Thursday, January 1, 2026

Supervisor Barger to Ride With Pasadena Mayor in Rose Parade, Citing City’s Civic Pride

Supervisor Kathryn Barger poses alongside Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo and hometown heroes at today’s press conference announcement. [Photo credit: Helen Chavez Garcia/L.A. County]

Mayor Gordo invited Supervisor Barger to ride with him and his family

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said she will participate in the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade by riding alongside Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo and his family.

In a written statement, Barger said it is “truly an honor to be part of a tradition that celebrates Pasadena and the people who make this community so special.”

She added that “the Rose Parade is more than a New Year’s Day event” and “reflects the strong civic pride that defines Pasadena.”

Barger highlighted “the volunteers who work year-round on the Tournament of Roses,” along with “the neighborhoods and small businesses that welcome the world every January,” saying “this community consistently shows up.”

“As a County Supervisor, participating in the parade is also about representing residents across Los Angeles County, particularly those who continue to move forward with resilience and determination,” she said.

“I am proud to stand alongside Mayor Gordo and others being recognized as Pasadena is showcased to millions around the world,” Barger said.

Joining the Mayor and the Supervisor will be Pasadena Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Zee, Vicente Ramirez, a longtime Pasadena resident and day laborer, Kenneth “Kenny” James, who currently is a Recreation Supervisor with the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, and Malcolm Thomas, a decades-long City of Pasadena employee who currently serves as an Information Technology Support Specialist.

The group will ride a 1937 American LaFrance Fire Engine, a remarkable piece of American firefighting history. Founded in 1903, the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company manufactured only eight engines of this model, today, just two are known to exist.