During the last month, the city council managed through another tough fiscal year by balancing another budget that reflected cuts to the operation of the city. And yet, notwithstanding the pinch city government is feeling, we still celebrate!

The city's 125th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Pasadena's rich and diverse history, celebrating the contributions of its people, events and struggles.  

We set the stage for revising the General Plan, with community workshops and surveys designed to measure how residents feel about growth and development in our fair city. Jobs, housing, traffic, parks and open space are a few areas where the community shared their vision.

Celebrations continue throughout the summer with block parties (Villa Esperanza's 50th Anniversary and District 3-Jackson Street), Levitt Pavilion's free summer concerts and a variety of outdoor events in the Playhouse and Old Pasadena districts.

On a personal note, as some of you may have heard, I have decided to run for the State Assembly.  Anthony Portantino is termed-out and we await the new district line configurations.  

Yet I am encouraged that the district will retain a significant clustering of cities that have shared interest with Pasadena, and I look forward to the opportunity this presents to serve you in Sacramento. Since the election cycle would be in 2012, there is time to visit and engage on topics that matter to you.

Also, Melanie and I had two high school graduates this year with Nicholas and Noah finishing at Pasadena High School. They are on their way to University of Puget Sound and University of Pittsburg respectively.

Wow!  Time flies. Our vacation this summer will be shuttling the boys to college. I'll share the experience with you in the next newsletter.   

Finally, for the first time I will insert a vintage Chris Holden photo section, for no other reason than it's kind of cool and I can reminisce about having hair on my head.

Blog your comments and enjoy the summer!  

All the Best,

Chris Holden  Chrisholdenblog.com 
   

This year marks the 12th annual Jackson Street celebration. As usual, the Pasadena Firefighters will be grilling hot dogs and Robin's Wood Fire Grill will provide lemonade to attendees free of charge. City departments will be on hand as well as nonprofit organizations and community-based groups. The giant dragon slide returns, as will the children's interactive puppet show.

New activities include a classic car show with a NASCAR racing car for the community to enjoy.

Joining them were their art teachers and district art coordinators, along with many of the students' proud parents.

This is the fourth year the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority has invited high school students in grades 9 to 12 to enter the Bob Hope Airport Tower Banner Art Contest. Each year, the Airport Authority chooses a different aviation theme for the contest. This year's theme was "Up and Away."

The winning artwork from each school district is displayed on the façade of the Bob Hope Airport terminal tower for a period of approximately three months. The winning entries are rotated among Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena schools.

Burbank's winning banner, created by 11th grader Jasmine Flores from John Burroughs High School, will be the first to be displayed on the tower beginning in September.

Glendale Unified School District's winning banner, created by 12th grader Christina Padilla from Crescenta Valley High School, will be displayed starting January 2012.

Pasadena Unified School District's winning banner, created by 11th grader Hannah Baldwin from Pasadena High School, will be displayed beginning April 2012.