Earvin "Magic" Johnson is this year's Grand Marshal for the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena. We have tips on making the most of the parade in person.
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Damian Dovarganes
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Topline:
The Rose Parade is right around the corner, and thousands of people are already preparing to flock to Pasadena for the New Year’s Day festivities. One curveball: It seems likely to be the first rained-on parade in 20 years.
Why it matters: Whether you’ll be camping out the night before, or heading over with blankets in tow in the early morning hours, here’s what you need to know this year.
Why now: In its 137th year, the parade theme is “The Magic in Teamwork," and with a theme like that there's only one choice for Grand Marshal: Laker icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. sharp.
Read more ...about parking, public transit, tickets, and so much more.
The Rose Parade is right around the corner, and thousands of people are already preparing to flock to Pasadena for the New Year’s Day festivities.
In its 137th year, the parade theme is “The Magic in Teamwork,” with Laker icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson as the Grand Marshal. It kicks off at 8 a.m.
Whether you’ll be camping out the night before, or heading over with blankets in tow in the early morning hours, keep in mind that the weather is currently forecast to be rainy. Yes, that's rare. It will be the first wet parade in 20 years, before that it had been 50 years since the last rainy parade day.
Here’s what you need to know this year.
Parade details and closures
The Rose Parade route lasts two hours, with its 5.5-mile journey starting at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard.
The floats, bands, and horses will head north along Orange Grove at a slow but steady 2.5 mph pace before turning east onto Colorado Boulevard for a majority of the show. It’ll then head north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard, wrapping up at Villa Street.
Police and city officials will start closing off part of the route to cars as early as 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, through 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.
That includes Colorado Boulevard from Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard, and Sierra Madre Boulevard to Paloma Street. So if you’ll be hosting viewing parties or are overdue for a delivery, Tournament of Roses officials recommend telling everyone to arrive before the closures kick in Wednesday night.
Unless you have a need to be in the area during the parade, you might want to avoid this stretch of the city until it's all over.
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If you’ll need to drive to or through the downtown Pasadena area, you can use:
Walnut Street or the 210 Freeway for east-west travel north of Colorado Boulevard
Del Mar Boulevard or Cordova Street for east-west travel south of Colorado Boulevard
There will be limited crossing for north-south travel during the closure (see map for details)
Please note: There will be a 5K race at midnight to celebrate the New Year from Pasadena Avenue to Hill Street. Several intersections will close to cross traffic at 11 p.m. Dec. 31 and re-open at the end of the race event at about 2 a.m., including Pasadena, Fair Oaks, and Marengo avenues (see full list on map.)
Tickets
You can still snag grandstand tickets — we found ones from $80 to $130, depending on where you want to sit. You’ll need to have your ticket handy.
The Rose Parade of 2022 represented a long-awaited return to Pasadena's New Year’s tradition.
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Alborz Kamalizad
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The parade is scheduled to begin promptly at 8 a.m. Organizers recommend that ticketholders aim to be seated by 7 a.m. In order to do that, you should plan to arrive in the area by at least 6 a.m. to give yourself plenty of time to work through the crowds and traffic.
Note that there is a "clear bags only" policy in place for grandstand seating at the Rose Parade, the Rose Bowl game and several other events. You can find details here.
Curbside seating and camping
Curbside seating is free, and lots of people will set up shop and camp overnight, which is only allowed on Dec. 31. If you’ll be bringing your kids or teens along, they need to be with an adult during the overnight hours.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the parade without paying for seating. You just need to plan. And plan to arrive early!
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You can grab your sidewalk spot starting at noon Dec. 31, but all your blankets and chairs have to stay on the curb until 11 p.m., at which point you’ll be able to move up a bit closer to the blue “honor-line.” Tents, sofas, unoccupied chairs, and boxes that can be used as stools or seats are not allowed along the route.
You can warm up with a small elevated barbecue, but it needs to be away from buildings and you have to have a fire extinguisher available. Bonfires and fireworks are banned, period.
Most importantly, don’t forget to drink water and dress for cool temps and the possibility of rain. (You can always sit on that extra jacket).
Given the weather conditions, it's important to note that the rules call for no umbrellas. The City of Pasadena advisers parade goers to use rain jackets and ponchos, which they optimistically describe as "a great alternative so everyone can enjoy the show!"
Pasadena city officials are reminding people than umbrellas are not allowed along the Rose Parade route ahead of a forecast of rain on the parade for the first time in 20 years.
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LAist's Sharon McNary, a longtime Pasadena resident who has offered great tips on making the most of the parade in the past, points out this might be a very popular year for what she calls "The People’s Grandstand.”
That said, Sharon notes "it’s kind of a locals-only institution. Fans create their own little wooden seats that fit nicely into the notches in the stones lining the sloped wall of the 210 Freeway overpass over Sierra Madre Blvd. In the rare rainy year, they have shelter, and in the more typical warm years, they have shade. And they get to view the spectacle of the taller floats folding themselves down to fit under the overpass and opening back up on the other side."
Local craftspeople make small wooden seats that fit in the mortar notches in the sloped wall under a the 210 Freeway overpass at Sierra Madre Blvd.
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Sharon McNary
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Parking
There is no parking allowed on the parade route, but you can purchase reserved spots. Pasadena recommendations include Sharp Seating, the city itself, and LAZ Parking. Parking at Metro rail stations are another option you can check on before you head out.
Authorities urge that you pay for parking in advance to guarantee your spot. Otherwise, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and of course that supply is limited.
Once again: Arriving extra early is your best bet so you can avoid the traffic hassles and any unintended GPS glitches. Authorities warn: "Please do not rely upon your GPS as road closures will be in effect and may not reflect on the GPS application."
The last time it rained, in 2006, the bleachers were far less packed than usual.
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Anne Cusack
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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All parking meters are free and time limits will not be enforced on New Year’s Day, and overnight parking restrictions will not be enforced until 2 a.m. Jan. 4, according to the city. But keep an eye out for red curbs, “No Parking” signs, fire hydrants, and driveways, as the usual restrictions still apply. You don't want to risk getting your vehicle towed.
Public transportation
Where possible, public transit might be your easiest way to go.
These are the Metro A Line stations in Pasadena that are closest to the parade:
Del Mar Station (walk .3 miles north to the parade route)
Memorial Park Station (walk .2 miles south)
Lake Station (walk .4 miles south)
Allen Station (walk .4 miles south)
Metro will also have buses traveling to areas near the route and Rose Bowl game, which you can find more information on here.
Metro is offering free fares on buses, trains, Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro from 4 a.m. Dec. 31 until 3 a.m. Jan. 1. For Metro Bike Share, use code 123125 on New Year’s Eve. For Metro Micro riders, use promo code RING26.
Accessible viewing
Three street-level viewing areas are reserved for people with disabilities and up to four of their guests.
Each of those areas along the parade route will have a section with audio descriptions for visually impaired people and another with sign language interpreters.
Diane Gagnon among Rose Parade floats on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
Please note: no seats are provided, so you’ll need to bring your own arrangements.
There’s also limited wheelchair accessible grandstand seating sold through Sharp Seating.
Rose Bowl game
The Rose Bowl game, the oldest of bowls dating back to 1902, immediately follows the parade. The Rose Bowl Stadium parking lot opens at 4 a.m. Jan. 1 and the stadium gates open at 10:30 a.m. The game starts at 1 p.m.
A quick scan turned up tickets that are still available for the Indiana vs. Alabama matchup for a little as $130.90 and as much as $2,683.13.
General parking is available in certain lots at the stadium, with spots going for $69 that you buy it in advance.
For public transportation, you can take the Metro A line and exit at the Memorial Park station. You can find more information here about getting to the stadium.
Please note: the stadium has a clear-bag policy, which means backpacks, purses, and camera cases are not allowed.
If you want more info
If you’re dying for more details, you can download the official Rose Parade app here or here. You’ll be able to see the full line-up, maps, and get more information about the participants.
If you skimmed over the rules and your car gets towed on New Year’s Day, you can call (626) 577-6426 from 5 p.m. Dec. 31 until 6 p.m. Jan. 1.
And if you still have questions that have not been answered here, you can try the visitor hotline at (877) 793-9911.
20-year journey to set 'Fireman's Prayer' to music
By Karl T. Wright
Published August 9, 2026 5:00 AM
The orchestra performing "The Fireman's Prayer" in Los Angeles in July.
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Courtesy The Fireman's Prayer project
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Topline:
Composer Charles-Henri Avelange has spent nearly 20 years trying to find a way to honor firefighters with music.
Why now: In July, that longtime dream took shape when dozens of Hollywood orchestral musicians gathered at Sony Pictures Studios to record the "Fireman's Prayer."
Back story: The poem was written by Wichita firefighter Alvin William "Smokey" Linn, inspired by a 1958 apartment fire in which three children died — words that firefighters have recited ever since.
What's next: Thanks to private donations, Avelange recorded with the Los Angeles Children's Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale in May, then returned last month with Grammy-winning conductor Grant Gershon and dozens of Hollywood's best musicians — some of them survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires — to record the orchestral portion. He is still fundraising to add the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums Corps.
Composer Charles-Henri Avelange has wanted to find a way to honor firefighters with music since the 9/11 attacks.
Last month, that longtime dream started to take shape when over 85 orchestral musicians working in Hollywood gathered at a Sony Pictures Studio soundstage to record the “Fireman's Prayer.”
The poem, written by Alvin William “Smokey” Linn, was inspired by an apartment fire in 1958 in which three children died. It’s something every firefighter learns to recite.
Not long after moving to the U.S., Avelange found the Fireman’s Prayer inscribed on the wall of a firehouse in 2006 — and began singing a melody.
Avelange asked the firefighters whether the piece was already set to music. “Because to me, this is not just a prayer, it's an anthem,” he said.
Twenty-four hours later, he had written the first draft of the anthem.
Charles-Henri Avelange.
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Courtesy The Fireman's Prayer project
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A $100,000 vision, and no idea how to pull it off
Avelange’s vision was to have 200 to 250 musicians, including a children's choir, full adult choir, full orchestra and a 56-piece drum and bagpipe corps for the recording, which costs nearly $100,000. All proceeds from the song would go to firefighters.
“Everybody who knows me eventually always heard about the Fireman's Prayer,” he said. “I have no idea how or when it will get done.”
Composer Charles-Henri Avelange has set the poem, The Fireman's Prayer, to music.
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The Fireman's Prayer project
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Then the January 2025 fires hit Los Angeles. Avelange and his wife found themselves just blocks from a Palisades Fire evacuation zone. They could see the firefighters protecting homes on their street.
“My wife, Jennifer … looked at me and she said, ‘Well, if this is not a sign, Charles, this thing is needed. It is really time.’”
Thanks to private donations, Avelange recorded with the Los Angeles Children’s Choir and the Los Angeles Master Chorale in May. He is still fundraising to record the Pipes and Drums of California Professional Firefighters performing.
Last month, he was joined by Grammy-winning conductor Grant Gershon and many of Hollywood’s best musicians — some are survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires — to record the orchestral portion of an anthem he had heard only as digital samples for nearly 20 years.
How to support the 'Fireman's Prayer' anthem
The recording is being funded through the nonprofit, Los Angeles County Fire Museum. Learn more on how you can help.
Joining them in the audience were members of the firefighting community.
“When I heard them playing, it sounded exactly the way it's supposed to and actually even better,” he said. “It was quite a magical moment.”
East Los Angeles will undergo months of soil testing and excavation after May’s crude oil spill, with the cleanup expected to continue into early 2027, according to county officials.
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Andrew Lopez
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Boyle Heights Beat
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Topline:
Two months after a pipeline rupture sent more than 25,000 gallons of crude oil onto East Los Angeles streets and into storm drains, many businesses along the Cesar E. Chavez Avenue corridor are still waiting to be paid back for their losses.
Why now: Reimbursement from pipeline operator Pacific Pipeline System has been slow, said Kelly LoBianco, director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. As of Tuesday, 19 businesses had filed claims and only one had been approved.
The backstory: The May spill forced weeklong street closures near East Cesar E. Chavez and Eastern avenues, prompting restaurants, barbershops and bike shops to cancel appointments, delay deliveries or close entirely. A survey of nearly 50 businesses found a 70% to 75% loss in revenue following the spill.
Two months after an oil spill shut down streets in East Los Angeles and disrupted businesses along the Cesar E. Chavez Avenue corridor, many owners are still waiting for reimbursement.
The May spill forced street closures after crews punctured an underground pipeline, sending more than 25,000 gallons of crude oil onto nearby streets and into storm drains. Along the commercial corridor, owners of restaurants, barbershops and bike shops had to cancel appointments, delay deliveries or close their doors for a week as cleanup crews worked in the area.
What the spill cost businesses
In the days following the spill, a survey of nearly 50 businesses near the intersection of East Cesar E. Chavez and Eastern avenues found a 70% to 75% loss in revenue, according to Kelly LoBianco, director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity.
“You know how the barbershop gets on a Friday. … We lost a lot of business that week,” said Barber Avila, owner of Brooklyn Lab Barbershop. Avila preferred not to share his first name for this story.
For the past month, Avila has been working with LA County and pipeline operator Pacific Pipeline System (PPS) to submit documents – including tax records, sales reports and expenses – to show how the spill affected his business and file a claim for reimbursement.
Avila said his claim was approved this week and he is now awaiting payment.
Reimbursement has been slow
Many other businesses are seeking reimbursement from PPS, but the process has been slow, LoBianco said.
As of Tuesday, 19 businesses had filed claims. Only one had been approved, while three others were close to approval, LoBianco said. She did not have details on the amount reimbursed.
Veronica Ramos, co-owner of Ramos Industries, a commercial and residential glass and aluminum contractor, said she was reimbursed by PPS a week after submitting a claim. The spill caused contracted jobs to be canceled and deliveries to be rescheduled for a fee because trucks could not access the shop.
Ramos said her business had a bookkeeper who was able to quickly gather the required documents but she worries her neighbors may struggle to provide the needed records for a claim.
A PPS spokesperson said claims are still being accepted and processed. A third-party claims administrator has been helping businesses with the filing process in English and Spanish, the company said.
“We understand how important a timely resolution is for those affected and remain committed to working through each claim as efficiently as possible,” PPS said.
Cleanup could stretch into 2027
What lies ahead are months of soil testing and excavation to remove contaminated soil from the site of the spill, which county officials say could continue into January 2027. Neither Avila nor Ramos knew about the remaining work and worried about how additional street closures could affect their business again.
“It’s good to keep it in mind,” Ramos said.
Was your business affected by the oil spill?
Anyone who believes they were impacted by the oil spill can still contact the PPS claims line at 1-877-817-5465 to be connected to a third-party administrator who can guide them through the process in English and Spanish, PPS said. There is currently no deadline to submit a claim.
The Department of Economic Opportunity’s Office of Small Business (OSB) is continuing to provide guidance on claim preparation, documentation requirements, and submission for affected businesses. To book a one-on-one appointment, businesses can:
Call OSB at (844) 432-4900,
Visit OSB’s East LA Entrepreneurship Center located at 4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., or;
Email osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
All impacted businesses seeking assistance should indicate that their request is related to the East LA oil spill.
How to avoid scams:
Rafael Carbajal, director of the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) said bad actors may prey upon communities during environmental disasters like the oil spill including contractors and legal services providers.
Carbajal said the DCBA office is helping residents verify contractors, legal services providers and is providing information on their website on how to recognize scams.
Residents who have concerns or questions can call the DCBA hotline at (800) 593-8222.
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Updated August 8, 2026 7:03 PM
Published August 8, 2026 5:14 PM
The Walnut Fire burning in Burbank.
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Screengrab from AlertCalifornia video feed.
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Topline:
A brush fire burning in Wildwood Canyon above Burbank has prompted evacuation orders for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center, according to the city of Burbank.
What we know so far: The Walnut Fire broke out Saturday afternoon near the intersection East Harvard Road and Wildwood Canyon Road.
Read on ... for more on evacuations and weather conditions.
This is a developing story and will be updated. For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check:
Evacuation orders for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center remain in place for a fire burning in Wildwood Canyon above Burbank.
Evacuation warnings for Churches Ct. and Country Club Drive were lifted at 6:20 p.m.
As of 5:55 p.m., the fire had burned 40 acres and 70% contained, according to Burbank.
The Walnut Fire broke out Saturday afternoon near the intersection East Harvard Road and Wildwood Canyon Road.
Hiking trails around the area are closed. The Starlight Bowl concert scheduled for tonight has been canceled.
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Jacob Margolis, LAist's science reporter, examines the new normal of big fires in California.
The unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%, but only because more than 260,000 people dropped out of the workforce.
It was the second month in a row that the monthly jobs tally came in weaker than forecasters had expected.
"We are increasingly hearing from workers that they are anxious about their job security and they are frustrated by the fact that they are stuck in roles that are not necessarily good for them," said Daniel Zhao, chief economist at the job search website Glassdoor. "And that's on top of workers who are not in a job right now and feel frozen out of the job market."
Glassdoor's worker confidence index slumped in July to a record low.
The Fed's job gets harder
Restaurants and retailers cut thousands of jobs last month, and local government also saw large job losses. Healthcare continued to add workers, but at a more modest pace than earlier in the year.
The softening job market may complicate the Federal Reserve's job, since it's also battling stubborn inflation. The Fed may be more cautious about raising interest rates at a time when the labor market appears less stable.
For people who are working, average wages have risen 3.2% in the last 12 months. That's likely not enough to keep pace with inflation, however, so workers' paychecks don't stretch as far as they used to.
"Part of the reason that workers are feeling bad about today's job market," Zhao says, is that "a lot of those wage gains have been eaten up by rising energy prices."
