March 2024 Volume 56
Councilmember Justin L. Jones
March 30, 2024


Greetings Neighbors,

This week, my office participated in a special reunion between our first responders and Pasadena Fire Explorer America Salmon. America was transported last year by Mercy Air Air Methods after an off-road accident that left her with life threatening burns. America is a Pasadena resident (fellow Bulldog) - her strength and resilience never cease to astound me. She is an inspiration to us all.

In addition, the City of Pasadena celebrated our new Wadsworth Treatment Facility. This state-of-the-art facility will increase local supply reliability and resilience. Read more about it from Pasadena Water and Power here.

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services’ staff replaced the damaged fence panels at the Playhouse Village Park dog run. The fence was damaged because of an automobile accident. The final step of installing the decorative chain-link fencing to keep smaller dogs inside the dog run will be scheduled shortly. We extend our appreciation to our neighbors for their patience.

Below are some rain safety tips to keep in mind. Remember to stay informed about weather forecasts and pay close attention to any warnings issued by local authorities.

In this newsletter, highlights include:
  • Egg Bowl cancelled. Hop into Spring Event - April 2nd
  • Internet Access Survey
  • Heritage Square South Permanent Supportive Housing update
  • Notice of Public Hearing for Proposed Street Name Change
  • Rose Internship Program
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Week of the Young Child - April 6th -12th

Warmly, 
Justin L. Jones
Councilmember
Justin L. Jones
Internet Access Survey, Public Hearing Notices,
Week of the Young Child and more!
Rain Safety Tips

  1. Sand and sand bags are available at Fire Stations 37 & 38
  2. Report blocked drains at CityofPasadena/CSC or call (626) 744-7311
  3. Plan ahead in case of power outages and never approach downed lines. Report downed lines by calling 911.
  4. Prepare an emergency kit. Visit Ready.gov/Kit to know what to pack.
  5. Drive slow and safely. Avoid flooded areas.
Egg Bowl and Bunny Brunch Cancelled Due to Forecast of Heavy Rain; New Plan to Hop into Spring event on Tuesday, April 2nd at the Rose Bowl Stadium
 
PASADENA, Calif.— The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Stadium regret to inform guests of the cancellation of the Egg Bowl and Bunny Brunch events scheduled for this Saturday, March 30th due to the forecast of heavy rain. While we understand the disappointment this may cause, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of all the event attendees, participants, and staff involved. We apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause. We appreciate your understanding.
 
Guests who purchased tickets to the Bunny Brunch and VIP Egg Hunt will be issued a refund from Eventbrite within the next 72 hours via the original payment method used to purchase the tickets.
 
The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Stadium have worked to provide all guests of this weekend’s events to “Hop into Spring” at the Rose Bowl Stadium next Tuesday, April 2nd, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM for an Open House, mini egg hunt on the field and photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. All guests must register in advance at Bit.ly/HopIntoSpring2024
 
For more information and to stay connected with the City of Pasadena, please visit our website at CityOfPasadena.net, follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and find us on Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena. For inquiries, please contact the City Service Center during business hours at (626) 744-7311.
 
Internet Access Survey
The City of Pasadena is currently studying internet availability in the community. The data collected from the survey will be utilized in a market assessment to develop a Strategic Broadband Plan for the City. Help us shape strategies to ensure equitable internet access for all! Take the survey at :


Please note that the survey on internet availability in the community is set to close Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Heritage Square South Permanent Supportive Housing:

William K. Huang, Director of Housing, announced the construction of the Heritage Square
South permanent supportive housing project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month. The project developer is nonprofit BRIDGE Housing Corporation. Consisting of 69 one-bedroom units with amenities, Heritage Square South will provide affordable rental housing for seniors (55+ years) experiencing homelessness. Residents will be provided on-site supportive services and case management by Union Station Homeless Services. Leasing activities commenced in February 2024. Prospective applicants are referred through the Los Angeles County Coordinated Entry System ("CES"), a network that aligns homeless services in the County to ensure that resources are efficiently and equitably distributed to support people experiencing homelessness. The CES referral process will apply the City's local preference policy. This policy has resulted in successful outcomes for affordable housing projects in Pasadena. Local preference information for three recent projects is
provided below.

The Diane and John Mullin Hope Center, 1000 E. Walnut Street
The 65-unit permanent supportive housing project for persons experiencing homelessness was placed in service in October 2023. At initial occupancy, 49 units (75%) were made available to persons who qualified under the Pasadena local preference. The racial/ethnic mix of the residents is comprised of 32% Black, 30% White (non-Hispanic), 11 % Hispanic, 1 % Asian, and 26% Other.

Lincoln Orange Grove, 735 N. Orange Grove Boulevard
This 48-unit for-sale housing development, completed in March 2023, provided first-time
homeownership opportunities for 35 low- and moderate-income families. Of these buyers, 31 (88.6%) qualified under one or more Pasadena local preference categories. Data on the racial/ethnic mix of the homeowners have not yet been compiled.

Heritage Square Senior Apartments, 768 N. Fair Oaks Avenue
This 69-unit senior rental housing project was placed in service in 2016, with 65 (94%) units leased to qualified households who were Pasadena residents at the time of application. The racial/ethnic mix of the residents was comprised of33.3% Black, 26.1% Hispanic, 20.3% Asian, and 20.3% White (non-Hispanic).
Office of the Young Child Announces
Pasadena's Citywide Week of the Young Child Celebration:

Tim McDonald, Director of Libraries and Information Services, and the Office of the Young
Child, in partnership with the Human Services Commission's Early Childhood Ad Hoc Committee,
invite you to a fun-filled lineup of child-centered programs celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the
Week of the Young Child, April 6 - 12, 2024.

The celebration highlights the importance of our community's quality early childhood programs and recognizes that a child's earliest years lay the foundation for later success in school and in life. The Week of the Young Child follows six themed days to guide community engagement. Community members can explore the Pasadena twist on the week's festivities, with sites across the city hosting different activities for young children and their caregivers that encourage a love of reading, music, and art.


BLACK INFANT HEALTH PROGRAM CONTACT INFO & HOURS

1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 744-6155

Monday-Thursday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm

To make an appointment,
please call (626) 744-6155
Notice of Public Hearing for Proposed
Street Name Change

Subject: The City of Pasadena proposes to change Morton Avenue from Hammond Street to
Mountain Street to "Troop Way", as one of two options. The other option is Dayton Street
between Fair Oaks Avenue and Raymond Avenue.

Environmental: This project has been determined to be Categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061 (b)(3), common sense exemption that
CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment; as well as under Section 15301 as a minor alteration of an existing facility with no
change in capacity.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed
street name change. The hearing is scheduled for:

Date: April 15, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm.
Place: City Hall Council Chambers
100 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

Public Information: Any interested party or their representative may appear at the hearing and
comment on the project. Written comments may also be mailed to the Department of Public
Works by April 5, 2024.

For more information about the street name change:
Contact Person: Yannie Wu-Bowman, P.E.
Phone: (626) 744-3762 E-mail: ywu-bowman@cityofpasadena.net
Mailing Address: Department of Public Works, Engineering Services Section, 175 North
Garfield Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 2 of Division 2, Section 970.5 of the California Streets
and Highways Code, this notice is posted to provide a 10-day notification of the proposed street
name change.

ADA: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, assistive listening devices are available at all Pasadena City Council Meetings. Assistive listening headphones and neck loops can be checked out at the desk of the sergeant-at-arms, located inside the City Council Chambers. Language translation services are available for this meeting by calling (626) 7 44-4124 at least 24 hours in advance.

Date of Notice: March 26, 2024
Public Hearing Notice

  • To Consider Rate Adjustments to Solid Waste Refuse Collection Fee, April 8, 2024
  • To Consider Proposed Sewer Use Fee Rate Adjustments and New Rate Structure, April 8, 2024

Visit the Department of Public Works webpage for more information.

Visite el sitio web de la ciudad para obtener más información.
Day One, the lead organization for the Regional Violence Prevention Coalition in the San Gabriel Valley, is thrilled to share the exciting news that their mini grant funding has been renewed, with applications NOW OPEN
 
They are enthusiastic about granting five new mini grants of $1,000 each to five deserving local residents or organizations within the San Gabriel Valley (SPA-3) to further the remarkable initiatives in your community. The mini grants will be received on a reimbursement basis to the selected projects.
 
Any individual or organization located in the San Gabriel Valley that wants to contribute to violence reduction and community enhancement is welcome to apply.
Spring/Summer 2024 Recreation Program Guide is now available.

Join low-cost programs and FREE festive events!

La guía del programa de recreación primavera/verano 2024 ya está disponible.

¡Únase a programas de bajo costo y eventos festivos GRATIS!
The Greater LA Education Foundation for graduating students in LA County! The Eric & Christine Alegria Public Service Scholarship is now open for graduating students in LA County who plan to pursue a degree or career in public service. 
Scholarship amount: up to $1,000
Scholarship application deadline: 4/5/2024

Students can also apply online at: 
 
California Fast Food Restaurant Minimum Wage Bill
Will Impact Restaurants in Pasadena
 
PASADENA, Calif.— On September 28, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1228, raising the minimum wage payable by certain fast food restaurant employers. Beginning April 1, 2024, all “fast food restaurant employees” in California who are covered by the new law must be paid at least $20.00 per hour. A restaurant must meet ALL of the below criteria to be considered a “fast food restaurant”:
  • Be a “limited-service restaurant” that offers limited or no table service, where the customer’s order food or beverage items and pay for those items before the items are consumed.
  • The restaurant is part of a restaurant chain of at least 60 establishments nationwide.
  • The restaurant is primarily engaged in selling food and beverages for immediate consumption.
 
California’s fast food restaurant employee’s minimum wage supersedes Pasadena’s local minimum wage for those covered by the new law; however, all other persons who are not considered “fast food restaurant employees” must not be paid less than the Pasadena minimum wage of $16.93 per hour. Beginning July 1, 2024, the Pasadena minimum wage will increase to $17.50 per hour for all other occupations regardless of size. This new wage rate will remain in effect until June 30, 2025, when it will again be adjusted.
 
The hourly minimum wage for fast food restaurant employees may be increased by a state-appointed Fast Food Council beginning on January 1, 2025, at a rate tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The Council and its authority expires at the end of 2029.
 
Questions about enforcement of this new State law should be directed to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. Information and the address and telephone number of the office nearest you can be found at Dir.Ca.Gov/DLSE/dlse.html or under a search for “California Labor Commissioner’s Office.” The Department of Industrial Relations “Fast Food Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions” page can be found at: California Minimum Wage.
 
For more information and to stay connected with the City of Pasadena, please visit our website at CityOfPasadena.net, follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and find us on Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena. For inquiries, please contact the City Service Center during business hours at (626) 744-7311.
LEARN about the City’s municipal inspection programs and how they protect our communities and waterways

DISCOVER best management practices that keep Pasadena free of pollution and businesses
thriving

SHARE your thoughts on the City’s proposal to enhance those programs to be more protective
of our natural resources

ENGAGE with City staff and other business owners on compliance programs aimed to achieve healthier living for our communities
Know of a great historic preservation project that was recently completed?

Nominate it for an award! Nominations are now being accepted through April 5 for the 20th Anniversary of the City of Pasadena Historic Preservation Awards.

For the nomination form and guidelines, visit: http://Bit.ly/HPA2024 Awards presentation event to be held in late May; date, time and location to be announced. 
“Water is Life” Art Contest
All K-12 students who live within PWP’s service territory are encouraged to submit artwork for the 2024 "Water is Life” Art Contest sponsored by PWP and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Each year, participating students submit artwork portraying a water-wise theme, along with a short message about water conservation. Both digital and hand-drawn or painted artwork are welcome! Submissions must be received by May 31, 2024.

To learn more about the art contest, including how to submit a piece, visit PWPWeb.com/ArtContest.
The City of Pasadena is hiring!

2024 Educational Scholarship
PWP is now accepting essays and applications for the 2024 Educational Scholarship. Each year, PWP honors two outstanding high school seniors in Pasadena with a scholarship to a two- or four-year accredited, post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year. The first-place scholarship is $5,000, and second place is $2,500.

To apply, students must write a minimum 500-word essay about a topic related to the utility industry. This year’s essay prompt asks students to consider the benefits and challenges of electrification. Submissions must be received by April 5, 2024. Learn more about the scholarship program by visiting PWPWeb.com/Scholarship.
Save Water and Money
with PWP


To learn more, visit PWPweb.com/SaveWater or call (626) 744-7311
Interested in installing a Hydration Station at your Business?

Visit PWPweb.com/HydrationStation for eligibility requirements. Funding limited.
The Water and Energy Direct Install Program (WeDIP) is a PWP program designed
to help small businesses receive immediate and long-term energy and water
saving measures up to $7,500 that pave the way to lower operating costs.
#ThisGen2024: A Youth Empowerment Forum
Presented by Pasadena City College
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024, 9:00 a.m.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses will host #ThisGen2024: A Youth Empowerment Forum presented by Pasadena City College (1570 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m.

Back for the fourth year, #ThisGen will focus on empowering the next generation of leaders and give students the opportunity to learn about inspiring leadership, breaking barriers and aligning passion with skill sets. Attendees will leave feeling empowered to be courageous, confident and intentional with the choices that impact their future.

Registration is free of charge. Lunch will be provided by Panda Cares, a charitable foundation of national restaurant chain, Panda Express.

Spring Into Wellness 

The Spring Into Wellness Community Health Festival will be happening Sat., May 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Villa Parke (363 E. Villa St.).

Join the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) for an afternoon of fun! This event for all ages will have FREE food, arts & crafts, raffles, activities, and more!

For accessibility information and requests, contact (626) 744-7311 or CSC@CityOfPasadena.net. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability. 
Fair Oaks Avenue Water Main Infrastructure Improvements
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) will be replacing two, 90-year-old water mains along Fair Oaks Avenue as part of a major water infrastructure upgrade beginning in March 2024. The project will span from Washington Boulevard to Montana Street along Fair Oaks Avenue. When completed, the upgrades will enhance water service reliability for the area.

To minimize impacts on area residents and businesses, construction efforts will be contained to approximately one block at a time. At least one driving lane will always remain accessible in both directions. During construction, crews will use a variety of heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, loaders, and construction trucks, which may cause some noise and dust in the area. Traffic signs and delineators will be used to minimize the impact of traffic flow along Fair Oaks Avenue. PWP asks residents to please observe and adhere to posted no parking zones, construction signs, and flagmen.

During the project, businesses and residents located between Montana Street and Washington Blvd may be impacted. Construction will intermittently affect water service. Notices of any water interruption will be given at least 48 hours in advance and special efforts will be taken to keep any other inconveniences to a minimum. The work will occur Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, please visit PWP’s website, which will be updated regularly as the project progresses, at PWPweb.com/FairOaks or call PWP Water Distribution at (626) 744-4456.


en español:

Las mejoras a la infraestructura de la tubería principal de agua de Fair Oaks Avenue comenzarán en marzo
Para minimizar los impactos en los residentes y las empresas del área, los esfuerzos de construcción se limitarán a aproximadamente una cuadra a la vez.
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) reemplazará dos tuberías principales de agua de 90 años a lo largo de Fair Oaks Avenue como parte de una importante mejora de la infraestructura hídrica que comenzará en marzo de 2024. El proyecto se extenderá desde Washington Boulevard hasta Montana. Calle a lo largo de Fair Oaks Avenue. Una vez finalizadas, las mejoras mejorarán la confiabilidad del servicio de agua en el área.

Siempre quedará accesible al menos un carril de circulación en ambos sentidos. Durante la construcción, las cuadrillas utilizarán una variedad de equipos pesados, incluidas excavadoras, retroexcavadoras, cargadoras y camiones de construcción, lo que puede causar algo de ruido y polvo en el área. Se utilizarán señales de tráfico y delineadores para minimizar el impacto del flujo de tráfico a lo largo de Fair Oaks Avenue. PWP pide a los residentes que respeten y respeten las zonas de estacionamiento prohibidas, los carteles de construcción y los banderilleros publicados.

Durante el proyecto, las empresas y los residentes ubicados entre Montana Street y Washington Blvd podrían verse afectados. La construcción afectará intermitentemente el servicio de agua. Los avisos de cualquier interrupción del agua se enviarán con al menos 48 horas de anticipación y se harán esfuerzos especiales para mantener cualquier otro inconveniente al mínimo. Los trabajos se realizarán de lunes a viernes de 9 am a 4 pm.

Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web de PWP, que se actualizará periódicamente a medida que avance el proyecto, en PWPweb.com/FairOaks o llame a PWP Water Distribution al (626) 744-4456.
The Brenner Park Playground Improvement Project provides for the planning and design of new playground play structures, and the installation of a new rubberized play surface for increased safety and ADA compliance.

The existing playground equipment at Brenner Park was installed in 2009. The equipment has since become obsolete and has less play value than the new equipment installed at other parks. The replacement of the play equipment will provide a play environment of consistent quality with those recently installed at McDonald Park, Desiderio Park, and the new Playhouse Village Park. In addition, the new rubberized play surface will increase and enhance ADA accessibility and compliance.

en español:

El Proyecto de mejora del patio de juegos de Brenner Park prevé la planificación y el diseño de nuevas estructuras de juego en el parque infantil y la instalación de una nueva superficie de juego de caucho para mayor seguridad y cumplimiento de la ADA.

El equipo de juegos existente en Brenner Park se instaló en 2009. Desde entonces, el equipo se ha vuelto obsoleto y tiene menos valor de juego que el nuevo equipo instalado en otros parques. El reemplazo del equipo de juego proporcionará un ambiente de juego de calidad consistente con los instalados recientemente en McDonald Park, Desiderio Park y el nuevo Playhouse Village Park. Además, la nueva superficie de juego de goma aumentará y mejorará la accesibilidad y el cumplimiento de la ADA.



Pasadena Police Officers Association Scholarships

The PPOA offers several different scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors.

City Service Center
"One Call to City Hall"

(626) 744-7311

Call Center Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Visit the website and download the CSC App!
Contact the District 3 Office
Comuníquese con la Oficina del Distrito 3

Call us at/Llamenos al (626) 744-4738


Crime (non-emergency)
If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1

For non-emergencies, call (626) 744-4241

Lisa Barrios
District Liaison

626-744-4738
___________

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS:



CITY OF PASADENA
100 North Garfield Avenue
Suite S228 Pasadena,
California 91101