Pasadena Public Works Department Honored by Glendora High School AVID Students

Glendora High School’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) juniors visited Pasadena City Hall on May 20 to recognize the Public Works Department for their exceptional service during the Eaton Fire.

The event featured student speeches and the presentation of custom coffee mugs filled with gifts as tokens of appreciation for the department’s crisis response efforts.

During the Eaton Fire and windstorm emergency, Pasadena Public Works employees demonstrated remarkable dedication by helping evacuate residents, clearing debris, and supporting displaced individuals. They maintained essential services throughout the crisis while ensuring public safety. Their calm, coordinated response proved vital to the city’s ability to navigate the emergency and initiate swift recovery efforts.

The ceremony took place on the front steps of City Hall, where AVID students delivered heartfelt speeches to the assembled Public Works staff. Fellow students listened attentively during the presentations, creating a moment that celebrated community, leadership, and appreciation.

Following the formal recognition, students engaged in conversations with Public Works employees, learning firsthand about their roles, responsibilities, and personal stories. These exchanges emphasized the real-world impact of public service and potentially inspired students to consider careers in civic leadership and emergency response.

Greg de Vinck, Director of Pasadena’s Public Works department, explained the event was supported by Chick-fil-A and school staff, and shared that these students have been deeply involved in community service projects, and their visit served as both a gesture of gratitude and a powerful learning experience.