Good Cheer, Good Advice at Sunday Community Meeting

It was an evening of good cheer, safety advice for people and pets, Christmas caroling, hot dogs and tacos, as hundreds of District 3 residents and friends joined together for a community meeting and holiday gathering with Councilmember John Kennedy Sunday evening at the Pasadena Central Library.

“This is really just a community event to say ‘thank you’ to our community, and to make sure we have a festive event, bring neighbors together, the children, families, and the people who make up District 3 and beyond,” said Kennedy.

“We also invited anyone who visits the library to this event,” Kennedy added.

As some strolled through the library’s main hall, perusing books and listening to music performers, Councilmember Kennedy combined practical information with the spirit of the season as he discussed the district’s latest accomplishments, and introduced staff from Pasadena Fire Department Station 38, who discussed holiday tree safety.

“Make sure your Christmas gifts don’t become gifts for the wrong person,” added Pasadena Police Lieutenant John Mercado, as he explained the importance of being vigilant during the holiday season.

“Don’t leave brightly wrapped packages in your parked car where thieves can spot them,” Mercado reminded the audience. “And don’t park your car away from other cars in a dark corner. Park closer to the cars in the lot. Don’t make it easier for your car to be broken into.”

“As always,” added Mercado, “If you see something, say something, no matter the season.”

Julie Bank, President/Ceo of the Pasadena Humane Society, brought along “Robby,” one of the group’s “therapy” dogs, one of several who spend the holidays visiting shut-ins, hospital patients and senior home residents and people in senior homes and working the magic that only pets can do.

Bank also explained the importance of preparing your home for the presence of pets during the holidays, “just like you would for guests.”

“If you have a kitty, one of their favorite things is to climb the Christmas tree, and if you don’t have it bolted down in some way, that tree can come down and not only hurt you, but also hurt your pets.” Bank also reminded residents to be careful with not only ornaments in and around the tree, but food as well.

“A bone might be fun for them to chew,” she said, “but it can get caught in their throats and you’re in an emergency room in the middle of the night.”
Bank also reminded residents and pet owners of the dangers of holiday mainstays like Poinsettia and chocolate, which can both be dangerous for dogs. “Keep those away from your animals.”

In addition, said Bank, provide a safe quiet place for animals during parties, which can be disconcerting and confusing for pets.

“Give them a calm place with water, a pillow and maybe some music,” she said, so that a noisy party is a fun experience for all, and not an upsetting one for Little Binky and Mr. Pickle.

Reviewing the past year, as he looks forward to an unopposed upcoming election, Kennedy said, “We’ve had major accomplishments this past year. Sixty-nine new units of affordable housing at Orange Grove and Fair Oaks, we’ve started the $10 million-plus renovation of Robinson Park, and we are also starting to talk about the second phase or affordable housing at Orange Grove and Fair Oaks, near the current location of Church’s Chicken restaurant.”

Kennedy also talked about the work done in the past year towards equitable pay for police and fire department members as well as police equipment. He also alluded to the discussions surrounding the protocol for the new police body-worn cameras, and expressed a desire to put discussion of that policy on the City Council agenda in the upcoming year.

And then everyone sang Christmas carols.