bear had been spotted in the 3200 block of Mataro Street, near Santa Paula.

People were urged to avoid the area, and police said Fish & Game is en route to the area.

Sky 9 spotted the bear in the bed of a raised planter, underneath a large tree, in the backyard of a home.

The healthy, 300-pound bear was tranquilized by wildlife personnel after 1 p.m., according to Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. The bear, which may have been looking for food and water due to the drought,, will be taken back to its natural habitat in the foothills north of the area.

No one, including the bear, was injured.

Rose Bowl Installs Digital Seat Tags Ahead Of UCLA Football Season

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:05:34 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – Fans headed to UCLA football games at the iconic Rose Bowl this season will find a new feature when they get to their seats.

FILE — The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Getty Images)

The Rose Bowl has added digital tags to all 92,000 seats in the stadium. Each tag consists of a QR code that fans can scan with their smart phones to enter a UCLA digital seat fan portal.

The portal will include coupons, offers, Instagram filters, player stats and more, according to a news release from UCLA Rose Bowl Sports Properties, a marketing firm which represents the school.

The Rose Bowl is the first stadium in California to implement the technology, which was installed by Texas-based Digital Seat Media, according to the release.

“We are continually searching for new ways to enhance the overall fan experience at America’s Stadium and Digital Seat Tags does just that by providing engaging content and information instantly,” said Jens Weiden, chief revenue officer of the Rose Bowl Operating Company, in a statement. “Being the first stadium in California to implement this technology is exciting and we look forward to having it in place for the start of the UCLA Bruins football season, this fall.”

A QR code installed in a seat in the Rose Bowl. August 2021. (UCLA Rose Bowl Sports Properties)

Fans won’t have to wait long to try out the new feature. The UCLA Bruins kick off their season Aug. 28 with a home tilt against Hawaii.

Pasadena Approves Watering Restrictions Amid Drought

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:11:27 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA) – The city of Pasadena is implementing new watering restrictions amid a historic drought crisis which has gripped California.

The Pasadena City Council Monday unanimously approved a plan that only allows residents to water their yards twice per week.

Under the Level 2 Water Supply Shortage Plan, even numbered street addresses can only water on Mondays and Thursdays, while odd-number addresses can water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15%

“We are not looking for lawns to go brown,” Pasadena City Manager Steve Mermell said in a statement. “Often, overwatering occurs when the homeowner does not realize they had a broken sprinkler head or the duration of their watering is too long. We are hoping to educate customers that outdoor water use makes up more the majority of an average household’s water use. A good amount of water can be saved by replacing leaks, using efficient sprinkler heads, or installing drip irrigation.”

About 60% of Pasadena’s water supply comes from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), the largest wholesale supplier of water in Southern California. The MWD Board of Directors is meeting Tuesday to determine whether to declare a Water Supply Alert, which would call on its 19 million customers across six Southern California counties to voluntarily conserve.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entire Southland is either in the severe, extreme or exceptional drought categories.

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