Pasadena City Council Approves Firework Fine Hikes, Rejects Rusnak Porsche Art Project, and Advances Carbon-Free Initiative

A screengrab from a video at the Rose Bowl, July 4, 2024, shows fireworks in the stands (Photo – Victor Caballero)

The May 5 Pasadena City Council meeting covered a range of key issues; firework fine increases, the rejection of an art installation , and progress on the City’s transition to carbon-free electricity by 2030.

By Chase Jones

2025 Firework Fine Increases

Less than six months after the Eaton fire, the City Council is highly alert to the dangers posed by wildfires. As the 4th of July holiday approaches, it is crucial for both residents and visitors to remain vigilant. The following citation increases were approved unanimously:

• Possession of a Safe and Sane Firework
  ● 1st violation: $250
  ● 2nd violation: $500
  ● Additional violations: $750
• Possession of a Dangerous Firework
  ● 1st violation: $300
  ● 2nd violation: $600
  ● 3rd violation: $800
• Discharge of a Safe and Sane Firework
  ● 1st violation: $500
  ● 2nd violation: $750
  ● Additional violations: $1,000
• Discharge of a Dangerous Firework
  ● 1st violation: $650
  ● 2nd violation: $850
  ● Additional violations: $1,000

While these fees may seem high, the risks posed by fireworks have proven far more costly.

“[The fees] almost seem modest, given the risks,” said Councilmember Steve Madison.

Rusnak Porsche Project Disapproval

The council reviewed the Arts & Culture Commission’s decision to reject the proposed artist and concept art plan for the Pasadena Rusnak Porsche dealership at 2915 East Colorado Boulevard. The Commission voted 5-4 against the proposal submitted by The Rusnak Automotive Group in partnership with the ArtCenter College of Design.

Members of the Arts & Culture Commission felt the design did not adequately represent the required dual concepts of art and amenity.    Commission members believed that the 119-foot-wide open front arty structure designed to showcase cars and hot occasional events for Porsche conflicted with the City’s Private Development Art Program Guidelines.

The City Council ultimately approved the staff recommendation in favor of the Arts & Culture Commission’s decision to reject the art plan.

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget Update

Matthew Hawkesworth,

Finance Director and Assistant City Manager, presented an update on the FY 2025-26 operating budget. The presentation covered the sources of CIP revenue, general funding changes, one-time expenditures for FY 2025-2026, and rejected projects.

Councilmembers expressed concerns about the lack of funding for homeless care and fire preparation, which led them to delay approval of the budget. The public hearing will continue on May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and the discussion will be revisited at each subsequent city council meeting until the budget is adopted.

Carbon-Free by 2030

The City Council concluded the meeting by unanimously approving an initiative to transition Pasadena to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. The Municipal Services Committee presented four scenarios for Pasadena Water and Power to achieve the necessary megawatt production to power the Cty. The next steps involve the new General Manager, David Reyes, evaluating and presenting cost estimates for each scenario. The City Council received 49 letters in support of the initiative.