Trump Supporters Stage Pasadena Rally, Caravan on Saturday

Dozens of supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered at Pasadena City Hall Saturday for what was billed as a ‘Freedom Rally and Caravan,” then paraded in flag- and banner-festooned vehicles along Colorado Boulevard.

Event organizers had originally hoped to hold the rally in a Rose Bowl parking lot but were told by city officials earlier this week that the parking lot was unavailable because of previously scheduled events. Instead, attendees met at City Hall.

Pasadena police ordered the closure of several merchandise booths and two food trucks due to lack of permits.

“The First Amendment gathering, they can continue to do that, ” said Lt. John Mercado of the Pasadena Police Department Event Planning/Counter Terrorism team at the time.

“However, as we had informed the event organizers weeks before, the ‘fair’ elements that they had advertised on their flyer, were not going to be allowed unless they pulled a permit.”

The event attracted at least two Republican Gubernatorial candidates—businessman Michael Grover Coltharp and cinematographer Erroll Weber. Both have declared their intent to seek the Republican nomination for governor for the November 2022 elections.

Weber was a previous candidate for the 37th Congressional District, long represented by Democrat Karen Bass.

Coltharp sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on various issues, as well as COVID vaccinations and the wearing of masks. 

Almost none of the participants at the rally wore masks or practiced social distancing. 

Following the City Hall gathering, at least two dozen vehicles formed an informal caravan through Old Pasadena, and then east and west along Colorado Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard and back again.  

While noisy at times, the caravan attracted relatively little attention or interaction with nearby motorists, pedestrians or diners in Old Pasadena.