Security beefed up ahead of 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena

PASADENA, Calif. - It was mid-afternoon the day before the Rose Parade. The classic cars were out on Colorado Boulevard and the fences were up to protect store windows.

Parade watchers started claiming space along the 5-mile parade route around noon, like Jeannette Valdivian. "I've been here attending the parade for 40 years," she said. 

Some just reserved curb space like the Montana Family. The Menendez and Ruiz also reserved some sidewalk space.  
When asked if they ever thought about security, the answer was "not really, no."

One reason is the level of law enforcement. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, FEMA, the FBI, Homeland Security and Pasadena Police and Fire were just some of the agencies in front of Pasadena City Hall, which has been turned into a huge command post. 

One of the new vehicles there was a big large gray RV. Ron Dererian described it as "...our new mobile police command center. Derderian is the Pasadena PD's Mobile Command Center Coordinator.

"We have three cameras on a 40-foot mast that can see a great distance," he explained, and it can be viewed on a monitor outside. Inside, there are more monitors and phones that can be used with every cell phone provider and even satellite phones as a backup.

If there were to be some kind of cyber attack, officials say it's so well-equipped, it could be used as a police station. 
"Where problems are we need to have the mobile capability to bring all of our command capabilities out to a scene. And, this vehicle helps us do that," said Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris.

Harris added, "My biggest concern is safety for all the people that are going to be here." And, and to deal with that, Harris said they have over 700 police officers. 

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustine explained, "We had some heart attacks. We had some falls so that's why we really make sure that you don't have to go more than about a hundred yards without having some sort of medical assistance."

To anyone watching thinking of causing trouble, "This is not the place or the time. Show a little bit of respect for the folks trying to partake in the city of Pasadena." 

Then, there's people like JD Robinson and his son, Dante, who will see the Rose Parade for the first time. To Dante, "I think the parade a once in a lifetime event."