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, one today, October 25 (at Maranatha High School), and the other on 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

You're invited to our upcoming WPRA board meeting

The public is welcome to attend the next West Pasadena Residents' Association board of directors meeting in the Community Room at Westridge School. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5. Ongoing issues covered by the board include the 710 tunnel fight, the closing of San Rafael Elementary School, the Desiderio project, mitigating neighborhood impacts from Rose Bowl events and much more. See you there!

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.

TRAFFIC AND CROWD ALERT

The Gladiator Rock 'N Run is taking place at the Rose Bowl from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Saturday, October 25. West Drive will be closed between Seco Street and Washington Boulevard between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. An estimated 3,000 people are expected to attend. For resident questions or concerns please call the Rose Bowl Event Day Hotline at (626) 397-4141.

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. 

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 was 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.

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.

Water and Power to host local hiring event for Glenarm Power Plant project

Pasadena Water and Power has initiated a major project to replace an aging power generating unit with a more efficient combined cycle unit at the Glenarm Power Plant. Known as the Glenarm Power Plant Repowering Project, the installation of the new unit will allow PWP to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while increasing reliability.The project will utilize a Local Participation Plan which focuses on the inclusion of local business and residents into potential contracting and hiring opportunities. On November 4, the city is promoting a "Special Recruitment" effort for Pasadena residents interested in working the unions involved (Carpenters, Cement Masons and Pipe Fitters). This recruitment will be held at the Jackie Robinson Community Center at 1020 N. Fair Oaks Avenue starting at 8:30 a.m.

Arroyo Seco Canyon Project environmental document released, city accepting comments

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.

"Although the measure failed to pass statewide, a final count of Pasadena's precincts showed 6,213 for prohibition and 2,902 against." Pasadena Star-News

Friends In Deed celebrates 120 years

"Pasadena of yore will come alive as Friends In Deed celebrates 120 years of bringing help and hope to those most in need with a Walk Through History led by KNBC Weatherman Fritz Coleman November 5 at historic Castle Green." Pasadena Now

Hillsides receives record $2 million bequest

"Hillsides has received a $2 million bequest, the largest in its 101-year-old history. The bequest is from the Pierose estate." Crown City News

The Pasadena haunts of the occultist who cofounded JPL

"Jack Parsons helped found JPL and made major contributions to rocketry, but he is also remembered for his occult beliefs and generally bohemian behavior. So much of what happened in his life happened in and around Pasadena: he worked at Caltech and tried and eventually succeeded at launching rockets in the Arroyo Seco." LA Curbed

Local law enforcement gearing up to collect iris scans during traffic stops 

"Without notice to the public, LA County law enforcement officials are preparing to widen what personal information they collect from people they encounter in the field and in jail - by building a massive database of iris scans, fingerprints, mug shots, palm prints and, potentially, voice recordings." Pasadena Weekly

Amgen Tour will feature route from LA Live to Pasadena

"The Amgen Tour of California bicycle race will have four finishes in Southern California and will include a finale race that will wind from L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles to a finish in Pasadena on May 17." LA Daily News