January 2026

OnTheGo Expo 2025

By Karen Bagnard
Posted: 12/01/2025

The first ever OnTheGo Expo was presented by Pasadena Village at Robinson Park Recreation Center in Pasadena on Thursday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event was spearheaded by Gina Baffo, a staff member of Pasadena Village. With the combined efforts of the Village, vendors and the creative ingenuity of Gina, there was an overwhelming response of over 450 participants who came to learn what options they had for transportation and services that would come to them. Modes of getting around, as well as services that can come to your home were featured with over 23 vendors and services represented. 

Triggered by the transportation needs of the post-Eaton Fire community and the Fire Aid Grant provided to Pasadena Village this event came into being. It was clear the community needed this, elders and young alike, to address the need to identify all resources to help those with limited or no transportation at all. 

Participants were welcomed to the Expo with resource bags provided by Pasadena Village and hot coffee and pastries served by Unincorporated Coffee Roasters at 3045 Lincoln Avenue in Altadena. Pasadena Village’s partnership with ActiveSGV brought eBikes to this event with opportunities for a test-spin. One of those taking a spin was Lisa Barrios, District Liaison for Councilman Justin Jones.

Free Metro for Life cards were given out with a month of free rides and 20 free rides per month thereafter. Needless to say, that created a long line, but Pasadena Village offered “Spin to Win” opportunities while people waited. Villager Bob Niemack was able to replace his Metro card with a Senior Metro card and is looking forward to saving some money on his future trips.

Other offerings included:

Pet Porter Pals

Dial-A-Ride

Mobility Dog

Metro on the Move

Pasadena Transit

Farm Fresh to You

Metro Micro

MobilityWorks

It was a fun experience with fire survivors meeting up with neighbors they had not seen since the Eaton Fire. Information was shared among everyone in an uplifting and hopeful way. The networking seemed healing. Marlane Forsberg found the event to be “wonderful!” She is someone on the move and loved the event; however, don’t expect to see her on an eBike anytime soon!

Gina Baffo really put her heart into this and it showed. She was aided in this undertaking by Dolores McConnell of City Parks and Recreation. The preregistration was beyond what was expected and the final turnout was huge with over 450 participants. Her words to me were how “gratifying” it was to her to be a part of this event.