As the nation prepares to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the City of Pasadena has announced a number of closures affecting city services for the upcoming holiday. According to the city's official announcement, all non-essential city offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19.
However, in the words of the city's statement, "Pasadena Fire and Police Departments will continue to provide patrol, jail, fire, paramedic, and all other emergency services," ensuring that citizens still have access to essential public safety services during the holiday. Residents are reminded to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies that are life-threatening and should use the direct line (626) 744-4241 for non-emergencies, because, as always, "If You See Something, Say Something." The Police Department’s records section will be closed but will promptly reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The announcement also noted that the City Council will not be holding its meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day but is scheduled to reconvene on the following Monday, Jan. 26, residents and businesses dealing with power or water emergencies have dedicated contact numbers provided by the Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) - for power issues, the number to call is (626) 744-4673, and for water-related troubles, (626) 744-4138. Given the closures, PWP’s Customer Service Call Center will not operate, still, customers have the ability to access their accounts and make payments through automated phone systems or the PWP website.
City services pertinent to waste management will be maintained; collections for trash, recycling, and yard waste are to occur as scheduled without interruption. While metered parking throughout Pasadena will be free, and time limits lifted on the holiday, infractions like overnight parking, red curb parking, "No Parking" zones, and blocking fire hydrants remain enforceable offenses, this cessation from regular enforcement is but brief with the routine expected to resume come Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Public transportation will keep to a typical weekday schedule, with Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride buses operational throughout the day. Although community centers and libraries will be closed, outdoor spaces like parks will remain open, providing residents with spaces for reflection or recreation on this day of remembrance. Lastly, following the holiday, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) encourages all to continue protective health measures against respiratory viruses, which include masking, vaccination, and staying home if illness strikes - resuming its operation again on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
For the latest updates and information about city services, Pasadena residents are encouraged to stay connected through the city's website and social media channels or by contacting the City Service Center during their regular working hours.
