ALERT! City staff has proposed major revisions to traffic analysis rules for new development: The Planning Commission, during the meeting, will continue its review of seven transportation performance measures proposed by City staff that could radically alter how environmental impact statements factor in the impact new development could have from traffic volume and patterns. Several of the new provisions would effectively eliminate consideration of vehicle traffic analysis when determining suitability of development. [Under the new performance measures, the City could accept Level of Service (LOS) "F" (Failure) traffic conditions for most of the Central District.] WPRA is currently reviewing the proposals and has yet to take a formal position. We urge you to become informed and, if you are so inclined, make your voice heard either during this meeting or by sending an email to president@wpra.net.

Meeting set to review, provide comments on Desiderio project

On Wednesday, June 25, District 6 Councilmember Steve Madison will host a community meeting to review conceptual plans for and receive community input about the Desiderio Neighborhood Park and Homes project. The meeting will be held 6:30-8 p.m. at the Chandler School's Ahmanson Foundation Performing Arts Center, 1005 Armada Dr. (Park on Armada and Prospect.) For additional information, call (626) 744-4739.

 

7-11 report is complete; San Rafael Elementary's survival hangs in the balance

Speak up on Thursday, June 26 ... to help save the last public school in west Pasadena

The 7-11 Surplus Committee, which was tasked by the Pasadena Unified School District's Board of Education to help determine the fate of San Rafael Elementary School, recently submitted its final report and recommendations to the Board. The report will be formally presented to the Board during its regular meeting on Thursday, June 26, 5 p.m., at the PUSD Administration Building, 351 S. Hudson Ave., Room 236. The Committee's report urged the Board NOT to declare the school property as surplus, due to seismic issues, until all financial and remedial options to maintain the campus as a public school are fully explored. Should the Board eventually declare the property surplus, the 7-11 Committee recommended that the site be sold to fund construction of a new public school in west Pasadena or be leased to a charter or private school. The Committee did not recommend other uses of the property such as multifamily housing or office leasing.

• The WPRA urges you to attend the meeting and encourages the PUSD Board to find a way to keep San Rafael Elementary open. The specific time when this agenda item will be discussed will be posted on the WPRA website before the meeting. 

• WPRA's statement 
• Linda Vista~Annandale's statement

UPDATE: SR-710 freeway project

• Alhambrans unite for 710 truth: A group of responsible Alhambrans who oppose the 710 freeway extension have put up a website to "collect, develop, provide and disseminate accurate information about the 710 extension to the citizens of Alhambra." The citizens' group is "not only against the 710 freeway extension, but also intent on having (Alhambra's) city council consider all alternatives, especially environmentally friendly alternatives that reflect 21st century solutions. We say yes! to light rail for commuters and yes! to heavy rail for freight."
• March on the Fourth to say NO to the SR-710: If you object to the SR-710 freeway tunnel proposal, it's time to show it: March with others who share your view in the South Pasadena "Festival of Balloons" Fourth of July parade. Put on your "No 710" or red t-shirt and show up at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Hope Street and Meridian Avenue in South Pasadena. Bring your family, neighbors and friends. "No 710" t-shirts will be available for $8. For more information, send an email to No710store@gmail.com or call (626) 354-4340.