What are Your Priorities?

Pasadena City Councilwoman Jacque Robinson (standing) co-hosted a community budget workshop with Councilman Chris Holden last night at La Pintoresca Branch Library.



City Manager Michael Beck (standing right) and several department directors discussed the current budget priorities for various departments.

Andrew Green, director of finance.

Jan Sanders, director of public libraries.

Fire Chief Dennis Downs

Police Chief Phillip Sanchez with Dr. Eric Walsh (seated), director of public health.

Residents weighed in on the most important budget priorities from their perspectives. More programs for youths, public safety and public health were among the comments.

Then everyone filled out a short questionnaire that will be shared with council members prior to their next strategic planning workshop next month.

When the official business was completed, constituents took an opportunity to chat with city staff and the facilitator to discuss any additional concerns.




There's a second opportunity tonight in the cafeteria at Wilson Middle School, 300 S. Madre St. What levels of service at libraries, community centers, parks, fire stations, etc., are acceptable in light of current budget challenges? Should fewer employees be providing these services?

Let your voice be heard!

Budget documents are here; you can also scroll down on that page to take a brief survey.

Looking for Something to Do?

Here's a listing of free events sponsored by the City of Pasadena the week of March 30.


Monday, March 30
6 p.m. -- The third in a series of public workshops about revisions to Pasadena’s tree protection ordinance will focus on the regulation of trees on private property.
(626) 744-4342.

Wednesday, April 1
* 7:30 a.m. – Get the kinks out on a morning walk around the Rose Bowl Loop with Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and special guest Michael Ross, CEO of Pasadena Center Operating Company. Meet at Gate A.
(626) 831-2980.
* 1 p.m. – This week’s free film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “27 Dresses” starring Katherine Heigl as Jane, a young woman who has served as a bridesmaid 27 times and now questions whether she should stand at her sister’s side as her sibling marries the man Jane secretly loves.
(626) 744-4066.

Thursday, April 2
6:30 p.m. – Pasadena City Councilwoman Margaret McAustin will host a District 2 meeting about the city budget for Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) with special guest City Manager Michael Beck at Longfellow Elementary School, 1065 E. Washington Blvd.
(626) 744-4742.


Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5
Celebrate with us as we mark the grand opening of the newly expanded Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St. On Friday at noon we’ll have the official ribbon-cutting ceremony; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. you’ll get free admission and parking for the Home Show and Real Estate Expo with distinctive vendors, cooking demonstrations and much more; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Home Show and Real Estate Expo continues; and also on Sunday it’s our annual One City, One Story author visit (see specific OCOS events below).
(626) 795-9311


Saturday, April 4
9 a.m. to noon – Discover the best choices for Pasadena’s dry climate at the Trees and Shrubs Workshop sponsored by Pasadena Water and Power at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut St. Learn effective ways to prune, water and develop healthy root systems. Reserve your spot at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater.
(626) 744-6970.


"The Hummingbird's Daughter"

As this year's One City, One Story community reading celebration draws to a close, don't miss these final events!

Sit in on a book discussion, watch professional chefs whip up some Mexican fare, learn from an expert about one of the book's themes and meet the author!

Saturday, March 28
* 10:30 a.m. – Attend a book discussion about “The Hummingbird’s Daughter” at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.
(626) 744-7260.
* 11 a.m. -- Chefs from Old town Cooking School will present Mexican cooking techniques (and samples!) at San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.
(626) 744-7270.

Tuesday, March 31
2 p.m. – Attend a book discussion about “The Hummingbird’s Daughter” at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.
(626) 744-7264.

Wednesday, April 1
6:30 p.m. – Attend a book discussion about “The Hummingbird’s Daughter” at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
(626) 744-7262.

Friday, April 3
11 a.m. – Learn about the religious aspects of The Hummingbird’s Daughter during a presentation by Dr. Juan Martinez in Payton Hall at Fuller Theological Seminary, 135 N. Oakland Ave., followed by a book discussion. The event will be offered in Spanish at 2 p.m.
(626) 744-4066.

Sunday, April 5
3 to 5 p.m. – Luis Urrea, author of “The Hummingbird’s Daughter,” will speak at Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., about his experiences researching and writing the book and will answer questions from the audience. Free parking!
(626) 744-4066 or (626) 795-9311

Setting City Budget Priorities

With massive budget cuts at the state level, municipalities all over California are wrestling with the impacts on local government services and programs.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, the Pasadena City Council will try to sort out the realities of this issue during a special workshop.

They'll get input from City Manager Michael Beck and department directors, and the discussion will serve as the basis for setting City of Pasadena budget priorities for this fiscal year and into the future.

Public comment will take place at 8:30 a.m., so if you have some wisdom about this topic, that will be the opportunity for you to speak your peace. And, of course, you'll be welcome to stick around for all or part of the rest of the workshop.

The location is Room 211 at Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St.