Law Enforcement in Pasadena Reacts to a Parade- and Game-Less New Year’s Day

Pasadena police expect to be spending a much less frenetic New Year’s Eve and Day in Pasadena without the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game and its massive crowds, a department spokesperson said Thursday.

The number of officers to be deployed both days is significantly less than in recent years due to the COVID-19 closures of the two signature events.

The cancellation of the twin events also means that federal security measures, which typically prompt the convergence of about 1,000 federal agents on Pasadena, won’t be put in place this week, either, and neither will the usual deployment of hundreds of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies.

“We are going to do our normal patrol deployment,” Pasadena police Lt. William Grisafe said. “And then in addition to that, we will be staffing extra deployment for any New Year’s-related calls for service.”

Grisafe said the additional deployment will ramp up Thursday afternoon and continue throughout New Year’s Day.

Police are aware of several Rose Parade-inspired motorcades planned for Colorado Boulevard by different organizations and causes and will be monitoring those, he said.

The department’s ongoing holiday DUI crackdown campaign, which began Dec. 14, is also continuing through New Year’s Day, police said.

Police urged residents to enjoy safe New Years’ celebrations and have reminded residents that celebrations involving fireworks or firearms are both illegal and dangerous.

“Enjoy the holiday at home. Enjoy the Rose Bowl game, even though it’s not being played here in Pasadena, unfortunately,” Grisafe said. “Don’t gather, follow the CDC and the governor’s orders regarding gatherings and have a safe new year.”