WPRA expresses opposition to closing San Rafael Elementary School

Excerpts from a March 27 letter from WPRA to PUSD:

"The West Pasadena Residents' Association opposes San Rafael Elementary School being declared surplus, and the Board of Education moreover should reconsider alternatives to closing the last remaining public school in West Pasadena. Our community comprises approximately one-fifth of the City of Pasadena; it would be a grave mistake to leave us without a single public school to fulfill the promise of an accessible, free education to all.

"Now is the time to take the long-term view and to think strategically. As we look back 100 years, we must look forward with the same perspective. As PUSD decides what to do based upon the probable findings that there are faults at the San Rafael site, we urge the Board of Education and District and City leaders to consider the generational and political impacts of pulling up every stake in one-fifth of the City. We have returned to our neighborhood school in significant numbers. A large contingent of parents who are residents of West Pasadena are working hard every day to educate their neighbors, to improve the school further, and also to make sure that the benefits of their efforts help all of the children at their school, from whatever neighborhood, help PUSD more generally as well, and build community support for PUSD.

"Please help us continue to build on this renewed trust and investment, help us continue to build support for public education in the City of Pasadena, and help us keep the 'public' in education. Do not consider leasing out or selling either the Linda Vista Elementary School site or the San Rafael Elementary School site until the Board reconsiders its decision to close the last remaining school in West Pasadena."

Follow-up meeting on San Rafael Elementary School's future   

The 7-11 Community Advisory Committee will conduct a public hearing Monday, March 31, at 5:30 p.m. at PUSD headquarters, 351 S. Hudson Ave., room 236. There will be discussions regarding survey results from the March 24 public hearing, a priority list and the committee's draft report.  

Schiff calls for more time for cities to respond to 710 Tunnel EIR

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff sent a letter earlier this week to Carrie Bowen, director of Caltrans District 7 overseeing L.A. and Ventura counties, asking for an extension on the time allowed for municipalities to respond to the environmental impact report on the 710 Freeway tunnel project. Municipalities are held to the same 60-day comment period as the general public; Schiff is asking for a total of 120 days so municipalities can consult with all experts necessary and conduct their own studies so they can submit conclusive, comprehensive responses. The City of Pasadena is part of a new alliance with South Pasadena, La Caņada Flintridge, Sierra Madre and Glendale so they can work together on a response.   

Residents rally to keep school in West Pasadena

"West Pasadena residents expressed their displeasure that Pasadena Unified intends to close the only remaining elementary school in their neighborhood and pushed for alternatives to keep the school open at Monday night's meeting of the district's 7-11 Committee." Pasadena Now

"A coalition of neighbors who live around the Rose Bowl said they plan to file an appeal to a judge's ruling in a legal dispute with the city over a prospective NFL team playing at the stadium." Pasadena Star-News 

"The Pasadena Public Health Department now will inspect Pasadena Unified School District cafeterias and issue them numerical scores as part of the department's increased effort to enforce food safety standards throughout the city." Pasadena Star-News 

Chief considers ending relationship with civilian agency

"After 13 years, the civilian Office of Independent Review's role in investigating local shootings involving police officers may have quietly come to an end." Pasadena Weekly 

"Pasadena will be awarded a Tree City USA presentation and benefit from more tree plantings Saturday as officials and Arbor Day volunteers plan to gather at the Fillmore Street Metro station." Pasadena Now