Friday’s ‘NewsRap Local’ TV Show to Feature Guest Craig Washington, 2029 President of the Tournament of Roses

Pasadena Media’s local news talk show “NewsRap Local With Justin Chapman” continues at 5 p.m. Friday with featured guest Craig Washington, who will serve as the second African-American president of the Tournament of Roses Association in 2029.

Washington worked his way up the organization as a volunteer member since 2000, having served as chair of the Queen & Court, Equestrian, Student Ambassadors and Formation Area committees, as vice-chair of Decorating Places, Coronation, Kickoff and Tailgate committees, and as a member of the Tournament of Roses Foundation Board. He will provide leadership for the 140th Rose Parade and 115th Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, 2029. His daughter, Drew Washington, served as the second African-American Rose Queen in 2012.

Washington currently serves as a regional contract manager for Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., one of the largest technical services companies in the world. He was previously appointed by then-Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and City Councilmember John Kennedy to serve as chair of the Northwest Commission.

“The pandemic has impacted every Pasadena institution, including the Tournament of Roses,” said host Justin Chapman, a Pasadena-based journalist since 2005 who was recently nominated for two Los Angeles Press Club awards. “We’ll talk to future Tournament President Craig Washington about plans for this year’s Rose Parade and what the future holds for the Tournament of Roses.”

“NewsRap Local” launched in April and airs on the third Friday of every month on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and streaming apps, available on channel 99 on AT&T U-verse, channel 32 on Charter Spectrum, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Roku.

In each episode, Chapman provides analysis on local news, presents a “lightning round” of the month’s top stories and interviews a special guest or hosts a panel for a deep dive into an important issue facing the community. It is the only TV talk show that focuses exclusively on Pasadena news and politics.

“NewsRap Local” is written by Chapman, directed by Joshua Morales, produced by Chapman and Aaron Wheeler and executive produced by George Falardeau, CEO and executive director of Pasadena Media. The show is a spinoff from a former Pasadena Media weekly show called “NewsRap.” co-hosted by Pasadena Now Managing Editor Andre Coleman and Barry Gordon. 

Chapman is a freelance writer for Pasadena Now. 

“This is must-watch television each month for everyone who cares about this city,” Falardeau said.

Chapman is also the writer, host, producer and editor of the show “Well Read With Justin Chapman,” which also airs on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and streaming apps.

“Join me on the third Friday of every month at 5 p.m. for my analysis of Pasadena news and politics and to hear directly from community movers and shakers,” Chapman said.

Learn more at justindouglaschapman.com and pasadenamedia.org.