Pasadena Council Honors Early Childhood Task Force, First Tee Program at September Meeting

The Pasadena City Council applauded a number of community members and organizations at the top of Monday night’s meeting.

The city’s Early Childhood Development and Early Learning Task Force received formal recognition for securing $1.3 million from the Pasadena Community Foundation to assist daycare centers displaced by the Eaton Fire. Alex Hernandez, assistant to the city manager, called their commitment to early childhood education “engaged and passionate.”

Eva Rivera, newly appointed coordinator of the Office of the Young Child, announced the upcoming Celebration of the Young Child, scheduled for Saturday at Brookside Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., kicking off a week-long celebration across the city’s early learning sites.

Mayor Victor Gordo congratulated Rivera on her selection from “literally hundreds of applicants” and praised the task force’s “few hundred years of experience and dedication to our community.”

Vera Vignes, former superintendent and task force member, detailed the grant’s impact. The Eden Fire damaged or destroyed 57 percent of early childcare centers in Altadena, eliminating 472 of 840 available spaces.

“We had 59 applications for the grants. Forty-two were funded,” Vignes said, noting that 17 applicants face challenges finding suitable sites in Altadena.

The task force partnered with Pacific Oaks College as fiscal receiver, leading to additional funding. Pacific Oaks president Breeda McGrath worked with Save the Children Foundation to secure an additional $500,000.

Councilmember Tyron Hampton praised the work and referenced New Mexico’s universal childcare funding, suggesting the city explore similar initiatives for employees.

The council presented a proclamation declaring October as First Tee Greater Pasadena Month. Mark K. Holdsworth, second vice chair, accepted recognition for the organization, which has served more than 255,000 youth and families over 19 years through golf instruction and character education.

“At our core First Tee is about building character that lasts a lifetime,” Holdsworth said, citing their curriculum of nine core values that “equips kids with tools to navigate life’s challenges.”

Councilmember Cole recognized Bob Baderian, former city parks department employee who continues leading First Tee efforts, calling him “really a legend during his 30 years of tenure.”

The meeting featured community celebrations including Latino Heritage Month proclamation and breaking news that Pasadena advanced to the final round for bringing Levitt Pavilion back to Memorial Park, with final decision expected by November 18.

The Pasadena 100 Coalition celebrated National Solar Energy Day, presenting copies of “Here Comes the Sun” to city officials and recognizing residents Fred and Karen Law for their solar installation commitment.