Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (Photo – Screengrab, Pasadena Media)
Senator Sasha Renée Pérez advocated for Altadena fire victims and outlined major legislative actions from the past year. Before beginning the regular agenda on Monday, Nov. 17, Mayor Victor Gordo invited Senator Pérez (D-25) to present an update on the state of the state.
By Andrew Sweet
Senator Pérez highlighted major legislative actions the government has taken, including $39 million in funding to provide year-round positions for CAL FIRE firefighters.
“We know that fires are no longer a seasonal event here in California, and we need to have a fire force that is ready to respond whenever these events may happen,” Perez said.
She also drew attention to several recovery efforts, including the Generational Homeownership Protection Act and the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, the latter of which was signed into law to generate revenue for restoring disaster-damaged buildings. An additional $4 million was directed to Los Angeles County and cities like Pasadena to expedite building approvals.
On education, Perez noted the $1 million from the General Fund to help Pasadena Unified School District rebuild facilities. The aid will continue through June 30, 2025.
“I can’t think of a freshman legislator that’s had as much impact as you’ve had over the past 12 months,” Councilmember Rick Cole, District 2, said.
During the Q&A, Mayor Gordo expressed concern over state legislative decisions like SB 79, which would increase housing development near public transit. Perez responded that certain historic areas are exempt from SB 79 and that residents can advocate for directing development to areas where increased infrastructure “makes sense.” The Council discussed holding future sessions with Perez to consider historic designations and determine where development should occur.
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