|
December 26, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
This past year brought real challenges, but it also reminded me of the strength, compassion, and resilience that define District 3 and Pasadena as a whole. Time and time again, neighbors showed up for one another. Through uncertainty and difficult moments, our community demonstrated care, patience, and a shared commitment to this city we call home.
Even during a demanding year, the progress we made reflects what is possible when residents stay engaged and we work together. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who reached out, attended meetings, volunteered, or shared concerns and ideas. Your voices continue to guide my work and my decisions.
In January, District 3 residents responded immediately to the devastating Eaton Fire. Many volunteered, donated, opened their homes, and supported neighbors in need. During those early days, my office focused on keeping residents informed and ensuring access to potable water and masks in partnership with Pasadena Water and Power and the Pasadena Public Health Department. The compassion shown during that time was a powerful reminder of who we are as a community.
This year also brought challenges that affected families’ sense of stability and security. In response to concerns related to immigration enforcement activity and delays in food assistance, I reiterated that our immigrant neighbors are a vital part of Pasadena’s community and economy. When delays in SNAP food assistance impacted local families, my office worked quickly with city partners and community organizations to help connect residents to emergency food resources and support services. Throughout these moments, my priority was to respond with care, clarity, and compassion.
Out of challenge came renewed connection. Neighborhood groups formed, and existing associations grew stronger. Many residents participated in the District 3 Prepared Pasadena Training to build disaster preparedness and hands-on life-saving skills, while others joined us for the Listos California Neighborhood Block Party during National Preparedness Month in partnership with the Pasadena Fire Department.
In the spring, I hosted a District 3 Community Meeting where residents heard updates from our City Manager and Fire Chief, met our new Public Works Director, and learned about rental housing regulations from the Rent Stabilization Department. We also received an update on the Robinson Park Recreation Center Public Art Project.
Throughout the year, I hosted Coffee and Tea Conversations and neighborhood meetings in front lawns, patios, and community rooms. Whether in group settings or one-on-one conversations, I appreciated the opportunity to listen and stay connected. Remaining accessible and engaged continues to be central to how I serve.
During the summer, I also hosted a Career and Resource Fair in partnership with the Foothill Workforce Development Board, bringing together entry-level and professional opportunities from multiple industries and connecting residents directly to tools, resources, and support.
My office co-hosted a District 3 Clean-Up, bringing neighbors together to care for our shared spaces. Pasadena also offers the City Service Center App to report issues and request services, including bulky-item disposal:
www.CityofPasadena.net/CSC
Many residents raised concerns about speeding, late-night donut activity, and parking enforcement. Based on community feedback:
• Speed tables are planned for Mountain Street between Fair Oaks Avenue and Los Robles Avenue, with installation anticipated in winter 2026.
• Updates to the Speed Hump Policies and Procedures were approved to make traffic calming more accessible.
• Donut-prevention treatments at Lincoln Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard are anticipated this winter, with potential expansion if successful.
• Parking concerns can be addressed at (626) 744-6440 or cityofpasadena.net/transportation/parking-info.
You also emphasized the importance of road and sidewalk repairs. Pavement restoration on Fair Oaks Avenue and Madison Avenue has been completed, delivering improvements residents can see and experience today. To help extend this progress to more neighborhoods, I worked to ensure that Community Development Block Grant funding supplements funding for District 3 streets and does not replace city-allocated funding. This approach directs additional resources to CDBG-eligible areas, allowing improvements to continue reaching more blocks across District 3.
Serving as Chair of the Municipal Services Committee and as a member of the Public Safety Committee has been a meaningful opportunity to address quality-of-life issues raised by residents.
This year, the City Council unanimously approved Pasadena Water and Power’s Optimized Strategic Plan, advancing the goal of sourcing 100 percent of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon-free resources by 2030 while prioritizing affordability, rate equity, stability, and reliability. PWP customers may now install solar systems up to 150 percent of historical usage, with added flexibility when paired with battery storage or demonstrated need.
Progress also continued on major infrastructure efforts, including the Sunset Complex Project Draft Environmental Impact Report, the Raymond Avenue Utility Undergrounding Project, and discussions related to Metro’s North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit project. As part of the Raymond Avenue Utility Undergrounding Project, placing overhead utility lines below city streets will improve reliability, public safety, and neighborhood aesthetics. Please save the date for the next community meeting on Wednesday, January 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Through the Master Street Tree Plan, I also raised the importance of equitable tree planting so all neighborhoods benefit from increased canopy and environmental health.
Public safety remains a top priority. This year, the City added a new Fire Battalion Chief position, strengthening leadership and emergency response capacity across Pasadena.
The City Council also created a new Homeless, Housing, and Planning Committee to improve coordination across housing policy, homelessness response, and land use planning. The committee is focused on alignment, accountability, and thoughtful solutions that balance compassion, public safety, and neighborhood stability.
In response to concerns about activity in our parks, I advocated for additional Park Safety Specialists and participated in ride-alongs with the Pasadena Outreach and Response Team. I was impressed by the care and coordination shown by the PORT and HOPE teams in serving unhoused neighbors and individuals with acute needs.
Our parks and community spaces play a vital role in a healthy city. Progress continues on the Brenner Park Playground Project, and the Jackie Robinson Community Center received AV upgrades and parking improvements to better serve residents.
Thanks to strong community support, Pasadena will host free outdoor concerts at Memorial Park in 2026, 2027, and 2028 through a multi-year Levitt Foundation grant. I hope you were able to attend this year’s Summer Park Concert Series and will join us again in the future.
District 3 is home to many community-based organizations whose work is invaluable to residents across Pasadena. Throughout the year, I had the honor of congratulating graduates of the Flintridge Center’s Apprenticeship Preparation Program, celebrating milestones that reflect the importance of removing barriers and expanding opportunity.
We also celebrated new restaurants and businesses choosing Pasadena as their home, strengthening our local economy and community fabric. Welcoming new businesses and celebrating milestones like Holy Saints’ second anniversary reflects the vitality of our neighborhoods.
In 2025, the City Council adopted a balanced budget, reflecting disciplined fiscal stewardship while continuing to invest in core services residents rely on. As we prepare for the next fiscal year, the City Council will engage in budget discussions with a continued focus on sustainability and accountability.
I am eager to see continued progress on the Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan, the Central Library Earthquake Retrofit and Building Repairs Project, and the Raymond Avenue Utility Undergrounding Project.
Several District 3 residents were appointed to city commissions and boards this year, strengthening civic participation across Pasadena. I also had the pleasure of recognizing exemplary mentors, dedicated residents, the Pasadena High School Football Team for their CIF Championship, and First Robotics Team 2404 for their perseverance and teamwork.
Our work is possible because of the dedication of our City Manager, Executive Leadership Team, and city professionals across every department, whose commitment to public service continues to move Pasadena forward.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent District 3. Please reach out if you need assistance with city services or have topics you would like to see covered in future newsletters.
I look forward to continuing our work in the new year!
Warmly,
| 
