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City of South Pasadena                                                                                                                            
 
In This Issue
Environmental Fun Fact 
of the Month
 
 

Car pollution makes up 34 percent of both the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and the nitrogen oxide that are in the environment. Both of these pollutants contribute to the production of smog and have a negative effect on plants and the respiratory system.


 Check out the Clean Air Car Show and Green Living Expo event being put on by the city on Sunday, September 10  at Garfield Park.  


If you would like to submit an environmental fun fact for n ext month's newsletter, please email 
Holiday Closures
Labor Day - September 4, 2017
 
Clic k here   for holiday closures throughout the year.
Calendar of City Events
Clic k here t o view a list of upcoming meetings of interest.
                      
 
City Council Meeting Agendas & Minutes
Clic k here  to view a list of upcoming meetings of interest.
                      
     
City Council Meeting Video
Clic k here to view the live streaming of City Council meetings.
Receive information when you need it most with
Connect South Pasadena - the City's emergency notification system  
Click here to register for Connect South Pasadena, the City's emergency alert system and ensure that you & your loved ones receive the information you need to stay safe!  
Community Services Classes & Programs Guide

The Fall 2017 issue of the Community Services Classes & Programs Guide
is
available here . 
Job Opportunities
Link to City Employment Opportunities
  
A bulletin board with postings of all current City employment opportunities (pictured) is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall
Sign Up for Library Youth Programs
Icon to Sign up for Library Youth Programs
The City of South Pasadena Public Library Children's online program registration and notification signup features are available here. For more information, please contact the Library Children's Services at (626) 403-7258.
Senior Center Events
 
Give the gift of membership at the South Pasadena Senior Center! (South Pasadena non-residents are welcome).  
More information is available here. 
The HRC is a nonprofit civil-rights organization that has identified and addressed the challenges of housing discrimination since 1968. The HRC provides assistance to residents with discrimination complaints and landlord-tenant disputes. The HRC also provides outreach and public education, landlord-tenant counseling, housing discrimination investigation, mediation and legal services.

Contact the Housing Rights Center at (800) 477-5977 or (213) 201-0867 for TTY Users.

                     
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Clean Air Car Show & Green Living Expo
Sunday, September 10, 2017
The City of South Pasadena invites you to join local community members, non-profits and businesses at the 2017 Clean Air Car Show and Green Living Expo!

Come learn about alternative fuel vehicle types such as plug-in electric, plug-in hybrid, compressed natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell. Local dealerships and residents will be on hand showcasing various models and answering any question you might have on what it's like to own an alternative fuel vehicle. 

South Pasadena Beautiful will hold its annual fall workshop at the event with informative talks on the hour, beginning at 11am. Topics include Tree Disease Identification and Prevention, Proper Tree Care and Watering, and Becoming a Zero Waste Household. T hese talks will be held in the Youth House. One lucky attendee will take home a backyard composter, among other great giveaways. 

There will also be various vendors where attendees can learn about living a more sustainable life. They will have information on going solar, water and energy efficiency, and so much more. The South Pasadena Public Library will also have fun kids' activities, so bring the whole family for a day of fun and learning.

Click here to visit the website. If you're interested in showcasing your alternative fuel vehicle please contact Jenna Shimmin, Senior Management Analyst, at [email protected] or (626) 403-7311.

Community Workshop
Saturday, September 16, 2017
The City is developing Council District Boundaries and we need your input on the draft district maps. The draft maps will be revealed at a Community Workshop on Saturday, September 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 1424 Mission Street. If you are unable to attend the Community Workshop, the City Council will consider the same draft maps at their regular meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2017.
 
Your input is critically important to ensure that your neighborhood and communities of interest are adequately represented at the next General Municipal Election. Don't let the opportunity to impact your local representation pass you by. It is anticipated that draft maps will be posted online beginning September 13th and can be downloaded at www.southpasadenaca.gov/districts .  if you are unable to attend a scheduled Public Hearing, you are welcome to provide input via email ([email protected]). Your comments will be collected by the City Clerk's Division and shared with the City Council at the upcoming Public Hearings.
 
Click here for more information.
Cruz'n for Roses
Sunday, September 17, 2017
The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee invites you to their 13th annual Classic Car Show along legendary Route 66 (Mission Street) on Sunday, September 17, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The show will feature hundreds of hot rods, custom cars, and classics, as well as a raffle, trophies, refreshments, food, exhibits, and vendors of all sorts.

Car clubs and car enthusiasts are invited to join in the fun and display their cars. Independent judges will award trophies in all 18 car categories. For more information or to  register your vehicle, visit  www.sptor.org  or contact Janet Benjamin (626) 799-7813.
Public Safety Open House
Sunday, September 17, 2017

The day's event is free to all, so bring the family and enjoy the day! For more
information, visit www.southpasadenaca.gov/police or call 626-403-7285.
Announcing Fall Library Programs for Children and Families!
This fall the South Pasadena Public Library presents classic favorites like Storytime for preschoolers and toddlers and 
Barks and Books with the Pasadena Humane Society, along with a new series for tweens ages 9 to 14 called "Living the High Life". This engaging series will teach tweens etiquette and art and music appreciation with the help of special guests from the Norton Simon Museum and the California Philharmonic. Plus, the Library hosts special family events in December, including a Family Gift Making Workshop and Lego Mania , an event where kids of all ages can exercise their creativity and STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math).
 
For dates and details about these and other programs for youth, please visit the South Pasadena Public Library website: www.southpasadenaca.gov/childrensresources or call the Children's Room at (626) 403-7358. You can also view our calendar of events here: http://southpasadena.evanced.info/signup/calendar
Check it Out! South Pasadena Public Library Goes Back to School!
The lazy days of summer are over, and it is time for students to hit the books! The library has many resources to help students of all ages succeed, and they are free to anyone with a South Pasadena Public Library card. Here are two of our favorites:
 
Live Homework Help from Tutor.com provides live chat tutoring from 3:00-10:00 p.m. daily, in English or Spanish. Get help with math, science, English, social studies, essay writing, and more! Tutor.com also has tools for SAT/ACT preparation, and the Tutor.com app can be downloaded for free. Good for all grades. Sponsored by the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library

Learning Express Library is a great resource for high schoolers, offering tools to prepare for the SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, GED and other exams. It also provides tips and tools to help students write stand-out college admissions essays. Be ready when the acceptance letters start to arrive by brushing up on grammar, writing, reading, math, science, social studies, and logic and reasoning skills using Learning Express Library's School Center tools. 

For detailed descriptions of what these two resources have to offer please visit the South Pasadena Public Library website:   www.southpasadenaca.gov/libraryteens , or come see us in person! We would love to help you get started making the most of what the Library has to offer. 
Upcoming Special Sales of the Friends of The South Pasadena Public Library
The Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library will present three outstanding Special Sales. The first event will be held Friday, September 1 through Sunday, Sept. 3- and will feature half price Last Chance Books marked down to 25 cents each. This will be a great opportunity for readers to find unexpected treasures at terrific prices. A Children's Book Sale will be conducted: from Friday, September 8 through Monday, September 18. All children's books will be only 50 cents each. This sale will be a good chance for parents to stock up on recreational reading for their children and will feature a large selection for toddlers and other young readers. Finally, from Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 8, a CD Sale will be offered and all CDs will be only 50 cents each. Jazz, Hip Hop, Classical, Spiritual, and many other musical styles will be featured.
 
The Friends Book Sale tables are located on the first floor of the South Pasadena Public Library located at 1100 Oxley Street. Purchases can be made at the checkout desk during all hours the Library is regularly open. The South Pasadena Public Library is open 7 days a week: Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Library will be closed on Monday, September 4 for Labor Day.
Consideration of Transitioning to District Elections
On July 19, 2017, the South Pasadena City Council adopted  Resolution No. 7524  declaring its intent to transition to district-based elections in response to a threat of litigation asserting a violation of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). While the City maintains its position that its election system does not violate the CVRA or any other provision of law, the cost of litigation is prohibitive and the public interest would be better served by transitioning to a district-based electoral system. 

Pursuant to  Elections Code Section 10010 , the City will conduct a series of Public Hearings over the next 90 days to receive community input on the composition of proposed electoral districts for City Council seats. It is of upmost importance that South Pasadena residents participate and provide feedback during the upcoming Public Hearings. It is the City's desire to ensure that the proposed districts reflect prevalent communities of interest and that the citizenry be engaged in this urgent matter. 

Please see our  Frequently Asked Questions  page for details about district elections.
Plan South Pasadena Update
The process for updating the City's General Plan and Mission Street Specific Plan is moving forward to the next stage of public engagement following the conclusion of the Charrette on April 28, 2017.
 
The Charrette synthesized quantifiable data collected by the consultant team, responses from the General Plan survey, and the results of the first round of focus group meetings, refining this information at the evening workshops.  The Charrette focused on developing a physical vision and building blocks for the future of the Specific Plan.

The various focus groups have been meeting over the summer to develop the building blocks for the draft updated General Plan and Specific Plan, based on the vision developed during the Charrette.   Following focus group review and changes, these draft documents will be consolidated into a draft General Plan and draft Specific Plan.  The drafts will be presented at a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council in November, at which they will be asked to use these documents as a basis for the required Environmental Impact Report.

Plan South Pasadena Focus Group meeting schedule:

Group
Date/Time
Location
CORE Group
October 10, 2017 
at 7:00 pm
Community Room, 
1115 El Centro Street
City Council/Planning Commission Joint Meeting
Wednesday, 
 November 8, 2017
City Council Chambers
                                                       
The CORE Group will be focusing on pulling together the work of the other focus groups and adding land use, parking and mobility issues into the mix.

Working draft papers reflecting the work of earlier focus groups are now available for public review and comment here.
Paul Riddle Appointed South Pasadena Fire Chief
On July 24, 2017, Deputy Chief Paul Riddle was appointed as the City of South Pasadena's Fire Chief, making Chief Riddle the 17th Fire Chief in the 110-year history of the Department. His appointment followed the City Council's approval of a new, Two City Cooperative Fire Services Agreement with the City of San Marino. 
 
Chief Riddle was born and raised in West Covina, California. His father was a Firefighter for Pasadena Fire Department and his older brother currently works as a Firefighter for the City of Seattle.  Chief Riddle started his career in the fire service in 1991 as a Volunteer Firefighter with the City of South Pasadena.  He was brought on as a full-time Firefighter in July of 1992. He has served the South Pasadena Fire Department as an Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and in 2014 was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief.  As the Deputy Fire Chief, he was in charge of training for the Cities of South Pasadena, San Marino, and San Gabriel Fire Departments as part of Verdugo Cities Fire.  He has also held the positions of Department Training Officer, Safety Officer, Emergency Manager, and Fitness Coordinator.  He has an associate in science degree from Mt. San Antonio College in fire technology and is completing his Bachelor's Degree in Management.
 
"Chief Riddle has the experience, professionalism, and leadership qualities necessary for the position," stated Interim City Manager Elaine Aguilar.  As Fire Chief, Riddle will be responsible for leading a department composed of 21 full-time uniformed personnel, 3 part-time Fire Prevention Specialists and administrative staff. Badge Pinning Ceremony will take place at the next Council meeting Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The Water Conservation Rebate Program is Growing 
Have you been looking for ways to save more water around your property? There are several new rebates being offered to help you do just that: 
 
1) High efficiency toilets (1.28 gallons per flush or less
    to $100 for installation ($50 for additional toilets).
$100/toilet + up
2) Drought tolerant plants maximum $400
3) Drip conversion maximum $150
4) Shower heads (2.5 gallons per minute or less) $25 each (3 max)
 
The City will soon offer a turf removal rebate program ($1 per square foot up to 1,500 square feet). Details are still being finalized, so check the website for updates.
 
Not sure where to start? Contact us today to schedule a free water audit to help determine where improvements can be made.
 
All other rebates are still being offered. For more information on these and other rebate devices, visit the City website or SoCalWaterSmart.com, or contact the Environmental Division at (626) 403-7311 or  [email protected] .
Five Ways to Save Energy and Money During the Hot Season
Warm  weather season is coming, bringing more fun in the sun across Southern California but that also means more work for air conditioners, home cooling systems, pool pumps and more. This often leads to using more electricity and higher bills. 

Southern California Edison wants to help customers keep their electricity bills manageable as temperatures climb. Click here for five ways to take more control over your energy use and monthly bill. 
Camp Med After School 2017-2018 
 
  Applications & the Program Handbook are now available on our website.
 
Our program is SOLD OUT! If you are interested in being placed on the wait list, please contact the Recreation Division (626) 403-7380.  This program is for 1st - 5th graders only, and the weekly fee is $80.  If you have any questions please refer to our Program Handbook .
Sewer Rehabilitation and Replacement Project
As part of a city-wide initiative to replace aging sewer lines, the Public Works Department contracted with several companies to rehabilitate approximately 60% of the City's sewer system by the end of 2017.

By utilizing Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology, the life of 272 sewer pipe segments, totaling approximately 83,600 lineal feet,  have been extended for another fifty years. 
 
In order to improve the effectiveness of this project, the Public Works Department would once again like to remind residents to ensure that their private sewer laterals are in good condition. Specifically, by hiring a professional to ensure each homes lateral is free of roots, grease, and other debris.

For more information on the project itself click here , or contact South Pasadena's Public Works Department (626) 403-7240.
Upcoming Events
Walk or Bike to School
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
The Community Services Department will be hosting the 14th annual Walk or Bike To School Day on Wednesday, October 4th at the three elementary schools as well as the middle school.

South Pasadena Youth Commissioners will be at the schools handing prizes to those who walk or bike to school. Our local Police & Fire Department personnel will be on-site as well. For more information, contact the Recreation Division (626) 403-7380 or visit www.southpasadenaca.gov/events.
Halloween Spooktacular
Friday, October 27, 2017

The City of South Pasadena's annual Halloween Spooktacular will be held at Orange Grove Park, 815 Mission Street, on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be games, music, inflatables, and more! Make sure to bring a monstrous appetite, there will be plenty of food available for purchase.  
 
Pre-registration is not required to attend this free event. For more information, please contact the Recreation Office at (626) 403-7380 or visit www.southpasadenaca.gov/events.