State of the City 2011

On Thursday evening, Mayor Bill Bogaard gave his State of the City report at Paseo Colorado's ArcLight Cinemas.

Hundreds of people came and gathered in the lobby prior to doors of Theater 9 being swung open for the proceedings.

Councilwoman Margaret McAustin came prepared for special effects!


The theater filled up quickly:


Vice Mayor Victor Gordo served as master of ceremonies:


The Blair High School JROTC presented the colors:


Mayor Bogaard is pleased every year to spotlight a local arts organization. This year it was Lineage Dance:


Before he began making his official remarks, Mayor Bogaard made a nice tribute to City Councilman Steve Haderlein, who received a standing ovation. After 12 years of service on the council, he decided not to seek re-election.



Mayor Bogaard also introduced Pasadena's new director of planning, Vince Bertoni.

Then it was on to the speech, the text of which you'll find here.


Mayor Bogaard reminded everyone that although there are enormous challenges, which he discussed openly, there are plenty of accomplishments to be proud of and it’s important to keep this in perspective.

By golly, he’s right.

Our Name in Lights

Last night was Mayor Bill Bogaard's State of the City event in the ArcLight Theaters at Paseo Colorado.

How fun it was to see the event on the theater's marquee!

Our Visit to San Rafael School

Mayor Bill Bogaard and I spoke to fourth, fifth and sixth graders at San Rafael Elementary School on Wednesday. We showed them a video that was played at the State of the City event and talked about our respective roles with the City of Pasadena.


Mayor Bogaard answered questions from several individual students. They asked great questions, such as how old does one have to be to run for mayor, where did you go to elementary school, and how much time do you get to spend with your family. That's San Rafael Principal Alyson Beecher on the left.


We ended the program by asking some questions of our own, which I'll ask you now.

1. In what year did Pasadena begin operating as a city?

2. How many people live in Pasadena?

3. How many students attend public schools in Pasadena?

4. How many city libraries are in Pasadena?

5. Characters from what famous story are carved into the fireplace in the Children’s Room at Pasadena Central Library?

6. How many city parks are in Pasadena?

7. How much money does your city government spend every year?

8. In what nations does Pasadena have sister cities?

9. What do you like most about Pasadena?

10. What is your favorite place to go in Pasadena?

The person with the most correct answers submitted the soonest via comment on this blog will win a fabulous prize!

Mystery History will return on Tuesday of next week.