City Council Honors Departing State Leaders, Announces Veterans Day Tribute

[Updated] In a series of ceremonial tributes Monday night, the Pasadena City Council recognized two state legislators concluding their final presentations to the Council, and also announced plans to honor military veterans next month.

The Council chamber turned reflective as both State Senator Anthony Portantino and Assemblymember Chris Holden, who have represented Pasadena for a combined 26 years in Sacramento, delivered farewell addresses highlighting their legislative achievements.

“It truly has been an honor to have represented Pasadena, both in the State Assembly and now in the State Senate. It’ll be 14 years total time that I’ve represented this great city,” Portantino said, detailing his work on education policy, gun safety legislation, and the 710 freeway relinquishment.

Portantino secured substantial funding for local institutions, including $40 million for the Pasadena City College Armen Sarafian building, $3.5 million for Arroyo Seco, $20 million for Carnegie Sciences, $23 million for a housing trust, and $1 million for the One Arroyo project. 

His legacy includes recognition of local nonprofits like Arlington Garden, Friends Indeed, and The Sycamores, as well as businesses including the Luke Walker Barbershop, and Paper Rice.

Holden, concluding 12 years in the Assembly after previously serving 24 years on the Pasadena City Council (including service as Mayor) outlined his successful efforts securing over $19 million for city institutions. The funding included $3 million for Rose Bowl gas and water infrastructure, $9 million for Pasadena City Library seismic retrofit, $2.6 million for Pasadena Playhouse HVAC upgrades, $1 million for a Gold Line study, and $3.5 million for Arroyo Seco Watershed restoration.

“Serving in the California State Assembly has been one of the most exhilarating, impactful and innovative endeavors I could have ever imagined,” said Holden, who has authored over 100 bills signed by Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom. He secured $500 million for the Gold Line extension from Pomona to Montclair and championed dual enrollment programs now showing success at John Muir High School.

In a touching tribute, Holden, who resides in Pasadena near Mayor Victor Gordo, recognized four former Pasadena City Managers — Don McIntyre, Cynthia Kurtz, Phil Hawkey, and Michael Beck — for their combined three decades of service to the City. The four were City Managers during Holden’s tenure on the Council.

Both departing legislators received formal recognitions from the Council, including framed presentations and commemorative photos with current and former City officials.

The Council announced it will commemorate Veterans Day at its annual ceremony on November 11 at 10:30 a.m. on the steps of City Hall. 

This year’s observance will include a special tribute to the Second Battalion, 23rd Division Marines, who are preparing for a year-long deployment. Colonel Juan Mora, Chief of Staff of the 40th Infantry Division, will deliver the keynote address alongside Army veteran James Zenner, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. 

A flyover will punctuate the ceremony at precisely 11:11 a.m.