During a recent 30-minute public-access television show, "The Question Is ... with Anthony Portantino," the former state Assemblymember hosted a panel that considered whether it makes sense to complete the proposed 4.5 mile, multi-billion dollar SR-710 tunnel. He was joined by MTA Board Member Ara Najarian, Crescenta Valley Town Council President Robbyn Battles and South Pasadena City Manager Sergio Gonzalez for a frank and candid discussion about the 710 tunnel process and its impact on north and south communities. Click on the headline to view a YouTube replay of the program.

Update: County plans reduced interim sediment removal this fall

Between mid-September and the end of November, The Los Angeles Flood Control District (LACFCD) will remove accumulated sediment near the face of Devil's Gate Dam. Due to the extremely dry storm season this past year, however, the LACFCD expects to remove less than 5,000 cubic yards of sediment. As with previous years, the sediment will be stockpiled at Johnson Field and be removed when the larger sediment removal project takes place. [See next article.] Additionally, the LACFCD reports that any green waste such as tree branches and other vegetative matter will be trucked to the Scholl Canyon Landfill in Glendale at a rate of no more than 10 trucks per day to avoid traffic impacts to the surrounding neighborhood.

City Council adopts sediment recommendations

Earlier this year, the Pasadena City Council unanimously adopted the recommendations of the Devil's Gate Sediment Working Group. The group was established to develop a more sustainable alternative to those presented in the County flood control district's Draft Environmental Impact Report on the larger sediment removal and management project. Many believe that the Sediment Working Group's recommendations, if adopted, would substantially reduce the scope and negative impacts of the Flood Control District's program, while protecting the neighborhoods and rare environmental values of Hahamongna Watershed Park and the Arroyo Seco.

Update: Linda Vista school site

District 6 Councilmember Steve Madison reports that the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) on August 11 issued a solicitation for offers to lease the Linda Vista School site. "This action has been expected for some time," wrote Councilmember Madison, "and City representatives have discussed with PUSD their strong desire to maintain the City's existing agreement to use a portion of the property as a park." Based on those discussions, Madison reports, PUSD has stipulated in the solicitation that any lease will be subject to the existing agreement with the City for use of the park site. The solicitation, with a submission deadline of September 23, indicates a preference for a school or educational tenant and sets a minimum bid amount of $480,000 per year. [Editor's note: The lease of this former school site would eliminate an alternate site for San Rafael Elementary School, which is threatened with closure or relocation due to seismic issues. San Rafael Elementary is the last public school in Council District 6.] 

CPUC approves shrouds at rail crossings to tone down bells

"The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved a request by the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority to implement noise mitigation for the street-level (or at-grade) rail crossings near residential areas along the Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa. The mitigation measures include the installation of shrouds (or covers) that direct the sound of the warning bells down to the intersection, as well as the ability to silence the bells once the crossing gates are in the horizontal position when a light rail train is approaching." Pasadena Patch

Voters to decide on $7.5B water bond in November

"The California Legislature voted Wednesday night to place a $7.5 billion bond on the November ballot to pay for water projects. This bond will replace an earlier effort by the legislature that weighed-in at $11.1 billion. Gov. Jerry Brown called it too expensive and threatened to campaign against it. The bond includes money for two new reservoirs." Pasadena Patch

'Real change' movement aims to house Pasadena's homeless

"A series of bright orange parking meters, emblazoned with a large yellow smiley face, will soon pop up throughout the city. But they're not there to track the minutes shoppers spend at Paseo Colorado and provide fodder for parking enforcement; the meters are donation portals in a new city-wide effort to more effectively help the city's homeless." Pasadena Star-News

Pasadena Heritage to host energy workshop for owners of historic homes

"Pasadena's historic homeowners can learn how to enjoy modern efficiency and comfort while protecting their home's character during 'Energy Efficiency and Historic Homes,' a special workshop sponsored by Pasadena Heritage from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 at Polytechnic School, 1030 E California Blvd." Pasadena Now

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