WPRA
West Pasadena Residents' Association 
Neighborhood Update
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015
Published weekly since 2000
 
Welcome

Founded in 1962, the WPRA is dedicated to maintaining the character of our neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life in West Pasadena. 

   
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Send comments to update@wpra.net 

Chuck Hudson
Co-Editor 

 

View the latest and past issues of the WPRA's quarterly magazine, The News, which is mailed to more than 7,000 homes in West Pasadena.
Neighborhood Update
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City Council and commission meetings
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MONDAY, JUNE 8

City Council  

6:30 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers

100 N. Garfield Ave., Room S249

On the agenda: Approval of a resolution to continue the hotel/motel occupancy tax of 2.89% (the maximum allowed) through the City's 2016 fiscal year (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016). The tax receipts, estimated at $3.1 million for the coming fiscal year, are earmarked solely to repay the debt incurred for expansion of the Convention Center. Also on the agenda, is review (for informational purposes only) of the pre-development plan of the Art Center College of Design master plan.

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

 

Design Commission 

6 p.m.

George Ellery Hale Building

Hearing Room

175 N. Garfield Ave. (Ramona Street entrance)
 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
 

6 p.m.

233 West Mountain St., second floor

On the agenda: A report on young-tree mortality; a discussion about tree removals, based on condition, in the Central Arroyo; and an update on the polyphagous shot hole borer threat

"Quote" of the week
 

"Given that most of the water conservation measures have been in place for over five years and that PWP's water use is still well below historical norms, it will be challenging to achieve the local and State reduction goals."

- Phyllis Currie, General Manager,
Pasadena Water & Power
WPRA in motion
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The Pasadena City Council on June 1 adopted the Level 2 water supply shortage plan, which requires additional water restrictions for residents and businesses, effective immediately, due to the severe drought in California. Level 2:

  • Adopts a 28% water conservation goal citywide, which aligns Pasadena with mandated reductions set by the State
  • Bans outdoor watering on Thursdays. Outdoor watering will now be allowed only on Tuesday and Saturday, and only between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.
  • Reinforces that violators face fines up to $500 per violation

Pasadena Water and Power will regularly report to City Council on progress meeting the 28% conservation goal. If water savings are not sufficient during the summer, the City may impose additional water-use restrictions. To keep track of our water-saving progress, visit the City's and PWP's website. A "Water Savings Gauge" will be updated each week. 

 

 

 

The SR-710 Draft EIR/EIS is still available for review. Caltrans and Metro will receive comments until July 6. Once the comment period ends, it may be up to two years before the final DEIR is released and the "preferred alternative" identified.
  • Hard copies are available for review at:
    • All Pasadena public libraries
    • Shatford Library, Pasadena City College
  • Submit comments:
    • Online: through the Caltrans public comment website
    • By mail: Send to Garrett Damrath, Caltrans District 7, Division of Environmental Planning, 100 S. Main St., MS-16, Los Angeles, CA 90012
District 6 commission reappointments

Congratulations to the following for being reappointed by City Council (nominated by District 6 Councilmember Steve Madison) to City commissions, effective July 1:

  • William Francis, Code Enforcement Commission
  • Annie Wolf, Commission on the Status of Women
  • Kim Chavarria, Human Services Commission
Neighborhoods 
in motion
>CLICK ON HEADLINES FOR MORE INFORMATION<

 

TRAFFIC & CROWD ALERT: SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Considered one of the West Coast's largest free music festivals, Make Music, Pasadena will likely be attended by an estimated 50,000. The all-day, all-ages festival features more than 150 live performances on Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on six main stages and 30-plus additional venues throughout Pasadena. Road closures and travel advisories include:

  • Old Pasadena stage: entertainment from Noon-7:30 p.m. Street closures: 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. - Colorado Boulevard between Fair Oaks Avenue and Arroyo Parkway, and Raymond Avenue between Union and Green streets
  • Playhouse District stage: entertainment from Noon-7:30 p.m. Street closures: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Madison Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and Green Street
  • Pasadena Symphony and POPS Music Under the Stars stage: entertainment from 5:30-9 p.m. Street closures: 5-9 p.m. on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 - Garfield Avenue between Ramona and Union streets, and Holly Street between Marengo and Garfield avenues

To expedite travel through downtown Pasadena, use Del Mar Boulevard and Walnut Street for eastbound and westbound travel. For northbound and southbound travel, consider using Orange Grove Boulevard and Lake Avenue.

Residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste and recycle electronics from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 6, in Parking Lot K, south of the Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. The free event is sponsored by the LA County Department of Public Works in cooperation with the City's Department of Public Works.

 

The city of Pasadena and Rose Bowl Operating Company are considering entering into a license agreement with AEG to host an annual three-day "Arroyo Seco Music & Arts Festival" at the Rose Bowl Stadium complex and parts of the Brookside Golf Course. The City is accepting comments on a Notice of Preparation and an Initial Study until June 8. Please send comments regarding the scope of the EIR to David Sanchez at dasanchez@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-6707. Click here to read the WPRA's entire comments.

Mansionization meetings

Having heard from residents who are concerned about the size and/or style of new single-family homes being built in their neighborhoods (creating what some consider to be examples of "mansionization") the city of Pasadena would like to provide background information and hear residents' thoughts on this issue. Given the high level of interest in this issue, the city is holding a final public hearing on Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Braun Auditorium at Westridge School, 324 Madeline Dr.


Help Habitat celebrate, fund the new Desiderio community

The San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and the City of Pasadena invite west Pasadena residents to attend the upcoming "Building Dreams Under the Stars" gala from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on June 20 at the iconic Pasadena City Hall. This event is a celebration of the new Desiderio community. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,200 per table (seating for 10). Cocktails, dinner and dessert are included in the ticket price. All proceeds go directly to help build the nine affordable homes for low-income families including families of veterans. This gala event will be a great opportunity for the west Pasadena community to show support for the transformation of the former Desiderio Army Reserve Center. To pay by credit card, please call 626-387-6899 (x18). To pay by mail, please send a check made payable to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and a list of guest names to: 400 S. Irwindale Ave., Azusa, CA 91702

 

Assemblyman Chris Holden to host drought community meeting 

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, Assemblyman Chris Holden will be hosting a community meeting at Kidspace Children's Museum to discuss California's historic drought. Attendees will learn about available rebates, see live demonstrations, and hear practical advice. Each guest will receive a family of four pass to visit Kidspace, located at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. RSVP by June 19 by calling (626) 351-1917 or emailing assemblymember.holden@assembly.ca.gov.

Editor's top news picks
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 WATER SHORTAGE

 

"Facing new State mandates and restrictions from a major water supplier, the Metropolitan Water District, the Pasadena City Council approved Level 2 Water Shortage Plan restrictions in its Monday night meeting. Pasadena's Level 2 Water Shortage Plan, under City ordinance Chapter 13.10, limits outdoor watering to two days per week during spring and summer, and one day per week during fall and winter. The plan requires water leaks to be fixed within 48 hours and prohibits the filling of ornamental lakes and ponds." Pasadena Now

 

Close-Up: What the Level 2 water-shortage plan means to you

"The Pasadena City Council on June 1, 2015 adopted the City's Level 2 Water Supply Shortage Plan requiring additional mandatory water restrictions for residents and businesses effective immediately due to the severe drought in California." Pasadena Now

 

Pasadena's water rebate program reinstated

"Pasadena's water rebate program, which ran dry last month, has received additional funding and is now back in business. Late last month, the MWD Board of Directors authorized an additional $350 million be added to the program's budget, and the program was reinstated." Pasadena Now

  

 

 

Coalition Accuses LA Transportation Authority of Tunnel Vision

"For the past few months, a coalition of transportation officials and regional leaders in the Los Angeles area have been promoting a plan to bring one of the world's most massive highway tunnels to one of the world's most congested freeway grids. Last week, a group that includes a member of Congress and is opposed to the tunnel idea went on a public offensive and promoted a multi-modal plan of its own." CityWatch LA   

 

Opinion: Beyond the 710 a welcome new transit voice 

"Caltrans and Metro and their predecessors have been looking at extending the 710 Freeway from Cal State L.A. to Pasadena for over half a century." San Gabriel Valley Tribune (May require subscription)

 

Gold Line extension so "purdy" drivers may break up with the 210

"The Foothill Gold Line extension from Pasadena to Azusa is in the testing phase and now 95% complete, according to construction officials. When it opens, hopefully in winter 2016, commuters will be able to travel all the way from East L.A. through DTLA [downtown LA], Pasadena and onto the San Gabriel Valley." LA Magazine

 

The old is news at Today's historic preservation awards

"The City of Pasadena will present Historic Preservation Awards today to 10 property owners, designers/architects and contractors for their exceptional historic restoration or rehabilitation projects of local properties. Designated by the Historic Preservation Commission, the awards recognize excellence in preservation projects which stand out in their neighborhoods and raise public awareness of the importance of preserving Pasadena's shared architectural heritage." Pasadena Now

Leisure
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Looking for other ways to entertain or educate yourself and your family? 

For current events around the area, we encourage you to visit our local news outlets. Click on the publication title to visit that publication's events section (alphabetical order).

Attend WPRA board meetings each month 

Monthly WPRA board meeting dates and locations are on the WPRA website. Click on the headline above or visit our website and look under "Meetings and Events."


The WPRA needs you ... 

If you'd like to serve your community and do it with a group of your neighbors who are equally dedicated, the WPRA encourages you to join your neighborhood residents' association. If you live within our service area, we'd welcome your help. 

  • Got the local news bug? Just curious about your city (and would like to share news with 1,000 or so of your closest friends), consider serving as a co-editor of Neighborhood Update. It will only take a few hours a week (on your own schedule) in the month or two a year in which you'd serve. We'll train you.  
  • We have lots of opportunities to serve on one of our many committees:
    • Land use and planning
      If you care about how we use our land  
    • Education
      If you want to help save public education for West Pasadena  
    • Open space & conservation
      If you care about preserving open space and conservation of land and resources 
    • Membership
      If you'd like to help us continue to build our membership so we can do more  
If you'd like to chat about ways we could help you become more involved or, more likely, more effective (by helping us), send an email to WPRA President. Tell him about your interests.   
To learn more

Visit wpra.net and "like" our Facebook page  

To submit information for the Neighborhood Update, send it to update@wpra.net. 

 

Joseph Stoddard's watercolors: The WPRA is grateful to local artist Joseph Stoddard, who has generously allowed us to display his watercolors in our quarterly newsletter, The (WPRA) News; on the WPRA website; and in this publication. To explore Mr. Stoddard's work, visit josephstoddard.com.