Mayor Gordo Officially Opens Holiday Season in Pasadena With City Hall Tree Lighting

Mayor Victor Gordo led the lighting of Pasadena’s giant holiday tree in the City Hall rotunda on Friday night, his first-ever time officiating as festivities return after a year of pandemic-induced cancellations.

Joining Gordo in officially opening the holiday season in Pasadena was his wife Kelly and his children, Michael and Emma.

“To everyone, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of me and my family.”

“We hope to see you all on January 1st at the Rose Parade and also at the Rose Bowl game,” Gordo said after the lights on the trees were lit.

Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Andy Wilson and Councilmembers Tyron Hampton and Gene Masuda.

Fire Chief Chad Augustin also joined the holiday event, along with Pasadena firefighters collecting donations of new unwrapped toys, sports equipment and gift cards for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive.

During the ceremony, the public was entertained by Elements Dance Space and 10-year-old Anderson Mathis of Polytechnic School, who sang ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘This Christmas.’

The ceremony was emceed as it has been in recent years by retired police lieutenant Rodney D. Wallace and retired sergeant Glenn Thompson.

Public Works Crew Supervisor Earl Charles, who has been in charge of decorating the city’s tree for 32 years, said it took two days for the crew to decorate this year’s tree, which stands 23 feet tall.

The tree was ordered by the city several months ago and came all the way from Oregon, according to city Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian.

Derderian said the tree will be displayed in front of the city hall for a few weeks during the holiday season.

“We encourage people to come by, take a picture, bring the kids, bring the family because we’re making up for the last few years where we have not been able to celebrate the way Pasadena typically does,” Derderian said.