Saturday, December 20, 2025

Police Warn of Zero-Tolerance Approach as Security Tightens for 137th Rose Parade

“The folks that formerly used to throw tortillas at cars, that’s a no-no this year,” Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris warned, setting a zero-tolerance tone for the January 1 137th Rose Parade that will see hundreds of officers deployed along and near the parade route.

“No shenanigans. We have zero tolerance for people coming to ruin the parade,” Harris said at a Dec. 18 press conference at Tournament House, where city and Tournament of Roses leaders outlined new security measures for the Jan. 1, 2026 parade and the 112th Rose Bowl Game.

Observation towers, Meridian barriers, air assets, perimeter security, and officers in both visible and non-visible deployments will ring the parade route, officials said, referencing lessons learned from over the years and studies of protecting crowds at large public events.

“Every corner of what we’re doing out here [will be] evaluated, looked at, making sure we provide a safe environment,” Harris said, noting that local, state, and federal partners will join Pasadena officers throughout the event.

“There’ll be hundreds of officers out here during the entire event, before, during, and after,” one official said.

Colorado Boulevard will close at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31—earlier than in past years—and will not reopen until 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Federal drone restrictions and a Temporary Flight Restriction remain in effect, with penalties including fines, arrest, and imprisonment.

Harris urged the public to use the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign and provided emergency contacts: call 911 for emergencies or the Pasadena Police business line at (626) 744-4241 for non-emergencies.

Tournament of Roses representatives announced a clear bag policy for all public events, including decorating venues, Equestfest, Bandfest, Rose Parade grandstands, the Rose Bowl Game, and Float Fest.

“Our number one priority is the safety and security of all of our guests, our participants, our volunteers, staff, and others who play a part in the success of our events,” a Tournament official said.

Prohibited items include tents, sofas, ladders, scaffolding, unoccupied chairs, fireworks, and unpermitted vending. Pets are not recommended along the parade route; only official, certified, and properly identified service animals are recommended.

Smoking, including cannabis and vaping, is prohibited under Pasadena Municipal Code 8.78.071(A)4.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin urged overnight campers to prepare for cold temperatures and reminded them that bonfires are illegal.

“Bonfires are considered illegal burns in Pasadena and are not allowed,” Augustin said, adding that small, elevated barbecues are permitted with safety precautions.

“Pasadena Fire sees nearly double 911 emergency calls for service on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day,” Augustin said, citing alcohol, hypothermia, and illegal burns as common emergencies.

Rose Bowl Stadium CEO Jens Weiden highlighted operational changes for the game.

“One important item about the game this year is it’s actually an hour earlier,” Weiden said. Parking will open at 4 a.m., Fan Fest at 8 a.m., and stadium gates at 10:30 a.m., with pregame festivities at noon.

Mayor Victor Gordo framed the parade as a symbol of resilience.

“This year’s theme is the magic of teamwork, and that’s what sustained us this year,” Gordo said. “We’re still building back both emotionally and physically… Come out, celebrate, be safe, and be part of our teamwork here in Pasadena.”

City and Tournament leaders stressed that the measures are designed to keep the event “safe and orderly” for hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to attend Pasadena’s signature New Year’s Day traditions.