Pasadena News Tidbits (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
From award-winning public service to safer streets and vibrant community events, Pasadena is bustling with accomplishments and initiatives that strengthen the city for residents and visitors alike.
By News Desk
Here’s a roundup of the latest news shaping Pasadena’s community and future.
PWP at the International Lineman Rodeo Competition (Photo – PWP)
Pasadena Water and Power Shines at International Lineman’s Rodeo
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) celebrated a milestone at the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas. The team, Courtney Kent, Trevor Ingram, Edgar Llanos, and James Annes, supported by coaches Justin Sanger and Anthony Ghilardi, earned 5th place among municipal utilities and 33rd overall out of 290 teams, marking the first time PWP reached the podium in this prestigious competition.
General Manager David M. Reyes praised the team’s dedication, skill, and commitment to safety. PWP also contributed to the event by sending Joe Armstrong and Mike Goltz as official judges.
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PPHD staff panel at PHS (Photo – PPHD)
Pasadena Public Health Welcomes High School Students
On October 22, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) hosted more than 50 students from the Pasadena High School Law and Public Service Academy. The visit offered hands-on experiences, guided tours, and panel discussions highlighting career opportunities in public health.
“Local students bring valuable perspectives on our community and are excellent candidates for future public health roles,” said Director Manuel Carmona. This was the academy’s third site visit in three years, reflecting PPHD’s commitment to youth engagement and workforce development.
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New traffic signal at Del Mar and Michigan allowing easy exit from Caltech (Photo – cityofpasadena)
City Completes New Traffic Signals to Improve Safety and Accessibility
Pasadena’s Department of Public Works announced the completion of two major traffic signal projects at Del Mar Boulevard & Michigan Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard & Craig Avenue. Both intersections now feature fully operational, ADA-compliant signal systems, updated crosswalks, and improved circulation for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.
“These projects reflect Pasadena’s ongoing investment in traffic safety and multimodal mobility,” said Director Greg de Vinck. Funding came from federal, state, and regional programs, including ARPA, Measure M, and AHSC funds.
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Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Koko Panossian and Recreation & Community Services Administrator Kenny James pose with a winner of the costume contest and his mother during the Fall Festival (Photo – cityofpasadena)
Victory Park Hosts Annual Fall Festival
On October 25, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department hosted its annual Fall Festival at Victory Park, attracting more than 1,000 attendees. The family-friendly event featured carnival games, inflatable jumpers, arts and crafts, live performances, and a costume contest with prizes including bikes and class registrations.
Director Koko Panossian noted the festival as a showcase of community collaboration, featuring booths from the Rent Stabilization Department, PPHD, and Pasadena Police Department.
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Officer Eric Riddle, Chief Eugene Harris, and Commander Bill Grisafe, are flanked by two LA County Sheriff’s deputies (Photo – cityofpasadena)
Pasadena Police Officer Graduates from Leadership Program
Officer Eric Riddle, a five-year veteran of the Pasadena Police Department, recently graduated from Class #25 of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Law Enforcement Leadership Development Continuum.
The six-month program focuses on leadership, ethical decision-making, and organizational development. Chief Gene Harris attended the ceremony, praising Officer Riddle’s dedication to public service and his efforts in expanding the department’s Chaplain Program.
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Open segment of the East Side Storm Drain along Mentor Avenue, between Orange Grove Boulevard and Emerson Street (Photo – cityofpasadena)
East Side Storm Drain Improvements Phase 1 Completed
The City has completed Phase 1 of the East Side Storm Drain Improvements Project, covering the segment between Elmira Street and North Mentor Avenue. Work included structural rehabilitation, steel restoration, crack repairs, and streetlight base repairs.
During construction, crews uncovered historic rails used as structural bracing, providing a glimpse into Pasadena’s early 20th-century infrastructure. Future phases will continue rehabilitation along this century-old storm drain to ensure long-term reliability.
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Glenarm Power Plant (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
Electric Rate Study Outlines Future Investments
Pasadena Water and Power released the first technical section of its Electric Rate Study, projecting a 9.5% rate increase for 2026 and 2027 to support infrastructure modernization, battery storage expansion, and climate resilience initiatives.
General Manager David M. Reyes emphasized that the utility remains financially stable, environmentally responsible, and committed to keeping rates competitive while preparing for future energy demand.
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Miguel Márquez (Photo – City of Pasadena)
Pasadena City Manager Miguel Márquez to Retire
The Pasadena City Council announced on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, that City Manager Miguel Márquez will retire to focus on family during a time of personal need.
Márquez joined the City in August 2022, bringing experience as Chief Operating Officer of Santa Clara County and as an Associate Justice of California’s Sixth District Court of Appeal. His leadership guided Pasadena through several major challenges.
He will continue as City Manager until a permanent successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth transition.
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Pasadena continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement, infrastructure modernization, and public safety, ensuring residents enjoy a vibrant, safe, and forward-looking city.
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