The annual Block Party and Resource Fair by former Assemblyman Chris Holden returns Saturday, continuing a nearly 30-year community tradition with special significance this year as it brings together residents from Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.
The Aug. 1 free event — from 3 to 7 p.m. in Pasadena on the 500 Block of East Jackson Street, between Los Robles and El Molino avenues — aims to provide both celebration and crucial resources for recovery, organizers said.
“This Block Party has always been about neighbors taking care of neighbors, but this year it means even more,” said Holden, a Democrat who represented Pasadena and other communities in the 41st Assembly District and currently is CEO of LA Fire Justice. “After everything our community has been through with the Eaton Fire, this event is our chance to come together, celebrate our resilience, and connect people with the resources they need to rebuild.”
The Block Party, hosted by KBLA’s James Farr, will feature:
- Special performance by Jon B — multiplatinum, Grammy-nominated R&B artist and Pasadena native, known for hits including “Someone to Love” with Babyface,“They Don’t Know” and “Are U Still Down” featuring Tupac Shakur;
- Food truck vendors;
- Local mariachi performance;
- Kids zone with jumper, games, and activities;
- The Humane Society with adoptable pets;
- Local Altadena and Pasadena vendors selling clothes, candles, oil paintings, handmade art pieces, accessories and more;
- Information from LA Fire Justice for Eaton Fire Survivors;
- Local elected officials, including Congresswoman Judy Chu; and
- Over 60 resource tables staffed with experts, disseminating information from state, county, and local organizations.
Special additions provide support businesses and residents impacted by the Eaton Fire including:
- A farmers market zone featuring local farmers and merchants;
- A rebuild zone with resources and information for fire recovery;
- A wellness area with mental and physical health support; and
- A mobile health clinic will be on-site offering medical services.
The Block Party will showcase dozens of local small businesses and community organizations, emphasizing support for enterprises affected by the Eaton Fire. Participating vendors include:
- Community organizations — Altadena Farmers Market, Shepherds Door, Altadena Historical Society, Project Passion, YWCA San Gabriel and California Botanic Garden;
- Construction and recovery — TR Construction LLC, Bridgeline Construction, United Policyholders and City First Bank;
- Local artists Keni Arts, Alta Art Collective and Heather C Morrow Photography; and
- Chris Holden, former Pasadena mayor, city councilman and state assemblyman who has sponsored the event for nearly three decades. He currently is CEO of LA Fire Justice.
