The Elks Lodge No. 672 in Pasadena is designated a a historic landmark (Photo – pasadenaelks672)
The November 18th Pasadena City Council meeting covered a plethora of issues, with those from the community and officials addressing pressing concerns and policy decisions.
By Nicolas Perez
Housing
The treatment of the unhoused took an early stage during the public comments section of the meeting. Advocates criticized the City for citing unhoused individuals without offering adequate housing solutions, noting a lack of follow-up for those who refused any assistance. One speaker claimed the City failed to provide timely access to public records, and stated she was filing a court petition for transparency, stating that promises from the mayor had not been fulfilled.
710 Stub
Discussions then turned to the 710 freeway and its lingering impacts. The council approved the sale of properties along the corridor, emphasizing the need for a clear and strategic process for allocating funds. They pointed to Palm Springs as a model for forming an effective policy. A speaker representing the Black Male Forum addressed the generational harm caused by the 710 subproject’s displacements, particularly in the Black community. He urged city staff and the community to work together to correct errors and right past wrongs, requesting these topics be placed on next week’s agenda. Rick Law, a retired Pasadena police commander, echoed these concerns, highlighting the decades-long delays. He pointed out that the communities most affected were predominantly of color, urging the council to move forward with “20/20 vision.”
Parking
Parking and city infrastructure issues surfaced during Councilmember Jessica Rivas‘s questioning of Parking Manager John Hamblen. He reported that parking spaces were about 70% full during peak use and suggested there was a need for more revenue. He also mentioned the possibility of downsizing with Rusnak as part of Olympic preparations.
Independent Auditor
Concerns about the appointment of an independent auditor position sparked heated debate. A critic of Paul Vernon’s candidacy cited his combative comments, including labeling surveillance opponents as “criminals.” Public comments called for transparency and community input to ensure fairness and prevent conflicts of interest in the selection process.
Lamanda Park
The meeting concluded with a review of the Lamanda Park Specific Plan. Key recommendations included protecting existing trees, adding pedestrian crosswalks, and allocating $50,000 for pilot improvement projects. Discussions delved into the finer details of the plan and outlined next steps for implementation, until the conclusion of the meeting.
Note The council also made strides in historical preservation, designating the Elks Lodge No. 672 at 400 W. Colorado Blvd as a historic landmark.
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