WPRA
West Pasadena Residents' Association 
Neighborhood Update
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 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 southwest Pasadena. 

   
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Justin Chapman
Co-Editor 

 

View the latest and past issues of the WPRA's quarterly magazine, The News, which is mailed to nearly 8,000 homes in west Pasadena.
Neighborhood Update
View past issues of this weekly WPRA eNewsletter, which is emailed each Saturday morning to more than 1,500 residents of Pasadena (and beyond).
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Important community meetings
>CLICK ON HEADLINES FOR MORE INFORMATION<

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

Canceled

6:30 p.m.
Jackie Robinson Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
On the agenda: Participation in the Jan. 22 Association of California Commissions for Women conference; Association of California Commissions for Women response to sponsorship letter; Update on Southern California Women's Health Conference; Update on YWCA Women for Racial Justice Breakfast; Update from the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2016-18 Survival Guide.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

2 p.m.
Jackie Robinson Center, Room 200
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
On the agenda: Not available.

Special Joint Meeting of the Design Commission and the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee
6 p.m.
City Hall
Basement Training Room, S018
100 N. Garfield Ave.
On the agenda: The two commissions will review the draft Urban Forest Management Plan, prepared by Dudek.

6:30 p.m.
Jackie Robinson Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
On the agenda: Presentation by Police Department; Presentation on National Endowment for the Arts artist selections; Presentation by city attorney.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

5:30 p.m.
Hale Building
175 N. Garfield Ave., Suite 420
On the agenda: Washington Theater mural project; Review and approval of concept art plan and proposed artist for 686 E. Union St.

6 p.m.
City Yards
233 W. Mountain St.
On the agenda: Request for 3 tree removals.

6 p.m.
City Hall
Grand Conference Room, S038
100 N. Garfield Ave.
On the agenda: Review public service request for proposal; Review and discuss draft Youth Master Plan; Discuss Senator Carol Liu visit and presentation at the special joint meeting with Senior Commission.

6:30 p.m.
City Hall
Council Chambers
100 N. Garfield Ave.
On the agenda: Not available.
"Quote" of the week

"We must ask ourselves, why are there fewer and fewer men and women who are interested in a career of service? Where is the future of law enforcement if we cannot hire, train and retain qualified applicants? What will that mean for society as a whole?"

- Philip Sanchez, Pasadena Police Chief (Source: Pasadena Now)
WPRA in motion
>CLICK ON HEADLINES FOR MORE INFORMATION<
 
Since June 1, the City has been under a Level 2 water-supply-shortage plan to reduce water use across the city by 28%. Report water waste to the City:
  1. Call Pasadena's Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (626) 744-7311. Be prepared to provide the location and nature of the issue.
  2. Complete a short form on the City's Citizen Service Center
  3. Use the free app for smart phones and tablets: 
Neighborhoods 
in motion
>CLICK ON HEADLINES FOR MORE INFORMATION<

TRAFFIC/CROWD ALERT

Today, Saturday, October 10
6 to 9:30 p.m.
This is a sold out soccer event. The Stadium is expected to be at full capacity with 90,000+ fans, therefore housing one of the largest crowds at a soccer match in the United States this year.

Event Hours:
               2 p.m. Rose Bowl Parking Lots Open
               2 p.m. CONCACAF Cup Fanfest, Brookside Driving Range
               2 p.m. U.S. Soccer FanHQ, Ticketed Fan Festival in Area H (invite only)
               4 p.m. Gates Open for All Patrons
               6 p.m. Announced Game Time
               9:30 to 11 p.m. Approximate Outbound Traffic
 
Recreational activity will be closed nine hours prior to game time, beginning at 9 a.m.
The Equestrian Loop will remain open at all times. There will be a brief use of pyrotechnics during the trophy presentation at the conclusion of the game. (Total pyrotechnics display may be heard for less than one minute, approximately between 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Due to the soccer match and the R.G. Canning Flea Market on Sunday, Oct. 11, a limited amount of lighting will remain on in the Stadium into the night, beginning yesterday until tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 11. The lights will be turn off at the earliest possible time each day. At this time efforts are being made to park all vehicles on the golf course and at remote locations. The Rose Bowl Stadium has been placing a heavy emphasis on carpooling and taking the free shuttle to limit the number of cars in the Arroyo. However, if parking lots are full, which is expected for this event, we will need to begin last-resort parking by allowing fans to park in the adjacent neighborhoods accordingly. The neighborhoods will be fully staffed at that time. In addition, the RBOC has expanded staffing throughout the neighborhoods adjacent to the Rose Bowl to address any event day concerns as they occur. To receive assistance before, during or after the game, or if any issues arise, please contact the Rose Bowl Event Day Resident Hotline at (626) 397-4141. Please report any issues or concerns as soon as possible (especially during the event) so that they can be addressed immediately. Visit rosebowlstadium.com/community for the latest updates affecting the Stadium's neighbors.

Message from the Pasadena Police Department:
"President Obama's whirlwind California trip Saturday will have serious traffic implications for the west side. But multiple major events around Pasadena will bring their own traffic challenges. Large crowds are expected at Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Parking is limited so arrive early and expect heavy traffic. The Berkshire and Arroyo/Windsor exits on the 210 Freeway may be impacted. The Dodgers have a playoff game scheduled at Dodger Stadium at 6 p.m. on Saturday so traffic on the 110 Freeway will be affected. The Zac Brown Band is performing at the Hollywood Bowl which will bring added traffic to downtown Pasadena for those taking advantage of the Park and Ride system. 

Soccer fans arriving for the sold out 6 p.m. CONCACAF Cup between USA and Mexico at the Rose Bowl will be competing for road space with all the other venues so allowing extra time and a bit of pre-planning are in order. Parking is limited around the Rose Bowl so consider some alternatives: (1) Take the Train: The Gold Line Holly Street Station is just a short walk to the free shuttle operation at Parsons Engineering (Delacey Ave. and Holly St.) where buses continuously shuttle fans to the front gate of the Rose Bowl and back. (2) Park in Old Pasadena: Parking at Parsons Engineering or one of the other lots in Old Pasadena is a smart way to avoid the heavy congestion around the Rose Bowl. The free shuttle from Parsons will deliver you to the front gate of the Rose Bowl and return you to your car after the match. 

There will be ticket check points for all event attendees, before heading into the Stadium area. Those without a ticket will not be permitted into the area and should not plan to come to the Rose Bowl area for this event. 

If you decide to drive into the Rose Bowl area, plan to arrive early and enjoy the pre-event activities planned around the stadium. Most fans arrive from the south which experiences considerable congestion during peak traffic. If you are able to arrive from the north by taking the 2 freeway north and the 210 east to the Berkshire, Arroyo/ Windsor, or Lincoln exits you will avoid much of the congestion. During congested periods, avoid the San Rafael, Colorado, and Mountain/Seco exits and continue west on the 210 Freeway to the Lincoln Ave. or Arroyo/Windsor exits. Parking is discounted for carpoolers with four or more in the vehicle so grab some friends and save some cash. Whichever event you are attending, plan ahead and allow extra time to ensure you maximize your experience and arrive with minimum frustration."

 

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will host an open house today, Saturday, Oct. 10, and tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free of charge and takes visitors on a "ride" through the wonders of space. Highlights include a life-size model of Mars Science Laboratory, demonstrations from numerous space missions; JPL's machine shop, where robotic spacecraft parts are built; and the Microdevices Lab, where engineers and scientists use tiny technology to revolutionize space exploration.

1570 East Colorado Blvd.,State Assemblymember Chris Holden will chair a Select Committee On Regional Transportation And Interconnectivity Solutions Oversight hearing, "Moving People, Moving Goods," on Thursday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richard Chambers U.S. Court of Appeals, 125 S. Grand Ave.

The Pasadena Fire Department is hosting an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 24 at Station 38, 1150 Linda Vista Ave. There will be demonstrations, information tables, and an opportunity to meet and greet the men and women of the Fire Department, city officials, and community health and safety partners.

Japanese art historian Meher McArthur will draw from her 20 years of experience researching and curating Japanese art to present a lecture discussing aspects of Japanese traditional and contemporary art on Thursday, November 5, 6:30 p.m., entitled "The wonders of Japan's woodblock prints."
Editor's top news picks
>CLICK ON HEADLINES FOR MORE INFORMATION

"The annual PW issue explores the best Pasadena has to offer in dining, nightlife, the Pasadena Way, services, and shopping, as voted by PW readers." Pasadena Weekly

"Seven young women were named Monday morning to the 2016 Royal Court in Pasadena. More than 900 participated in the tryout process with 39 advancing to the finals. The 98th Rose Queen will be announced Oct. 22." NBC Los Angeles

"All car owners are advised that your vehicle will be towed and it will cost you more than $300 to get it back if you park your car on City streets within the pre-designated Red Flag zones in violation of the City's Municipal Code once a Red Flag Alert is declared." Pasadena Now

"Today is one of the biggest U.S.-Mexico national team matches in recent memory, with a trip to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup on the line. How was this match-up born? How did the U.S. and Mexico qualify? Just how much is actually on the line?" Major League Soccer

"A nurse who alleges Huntington Hospital fired her in retaliation for her unionization efforts will get her voice heard by President Obama later this week." Pasadena Star-News

"Officials with the Rose Bowl urge fans for Saturday's USA vs. Mexico soccer match to arrive early to avoid a perfect storm of traffic congestion that will bring Dodgers fans, soccer fanatics and science lovers to the surrounding area at the same time." Pasadena Star-News

"When the state water board released its August water conservation figures, Pasadena had saved only 10 percent." Pasadena Star-News

"City Manager Michael Beck today announced the appointment of Jennifer Curtis as the new Director for the Pasadena Human Resources Department." Pasadena Now

"In an era of troubled relations nationwide between police and citizens, and when law enforcement careers go wanting, Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez issued a call to the community to respect and appreciate police officers, while lamenting the lack of new officers in the City's ranks." 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 ... 

... to serve your community and do it with a group of your neighbors who are equally dedicated. 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.