Flock Camera with solar panel (File Photo – Bruxton)
At this week’s South Pasadena City Council meeting, a range of topics took center stage, from celebrating a long-standing local business to reviewing upcoming changes in waste collection and debating the future of surveillance technology in the city.
By Daniel Peters
Merchant Minute
Wednesday’s South Pasadena City Council meeting included a Merchant Minute presentation by Chuck’s Appliance Service. Paul Asuncion, the current store owner and a 17-year employee, introduced the business and highlighted what they offer.
He explained that the store sells major and specialty appliance brands, provides repair services for large home appliances, and specializes in vintage stove repairs.
Established in 1942, Chuck’s Appliance Service is located at 917 Fair Oaks Avenue, next to The Habit Burger Grill. More information can be found on their website.
New Athens Rate Changes and Curbside Pickup Policy
New solid waste pickup rates will go into effect on August 1 to bring South Pasadena into compliance with updated California state laws requiring the separation of recycling and trash.
Residents will now be required to have three separate bins: a black bin for trash, a blue bin for recycling, and a green bin for organic waste. Single-family households can have up to seven bins at no additional cost, but must have at least one of each color. The remaining four bins are up to the resident’s choice. Additional bins beyond seven will incur extra fees.
More information from Athens Services will be mailed to residents soon, including details on how to request extra bins.
Starting Monday, July 21, curbside bulky item pickup will be available. Residents can now schedule one free pickup per calendar quarter, with up to five items per pickup. This improves upon the previous policy, which allowed only two pickups per year.
To schedule a pickup, call Athens Customer Service at (888) 336-6100. Additional information from Athens is expected in the coming days.
Flock Cameras
One of the evening’s major topics was the city’s use of Flock Cameras, an automated license plate reader system currently used by the South Pasadena Police Department.
Community members on both sides of the issue shared their perspectives, debating whether the city should continue its contract or discontinue the program. The current contract has nine months remaining.
City Council did not reach a final decision but agreed to revisit the issue in October. This will allow time for the Police Department and council members to conduct surveys and further research to evaluate whether the system is beneficial to the city.
The next South Pasadena City Council meeting is scheduled for August 20.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossi exhibited the kind of leadership we need for these times. I personally found it strange that some of the members thought that the staff and police department would be best equipped to answer the public questions in three months when they can’t answer the simple question now: is South Pasadena flock camera information being accessed by ICE and Border Patrol? The contractor was on zoom. The company is very high tech., I find it hard to believe that they don’t know what third parties are accessing their data.