Guest Opinion | Mayor Victor Gordo: Updates and Happenings

I hope this message finds you well and healthy, with your New Year off to a great start!

As 2024 gets underway, I wanted to share with you a few upcoming important happenings this month.

On Tuesday, January 9, at 3 p.m., the Pasadena Human Relations Commission will unveil the installation of two plaques, one at 33 W. Green St. and the second on Fair Oaks Ave. near Colorado Blvd., correcting the inaccuracies of the events leading up to the Yuen Kee’s laundry fire in 1885, a violent incident 138 years ago that destroyed portions of our city’s Chinese district. The plaque is dedicated to the memory of the laundry and the early Chinese settlers of Pasadena who helped build railroads, labored on the citrus and grape farms, and established successful businesses.

This coming Saturday, January 13 at 10 a.m., we will celebrate the grand opening and dedication of the Washington Park Community House. This new community space has been a long time coming, due in large part to the tireless efforts of the Friends of Washington Park and surrounding neighbors, and we can’t wait for our residents of all ages to enjoy the recently completed facility and all it will offer.

The following week we will honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 15, at 8:30 a.m. with the Pasadena Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coalition celebration at Robinson Park Recreation Center. Join in the celebration and keep Dr. King’s dream alive!

On January 23 and 24, the Pasadena Partnership, together with several of our city departments and community partners, will conduct the 2024 Point In Time Count to help count and administer a survey to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Finally, during this month, Pasadena Water and Power will begin a year-long water main replacement project on North Fair Oaks Avenue between Montana Street and Washington Boulevard.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your concerns, questions, or suggestions.