Terry Tornek Flips Switch at City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Presiding Over His Final Annual Tradition as Mayor

In his penultimate public act before leaving office, Mayor Terry Tornek Friday presided over the lighting of the 2020 Pasadena Holiday Tree at City Hall.

Before a small, socially distanced group of media, city staffers, family and friends, Tornek lamented the fact that residents and community members could not gather for the ceremony because of the current pandemic. 

“But,” said Tornek in his address, “Even though we can’t do those things, that doesn’t mean we have to abandon our traditions. In fact, I think in some ways, I think it’s more important than ever to try and maintain these really important traditions, so for all of you who are thinking about the holidays, we can still appreciate our families, but we have to do things differently, so we can be around to celebrate future holidays to come.”

With that, the mayor led a countdown, and the 25-foot White Fir tree from Jones Farm in Oregon was lit up with hundreds of tiny bulbs and oversized ornaments. 

The tree was delivered to the city on November 30 and decorated by City crews just a few days before the ceremony in the City Hall rotunda.

Following the lighting, Mayor Tornek talked about the end of his 5 1/2 year term as Pasadena’s mayor.

“This is a very nice way to have my last ceremonial event. It’s a joyous one, but of course it is bittersweet,” he said. “This is the last time I’ll get to do this, and of course, it’s not done with the usual array of kids having a great time, and their parents being proud of them.” 

Looking back, Tornek said, “For me, it has been such a privilege to be mayor for these five-and-a half-years. While I’m disappointed about not being able to continue, I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I have had.” 

“I tried to do my best, and this is a great way to go out.”