All Smiles

Some of our City Council members had a long night on Monday. Not only did they have a Council meeting that lasted until past midnight, but it was preceded by the swearing in of Pasadena's new Chief of Police, Phillip L. Sanchez.

I have a feeling they preferred the earlier event.

I won't go over the details of Chief Sanchez's career--feel free to click the link and read about him. I'll just tell you the atmosphere in the City Hall courtyard was festive Monday night. As I walked through on my way to the Council chamber, I watched Sanchez float from group to group, lifted by the high spirits around him. Everyone wanted to talk to him. Everyone wanted their picture taken with him. And everyone--everyone--was smiling.

On the second floor balcony I stopped to grab this shot of the Chief posing with a group of very young people--cadets? recruits?--too young to be officers yet, but well trained and excited to be in the man's presence.

A lot of hope greets Chief Sanchez. May he continue to sail on the buoyancy that surrounded him Monday night.

Update from Janet Pope Givens, Public Information Officer of the Pasadena Police Department:
"Today’s photo in the City Hall courtyard is with Pasadena Police Explorer Post 19. Indeed, too young to be officers, but very enthusiastic learners and workers. We have a total of 32 of these young people who attend an academy, and after graduating, volunteer and continue police tactical and operational training. They work hard and they play hard. Our lobby has a case of numerous trophies they’ve won over the years in interagency competitions. But in between the training and the working they, along with their police advisors, go on lots of group trips for enrichment, education and fun!"

Thanks to Ann Erdman, Pasadena PIO, for the Explorer link.