Hello North East Pasadena followers -
I apologize for the long delay between my last blog, but this blog will be back for a vengeance in 2010.
Some housekeeping while I was away - There was a car broken into in our neighborhood. Here are 10 things on how to AVOID CAR THEFT:
1 - Park your car in an area that is well-lit, garage, driveway and/or near lots of people.
2 - the windows rolled up and the car locked, even if it's parked at your own house.
3 - Keep valuables in your car hidden. Consider buying a removable stereo face to keep in your trunk or carry with you.
4 - Consider buying a visible mechanical locking device to lock the steering wheel, and/or an auto theft alarm system.
5 - Install locking lug nuts to prevent your custom wheels or externally mounted spare tire from being stolen.
6 - Keep in mind when purchasing a new car that some makes and models have a higher incidence of theft than others, from the lastest studies HONDAS and ACURAS are still number 1.
7 - Keep your car registration and insurance card with you instead of in the glove compartment so that thieves cannot produce these documents if stopped by police.
8 - Disconnect either the battery or the coil wire from the distributor cap if you have to leave your car unattended for an extended period of time. Car thieves will often not have the time or the desire to diagnose why the car won't start.
9 - Take your ignition keys to a locksmith or car dealer to remove the key number, which thieves can use to have the keys duplicated (jot down the number for your records first).
10 - Etch the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the doors and fenders of your car with an electric engraver for extra protection. This helps to discourage professional car thieves, who will have to remove the markings to resell the car.
Well Enjoy the New Year's Festivities and I wish EVERYONE A HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Jess Mangubat
jessmangubat@yahoo.com
626.431.2266
Pasadena Skyline
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
SANTA AT DILBECK PASADENA OFFICE DEC 2ND WED 5:30 TO 7:00PM
Hi Everyone,
Well it true . . . Santa is on his way!
Santa is visiting our office and please feel free to come to the office for a FREE PICTURE! The time is from 5:30PM to 7:00PM
address is 132 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena CA 91105 - park between the office and Bally's fitness parking lot. Tell them you are there for Santa at the Dilbeck office!!
I know it's short notice, but it's never too late to get a free picture!
Call me if you have any questions.
Jess Mangubat
Dilbeck Realtors - Pasadena
626.431.2266
702.285.2779
jessmangubat@yahoo.com
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Funding for Line to Azusa Approved
Northeast Pasadena Blog,
Yesterday, the Metro Board of Directors approved the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), committing the agency to fund construction of Foothill Extension Phase 2A to Azusa as well as complete the line to Claremont!
This victory stands as a testament to the efforts of Foothill Extension supporters who attended Metro Board meetings month after month, speaking on behalf of the San Gabriel Valley and sending letters and emails to board members to make sure this project was not forgotten. For your continued efforts, we sincerely thank you. Without your enthusiasm and commitment, we could not have reached this point.
The Metro Board approved the LRTP unanimously, following the inclusion of a variety of amendments that provided "regional rationality and equity" (in their words) to the plan. With these amendments, the adopted plan resolves many of the concerns we had with the draft plan. It made the following changes in support of the Foothill Extension:
Confirmed that the agency intends to complete the line to Claremont
Committed to operating the line to Azusa and Claremont as soon as each segment is built
Identified it as one of three first priority projects (along with the Crenshaw line and I-5 Highway improvements) for which the agency will pursue additional funding (outside federal New Starts) to complete the project (we need approximately $320 million to complete the line to Claremont)
Over the next few weeks, we will work out how these important changes in the LRTP influence our plans to complete the line to Azusa in 2013. We look forward to continuing to work with Metro Board Chairman Ara Najarian to reach our common goal of having our ground breaking in June 2010!
Sincerely,
I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org
Yesterday, the Metro Board of Directors approved the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), committing the agency to fund construction of Foothill Extension Phase 2A to Azusa as well as complete the line to Claremont!
This victory stands as a testament to the efforts of Foothill Extension supporters who attended Metro Board meetings month after month, speaking on behalf of the San Gabriel Valley and sending letters and emails to board members to make sure this project was not forgotten. For your continued efforts, we sincerely thank you. Without your enthusiasm and commitment, we could not have reached this point.
The Metro Board approved the LRTP unanimously, following the inclusion of a variety of amendments that provided "regional rationality and equity" (in their words) to the plan. With these amendments, the adopted plan resolves many of the concerns we had with the draft plan. It made the following changes in support of the Foothill Extension:
Confirmed that the agency intends to complete the line to Claremont
Committed to operating the line to Azusa and Claremont as soon as each segment is built
Identified it as one of three first priority projects (along with the Crenshaw line and I-5 Highway improvements) for which the agency will pursue additional funding (outside federal New Starts) to complete the project (we need approximately $320 million to complete the line to Claremont)
Over the next few weeks, we will work out how these important changes in the LRTP influence our plans to complete the line to Azusa in 2013. We look forward to continuing to work with Metro Board Chairman Ara Najarian to reach our common goal of having our ground breaking in June 2010!
Sincerely,
I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Old Pasadena Halloween 2009
This Halloween don’t miss all the wonderful goings-on in Old Pasadena. Come early to shop for your costume, buy treats and decorations, visit the Old Town Haunt, and take advantage of merchant coupons and promotions. Then come back on Halloween afternoon with your family for Trick-or-Treating and more holiday fun.
Old Town Haunt
Open weekends until November 1, 2009
Old Pasadena's award winning, scariest haunted house is back! Descend into the basement of the historical Union Savings Bank Building where mysterious occurrences have taken place in the building’s deadly 107-year history. Don’t miss the child-friendly tour and walk-through with the lights on is available early afternoon on selected dates.
More info
Gold Bug – Special Exhibition & 2nd Anniversary Party
Friday, October 9, 5:00 to 9:00pm
This wonderfully eclectic and unique boutique celebrates their 2nd Anniversary and the opening reception for “Death by Cat”, original photography by Bruce Wolf. Also on view will be beautiful stories, shrines and treasures by Jack Howe, and a creepy, crawly “Insect Petting Zoo” featuring hissing cockroaches, scorpions, tarantulas, and spiny walking sticks from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.
More info
Store-to-Store Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 31, 4:00 to 7:00pm
Bring your little Ghosts and Goblins to Old Pasadena for trick-or-treating, and get treats for Grown-ups, too. Our stores and restaurants are treating Moms and Dads to hundreds of dollars in savings. Plus, there will be wandering spooks, free haunted photos, and more! On Saturday, October 31, from 4:00-7:00pm, merchants will beckon you with treat signs in their windows. A photographer will take free haunted pictures of your little ones among hundreds of pumpkins in the One Colorado Courtyard. Throughout the celebration, guests will also enjoy a unique opportunity to meet and greet with various popular Halloween costumed characters.
Great Places to Shop
for Halloween Decorations, Treats & Costumes
Lula Mae offers loads of whimsical Halloween decorations, gifts of wit and charm, and some darling costumes for toddlers.
October Promotion: 50% Off Your Choice of One Regularly Priced Item
Leonidas Chocolate Café is a world-renowned chocolate maker, selling over 100 different kinds of Belgian chocolate. Don’t miss their marzipan pumpkins and ghosts. Now featuring freshly brewed Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon
Mignon Chocolates continues the traditional creation of fine chocolates following original family recipes since 1935. Try their wonderful selection of unique flavors.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon
Temptations Chocolate Factory creates all kinds of delicacies made fresh daily with only the freshest ingredients, and by dedicated chocolate chefs.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon
Stats Home Decorative Center is the traditional place to shop for all of your seasonal décor. They have an incredible selection of pirates, skeletons, tombstones, witches and more for making your very own haunted house.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon
Francisco's Halloween Shop is a temporary location selling costumes for every age, makeup, masks and hats.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon
Aaardvark’s Odd Ark has a wonderful range of vintage clothing, costumes, shoes, and wigs with which to create your Halloween persona.
oldpasadena.org home| terms of use| contact us| merchant log-in| site map| give us feedback
Copyright 2007-2009 © Old Pasadena Management District, Pasadena California
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Don’t Let Metro Think You've Given Up
Thursday October 22, 2009:
Metro Board to Vote on Foothill Extension Funding!
Your Help Means More Now Than Ever
Northeast Pasadena,
Wednesday’s Metro Planning and Programming Committee gave us our first glimpse of what to expect at next Thursday’s Metro Board Meeting when the Board will consider the Long Range Transportation Plan. Metro is still planning to delay the Foothill Extension by four years from operating in 2013 to 2017!
So many of you over the last two years have told us countless stories about why you need Foothill Extension service from Pasadena to Azusa as soon as possible. Your support means more now than ever.
The Construction Authority is ready to break ground in June 2010, so why the wait? Metro has collected an increase in your sales tax dollars for months now, so why the delay?
These are questions you can ask Metro between now and next Thursday and you deserve answers.
Here is what you can do:
Join your fellow I Will Ride supporters and attend next Thursday’s Metro Board Meeting – Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at 9 a.m. at Metro Headquarters. Click here to RSVP. Let us know if you need transportation.
Send an e-mail to the Metro Board of Directors by visiting www.iwillride.org/email.html. You can send the e-mail direct to all 13 Board Members with one easy click.
Let’s make sure the Metro Board knows that a four year delay is not acceptable to the San Gabriel Valley.
Questions? E-mail info@iwillride.org, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org.
Sincerely,
I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
50% OFF Coupon at Teri & Yaki
Congratulations! Your company has been selected as our 50% OFF DAY
winner.
Please print a copy of this email and present it to our cashier at the
time
of purchase as your 50% OFF coupon.
Here are the specifics:
. Who: for anyone associated with your company
. When: from today to 10/16/09, 2009 (Fri), 11AM to 5PM
. Where: any Teri & Yaki Location, DINE-IN ONLY
. What: 50% OFF any item on the menu (
http://www.teriandyaki.com/daily_menu.html)
. How: Bring a copy of this e-mail
Enjoy and feel free to forward this email to anyone in your company.
--
Ryan
Teri & Yaki
"Voted Best Chicken" - Pasadena Weekly
"Great Food" - L.A. Times
winner.
Please print a copy of this email and present it to our cashier at the
time
of purchase as your 50% OFF coupon.
Here are the specifics:
. Who: for anyone associated with your company
. When: from today to 10/16/09, 2009 (Fri), 11AM to 5PM
. Where: any Teri & Yaki Location, DINE-IN ONLY
. What: 50% OFF any item on the menu (
http://www.teriandyaki.com/daily_menu.html)
. How: Bring a copy of this e-mail
Enjoy and feel free to forward this email to anyone in your company.
--
Ryan
Teri & Yaki
"Voted Best Chicken" - Pasadena Weekly
"Great Food" - L.A. Times
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Whole Foods Market Pasadena - Hastings Ranch
October 12th - October 18th
Fire/Police Department Appreciation Week
Whole Foods Market is thanking the men and women of the Police and Fire Departments with daily events. Stop by and show some love. They will be fund raising the entire week to support both departments favorite charities, The Police Activities League and the Firefighters Relief Association.
3751 E. Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107 USA
map, directions & nearby stores
Phone 626.351.5994
Store contact form
Store hours:
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Fire/Police Department Appreciation Week
Whole Foods Market is thanking the men and women of the Police and Fire Departments with daily events. Stop by and show some love. They will be fund raising the entire week to support both departments favorite charities, The Police Activities League and the Firefighters Relief Association.
3751 E. Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107 USA
map, directions & nearby stores
Phone 626.351.5994
Store contact form
Store hours:
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Metro Board to Vote on Foothill Extension Funding!
Save the Date!
Thursday, October 22, 2009:
Be There to Show Your Support!
Jess,
Attend this critical meeting when the Metro Board will finally decide on the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which will determine Metro’s transportation funding priorities for the next 20 years. While the $851 million included in the draft LRTP is an important start, it is not enough to complete the line to Montclair.
Your attendance at the meeting will keep the pressure on Metro to show their commitment to finishing the line, and to keeping all funding options open.
Let’s not wake up on October 23 wishing we had done more to get the San Gabriel Valley’s fair share of transportation funding. Will you be there?
Don’t let the Metro Board of Directors think you are giving up on the Foothill Extension.
Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, October 22, 2009
9 a.m.- Noon
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Map
To RSVP e-mail info@iwillride.org, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org to sign up online.
Sincerely,
I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org
P.S. Need some inspiration? Take a look back on our journey by visiting the I Will Ride You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/iwillride.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Bungalow Heaven in Pasadena Named One of America's Top Ten Neighborhoods
Media Contact:
Ann Erdman
Public Affairs Office
(626) 744-4755
Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven landmark district has been designated one of the 10 great places in the America.
In making the announcement, the American Planning Association cited the large number of significantly important historic homes as well as collaborative efforts between neighborhood residents and the city of Pasadena for restoring, protecting and maintaining Bungalow Heaven’s unique character and sense of place.
“Bungalow Heaven demonstrates how historic neighborhoods have an enduring appeal, especially in a city like Pasadena where there is a strong commitment to history preservation and the early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement,” said Vice Mayor Victor Gordo, whose district partially encompasses Bungalow Heaven. “Residents throughout Pasadena have invested years and years of work to protect their neighborhoods, and it is a testament to those first dedicated residents of Bungalow Heaven.”
APA’s annual Great Places in America program exemplifies exceptional character and highlights the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.
Most of the home-building in Bungalow Heaven took place between 1905 and 1920. About 70 percent of the 1,100 single-family homes are bungalows from the Arts and Crafts period and no two are exactly alike.
When a classic Craftsman bungalow was demolished in 1985 at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Washington Boulevard and replaced with a generic stucco-faced apartment building, neighbors took action. A petition drive led to the Pasadena City Council authorizing a down-zoning limiting the number of residential units per lot and establishing the first local historic landmark district.
The landmark status requires property owners to apply for certificates of appropriateness to ensure that any changes to the exterior of their homes comply with the Secretary of State’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
Compact and walkable, the neighborhood features homes sited on 50-foot-wide parcels with generally uniform front-yard setbacks, porches in front, garages in the rear and a huge tree canopy.
The Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association has supported the historic district by offering financial assistance to homeowners with limited incomes and promoting a strong ethic of pride in the neighborhood and its historic character. The association also has taken an active role in restoration and improvements at McDonald Park, conducts workshops for residents and coordinates an annual home tour – a rare opportunity for thousands to walk the neighborhood and go inside selected homes.
“Bungalow Heaven has matured as an organization and retained a strong sense of community, improving their neighborhood park and public library while helping to shape policy in the city as a whole,” said City Councilwoman Margaret McAustin, whose district also includes part of Bungalow Heaven. “The organization has had other real impacts on City Hall by serving as a growing ground for neighborhood leaders and elected officials.”
City staff in the Pasadena Planning and Development Department work closely with the neighborhood association and helped create a conservation plan that promotes rehabilitation of historic homes and stipulates when exterior work requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission and city planning staff.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historic Resources, Bungalow Heaven has become a regional laboratory for the study of Arts and Crafts bungalows and restoring the historic integrity of these homes. Feature articles about Bungalow Heaven have appeared in regional, national and international publications.
Through Great Places in America, the American Planning Association recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of communities – streets, neighborhoods and public places. Features considered include architecture and community involvement.
“Bungalow Heaven is truly remarkable in that there are more than a thousand historic homes in the neighborhood,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer. “Residents and the city are rightfully proud of this architectural legacy, and we applaud them for their ongoing commitment through planning and planning follow-through to protect and enhance their neighborhood’s unique sense of place.”
The other nine APA 2009 Great Neighborhoods are Faubourg Marigny in New Orleans; the Haymarket in Kenmore, New York; Downtown Fargo in North Dakota; Ladd’s Addition in Portland, Oregon; Franklin Historic District in Franklin, Tennessee; Montrose in Houston, Texas; Historic Hilton Village in Newport News, Virginia; and Browne’s Addition in Spokane, Washington.
For more information about Bungalow Heaven visit www.bungalowheaven.org; for more information about city of Pasadena historic preservation programs visit www.cityofpasadena.net/historicpreservation or call (626) 744-4009; for more information about APA 10 Great Places visit www.planning.org/greatplaces.
from http://www.cityofpasadena.net/EkContent.aspx?theme=Navy&id=4036&bid=2970
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Pasadena "Build The Rink" Committee
!!! IMPORTANT !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Included below is a link to an online petition
to request a revote of the Pasadena Coucilmembers
to pursue negotiations for a privately-funded arrangement with Polar Ice Ventures
to build a new ice skating rink in the City of Pasadena.
Even if you have already sent an email or have already hand-signed the petition at the rink,
PLEASE take a moment to click on this link
to sign and provide your information as requested.
Thank you for your support and pass it on!
Click here to access the online petition >>>> http://www.PetitionOnline.com/PISC1009/petition.html
Be a Neighborhood Crime Fighter
Pasadena In Focus,Pasadena In Focus - September - October 2009
You don’t have to wear a badge to join the Pasadena Police Department in fighting crime!
Protect Your Home.
During warmer weather, many residents leave their windows and doors open to catch a breeze. That’s an open invitation to thieves! Always lock up when you’re not home; when you are home, consider using wooden dowels or window stops to leave a narrow opening big enough for ventilation but too small for a person.
Always use your peephole or a window before responding to a knock at the door. Leave the porch light on at night. Never open the door to a stranger. If you’re uncomfortable with the person outside, call the police and give a description.
Get Involved in Neighborhood Watch.
By starting your own group and working with local police, you can get to know your neighbors, learn how to recognize suspicious activities and become more assertive about reporting crimes. To find or start a Neighborhood Watch group in your area, call 744-4551.
Get your children involved!
The Pasadena Police Department is enrolling elementary school students ages 6 to 12 (and their parents) for the third annual Kids’ Safety Academy every Saturday from Oct. 3 to Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Classes will cover stranger danger, fire safety, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, water skills, bike safety and much more. Reserve a seat by calling 744-7659 or e-mailing aramos@cityofpasadena.net.
The Pasadena Police Explorer Program invites teens and young adults ages 14 to 20 to explore careers in law enforcement. After an 18-week Saturday academy, recruits meet every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. plus participate in local competitions, march at ceremonies, volunteer at city events and enjoy field trips to local attractions. E-mail gthompson@cityofpasadena.net or call 744-7653 for details.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Be A Good Neighbor
Pasadena In Focus,Pasadena In Focus - September - October 2009
Neighborhoods bring together people of many backgrounds and interests who want to live where it’s safe and pleasant. With our busy lives, being neighborly doesn’t mean what it used to, but being considerate is always in style! Here are a few tips from Neighborhood Connections, a division of the Human Services and Recreation Department:
• Treat others as you would have them treat you. Everyone wants to be respected and recognized as an equal.
• If you’re the shy type, at least get out occasionally. Sit on your porch and wave to passersby, or walk down the block. Chat with neighbors about the weather, compliment their yards or pets, or ask what’s new in their lives.
• Invite your neighbors over for coffee, afternoon tea or a glass of lemonade.
• Find out details about recent police activity and prevention tips, and then relay the information to neighbors.
• Report any suspicious activities at your neighbor’s property to your neighbor as soon as you can, with as much detail as possible.
• Be quieter in the evenings and on weekends.
• Give your neighbors plenty of notice if you’re having a party that may be loud.
• Exchange phone numbers for emergency situations.
• Over time, develop trust so you feel comfortable letting some of your neighbors know you’ll be away, or who will be house sitting or checking up on your home.
• Help coordinate a block party once a year.
• Organize Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training from the Fire Department or a Neighborhood Watch program through the Police Department.
• Find out if there’s a neighborhood association you and your neighbors can join. If not, consider organizing one for a stronger voice in city decision-making.
For more tips, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/humanservices and click on Neighborhood Connections, call 744-7290 or stop by the office at 1384 E. Walnut St. Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or alternating Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Pasadena Emergency Response Training (PERT)
Are you, your family, neighborhood and business ready for the next disaster? The goal of the Pasadena Fire Department is to respond to emergencies within 5 minutes. During a disaster, you may need to be self sufficient for up to 72 hours.Please join Councilman Steve Haderlein&The Pasadena Fire Department
for a
FREE
Pasadena Emergency Response Training (PERT)
Saturday, October 17th
8 am – 12:30
La Salle High School3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.Pasadena, CA 90017
PERT teaches you:
Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Medical, Fire Suppression, Light Search and Rescue(for complete details about what PERT teaches, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/fire/pert.asp)
Continental Breakfast and Snacks provided
Newsletters from Councilmember Steve Haderlein
courtesy of Pasadena Councilman Steve Haderlein, City Hall Newsletter
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Possible Attempted Identity Theft Scam
Possible Attempted Identity Theft Scam
Case No. 09-0797
On Monday, September 21, 2009, a realtor called the police department after checking a vacant house on Orange Grove Avenue with a for sale sign in the front yard. The realtor found a note posted on the front door addressed to UPS and Fed Ex, telling them to leave the packages on the porch for the Nelson family, who was in the process of moving in.
Suspects also placed items (i.e.: tennis shoes next to the front door, a welcome mat at the front door, a child’s bike helmet in a flower bed near the front door) throughout the exterior of the home to make it appear that someone may be living at the home. The realtor said that she has never heard of the Nelson family and the house has not been sold or leased.
This fits the method of identity thieves who arrange for delivery of goods obtained through fraudulent means.
If you see anything similar in your neighborhood, please immediately telephone the police department.
Hasmick Hartunian
Desk Officer # 132
Sierra Madre Police Dept
hhartunian@cityofsierramadre.com
626-355-1414 Main #
626-355-5468 Fax #
Case No. 09-0797
On Monday, September 21, 2009, a realtor called the police department after checking a vacant house on Orange Grove Avenue with a for sale sign in the front yard. The realtor found a note posted on the front door addressed to UPS and Fed Ex, telling them to leave the packages on the porch for the Nelson family, who was in the process of moving in.
Suspects also placed items (i.e.: tennis shoes next to the front door, a welcome mat at the front door, a child’s bike helmet in a flower bed near the front door) throughout the exterior of the home to make it appear that someone may be living at the home. The realtor said that she has never heard of the Nelson family and the house has not been sold or leased.
This fits the method of identity thieves who arrange for delivery of goods obtained through fraudulent means.
If you see anything similar in your neighborhood, please immediately telephone the police department.
Hasmick Hartunian
Desk Officer # 132
Sierra Madre Police Dept
hhartunian@cityofsierramadre.com
626-355-1414 Main #
626-355-5468 Fax #
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
From Steve Hymon: Puck Boy Chronicles..
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Pasadena City Council to Ice Skaters: Burbank Is That Way! Now Leave!
The end of ice skating in Pasadena may be near after the City Council in Seniorcitizensville on Monday voted against building a desperately needed new ice rink. My advice to skating enthusiasts: fetch a Thomas Guide and memorize the route to the Pickwick ice rink in Burbank -- the next closest sheet of ice. What happened Monday? The Council voted 4 to 3 to build the new rink. But five votes were needed for passage and the potential fifth vote, Councilman Victor Gordo, was absent from the meeting. Madison tried to postpone a final vote, but the three opponents of building the rink -- Chris Holden, Terry Tornek and Margaret McAustin -- also voted against that motion. It needed five votes to pass, so Holden, Tornek and McAustin were smart in a sneaky, sleazy kind of way: they knew that if Gordo decided to show up at a future meeting, the new rink might actually be approved.Instead, the Council ended up passing a motion to investigate renovating the existing rink. The current rink has one, small sheet of ice. The new rink would have had two -- meaning actual time and space for ice hockey. That's a good thing if you, like me, are 43 years old and trying to learn to play the game. Here's the thing about learning to play ice hockey: I've found it really helps to spend time on actual ice.In a sharply worded email sent to fellow supporters of the new rink, Councilman Steve Madison wrote that there are numerous reasons to believe the current rink in a converted ballroom at the Convention Center is doomed when its lease expires in Sept. 2011 (I added the italics for emphasis):
"I have asked for a detailed investigation into why the project took so long to come to Council such that we lost our momentum and ultimately the project itself, wasting a decade of time, energy and literally millions of your tax dollars. At the end of the discussion, a majority voted to explore renovating the current civic auditorium single sheet rink, so that the three councilmembers’ votes do not end ice skating in Pasadena. But the reality is that is likely what they accomplished--with parking now $9 at the convention center, a dilapidated rink that is too small to begin with, crammed into an old ballroom, and a lease that expires in September 2011, this may well be the end of figure skating and ice hockey in Pasadena."The new rink would have cost about $18 million. According to a city report, the city would have had to commit about $1 million to the project and guarantee about $8 million in bonds, meaning the city was potentially at risk of losing money if the new rink was under-utilized. In a short blog post on the vote, the Star News' Dan Abendschein reported that Madison implied that the three opponents of the rink aren't exactly supporters of youth activities. My opinion is that Madison is extremely correct on this point. The vast majority of people who use the Pasadena rink happen to be under 18. Go anytime and see for yourself. It's all munchkins, all the time -- with a few geezers like me thrown in as a novelty.Terry Tornek is my representative on the City Council, although I use the word 'representative' only in the strictest technical sense. He doesn't represent my views, nor does he seem even slightly interested in explaining his views. As I posted earlier, when I emailed Tornek last month expressing my support for a new rink, I received a bleak two-sentence no-reply: "Thanks for your comments. Sorry we disagree on every aspect of this proposal."Isn't it refreshing when a politician tries to explain himself? (Note to literal readers: That last sentence was intended to be exceedingly sarcastic).I'm going to email Tornek now and ask him the BIG question: How does renovating a rink that is too small -- and with no room to expand -- remedy the problem that the rink is too small? I am no physicist, but I'm pretty sure this makes no sense whatsoever. Here's my take: Ice skating is still seen as a freaky sport in Southern California. Although we have two pro hockey teams here and some of the world's best figure skaters (world champion Evan Lysacek, to name one) have called the area home, people just don't associate skating with the region -- likely due to the weather, poor media coverage and ineffective marketing of hockey by the perenially losing Kings. So when politicians are faced with a decision to spend public money on skating, their instinct is to think it's a waste, although anyone who has been to a busy rink knows that it is not.The full text of Madison's email to ice rink supporters is posted after the jump. It's worth reading. P.S. In case you also live in the 7th Council district and were curious, Tornek is up for reelection in 2013. He was elected to the Council earlier this year after serving on the City Planning Commission -- a gig he was appointed to by his predecessor on the Council, Sid Tyler.As for Tyler....In my former capacity as transportation reporter for the Newspaper Whose Name I Shall Not Speak, I once called Tyler and asked him why the traffic lights in Pasadena are amazingly unsynchronized. Tyler didn't know what I was talking about. Please. Anyone who has ever driven in Pasadena knows exactly what I'm talking about--green, red, green, red, red, red, etc. So whenever I hear the words "Sid Tyler" I always think of the phrase "out of touch." --Steve HymonFrom: Steve Madison <smadison@cityofpasadena.net>Date: September 15, 2009 9:43:43 PM PDTSubject: RE: UPDATED! Pasadena "Build The Rink" (Your Support is Still Needed by July 31)Last night the Pasadena City Council ended our dream of building a new ice rink in Pasadena. Although Mayor Bogaard, Steve Haderlein, Jacque Robinson and I voted to continue negotiations to build the new rink, we needed 5 votes and Chris Holden, Margaret McAustin and Terry Tornek strongly opposed building a new rink in Pasadena and insisted on killing the project last night. Victor Gordo, who has been supportive of the rink and might have been the necessary 5th vote to continue to work on ways to build the rink, was unable to attend the meeting last night because of work commitments. At one point I made a motion to table (postpone) the matter until Victor was back. But that motion failed by the same vote—led by Chris Holden, the three opponents realized that the rink project might still be alive if we put the matter it over until we had all 8 councilmembers present, so they opposed my request for a postponement of one week! Again, we needed 5 votes to postpone and we only had 4.This decision essentially ends 8-10 years of work for many of us; years in which we spent $3 million of taxpayer money on the new rink, set aside another $2.5 million to be used to build it, acquired and readied a site in East Pasadena supported by the Councilmember from that district (Steve Haderlein), retained architects and developed plans for a new state-of-the-art double sheet rink that under the most conservative estimates would be a moneymaker for Pasadena (without even considering the indirect economic benefits of hotel stays, restaurant business, sales tax, etc.), and negotiated extensively with Luc Robataille and others for a management agreement that would have included the support of the LA Kings for the new rink.I have asked for a detailed investigation into why the project took so long to come to Council such that we lost our momentum and ultimately the project itself, wasting a decade of time, energy and literally millions of your tax dollars. At the end of the discussion, a majority voted to explore renovating the current civic auditorium single sheet rink, so that the three councilmembers’ votes do not end ice skating in Pasadena. But the reality is that is likely what they accomplished--with parking now $9 at the convention center, a dilapidated rink that is too small to begin with, crammed into an old ballroom, and a lease that expires in September 2011, this may well be the end of figure skating and ice hockey in Pasadena. I look forward to hearing from you as we go forward about what if anything you believe we should do at this point. Please pass this message along to anyone interested in skating in Pasadena, and let them know I would love to hear their thoughts about where to go from this point. Thanks for your support, and I am so sorry we were not successful.
Posted by Steve Hymon at 1:18 AM
Pasadena City Council to Ice Skaters: Burbank Is That Way! Now Leave!
The end of ice skating in Pasadena may be near after the City Council in Seniorcitizensville on Monday voted against building a desperately needed new ice rink. My advice to skating enthusiasts: fetch a Thomas Guide and memorize the route to the Pickwick ice rink in Burbank -- the next closest sheet of ice. What happened Monday? The Council voted 4 to 3 to build the new rink. But five votes were needed for passage and the potential fifth vote, Councilman Victor Gordo, was absent from the meeting. Madison tried to postpone a final vote, but the three opponents of building the rink -- Chris Holden, Terry Tornek and Margaret McAustin -- also voted against that motion. It needed five votes to pass, so Holden, Tornek and McAustin were smart in a sneaky, sleazy kind of way: they knew that if Gordo decided to show up at a future meeting, the new rink might actually be approved.Instead, the Council ended up passing a motion to investigate renovating the existing rink. The current rink has one, small sheet of ice. The new rink would have had two -- meaning actual time and space for ice hockey. That's a good thing if you, like me, are 43 years old and trying to learn to play the game. Here's the thing about learning to play ice hockey: I've found it really helps to spend time on actual ice.In a sharply worded email sent to fellow supporters of the new rink, Councilman Steve Madison wrote that there are numerous reasons to believe the current rink in a converted ballroom at the Convention Center is doomed when its lease expires in Sept. 2011 (I added the italics for emphasis):
"I have asked for a detailed investigation into why the project took so long to come to Council such that we lost our momentum and ultimately the project itself, wasting a decade of time, energy and literally millions of your tax dollars. At the end of the discussion, a majority voted to explore renovating the current civic auditorium single sheet rink, so that the three councilmembers’ votes do not end ice skating in Pasadena. But the reality is that is likely what they accomplished--with parking now $9 at the convention center, a dilapidated rink that is too small to begin with, crammed into an old ballroom, and a lease that expires in September 2011, this may well be the end of figure skating and ice hockey in Pasadena."The new rink would have cost about $18 million. According to a city report, the city would have had to commit about $1 million to the project and guarantee about $8 million in bonds, meaning the city was potentially at risk of losing money if the new rink was under-utilized. In a short blog post on the vote, the Star News' Dan Abendschein reported that Madison implied that the three opponents of the rink aren't exactly supporters of youth activities. My opinion is that Madison is extremely correct on this point. The vast majority of people who use the Pasadena rink happen to be under 18. Go anytime and see for yourself. It's all munchkins, all the time -- with a few geezers like me thrown in as a novelty.Terry Tornek is my representative on the City Council, although I use the word 'representative' only in the strictest technical sense. He doesn't represent my views, nor does he seem even slightly interested in explaining his views. As I posted earlier, when I emailed Tornek last month expressing my support for a new rink, I received a bleak two-sentence no-reply: "Thanks for your comments. Sorry we disagree on every aspect of this proposal."Isn't it refreshing when a politician tries to explain himself? (Note to literal readers: That last sentence was intended to be exceedingly sarcastic).I'm going to email Tornek now and ask him the BIG question: How does renovating a rink that is too small -- and with no room to expand -- remedy the problem that the rink is too small? I am no physicist, but I'm pretty sure this makes no sense whatsoever. Here's my take: Ice skating is still seen as a freaky sport in Southern California. Although we have two pro hockey teams here and some of the world's best figure skaters (world champion Evan Lysacek, to name one) have called the area home, people just don't associate skating with the region -- likely due to the weather, poor media coverage and ineffective marketing of hockey by the perenially losing Kings. So when politicians are faced with a decision to spend public money on skating, their instinct is to think it's a waste, although anyone who has been to a busy rink knows that it is not.The full text of Madison's email to ice rink supporters is posted after the jump. It's worth reading. P.S. In case you also live in the 7th Council district and were curious, Tornek is up for reelection in 2013. He was elected to the Council earlier this year after serving on the City Planning Commission -- a gig he was appointed to by his predecessor on the Council, Sid Tyler.As for Tyler....In my former capacity as transportation reporter for the Newspaper Whose Name I Shall Not Speak, I once called Tyler and asked him why the traffic lights in Pasadena are amazingly unsynchronized. Tyler didn't know what I was talking about. Please. Anyone who has ever driven in Pasadena knows exactly what I'm talking about--green, red, green, red, red, red, etc. So whenever I hear the words "Sid Tyler" I always think of the phrase "out of touch." --Steve HymonFrom: Steve Madison <smadison@cityofpasadena.net>Date: September 15, 2009 9:43:43 PM PDTSubject: RE: UPDATED! Pasadena "Build The Rink" (Your Support is Still Needed by July 31)Last night the Pasadena City Council ended our dream of building a new ice rink in Pasadena. Although Mayor Bogaard, Steve Haderlein, Jacque Robinson and I voted to continue negotiations to build the new rink, we needed 5 votes and Chris Holden, Margaret McAustin and Terry Tornek strongly opposed building a new rink in Pasadena and insisted on killing the project last night. Victor Gordo, who has been supportive of the rink and might have been the necessary 5th vote to continue to work on ways to build the rink, was unable to attend the meeting last night because of work commitments. At one point I made a motion to table (postpone) the matter until Victor was back. But that motion failed by the same vote—led by Chris Holden, the three opponents realized that the rink project might still be alive if we put the matter it over until we had all 8 councilmembers present, so they opposed my request for a postponement of one week! Again, we needed 5 votes to postpone and we only had 4.This decision essentially ends 8-10 years of work for many of us; years in which we spent $3 million of taxpayer money on the new rink, set aside another $2.5 million to be used to build it, acquired and readied a site in East Pasadena supported by the Councilmember from that district (Steve Haderlein), retained architects and developed plans for a new state-of-the-art double sheet rink that under the most conservative estimates would be a moneymaker for Pasadena (without even considering the indirect economic benefits of hotel stays, restaurant business, sales tax, etc.), and negotiated extensively with Luc Robataille and others for a management agreement that would have included the support of the LA Kings for the new rink.I have asked for a detailed investigation into why the project took so long to come to Council such that we lost our momentum and ultimately the project itself, wasting a decade of time, energy and literally millions of your tax dollars. At the end of the discussion, a majority voted to explore renovating the current civic auditorium single sheet rink, so that the three councilmembers’ votes do not end ice skating in Pasadena. But the reality is that is likely what they accomplished--with parking now $9 at the convention center, a dilapidated rink that is too small to begin with, crammed into an old ballroom, and a lease that expires in September 2011, this may well be the end of figure skating and ice hockey in Pasadena. I look forward to hearing from you as we go forward about what if anything you believe we should do at this point. Please pass this message along to anyone interested in skating in Pasadena, and let them know I would love to hear their thoughts about where to go from this point. Thanks for your support, and I am so sorry we were not successful.
Posted by Steve Hymon at 1:18 AM
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Pasadena New Ice Skating Rink
PASADENA NEW ICE SKATING RINK
UPDATE (9/11/09)
The Pasadena City Council will meet again on Monday, September 14 at 6:30 pm (Public Session) to resume discussions regarding options for building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .
Your attendance at this meeting is important and encouraged. Thank you for your support!
Visit www.icesaver.org for more information.
The council meeting agenda item is shown below:
A. PROPOSED ICE RINK FACILITY Recommendation of City Manager: It is recommended that the City Council: (1) Direct staff to return to City Council by December 31, 2009 with a negotiated long-term ground lease with Polar Ice Ventures that includes: (a) Construction of an ice skating facility with two sheets of ice substantially conforming to the plans developed by the City; (b) A shifting of financial risk associated with construction and operation of the ice rink to Polar Ice Ventures, consistent with the terms listed in the Executive Summary section of the agenda report; (c) A public benefits program similar to that negotiated in the draft management agreement; (d) A First Source Local Hire Program and a commitment to provide an opportunity to those currently working at the ice rink in Pasadena; and (e) Exclusive partnership agreement between Polar Ice Ventures and the Los Angeles Kings. (2) Reject all bids received on April 1, 2009, in response to the Request for Bids for construction of the Pasadena Ice Skating facility. Alternatively, if the City Council elects not to move forward with the ground lease approach, staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to return to City Council by February 28, 2010, with a proposal to renovate the existing ice skating facility at the Convention Center, as well as a management agreement with PCOC to operate the facility. Staff would work with the Convention Center staff and Board to develop a rehabilitation plan for the facility and evaluate options for managing the facility, as the current lease terminates in September 2011. This action would preclude the rehabilitation of the facility as a ballroom until such time that a new facility can be built.
Pasadena “Build the Rink” Committee
buildtherink@yahoo.com
UPDATE (9/11/09)
The Pasadena City Council will meet again on Monday, September 14 at 6:30 pm (Public Session) to resume discussions regarding options for building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .
Your attendance at this meeting is important and encouraged. Thank you for your support!
Visit www.icesaver.org for more information.
The council meeting agenda item is shown below:
A. PROPOSED ICE RINK FACILITY Recommendation of City Manager: It is recommended that the City Council: (1) Direct staff to return to City Council by December 31, 2009 with a negotiated long-term ground lease with Polar Ice Ventures that includes: (a) Construction of an ice skating facility with two sheets of ice substantially conforming to the plans developed by the City; (b) A shifting of financial risk associated with construction and operation of the ice rink to Polar Ice Ventures, consistent with the terms listed in the Executive Summary section of the agenda report; (c) A public benefits program similar to that negotiated in the draft management agreement; (d) A First Source Local Hire Program and a commitment to provide an opportunity to those currently working at the ice rink in Pasadena; and (e) Exclusive partnership agreement between Polar Ice Ventures and the Los Angeles Kings. (2) Reject all bids received on April 1, 2009, in response to the Request for Bids for construction of the Pasadena Ice Skating facility. Alternatively, if the City Council elects not to move forward with the ground lease approach, staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to return to City Council by February 28, 2010, with a proposal to renovate the existing ice skating facility at the Convention Center, as well as a management agreement with PCOC to operate the facility. Staff would work with the Convention Center staff and Board to develop a rehabilitation plan for the facility and evaluate options for managing the facility, as the current lease terminates in September 2011. This action would preclude the rehabilitation of the facility as a ballroom until such time that a new facility can be built.
Pasadena “Build the Rink” Committee
buildtherink@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Los Angeles County Fair Discount
I just wanted to share this all with you from one of our service providers.
PLEASE EMAIL ME SO I COULD FORWARD YOU THE FLYER. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO POST IT ON OUR BLOG.
ENJOY THE REST OF THE WEEK!,
Jess Mangubat
From: Robert Kral [mailto:rkral@boltonco.com]
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 3:33 PM
To: Bolton & Company
Subject: Los Angeles County Fair Discount
We are pleased to pass along to all clients, your employees and their
family members, special pricing for the LA County Fair, which will be opening
Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 5th). The Bolton rate is $9 for adults
(vs.$17 on the weekends) and $6 (vs. $12) for children ages 6-12. This
discounted pricing can only be obtained online with the exclusive access
code as listed in the attached flyer.
We appreciate your ongoing business; enjoy the fair!
Robert S. Kral
Executive Vice President
Bolton & Company
(626) 535-1498 Direct Phone
PLEASE EMAIL ME SO I COULD FORWARD YOU THE FLYER. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO POST IT ON OUR BLOG.
ENJOY THE REST OF THE WEEK!,
Jess Mangubat
From: Robert Kral [mailto:rkral@boltonco.com]
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 3:33 PM
To: Bolton & Company
Subject: Los Angeles County Fair Discount
We are pleased to pass along to all clients, your employees and their
family members, special pricing for the LA County Fair, which will be opening
Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 5th). The Bolton rate is $9 for adults
(vs.$17 on the weekends) and $6 (vs. $12) for children ages 6-12. This
discounted pricing can only be obtained online with the exclusive access
code as listed in the attached flyer.
We appreciate your ongoing business; enjoy the fair!
Robert S. Kral
Executive Vice President
Bolton & Company
(626) 535-1498 Direct Phone
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Taste of Old Pasadena
http://www.pfar.org/images/taste.gif
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The PFAR Charitable Foundation proudly presents its 18th annual "A Taste of Old Pasadena."
Sample your way through Old Pasadena's finest restaurants on a walking taste tour! Each participating restaurant will provide maps to guide you on your tour - or you may zsimply follow the signs conveniently placed in front of the establishments.
Join fellow community members for an evening of great food company with proceeds going to support local charities!
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $25 for Adults; $15 for Children (4-12 yrs)*
Tickets are available at the PFAR office. For more information, contact 626-795-2455.
* Save $1 off regular admission by showing a Metro Pass, Metro Rail or Destination Discount Card when purchasing a ticket on the day of the event at Dilbeck REALTORS®, 132 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The PFAR Charitable Foundation proudly presents its 18th annual "A Taste of Old Pasadena."
Sample your way through Old Pasadena's finest restaurants on a walking taste tour! Each participating restaurant will provide maps to guide you on your tour - or you may zsimply follow the signs conveniently placed in front of the establishments.
Join fellow community members for an evening of great food company with proceeds going to support local charities!
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $25 for Adults; $15 for Children (4-12 yrs)*
Tickets are available at the PFAR office. For more information, contact 626-795-2455.
* Save $1 off regular admission by showing a Metro Pass, Metro Rail or Destination Discount Card when purchasing a ticket on the day of the event at Dilbeck REALTORS®, 132 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
GET UP AND GO!
EXPLORE NEW POINTS OF VIEW ON A COMMUNITY MOVE ABOUT
COME ON, PASADENA - IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO WALK YOUR TALK!
Through a fun community MoveAbout tour, let's get out on the street to really experience and comment on different Pasadena locales. After all, it's one thing to form quick opinions as you zip by on the way to work, but quite another to amble along a sidewalk and get the feel for a place.
City planning staff and GPUAC members have desinged unique tours that highlight some of Pasadena's most challenging issues such as residentail density, the need for safe bike lanes, the walkability of the city and architectural desing. You can walk, bike, drive, or ride a Pasadena ARTS bus or the Metro Gold Line for very different perspectives. (Get a free all-day Metro Gold Line Pass Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 to 11 am at the Fillmore Station.
But first, pick up a MoveAbout booklet starting August 22 from the information booth at Pasadena City Hall, the Permit Center at 175 N. Garfield Ave., or any Pasadena public library or community center. You can even download a copy from www.cityofpasadena.net/generalplan.
The handy booklet offers maps, commentary on key issues, thought-provoking questions, and spaces for you to get "passport" stamps from retailers. Along the way you'll see local landmarks and have the opportunity to taste the local flavor at neightborhood eateries.
Take as many of the tours as you like through Sept 27; turn in your completed booklet by Sept 28 at any of the locations listed above. The more passopoert stamps you receive, the more chances you have to win fun raffle prizes at the community open house in November.
Your perspective will be important as Pasadena's General Plan is updated.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
CITY OF PASADENA ADOPTS NO SMOKING POLICIES
CITY OF PASADENA
ADOPTS NO-SMOKING POLICIES
IN CERTAIN OUTDOOR PLACES
Community Update - New Outdoor No-Smoking Law
On October 27, 2008, City Council unanimously approved a No-Smoking Policy in certain outdoor places.
8.78.071 Smoking prohibited in certain outdoor public places.
A. It shall be unlawful to smoke in the following outdoor public places:
Outdoor areas of shopping malls;
Unenclosed areas of bars and restaurants;
In service waiting lines or within 20 feet of such lines;
Outdoor public gathering events/special events/parades/fairs.
B. Notwithstanding exemptions enumerated under California Labor Code
Section 6404.5, the prohibitions in Section A above shall apply to the
outdoor areas of a private smokers lounge and retailer or wholesale
tobacco shops as defined under state law and to significant tobacco
retailers under the City’s Zoning Code.
8.78.072 Reasonable smoking distance required – 20 feet.
Smoking in unenclosed areas shall be prohibited within a reasonable distance (20 feet) from any doorway, window, opening, or vent into an enclosed area in which smoking is prohibited, except while actively passing on to another destination.
The Ordinance takes effect on November 30, 2008. Staff will also be implementing a proactive public education communications effort, coupled with clear and prominent signage to notify the public about the newly adopted policies. Enforcement of the proposed policies would be built into an existing enforcement mechanism operated by the Public Health Department. This mechanism is a complaint-driven process with a telephone number and website for the public to register complaints. For more information or to report a violation of the new law, please contact call the Pasadena Public Health Department at (626) 744-6014.
Friday, July 31, 2009
MONDAY AUGUST 3 AT 4 PM
The Pasadena Finance Committee Meeting agenda has been CONFIRMED
to include continued discussions for the proposed new Pasadena Ice Skating Center.
Monday, August 3 at 4 pm
City Hall / Council Chambers
(2nd floor - southeast corner)
All patrons, skaters, parents, coaches, and residents are encouraged to meet
in front of Paseo Colorado (Colorado side) at the bottom of the stairs at 3:30 pm..
We will walk over to City Hall as a united support group!
We encourage you to wear your hockey or figure skating attire!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions or comments? Please email us at buildtherink@yahoo.com.
Pasadena "Build The Rink" Committee
Pasadena, California
BuildTheRink@yahoo.com
Saturday, July 25, 2009
When Will the Housing Market Rebound?
Daily Real Estate News | July 24, 2009
When will the housing slump finally end? Even the experts' crystal balls are hazy.
The Wall Street Journal, which Thursday reported its latest quarterly survey of housing data, says it depends on which city or part of the country you’re talking about.
Home sales were up compared to last year in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, Orlando, Minneapolis, Southern California, and the San Francisco Bay area, according to findings from research firm MDA DataQuick as well as reports from local real estate practitioner organizations.
Sales declined in New York City and nearby Long Island, Chicago, and Charlotte, N.C., and the outlook was particularly bleak in Miami-Fort Lauderdale and much of Florida, Detroit, and Las Vegas.
But Jody Kahn, an analyst at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a research organization, points out that there are variations even in the hardest-hit metro areas with the most attractive neighborhoods continuing to thrive.
Employment is the most telling factor, says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com. "If people don't have jobs or fear losing their jobs, then buying homes is out of the question," he says.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, James R. Hagerty (07/23/2009)
Finance Committee Meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, August 3.
Extended Email Deadline: Friday, July 31.
Although ALL support is needed, we ESPECIALLY need Pasadena residents to send an email.
Please forward this email to anyone you know who is willing to send an email
in support of city funding for the new Pasadena Ice Skating Center.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATED~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE SUPPORT CITY FUNDING FOR THE NEW PASADENA ICE SKATING CENTER
www.icesaver.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pasadena Finance Committee meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, August 3 to continue discussion about the fate of building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .
Without the continued support from Pasadena residents and patrons of the Pasadena Ice Skating Center , the plans for funding the new ice skating rink may likely be cancelled, and the Pasadena Ice Skating Center may be forced to close its doors for good in 2011.
This would leave our children, teenagers, figure skaters, hockey players, coaches, and community without an ice skating facility and force us to go outside of the city to other ice rinks. Our city deserves to have its own revenue-generating ice rink and we must show that we want and need it!
This is the last time to show your support to “Build the Rink” !
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR EMAILS ARE STILL URGENTLY NEEDED BEFORE FRIDAY, JULY 31.
1. Use the email sample on the back of this flyer to email the Mayor of Pasadena (Bill Bogaard) as well as each of the Pasadena Council Representatives. Email addresses to be used are listed in the sample.
2. Please attend the Pasadena Finance Committee Meeting on Monday, August 3 at 4:00 pm. The full council may actually vote on the new rink following the Finance meeting.
! WE NEED A LARGE ATTENDANCE FOR THE AUGUST 3 MEETING !
All patrons, skaters, parents, coaches, and residents are invited to meet
in front of Paseo Colorado ( Colorado side) at the bottom of the stairs at 3:30 pm.
We will walk over to City Hall as a united support group!
We encourage you to wear your hockey or figure skating attire!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
HEAD TO THE PARK FOR SUMMER FUN
KEEP KIDS ENGAGED WITH FREE AND LOW-COST ACTIVITIES
from the Human Services and Recreation Department, which has teamed up with Day One and CORAL to provide a summer full of adventure. Register in person or at www.cityofpasadena.net/reserve.
Summer day camps for ages 5 to 13 are ongoing at Villa-Parke Community Center, Victory Park Center and Allendale Park, offering everything from sports to fields trips. 744-6516.
Kids 5 to 13 will enjoy sports, swimming, arts and crafts, field trips and more weekdays at Jefferson Park, La Pintoresca Park and Washington Park. 744-8332.
Teens 14 to 16 can drop in weekdays at Robinson Park Center for free computer, fine art and graphic design classes and other activities. 744-7330
Recreational Swimming is available most days at Blair High School Pool, Pasadena High School Pool, Robinson Park Pool and Villa-Parke Community Center Pool(children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Swimming lessons are also available at these sites plus the CORAL Center Pool at 2750 New York Dr. 744-7530.
Watch for fun-filled activities for 5 to 16 during Youth Month in August. Most activities are free. Look for calendars at libraries, community centers and City Hall or call 229-9750.
Please note that for all summer programs, enrollment is limited and spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Article brought by Pasadena In Focus, July - August 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
PASADENA ICE SKATING CENTER needs your support now more than ever to keep ice skating in the City of Pasadena!
!!!! U R G E N T !!!!
The Pasadena Finance Committee will continue its discussion on Monday, July 27 regarding the fate of building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .
Without the continued support from Pasadena residents and patrons of the Pasadena Ice Skating Center , the plans for funding the new ice skating rink may likely be canceled, and the Pasadena Ice Skating Center may be forced to close its doors for good in 2011.
This would leave our children, teenagers, figure skaters, hockey players, coaches, and community without an ice skating facility and force us to go outside of the city to other ice rinks. Our city deserves to have its own revenue-generating ice rink and we must show that we want and need it!
This is the last time to show your support to “Build the Rink” !
YOUR EMAILS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED BEFORE FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2009
1. Email the Mayor of Pasadena (Bill Bogaard) as well as each of the Pasadena Council Representatives.
2. Please plan to attend the Pasadena Council Meeting:
Monday, July 27 at 4 pm.
3. Add yourself to the distribution list: Email at buildtherink@yahoo.com.
- Pasadena “Build the Rink” Committee
- Pasadena, California
Click on the link buttons to the left for more information.
Please check http://icesaver.org/ for frequent updates.
Please click on this link for the news article in Pasadena Star News
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12753537
Information provided by one of our Mountain Neighbors. Thanks Catherine!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Metro Goldline Foothill Extension
A significant milestone in the journey towards opening the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension is rapidly approaching. On July 23rd, the Metro board is expected to finally consider its Long Range Transportation Plan that will finalize the funding schedule for the Foothill Extension. Will you be there to show your support?
The draft LRTP proposes an opening date for the Foothill Extension in 2017, even though the Foothill Extension Construction Authority has presented a business plan to open it in 2013. This is your opportunity to tell the Metro Board that you will ride the Gold Line. Please urge the board to accelerate funding to operate the line 2013.
You have the ability to influence the decision. Tell Metro:
Don’t Delay Funding – Metro should dedicate funding to the Foothill Extension now so that construction begins as soon as possible! The Foothill Extension is ready to go.
Make Gold Line a Priority – The project will create thousands of jobs during construction, help get our economy on track and reduce congestion on local streets and freeways.
Get Us To Azusa in 2013 – The Construction Authority has a plan to get the line to Azusa in 2013. Urge Metro to support projects that can open sooner, so people can start riding at the earliest possible date. Why wait four extra years for the train?
It has been a long journey, but with your help we made significant progress in making the Gold Line a priority. Metro has proposed allocating $743 million for the Foothill Extension in the draft LRTP. Our next step is to persuade Metro to run the line when it's completed. We need your support.
Join the delegation of elected officials, community leaders, residents, business owners, students and others marching on Metro Headquarters! We need a strong showing of support at this critical meeting:
Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, July 23, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Map
RSVP TODAY
Need transportation? We can help! To RSVP, call (888) 977-2269, or e-mail us at info@iwillride.org.
A couple hours of your morning will make an impact in the lives of millions of San Gabriel Valley residents for generations to come. Many of you have shown your support but don't stop now. Speak up for mobility, reduced pollution and jobs now--the Metro Board of Directors needs to hear from you on July 23rd.
Sincerely,
I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org
**If you haven't already, please e-mail the Metro Board to voice your support for the Foothill Extension. Help send a strong message that the San Gabriel Valley can't afford to wait for jobs, improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion. Tell a friend!**
Saturday, July 11, 2009
CALLING ALL KIDS: REPORT FOR DUTY AT YOUTH SAFETY ACADEMIES
TWO FREE ACADEMIES WIL BEGIN THIS SUMMER, sponsored by Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena Fire Department.
The Pasadena Kids Safety Academy for elementary school students ages 6 to 12 and their parents meets from 9AM to 12noon on seven consecutive Saturdays beginning July 11 at Pasadena police headquarters.
Classes will cover stranger danger, fire safety, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, community leadership, water skills, outdoor safety, bike rules and nutrition. Space is limited to 30 children and their parents. Make reservations by calling 744.7659 or emailing aramos@cityofpasedena.net.
Through the Pasadena Junior Public Safety Academy, 40 teens ages 13 to 18 will be chosen for a five-day seminar to learn about police and fire careers Monday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 8, from 7:30AM to 4:30PM.
Participants will learn about the duties of our police detectives, forensics team, traffic detail, jail staff and more at Pasadena police headquarters, then move on to Pasadena Fire Department to learn about fire safety, survival skills and what it takes to make it through police and fire training.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Pasadena takes green thinking online
Pasadena, Calif., residents who may be a little behind in their environmental conservatism can pick up some tips from the city's new online Green Training Program. The Web site, www.cityofpasadena.net/greencity, is part of the city's Green City Action Plan that includes more than 70 initiatives. The 15-minute tutorial offers tips on how residents can support the city's green efforts, such as using recycled copy paper or reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones, as well as links to other green Web sites. “This program is meant to inspire action,” the city's Environmental Analyst Ursula Schmidt said in a statement. “By the end of the training, we think people will be moved, hopeful and excited about the changes they can make in their daily lives for the good of the planet.” Pasadena's Green City Action Plan, created in 2006, is based on the United Nations' Green Cities Declaration and Urban Environmental Accords. It includes seven major themes: energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health and water conservation.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
PERMANENT WATER WASTE PROHIBITIONS
Pasadena's amended Water Shortage Procedures Ordinance(PMC 13.10) will take effect in early summer 2009 and will include these and other permanent prohibitions on water waste:
- NO watering outdoors between 9am and 6pm, except with a hand held container or hose with a shut-off nozzle, or for very short periods when adjusting a sprinkler system;
- NO watering during periods of rain;
- NO excessive water flow or runoff from watering or irrigating landscapes or vegetation of any kind;
- NO washing down paved surfaces unless ofr safety or sanitation, in which case a bucket, a hose with a shut-off nozzle, a cleaning machine that recycles water or a low-volume/high pressure water broom must be used;
- ALL property owners must fix leaks, breaks, or malfunctions when they find them, or within 7 days of receiving a notice from PWP;
- Fountains and water features must have a re-circulating water system;
- Vehicles must be washed with a hand-held bucket and/or hose equipped with a water shut-off nozzle(does not apply to commercial car washes);
- Restaurants may serve drinking water only by request and must use water-saving dish wash spray valves.
FULL DETAILS ON THE WATER WASTE PROHIBITIONS CAN BE FOUND AT
http://www.pasadenasaveswater.com/ OR BY CALLING THE WATER SHORTAGE HOTLINE AT 626.744.8888
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Guided Tours of the Wrigley Mansion
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Tournament of Roses enthusiasts and history buffs alike will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the majestic 21-room, 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance-style house. Tours are conducted by Tournament of Roses volunteers well-versed in the organization's 121-year-history as well as in the architectural details of the 103-year-old mansion, designed by architect G. Lawrence Stimson. The interior of the house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. Exhibited items of interest are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses, Rose Bowl Game trophies and memorabilia, and historic photographs. Among the highlights of the tour are a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Nick Boswell Portraiture. Tours take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Tournament of Roses Event Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena Cost: Free For information, call: 626-449-4100 Map:
Website:
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Guided Tours of the Wrigley Mansion
Tournament of Roses enthusiasts and history buffs alike will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the majestic 21-room, 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance-style house. Tours are conducted by Tournament of Roses volunteers well-versed in the organization's 121-year-history as well as in the architectural details of the 103-year-old mansion, designed by architect G. Lawrence Stimson. The interior of the house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. Exhibited items of interest are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses, Rose Bowl Game trophies and memorabilia, and historic photographs. Among the highlights of the tour are a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Nick Boswell Portraiture. Tours take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Tournament of Roses Event Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena Cost: Free For information, call: 626-449-4100 Map:
Website:
Time: 2:00 PM
Tournament of Roses enthusiasts and history buffs alike will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the majestic 21-room, 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance-style house. Tours are conducted by Tournament of Roses volunteers well-versed in the organization's 121-year-history as well as in the architectural details of the 103-year-old mansion, designed by architect G. Lawrence Stimson. The interior of the house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. Exhibited items of interest are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses, Rose Bowl Game trophies and memorabilia, and historic photographs. Among the highlights of the tour are a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Nick Boswell Portraiture. Tours take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Tournament of Roses Event Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena Cost: Free For information, call: 626-449-4100 Map:
Website:
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Guided Tours of the Wrigley Mansion
Tournament of Roses enthusiasts and history buffs alike will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the majestic 21-room, 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance-style house. Tours are conducted by Tournament of Roses volunteers well-versed in the organization's 121-year-history as well as in the architectural details of the 103-year-old mansion, designed by architect G. Lawrence Stimson. The interior of the house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. Exhibited items of interest are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses, Rose Bowl Game trophies and memorabilia, and historic photographs. Among the highlights of the tour are a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Nick Boswell Portraiture. Tours take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Tournament of Roses Event Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena Cost: Free For information, call: 626-449-4100 Map:
Website:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
WHOLE FOODS MARKET HEALTH FAIR
HEALTH FAIR 12-3PM JUNE 27,2009
Join Whole Foods Market in the front of the store for an afternoon of educational fun. Discover new ways to improve your health, meet the hosts of Shop with the Doc; Dr. Jennifer Wicher and Dr. Stacey Kupperman, discover a new exercise program with No Excuses Indoor Boot Camp, find out what supplements are right for you.
3751 E. Foothill Blvd @ Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Citibank Celebrate's Father's Day!
285 S. Lake Avenue 626.795.9962
Friday, June 19, 2009 9:00am - 6:00pm
Please join Citibank on South Lake as they celebrate Father's Day with food and complementary massages for Dads. R.S.V.P preferred for a FREE massage session - 626.795.9962 (Linda Lim)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
MAKE MUSIC PASADENA
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2009
Presented in part by Levitt Pavilions Free Music Across America
Make Music Pasadena is a FREE musical celebration throughout Pasadena. Make Music Pasadena takes place on World Music Day, the Summer Solstice, Sunday June 21, 2009.
On that day, sidewalks, parks, courtyards, alleys, building lobbies and other unconventional performance spaces will become spontaneous musical stages and social gathering places. Amateur musicians will bring their musical talents to the streets of Pasadena and perfrom to new crowds.
Interenationally known artists will perform at two main stages - One Colorado and Levitt Pavilion. What better way to jump start the summer than by dancing the streets, throughout the day, to these wonderful music performances.
All performancers are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.
Make Music Pasadena is presented in part by Levitt Pavilions Free Music Across America and is produced by Old Pasadena Management District.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
78 DEGREES is so cool!
Setting your air conditioning at 78° or higher conserves energy and saves money. Find out more about how to conserve by calling
PWP’s AnswerLine at 626-744-6970. Or visit www.PWPweb.com.
You have the power to conserve.
Monday, June 8, 2009
DAILY GRIND AND PASADENA FIREFIGHTERS
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Presented by: Daily Grind and Pasadena Firefighters
Summer Cookout
Daily Grind and Pasadena Firefighters host a Summer Cookout to raise funds for the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House. Festivities include an engine display by the Pasadena Fire Department, music and hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream.
Bring your whole family to Daily Grind at 100 W. Green Street (at DeLacey) in Old Pasadena.
100 W. Green Street
12:30 to 3:00pm
http://www.dailygrindpasadena.com
(626) 405-1053
Presented by: Daily Grind and Pasadena Firefighters
Summer Cookout
Daily Grind and Pasadena Firefighters host a Summer Cookout to raise funds for the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House. Festivities include an engine display by the Pasadena Fire Department, music and hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream.
Bring your whole family to Daily Grind at 100 W. Green Street (at DeLacey) in Old Pasadena.
100 W. Green Street
12:30 to 3:00pm
http://www.dailygrindpasadena.com
(626) 405-1053
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Price is Right at Your Neighborhood Library
MONEY'S TIGHT ALL AROUND! Keep your brood entertained this season with free activities at your neighborhood library.
For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net/librarykids.
Beginning Saturday June 13, children in grades 6 and under can join the Summer Reading Club at any Pasadena Library. Sponsored by Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, the popular program offers young readers weekly prizes for visiting the library and telling us what books they've enjoyed. The program also includes family entertainment all summer long. Kicking off the season in June, "Flights of Fantasy" will have your kids laughing out loud. In July they'll be dazzled by "Illusions by Allen" and August will bring the creative critters of Pacifica Animal Productions. "Tales and Tunes" series Thursdays in July with musicians and storytellers.
For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net/librarykids.Teens can also jump into the Summer Reading Club starting Saturday June 20th! Just read a book, fill out a slip and place it in the decorated box at any Pasadena library for your chance to win weekly prizes with teen appeal.
And don't miss out on the fun teen programs listed at
www.cityofpasadena.net/libraryteens.
For more information about library programs for children and teens, call 744-4066, option 4.
This article taken from the Pasadena In Focus MAY-JUNE 2009 ISSUE.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Update: May 28th Metro Board Meeting "A Good First Step"
Jess,
Thursday’s Metro Board Meeting was truly inspiring.
Many of you who came to Metro Headquarters to show your support helped influence Metro Board Members to budget $10 million for the Foothill Extension for fiscal year 2009-2010, which begins on July 1st. This is encouraging news since it far exceeds the $127,000 Metro officials originally intended to allocate to the Foothill Extension for the fiscal year and it is the first time Metro has funded the Gold Line Foothill Extension in 20 years! View the latest I Will Ride blog posting for a recap.
This step forward shows how your support is making an impact. Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who sponsored the motion for the $10 million in Foothill Extension funding said in an article in today’s San Gabriel Valley Tribune: “I have to give credit to the San Gabriel Valley people who kept showing up to meetings to lobby for this.”
While $10 million is a good start, it still falls short of securing a long term commitment from Metro to the Foothill Extension. On June 25th, the Metro board will be discussing the inclusion of the Foothill Extension into its Long Range Transportation Plan, which would determine a start and completion date for the project and the schedule of funding.
We can celebrate yesterday’s win, but we must keep our eye on the prize: getting Foothill Extension funding on track for operation to Azusa in 2013!
We will follow up with you in the next few weeks and hope that you can join us on June 25th to once again influence the Metro board and ensure the Foothill Extension is included in the Long Range Transportation Plan. Save the date!
Sincerely,I Will Ride Outreach Teamhttp://iwillride.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0219d8c372fdeb1f9f9eafb25&id=489268bda0&e=9d27d14a7f
P.S. Help us keep up the momentum and tell a friend to join the I Will Ride campaign. There is nothing better than riding public transit with a buddy!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Metro Board Meeting--Thursday, May 28th--Are You Ready to Go?
A major decision affecting the fate of the Gold Line Foothill Extension is rapidly approaching. We are fired up and ready to go, are you?
This Thursday, May 28th, the Metro Board of Directors will be voting on the agency’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget. The current budget dedicates less than $127,000 for the Foothill Extension project, while allocating tens of millions of dollars to projects that are not as ready to go.
Why we need you to show your support on May 28th:
1. The Foothill Extension is Ready to Go – Unlike other transit proposals in the County, we have completed the necessary approvals to break ground as soon as we receive sufficient funding.
2. Jobs Now – The project can create thousands of jobs during construction and help get our economy on track. We are the only rail project in LA County that can be under construction in a year.
3. Metro Needs to Hear From You –The Metro Board will consider a motion to add $10 million for the Gold Line in the 2010 budget. They need to see you in person and hear from you that you support that motion.
Many of you have sent in expressions of support but the time has come for you to speak up for mobility, reduced pollution and transit options—the Metro Board of Directors need to hear from you on May 28th.
Join the delegation of elected officials, community leaders, residents, business owners, students and others marching on Metro Headquarters this Thursday! We need a strong showing of support at this critical meeting:
Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Map
RSVP TODAY
Need transportation? We will pick you up!
See schedule below. We have arranged transportation from the following locations:
University of La Verne (7 a.m.)
Meeting Spot: Parking lot at the corner of Bonita Avenue and “C” Street.
Citrus College (7:20 a.m.)
Meeting Spot: Main parking lot at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Citrus Avenue – under the main marquee.
Metro Gold Line Sierra Madre Villa Station (7:50 a.m.)
Meeting Spot: Enter from Sierra Madre Boulevard, cross the fifth floor bridge and meet us near the token machines.
To RSVP, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org to sign up online. If you are going to meet us at one of the transportation pick-up locations listed above, please indicate where you will meet us when you RSVP.
A couple of hours of your morning will make an impact in the lives of millions of San Gabriel Valley residents for generations to come. It’s time for action!
Sincerely,
I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org
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