This article first appeared in the ColoradoBoulevard.net January 2021 print edition.
South Pasadena Mayor Diana Mahmud (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
ColoradoBoulevard.net posed questions to Diana Mahmud, who became South Pasadena’s mayor Jan. 1, 2021.
By Editorial Board
Mahmud has served on the South Pasadena City Council since 2013, including in the rotating role of Mayor once before. She is a retired attorney who spent much of her career at the Metropolitan Water District and also the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. She is active in several regional government organizations, including serving as chair of The Clean Power Alliance, which provides electricity to 1 million customers in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
1- In your view what qualities and experience are needed for a new City Manager to replace Stephanie DeWolfe?
A successful City Manager will successfully address the expectations of all three primary constituencies. S/he will not necessarily meet the expectations of all constituencies, but will be able to communicate and persuade why s/he is unable to do so – and look for ways to nevertheless go further to meet such expectations.
2- Building affordable housing is a big issue. How should the city navigate the tension between Nimbys, who appear to oppose almost any development, and Yimbys, who seem ready for density some fear would change the community’s character?
To the extent there are NIMBYs in our city, I think they are most apprehensive of up-zoning that could fundamentally change neighborhoods within single family zones. I think the City needs to do a much better job of informing our residents that the State Legislature has already approved the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit and Jr. Accessory Dwelling Unit on each single-family zoned parcel. Newly introduced bills at the Legislature pose a further threat to single family zones and our city’s ability to exercise local control over our land use policies. I think it’s important for our city to educate our residents of the ramifications of such proposed legislation so they can communicate their views with our state elected representatives. According to our consultants, most of the additional housing units for which the City will be required to plan can be accommodated in our commercial corridor along Fair Oaks, Mission or the Ostrich Farm area of Monterey Road, and through ADU construction.
3- The new Climate Action Plan calls for phasing down natural gas use beginning with a ban on gas hookups for new homes. With a large East Asian community, how would you deal with the cultural preference for wok cooking, which doesn’t work well with electric stoves?
While I strongly support electrification within new building construction, I also support a reasonable and flexible approach for our residents. For example, for single family homes I believe a resident should be able to install a gas stove if they wish, and offset the anticipated greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of that gas stove with other compensating improvements.
Bonus questions:
- How do you assess the city’s progress on its many Climate Change Action Plan goals?
Too soon to tell, City just adopted at our last City Council meeting.
- Given the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the city, what are your aspirations for your present term as mayor?
My overarching goal is to restore stability within the City. We are also required by law to adopt a Housing Element by October, and I hope we adopt an updated General Plan before my term as Mayor is over. Obviously, we need to hire a City Manager who I hope will go a long way in meeting the expectations of the three constituencies I earlier described. I have tried for years to get Caltrans to expedite sale of its homes in our city; any movement in this regard is long overdue and will continue to be a personal focus.
Finally, our Commissions do excellent work on behalf of the City. I wish them all success in the various important endeavors they will consider on behalf of our residents.
> This article appeared in the ColoradoBoulevard.net January 2021 print edition.
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