City Council Approves Expanded Gang Intervention Contract

As part of Monday’s consent calendar, the City Council on Monday unanimously authorized a contract with Ricky Pickens Jr. for gang intervention services.

The agreement runs for three years at an annual cost of $440,201, with options for two additional one-year extensions.

The plan also includes a $120,000 increase to the city’s General Fund appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026 to support the expanded services.

Several community members came out to speak in favor of the organization.

“Unfortunately, I was a victim of gang violence. I was shot six times. I still have a bullet in my leg. I have hardware as a memorial that gang violence does not discriminate,” said June Carr.

GOVIS worked with the NAACP in 2020 during an increase in violence and shootings.

In 2020, shootings in Pasadena increased by 59% leading to the initial contract between Pickens organization and the City.

Pickens and his team have provided violence prevention and intervention services to the City. During this time, his team has consistently delivered community-centered, trauma-responsive programming that aligns with the City’s public safety and health goals.

Over the course of their prior engagement, Pickens and his team have helped the City achieve exceptional results including a reduction in confirmed and suspected gang shootings from 31 in 2021 to two in 2025.

“Lives were being lost, families were being devastated, and the community was demanding action, not theories or studies, action,” said former NAACP President Allen Edson. “At that time I worked directly with Mark Sutton, chair of the NAACP Criminal Justice Committee, and we sat down with City Manager Steve Murmel and Police Chief John Perez. We didn’t come with complaints. We came with solutions. One of those solutions was to bring in someone who understood the root of gang violence, not from a distance, but from lived on the ground experience.”

By April 2021, violent crimes dropped 26%, and now has seen an 82% reduction in violence.

Pickens told Pasadena Now last month that the next one to two years are critical cycle periods in this work.

“We must remain proactive, visible, and engaged,” Pickens told Pasadena Now. “I’m especially grateful for my team members who are on the frontlines every day, putting in the hard, often unseen work, and for the community members who continue to support, trust, and stand with us. Together, we will continue restoring peace and creating real pathways forward.”

Pickens brings more than 30 years of experience in the design and implementation of gang prevention, intervention, and outreach initiatives.

His work includes direct engagement with individuals and families impacted by gang-related violence. Pickens is a certified trainer in evidence-based violence prevention and intervention strategies and has led training and workshops for hundreds of community leaders.

The program is designed to reduce violence by engaging individuals most at risk of involvement in gang activity and interrupting conflicts before they escalate.

The services would focus on direct outreach, mediation and relationship-building in neighborhoods impacted by gang-related incidents, using a model that stresses prevention over enforcement.

Under the proposal, intervention workers would respond to emerging disputes, work to de-escalate tensions and connect individuals with resources such as job training, education and counseling.

Advocates of the approach say violence interruption programs can play a critical role in reducing retaliation and breaking cycles of conflict that traditional policing alone may not address.

“Programs like this are about reaching people before violence happens,” the agenda report states, stressing the goal of proactive engagement and long-term stability.

Pickens, who has been involved in community outreach efforts in Pasadena, would serve as a lead provider under the agreement, working in coordination with city staff and public safety partners.

City leaders have increasingly leaned on community-based strategies in recent years as part of a broader shift toward holistic public safety, combining law enforcement with prevention and support services.

Supporters say individuals with lived experience or strong community ties are often better positioned to build trust and influence behavior in high-risk situations.

The proposal comes as cities across California continue to explore alternatives and complements to traditional policing, particularly in addressing youth violence and gang activity.

Still, the program carries a significant financial commitment, and officials are expected to weigh its cost against its potential impact on public safety outcomes.

If approved, the contract would formalize and expand gang intervention services citywide, with an emphasis on rapid response to incidents and sustained engagement with at-risk individuals.

Here are the remaining items that passed on Monday’s consent calendar:

Contract for Firefighter Breathing Equipment

The City Council approved an $800,000 contract to replace and maintain critical breathing equipment used by firefighters, citing ongoing safety needs for crews responding to thousands of emergency calls each year.

The five-year agreement with Allstar Fire Equipment will provide self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, units and servicing for the Fire Department. The equipment is essential for firefighters working in hazardous environments, including smoke-filled structures and areas with toxic or oxygen-deficient air.

According to a staff report, the City’s firefighters respond to approximately 20,000 calls annually, many of which require SCBA gear to protect against life-threatening conditions.

SCBA units are designed to recirculate and purify breathing air, removing carbon dioxide and supplying oxygen to users. Federal guidelines indicate the equipment has a service life of up to 15 years and must be regularly tested and maintained to meet safety standards.

The contract standardizes the replacement, servicing and testing of SCBA equipment, replacing a system that previously relied on multiple purchase orders.

The agreement will not exceed $800,000 over five years and would be funded through the Fire Department’s operating budget. The contract supports the city’s public safety priorities and would not result in environmental impacts, qualifying for a “common sense” exemption under state environmental law.

Contract for Washington Park Stormwater Project Design

The City Council approved a $2.09 million contract to advance the design of a major stormwater capture project at Washington Park, part of a broader effort to reduce pollution and improve water quality across the region.

SWA Group will provide engineering and design services for the Washington Park Stormwater Capture Project. The agreement, which includes a contingency allowance, would not exceed $2,089,007 and covers work expected to begin in July and continue through winter 2027.

The project is aimed at addressing longstanding water quality issues tied to the city’s aging storm drain system, which channels untreated runoff into regional waterways. Stormwater from Pasadena flows through the East Side Storm Drain — originally a natural creek converted into a drainage system in 1911 — before reaching the Rio Hondo River and eventually the Los Angeles River and Pacific Ocean.

Runoff often carries pollutants including bacteria and heavy metals that exceed limits set by regulators. The proposed project would intercept and treat both storm and dry weather flows using green infrastructure elements such as a subsurface storage facility, infiltration basins and a constructed stream channel.

The effort is part of Pasadena’s obligations under federal and state clean water regulations, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, which requires municipalities to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff.

City staff said the project could also bring community benefits, including new shade trees, landscaped areas and improved recreational features at Washington Park, while helping reduce localized flooding.

The design phase builds on a feasibility study completed in 2022 and is funded through a $12.6 million grant awarded in 2024 under the Safe, Clean Water Program, also known as Measure W.

Four firms submitted proposals for the project, with SWA Group receiving the highest score based on qualifications, technical expertise and outreach strategy.

The proposed contract covers design work only. Construction would require additional approvals and would be considered at a later date following community outreach and final design development.

Millions in State Road Funds for 2027 Projects

The City secured $3.9 million in state funding for street repairs and safety improvements by adopting a required project.

The resolution approved the Fiscal Year 2027 list of projects funded through Senate Bill 1, known as SB 1, which allocates revenue to cities and counties for road maintenance and rehabilitation. The list must be submitted annually to the California Transportation Commission by July 1 to qualify for funding.

The project plan centers on the city’s annual street resurfacing and Americans with Disabilities Act improvement program, which calls for repairs on 31 streets totaling about 11 centerline miles. The work also includes upgrades to the popular walking path around the Rose Bowl, commonly known as the Rose Bowl Loop.

City officials said the resurfacing program will incorporate a range of paving methods designed to improve durability and sustainability. Among them is the use of rubberized asphalt, a material that blends traditional asphalt with recycled tire rubber. The approach is intended to reduce roadway noise, improve skid resistance and extend pavement life while diverting waste from landfills.

For concrete streets, crews plan to use fiber-reinforced asphalt to strengthen roadways and reduce the need for more costly full reconstruction. Officials said the combined strategies are aimed at maximizing long-term performance while controlling costs.

The total estimated cost of the resurfacing project is $10.85 million, with SB 1 funds covering a portion of that amount. Construction is expected to be completed in Fiscal Year 2028.

City staff noted that adopting the project list is a procedural step required by the state and does not constitute final approval of construction activities. Environmental review will be conducted at later stages as specific projects move forward.

Officials said the funding supports the city’s broader goals of maintaining infrastructure and ensuring fiscal stability while addressing ongoing roadway maintenance needs.

Grant to Fund Youth Jobs, Training Programs

A $1.5 million state grant to fund paid job opportunities and career training for young people, with a focus on those facing barriers to employment and communities recovering from wildfire impacts was held.

The vote authorizes the City Manager to accept the Youth Service Corps grant from California Volunteers and approve a $250,000 subcontract with Pasadena City College to support recruitment, career counseling and job placement services.

The grant, which runs through December, is part of a statewide initiative aimed at connecting young people with meaningful public service work while building long-term career pathways. The City’s program will be administered through the city’s Career Services Division.

The effort is designed to serve 95 participants between the ages of 16 and 30, with priority given to individuals facing significant employment barriers, including low-income residents, those involved in the justice system, individuals transitioning from foster care and those experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges.

Participants will be placed in one of four service tracks, including wildfire recovery support, skilled trades and community rebuilding, municipal services and administration, and community and youth services. The program is also intended to support ongoing recovery efforts following the Eaton Wildfires, which disrupted neighborhoods and strained local resources.

Workers will earn $18.04 per hour and can work up to 29 hours per week for a maximum of 450 hours over approximately 16 weeks. All positions will be with public agencies or nonprofit organizations and will focus on non-hazardous, supervised work.

In addition to paid work experience, participants will receive job training, case management and support services such as transportation assistance and work clothing. Those interested in careers in construction or firefighting will have access to training programs and certifications through Pasadena City College.

The program is intended to create a pipeline of skilled workers for high-demand industries while expanding economic opportunity for underserved residents. The funding does not impact the city’s General Fund.

$968,000 Cybersecurity Contract to Strengthen Digital Defenses

A nearly $1 million contract to bolster the city’s cybersecurity defenses, citing a growing need to protect critical systems and maintain uninterrupted public services amid rising digital threats will go to the EDTECH committee.

The five-year agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corporation provides managed endpoint cybersecurity protection and monitoring services. The contract would not exceed $968,124 and includes implementation, ongoing monitoring and a contingency allowance.

City officials say the investment reflects increasing reliance on digital systems across municipal operations, including public safety, infrastructure and internal services. At the same time, cybersecurity threats facing local governments have escalated, raising concerns about potential disruptions, data breaches and financial risks.

To address those challenges, the Department of Information Technology is proposing a Managed Detection and Response, or MDR, service model that provides continuous monitoring of the city’s systems. The service includes around-the-clock threat detection, real-time alert review and expert response support to help identify and mitigate potential cyberattacks.

The system would supplement existing staff capabilities by providing a dedicated team of cybersecurity specialists who can distinguish legitimate threats from routine activity and respond quickly when needed.

The contract follows a competitive selection process that drew 15 proposals from vendors across the country. Carahsoft, based in Reston, Virginia, received the highest overall score after evaluations that considered technical capabilities, experience and cost.

The effort is partially supported by a state cybersecurity grant, with Pasadena among a small group of cities selected for funding. City officials said the investment is also critical to maintaining cyber insurance coverage, as insurers increasingly require continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities as part of risk assessments.

Implementation of the system is expected to take three to five months, with ongoing services continuing throughout the contract term.

The program is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the city’s resilience against cyber threats while ensuring reliable operations for residents and businesses.

Contract to Expand Fiber Optic Network

The City Council approved more than $1 million contract to continue expanding and maintaining the city’s fiber optic network, a system increasingly relied upon for municipal operations and revenue-generating services.

The City Council is expected to vote on a proposal authorizing a five-year agreement with Henkels & McCoy West, LLC. to provide labor and materials for fiber optic cable installation. The contract would not exceed $1,018,184, including a contingency for additional work as needed.

City officials said the fiber optic backbone, originally installed in the late 1990s, has become a critical component of Pasadena’s infrastructure, supporting internal city services as well as connections for local institutions, telecommunications providers and businesses.

The contract follows the pending expiration of a previous five-year agreement with the same contractor, which is set to end later this month. Officials said the continued demand for fiber installation and upgrades requires a new contract to support ongoing and future projects.

The city’s Fiber Network Expansion Program, launched in 2016, has guided efforts to extend and enhance the network citywide. The infrastructure is used not only for internal communications but also to support services such as public Wi-Fi and leased connections that generate revenue.

The contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process that drew interest from 57 vendors, with four bids submitted. After review, Henkels & McCoy West, based in Pomona, was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with a base bid of approximately $885,000.

Officials stressed that the contract is structured as an “as-needed” agreement, meaning actual costs will depend on the amount of work requested over the five-year term. No minimum level of work or compensation is guaranteed.

Funding for the contract will come from existing capital improvement projects and fiber network operating accounts, with no impact on the city’s General Fund.

The investment supports long-term goals to modernize infrastructure and maintain reliable, high-speed connectivity across Pasadena.