Help "Connecting Pasadena Plan" design "the ditch"

Currently, an empty freeway ditch, the 710 stub, divides our city. Connecting Pasadena Plan (CPP) is a citizen-driven initiative that aims to develop a draft master plan for this 35-acre strip of land flanking the 710 stub south from Union to Del Mar and California and revitalize this "dead space." CPP will hold two sequential workshops on October 25 (at Maranatha High School) and November 8. Both workshops, to solicit input, will be led by architect and urbanist Stefanos Polyzoides and other transportation, economic and land-use experts. For more information, click on the headline above. Send RSVP to aokelley@msn.com.

The WPRA is forming a team to respond to the SR-710 Draft Environmental Impact Report DEIR) and Statement (DEIS), which is planned for release in February 2015. We're looking for experts or research-oriented amateurs to help review the following subject areas: legal, NEPA/CEQA, construction, geology, hydrology, transportation and traffic, air quality, water quality and usage, noise/vibration, hazardous materials and safety, global warming, human health, biological assessment, historic assets, cultural and social assets, economics and environmental justice. To volunteer or recommend an expert that might volunteer, contact Sarah Gavit at gavit@wpra.net.

Pasadena's drought update

Since the City Council declared a water shortage this summer, the Pasadena community has reduced water usage by approximately 10%, or 220 million gallons. Despite the heat and ongoing dry weather, the Department of Water and Power's water demand for the first three months of fiscal year 2015 was the lowest in over 20 years.

Public Health Department assures proper preparedness regarding Ebola

To date, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola in California. Nevertheless, the Public Health Department has been actively involved in planning efforts at the federal, state and local level to ensure proper preparedness in the event a case of Ebola is identified locally. City staff will stay actively engaged in this effort as the need requires.

Neighborhood Connections releases new resource mapping tool

Neighborhood Connections and the Department of Information Technology have partnered to create an interactive tool for residents, businesses and visitors to explore Pasadena. On this site, you will discover resources available to you throughout Pasadena including neighborhood associations, parks and community gardens. 

Old Pasadena hosts several Halloween celebrations

Throughout the month of October, businesses and organizations in Old Pasadena are hosting Halloween events for the whole family, from pumpkin decorating to film screenings to doggy costume contests.

Sacred Japanese tea ceremony at Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

On Sunday, October 19, celebrate autumn with a special evening at the stunning Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden. Learn about the "Way of Tea," the sacred Japanese tea ceremony that embodies harmony, respect and tranquility. Event takes place at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15.

CASO hosts meeting on Hahamongna sediment removal

LA County to host three informational meetings on Hahamongna sediment removal

The LA County Department of Public Work has announced that the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Devil's Gate Reservoir Sediment Removal and Management Project will be released on October 20. Three community informational meetings will be held to present the findings and results of the FEIR. Additionally, the project alternative that Public Works recommends to implement will be presented at the meeting. The recommended project alternative includes features to lessen air quality, traffic, and biological impacts. The meetings will be held on November 1, 3 and 6.

Arroyo Seco Canyon Project environmental document released, city accepting comments

From October 9 through November 8 The City of Pasadena is accepting written comments from the public on an initial environmental study recommending a Mitigated Negative Declaration with mitigation measures. The Arroyo Seco Canyon Project takes a multi-benefit, integrated approach to improve the water resources and restore the natural habitat in the Arroyo while enhancing the experience of recreational users.

Deadline looming for Rose Bowl brick campaign

October 31 is the deadline to purchase bricks for the second phase of the Rose Bowl's Legacy Commemorative Brick campaign. The first installation was completed in June and the second installation will commence in December. Bricks range in price from $100 to $425. 

Conservancy invites you to gathering at Cottonwood Canyon

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy is hosting an informal Happy Hour gathering at Cottonwood Canyon, an 11-acre stretch of water-bearing land at the northeast corner of the San Rafael Hills and the Arroyo Seco that serves as an important wildlife corridor. The Conservancy is raising funds to purchase the land in order to preserve it and stop the development of multiple residences. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, and will be also be hosted by Craftsman Brewing Company.