Local Lawmakers Respond to Cancellation of Rose Parade

In the wake of the announced cancellation of the Rose Parade for the first time since WWII this week, state lawmakers say they are saddened by the loss, but recognize the need to prioritize safety amid the spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

News that the 2021 Rose Parade would not take place on New Year’s Day disappointed not only fans of the colorful tradition, but countless local businesses that depend on the annual event to bring revenue into town.

The fate of the Rose Bowl football game is yet to be determined.

State Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Glendale, said the cancellation of the parade was unfortunate, but necessary.

“Let’s be clear, no one wants to shut down our lives, our communities, our schools, our businesses or our institutions,” he said. “Sadly, the move to cancel the Rose Parade confirmed what most Americans have comprehended since March: We are in unprecedented time with an aggressive virus that warrants strong and aggressive action to protect our communities.”

Cooperation between local, county, state and federal officials is now more vital than ever, particularly with respect to testing capabilities and contact tracing, Portantino said.

“Unfortunately, the federal government’s inaction and consistent denial have hurt those efforts,” the senator said. “We have the capacity to turn back the tide, but we must embrace wearing masks and social distance.  These are not partisan or political; they are common sense efforts that we know work. The fastest way to reopen our economy is to aggressively combat the virus, not hope it just goes away on its own and not put our communities at further risk.  If we had followed the science from the beginning our businesses would be open and our friends and neighbors would be back to work.”

U.S. Rep Judy Chu, D-27, also said she was also disappointed by the cancellation of the Rose Parade, but lives are at stake.

“Like so many in our area, I look forward to the Rose Parade every year. But the cancellation of the Rose Parade – while necessary to save lives and contain the spread of coronavirus – is just the latest heart breaking economic consequence of this pandemic,” she said.

“The impact of the Trump administration’s slow response to this crisis has been felt not only by the Rose Parade, but by millions of businesses and their employees in our region and around the country,” Chu said.

While social distancing measures are the only way of stamping out the novel coronavirus, she said. “But businesses should not be expected to shoulder this burden alone.”

“That is why I have supported expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program, which helps businesses keep workers paid, while also calling for more SBA lending and investment capital to our underserved communities,” according to Chu, adding she also supported the Heroes Act, meant to extend supplemental unemployment insurance.

“I am confident that with proper social distancing and testing, we can finally defeat this virus and ultimately return to normal, Chu said. “But only if we take the necessary precautions now, and provide the support to workers and families to allow them to make it through this pandemic.”

State Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, said he will also miss the parade and recognized the economic fallout of its absence for Pasadena and Southern California.

“It’s a shame the Rose Parade is cancelled, but the health and safety concerns are real,” he said. “The cancellation will surely have an economic impact on small businesses and the community at large who are already suffering.”

“The Rose Parade provided us a way to celebrate the start of a new year with the feeling of harmony and unity in the world,” Holden said. “It’s up to us to carry on the spirit of the parade into our daily lives. The message behind the Rose Parade’s themes ‘The Power of Hope’ and ‘Dream. Believe. Achieve’ can help us not only survive the pandemic, but come out on the other side thriving.”