October 2025 Volume 147

Councilmember Justin L. Jones

October 17, 2025


Dear Neighbors,


Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining Shepherd’s Door for their 2nd Annual Healing Art Exhibit in partnership with American Legion Post 13. October marks Domestic Violence Awareness month – the Colors of Strength exhibit powerfully reminded us why awareness and action matter.


On Saturday, October 18th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Flintridge Center, join the community for a Reentry Resource Fair. A day of resources, food, fun, music and more! Children are welcome. Please see the flyer below.


On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Planning Commission will hold a study session on the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan (FOOG) update. The Planning Commission and the public will have an opportunity to comment on background information, vision, goals, and policies, as well as development standards and the public realm. Feedback received will inform the preparation of the FOOG Specific Plan. This is an information item only; no decision will be made at this meeting. Please review the full announcement below.


For the latest news from the Economic Development team, please read their newsletter – link provided below. Information on LA County’s Small Business Resiliency Fund and a Free Webinar: Business Law 101, are included.


IMPORTANT: Pasadena Public Health Confirms Case of West Nile Virus and Recommends Prevention Tips. Please read the full press release below.


The Pasadena Police Department (PPD), in partnership with Day One, is proud to host a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25th from 10 AM to 2 PM at PPD’s headquarters, 207 N. Garfield Ave.


The public comment period for Draft Optimized Strategic Plan is open at EngagePWP.org


Announcement from Public Works: 

Fair Oaks Avenue Pavement Restoration Project

·       LocationFair Oaks Avenue, from Washington Blvd to Montana Street

·       Scope of Work: Pavement restoration, curb and gutter repairs, curb ramp improvements, and striping modifications

·       Start Date: October 20, 2025

·       Anticipated Completion: February 2026

·       Hours the construction: 7 am to 4 pm

 

Expect some delay during the construction hours. For ongoing updates and more details, please visit the project webpage: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-works/engineering-and-construction/construction/fair-oaks-ave-from-washington-blvd-to-north-of-montana-st-pavement-restoration-project/


Please read additional construction notices below.

 

This week's City Manager's Newsletter includes the following: 

  • Pasadena Hosts the 27th Annual Latino Heritage Festival
  • Pasadena Police Department to Host Boo Bash with the Badge – Trunk or Treat Halloween Extravaganza 2025
  • Pasadena Hosts 9th Annual National Coming Out Day Event
  • Final Walk-In Sessions Before Rental Registration Ends
  • Behind the Scenes: Keeping the Mobile Command Center Mission-Ready
  • Pasadena Fire Department Honors Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony
  • A Surprise Visit from Los Angeles Football Club to Youth Athletes at Villa Parke
  • Help Build Pasadena’s Future
  • Legal Advertisements and Public Notices


For the latest news releases from the City of Pasadena click here.


The next regular meeting of the Pasadena

City Council will be held on Monday, October 20. Please click here for the agenda.


Click here to view the City Meeting and Events Calendar.


For further assistance, please call us at

(626) 744-4738 or visit District 3 Office


Warmly,

Justin L. Jones

Councilmember
Justin L. Jones

Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan Update Planning Commission Hearing, Craftsman Heights Landmark District Sign, Bark in the Park and more!



On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Planning Commission will hold a study session on the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan (FOOG) update. Planning Commission and the public will have an opportunity to comment on background information, vision, goals, and policies, as well as development standards and the public realm. Feedback received will inform the preparation of the FOOG Specific Plan. This is an information item only; no decision will be made at this meeting.

Public Information: All interested persons may submit correspondence to commentsPC@cityofpasadena.net prior to the start of the meeting. During the meeting and prior to the close of the public hearing, members of the public may provide live public comment. Please refer to the agenda when posted for instructions on to how to provide live public comment. If you are unable to participate during the Planning Commission meeting, you may also provide feedback on the specific plan by emailing us at commentsPC@cityofpasadena.net.

Meeting Location:

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Place: City Hall, Council Chambers, Room S249, 100 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

The meeting agenda will be posted by October 20, 2025 at: Planning Commission webpage.

Language translation services are available for this meeting by calling (626) 744-4124 at least 24 hours in advance. Habrá servicio de interpretación disponible para éstas juntas llamando al (626) 744-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación.

 

For more information, please contact:

Ani Garibyan, Planner

Phone: (626) 744-6743

Email: agaribyan@cityofpasadena.net

Website: https://www.ourpasadena.org/FOOG-PC-SS-102225 

 

Don’t forget to add this hearing to your calendar, and to mark this email address for your safe sender list.

 

Thank you for your continued participation in the Specific Plan update process!

- Our Pasadena team

Economic Development Newsletter:


Earn Rewards by Shopping Local, PINC Technologies Wins Seed+ Funds, Keck Medicine Opens in HeArt District


Click here to read more...

Pasadena Public Health Confirms Case of West Nile Virus and Recommends Prevention Tips


PASADENA, Calif.— The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) confirms their first case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a human for 2025 on October 9, 2025, and recommends prevention tips. 


WNV is most often detected during warmer months when mosquitoes are breeding and can quickly spread viruses. PPHD continues to monitor disease activity and collaborate with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District to control mosquitoes in public spaces through routine inspections and necessary treatments. The last confirmed case of WNV in a Pasadena resident was in 2022.


“There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus in humans,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer. “By taking preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of infection and help protect our community.”


Take the following actions to reduce the presence of mosquitoes, stay healthy and bite-free:

·       Tip out stagnant water around the home weekly;

·       Toss unused containers that can hold stagnant water; 

·       Use screens on windows and fix holes in screens; and

·       Protect against bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent containing any one of the following recommended ingredients: Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.


“PPHD urges residents to take an active role in reducing the threat of West Nile virus by following mosquito prevention tips,” said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. “The most effective way to stay protected is to prevent mosquito bites.”


Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on TwitterInstagram and Facebook; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.


Reentry Resource Fair at Flintridge Center


Saturday, October 18



10 AM - 3 PM


Craftsman Heights Landmark District Sign


Community can vote at the following website: https://www.craftsmanheights.com 


Pasadena Police Department to Host Drug Enforcement Administration National Takeback Day


PASADENA, Calif. – The Pasadena Police Department (PPD), in partnership with Day One, is proud to host the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pasadena Police Department Headquarters, 207 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA.


This free, community-focused event provides Pasadena residents with a safe, convenient, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications. By participating, residents help prevent drug misuse and protect local waterways from contamination caused by improper disposal methods such as flushing medications down the toilet.



“Take Back Day is more than just a cleanup effort—it’s a proactive step toward public safety and environmental stewardship,” said Sergeant Jonathan Bucholz of the Pasadena Police Department. “We encourage everyone to check their medicine cabinets and bring any medications they no longer need.”

Accepted items include:

  • Prescription medications (pills and tablets)
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Vitamins and supplements


Please note: Needles, sharps, and liquids will not be accepted.

For more information about the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, including additional drop-off locations, visit www.dea.gov/takebackday. To speak with a local representative, contact Sergeant Jonathan Bucholz at jbuchholz@cityofpasadena.net.

Let’s work together to keep our homes safe and our environment clean.

Bark in the Park returns to Playhouse Village 

October 26 | 11AM – 2PM

Playhouse Village Park | 701 E Union St 


Playhouse Village invites dogs and their owners to celebrate Halloween and have a howling good time at the annual Bark in the Park: Howl-O-Ween Parade & Costume Contest, presented by Playhouse Village Foundation. This free event features a costume parade and contests with prizes, treat stations and pup bites, photo-ops, and plenty of fun activities for dogs and humans.


OAK KNOLL AVENUE & COLORADO BLVD: 

  • Work: Tie-in connection of new main to existing main 
  • Traffic impact: always maintain at least one lane each direction. 
  • Date: 10/28/2025 to 10/31/2025, no work during weekend. 
  • Hours of impact: 8:30 am to 5 pm. 

 

OAK KNOLL AVENUE & GREEN STREET: 

  • Work: Tie-in connection of new main to existing main 
  • Traffic impact: always maintain at least one lane each direction. 
  • Date: 11/6/2025 to 11/7/2025, no work during weekend. 
  • Hours of impact: 8:30 am to 5 pm. 


Public Comment Period for Draft Optimized Strategic Plan Now Open at EngagePWP.org  


As part of its continued commitment to community engagement, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is soliciting public comment on the draft Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP), which is Pasadena’s roadmap to achieve the city's goal to source 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030, while optimizing for affordability, rate equity, stability and electric reliability. PWP recently launched a new online hub, EngagePWP.org, designed to foster ongoing dialogue with customers about a variety of PWP initiatives including the OSP. 


Through this effort and other outreach activities, PWP continues to explore ideas and shape future offerings based on community input. The online engagement hub provides a centralized space where residents and businesses can learn more about the OSP, review the draft, and provide comments. For customers who prefer to provide their comments verbally, the hub also includes available virtual appointments with PWP staff to discuss the plan and provide feedback. The public comment period will remain open through Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. 


EngagePWP.org is part of a broader effort to ensure PWP programs continue to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of Pasadena’s diverse community. In addition to the community input opportunities, this engagement hub will provide information regarding upcoming events, contact information and other helpful resources. 


“The Optimized Strategic Plan is a crucial piece of Pasadena’s clean energy future, and we encourage residents and businesses to be part of the process by visiting EngagePWP.org to help ensure our rates, programs, and incentives continue to reflect their needs and priorities.” said PWP General Manager David Reyes. 


Pasadena Water and Power Launches EngagePWP.org 

As part of its continued commitment to community engagement, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) recently launched a new virtual platform, EngagePWP.org, designed to foster ongoing dialogue with customers about electric rates, utility programs, incentives, and services.  

 

The engagement hub provides a centralized space where residents and businesses can learn more about PWP’s services, access resources, and share their perspectives on topics that impact their daily lives. Customer feedback will play a key role in guide rate design and future program offerings. 

 

EngagePWP.org also provides an opportunity for customers to weigh in the PWP’s electric rate study, which takes a holistic look at the many factors shaping energy costs and services. Like utilities across the country, PWP is navigating rising costs driven by several key factors including aging infrastructure, grid modernization needs, and investments in new technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Additionally, the cost of energy across all sources has been steadily increasing. 

 

While the rate study addresses a broad range of operational and financial needs, it also supports Pasadena’s long-term sustainability goal to source 100% carbon free electricity by the end of 2030.  

 

Community input is essential to balancing these priorities and shaping solutions that reflect Pasadena’s values and needs. To ensure the community’s voice is part of this process, please visit EngagePWP.org where you can: 

  • Learn more about the rate study and related initiatives 
  • Explore FAQs, timelines, and upcoming events 
  • Share your feedback on rates, programs, and priorities 

 

Your input will help shape recommendations to city leaders and ensure that future decisions reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the Pasadena community. 

 

Visit EngagePWP.org today and make your voice heard 



A message from the Department of Transportation:



On September 8, 2025, the City Council approved three key amendments to the Speed Hump Policies and Procedures to make traffic calming measures more accessible to residents.


Key changes include:

  1. Lowering the minimum daily traffic volume threshold from 1,000 vehicle trips per day to 500 vehicle trips per day, allowing more streets to qualify.
  2. Updating the voting requirement from the current 67% approval requirement for total households (which treats a non-vote as equivalent to a no vote), to an approval requirement of 67% of returned ballots, with a minimum response rate of 50%.
  3. Expanding eligible street types to include City-designated Greenway bike facilities from the 2015 Bicycle Transportation Action Plan, in addition to currently eligible classifications of Local Residential and Access Streets - Residential.


These updates aim to make speed humps a more viable option for neighborhoods seeking to improve safety and manage traffic speeds. To support this effort, City staff will also enhance the resident notification process when a street segment moves to a vote, encouraging greater community participation in the decision-making process. Additional information and the updated Speed Hump Policies and Procedures can be found in the News and Notices section of the Transportation Department website: cityofpasadena.net/transportation/



City of Pasadena Launches

“Build Pasadena’s Future” Survey 



Pasadena, CA — The City of Pasadena has launched a citywide survey, “Build Pasadena’s Future With Us,” aimed at gathering input from residents, businesses, job seekers, and educators. The goal is to better understand local workforce capacity and connect the community to upcoming opportunities tied to major construction projects — including the Central Library and Rose Bowl improvements.


The survey is designed to:

  • Gauge local business capacity and workforce needs
  • Connect residents and vendors to future opportunities
  • Maximize local economic benefit from public construction investments

All community members are invited to view and take the Build Pasadena’s Future With Us survey, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.


The City of Pasadena is committed to creating new opportunities for local labor, suppliers, small business, residents and educators. As a construction partner on these projects, PCL Construction is supporting the City’s economic impact and outreach efforts, helping ensure the community is engaged and positioned to benefit from the work ahead.

For more information about current and upcoming City construction projects, visit CityOfPasadena.net/Public-Works/.



Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (626) 744-7311.

October Edition


Click here for the latest issue of Visit Pasadena.


October Events


Click here for the  October edition of the Pasadena Convention Center and Pasadena Civic Auditorium newsletter! 


While older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions are at the greatest risk of severe illness and death, influenza (“flu”) can affect people of all ages. The California Department of Public Health reported 43 flu-related deaths among children in California last year.


To protect yourself and your loved ones, Manuel Carmona, Director of Pasadena Public Health, and the department continue to recommend that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine. Vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and offer enhanced protection against community transmission.


To increase vaccine uptake, Pasadena Public Health Department (“PPHD”) is offering the following flu vaccine clinics this fall:



• Thursday, October 23, 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Avenue

• Thursday, October 30, 1:30 - 4 p.m.

La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue

• Wednesday, November 5, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street

• Thursday, November 6, 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Avenue

• Thursday, November 13, 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Boulevard

• Thursday, November 20, 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant Street


Walk-ins are also welcome at community clinics and at the Pasadena Public Health Department immunization clinic (1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave.) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.


For vaccines against COVID-19 and RSV, PPHD recommends working with your private healthcare provider to evaluate your eligibility and get a dose today. For more information on COVID-19 and RSV vaccine eligibility, read the press release.




Walking + October + Pasadena = Walktober!

A month full of events and discovery on foot in Pasadena

 

PASADENA, Calif.— The City of Pasadena Department of Transportation (DOT) in partnership with Day One and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition (PasCSC) invite all of Pasadena to get out and WALK in October! Walktober is celebrating its 8th year in the City of Pasadena, established by the PasCSC. For Walktober 2025, the City contracted with local Pasadena non-profit Day One, supported by PasCSC, to fund, organize and staff free walking-themed public events in October.


Click here to read more on the city website...


African American Parent Council


Math Power Hour

Affording College webinar designed for 11th and 12th graders and their families as they prepare to navigate the financial aid process.


Affording College Financial Aid Webinar 

o   6:30 - 8pm via Zoom

o   Wednesday, October 22nd (English) | tinyurl.com/afford25 

o   Wednesday, October 29th (Spanish) | tinyurl.com/lograr25 


City of Pasadena to Pay Tribute to Veterans and Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army, Navy, and Marines


Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Pasadena City Hall

100 N. Garfield Ave.


Presented by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department in partnership with the Pasadena Veterans Committee, this heartfelt event honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans.


Do you rely on a medical device for life support?


Your health and safety is important to us. 

Update your account by calling PWP Customer Service at (626) 744-4005.

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

Pasadena residents are encouraged to sign up for official City alert systems. The Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System (PLEAS) sends urgent notifications via text, call, or email when immediate action, like evacuation warnings and orders, are required. Sign up today at bit.ly/RegisterForPLEAS.


Stay informed about local police and fire alerts by signing up for Nixle, text your ZIP code to 888777 or visit Nixel.com. For broader emergency updates, we also recommend registering with Alert LA County at

bit.ly/RegisterAlertLACounty.

Don't wait for an emergency to get informed, sign up today and stay safe!

INSCRÍBETE HOY A ALERTAS DE EMERGENCIA


INSCRÍBETE A PLEAS

(Sistema Local de Alerta de Emergencias de Pasadena)

  • Recibe alertas de voz, correo electrónico y SMS ante peligros inminentes (evacuaciones, emergencias).
  • Regístrese ahora para estar preparado en:

bit.ly/RegisterForPLEAS


INSCRIBETE A NIXLE

(Alertas de Policía y Bomberos de Pasadena)

  • Recibe alertas de delincuencia y seguridad por SMS o correo electrónico.
  • Registrate en Nixle.com o envía un SMS con tu código postal al 888777


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!
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

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