Pasadena Commission to Evaluate Options for Honoring R&B Group Troop

Pasadena’s Recreation and Parks Commission is set to review and recommend options for honoring Troop, a locally formed R&B group on Tuesday at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Public Works City Yards, 233 West Mountain St., Pasadena.

This action aims to recognize the band’s musical achievements and local ties in a way that educates the public about their contributions to Pasadena and the music industry.

The group had three number-one singles and 10 top-ten singles on the Billboard R&B Singles chart between 1988 and 1992 and three certified gold albums and one certified platinum album.

“Council expressed support for recognition of the R&B group in the City, advocating to honor Troop in a manner where people can learn about the group and their contributions, such as a plaque in a public setting,” according to a memo from Kris Markarian, Acting Director of Public Works.

The commission will consider four main options:

1. Renaming Dayton Street from Fair Oaks Avenue to Raymond Avenue as “Troop Way.” This location was chosen due to the group’s performances and practice sessions at nearby Central Park, as well as member Jon Jon Harreld’s ties to Friendship Church on Dayton Street.
2. Installing a plaque within Central Park near the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Dayton Street, commemorating Troop’s performances and practice sessions in the area.
3. Renaming a room at Robinson Park Recreation Center to “Troop Room,” acknowledging the group’s 35-year history of practicing at the center.
4. Installing a plaque on the exterior wall at the entrance to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, similar to the one honoring guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

The Dayton Street proposal received opposition from residents living nearby in the Castle Green.

Also, members of Jackie Robinson’s family have called on the City to name the dance room after Robinson’s mother Mallie. The family lived on Pepper Street, a few blocks away from the site of the recreation center long before the center was established.

The proposals originated from a September 2023 request by Keisha Wilkins, who has been advocating for Troop’s recognition.

Troop, initially named ‘Five of A Kind’, formed in Pasadena in 1984 and adopted the name Troop in 1988. The acronym stands for “Total Respect of Other People,” reflecting their commitment to positive values and community spirit. The group achieved significant success with three number-one singles and 10 top-ten singles on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. Two members, Jon Jon Harreld and Rodney Benford, remain current Pasadena residents, while Reggie Warren passed away in 2020.

The recognition process has involved multiple city departments, public hearings, and extensive community outreach.

For the Dayton Street renaming proposal and the Robinson Park Recreation Center room renaming option, notices were sent to property owners within a 1,000-foot radius. Public input was solicited through various channels, including social media and neighborhood associations. All comments received will be shared with the Commission and City Council members.

If plaque options are chosen, the specific design, size, material, and language will be determined later, with staff returning to the Commission for support of the design. The commission’s recommendations will be based on criteria including appropriateness, compatibility with existing use, aesthetics, maintenance, and safety.

This recognition effort aligns with Pasadena’s Public Monument Policy and Public Park and Recreational Facility Naming Policy, which establish guidelines for honoring individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the community.

The commission’s decision will lead to a final report to be presented to the City Council on October 21 for approval.