You might say it’s about time.

Just ask Alhambra Chamber of Commerce CEO John Bwarie.

“As the Chamber, we’re thrilled,” he said Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the annual luncheon hosted by the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve been hosting this luncheon for 30 plus years, and to finally be able to celebrate an Alhambran is really exciting.”

This particular Alhambran is Keiko Rakin, the first-ever Alhambra student selected to a Rose Court.

In a city so close to Pasadena, it was cause to celebrate.

More than 100 community members gathered at the Almansor Court banquet room to celebrate Rakin, 2026 Rose Queen Serena Guo and five others, in addition to Rakin, on the Rose Court. Members of the Alhambra City Council and school board, along with the 2026 Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens,

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