Assemblymember Holden’s Final Block Party Marks End of Era in 41st District

As Assemblymember Chris Holden prepares to leave office in November, he will host his final Community Resource Fair and Block Party on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. The four-hour event, held in Pasadena, marks the culmination of Holden’s years of service to California’s 41st Assembly District.

The fair, which has been held for more than 25 years with some interruptions due to the pandemic, has grown from a local city council initiative into a sprawling District-wide celebration. It will feature around 50 resource booths, offering residents access to essential state, County, and local services.

“I started the block party and resource fair when I was a member of the Pasadena City Council,” Holden said. “I decided that I would have an event that would be fun, but also educational.”

The event has evolved significantly over the years. Holden recalled early fairs featuring a giant water slide, with the fire department connecting a hose to a hydrant, attracting both children and adults.

The fair, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 500 block of Jackson Street in Pasadena, attracts over a thousand attendees every year. It will offer free food, drinks, and activities for children, alongside valuable community resources.

Congresswoman Judy Chu has been a consistent supporter, attending every year to greet the crowd. Long-standing community partnerships, such as with Robin’s Wood Fire Grill providing lemonade, have been integral to the event’s success.

This year’s event will showcase a range of services, from job applications with local supermarkets to health checkups provided by Kaiser Permanente. The Pasadena Humane Society will offer pet adoptions, while the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will share information about space programs. Other participants include the Rose Bowl, Pasadena Water and Power, and various educational institutions.

Additional activities include a classic car show, live entertainment, and a bicycle helmet giveaway by the Highway Patrol. The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will continue its tradition of backpack giveaways for students starting school.

A highlight of the fair will be the expanded scholarship program. Holden said.

“This year we’re giving them more in scholarship money. There’ll be four $5,000 scholarships.” He said this year additional $1,000 and $500 scholarships will be awarded to high-achieving students.

The event also recognizes local scholars, sponsors, and community achievers. “It just sort of encapsulates family and community. It has just been a wonderful time,” Holden said, reflecting on past fairs.

Planning for the event typically starts in January or February each year, underlining the significant effort that goes into its organization.

As his term concludes, Holden reflected on his service. 

“It has been an amazing opportunity for me to represent a great District with really engaged communities,” he said. “Even though I may not have the title, I’ll still be around to help.”