Kennedy’s Legacy Continues in Pasadena

Continuing the legacy set by the late Councilmember John J. Kennedy, who passed away in 2022, Councilmember Tyron Hampton led this year’s annual community turkey giveaway at La Pintoresca Park in Pasadena on Friday.

Accompanied by the sounds of The JazzTones, dozens of volunteers from across Pasadena, helped unload trucks and stuff bags with frozen turkeys, along with bags of canned pumpkin, along with cans of corn, green beans, mashed potato mix, and gravy.

“I remember when we first did this at Kings Village in 2013,“ said Hampton. “There was no music. We were just in the community room at Kings Village, and there were just a lot of people and a lot of turkeys. When John passed away, the torch was passed, and I was there to pick it up.”

Hundreds of local residents– children and families — lined up in the park for the turkey dinners.

Said a grateful Maria Ortega de Soto, through her daughter, “This is great. We are working, but of course, it’s not enough these days. We appreciate the help.”

Along with Councilmember Hampton, the event was co-sponsored by the office of Mayor Victor Gordo, and the office of Vice-Mayor Steve Madison, and the offices of Councilmember-elect Rick Cole and Councilmember Jess Rivas, along with scores of community partners, including Kaiser Permanente and Charter School.