Pasadena Council is debating whether police should expand their use of drones (Photo – PPD)
The Pasadena City Council unanimously approved an update to the Fair Oaks–Orange Grove Specific Plan during its Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, meeting, while also hearing public concerns about the closure of a community kitchen and debating whether police should expand their use of drones.
By Sarah Mitchell
The updated Fair Oaks–Orange Grove Specific Plan covers more than 170 acres in northwest Pasadena along North Fair Oaks Avenue, from Maple to Montana streets, and Orange Grove Boulevard, from Oakland to Lincoln avenues. It calls for higher-density development, including additional affordable-housing opportunities, and establishes four named subareas: Robles, Arboleda, Robinson and the Black Legacy District.
The council also committed to seeking funding for banners, decorative crosswalks and other beautification projects. It supported the earlier creation of a Business Improvement District, authorized fee waivers for minor conditional-use permits and assigned implementation of the plan to the city manager.
The vote followed a standing-room-only meeting attended by many supporters of the plan. Several speakers specifically urged the council to approve the Black Legacy District designation. The plan also calls for improvements intended to make the corridor more walkable and welcoming, celebrate its history and culture, support local businesses, and improve transit service and infrastructure.
Community Kitchen Closure Draws Public Comment
About 10 people spoke during general public comment about the closure of a community kitchen at the end of September.
Speakers said the closure would affect their livelihoods and asked the city to help locate a temporary kitchen space. They also called for a long-term plan to establish a permanent community kitchen, along with continued city support.
The council did not take formal action on the issue during the meeting, but the public comments placed the kitchen’s future on the city’s agenda for further attention.
Council Debates Expansion of Police Drone Use
The council also held an approximately hourlong discussion about police drone use during its review of the state-mandated AB 481 military-equipment report.
The Pasadena Police Department currently permits drone use only by its SWAT team. The department proposed expanding its policy to include a drone-as-first-responder program, in which drones could potentially be deployed to certain calls before officers arrive.
During the discussion, however, department representatives said the immediate next step would be a pilot program involving several drone vendors. Councilmembers raised privacy concerns and prohibited any pilot testing from taking place over Pasadena.
Councilmembers also requested additional discussion and public input before the city commits funding for more drones. The council is expected to revisit the issue in the future.
The Fair Oaks–Orange Grove plan now moves into implementation. The council is expected to revisit the police department’s proposed drone program after additional discussion and public input.
Sarah Mitchell is a San Gabriel Valley-based writer who enjoys the outdoors and covers grassroots engagement and community building.
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