Accessibility Commission to Mull Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Support Letter

The Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission will review several important agenda items, including the discussion of a letter to City Council in support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), at its upcoming regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25.

The discussion stems from a request made by Commissioner Liz Schiller at the February 25, 2025, meeting to “agendize and discuss” such an initiative.

The Commission, which serves as an advisory body to the City Council on accessibility issues in Pasadena, will also address several ongoing initiatives from its 2024-2025 workplan. These include updates on the Accessible Housing Guide being developed, transportation access improvements, accessible ADU development, and continued discussion regarding response and recovery to the 2025 Windstorm and Eaton Fire.

The Commission has been actively working on recommendations for emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.

Chair Casey Jagusch will lead the selection of a new Parliamentarian during the meeting, filling a position responsible for advising on procedural matters during Commission deliberations. The Commission currently has a vacant “At Large” position.

The March meeting will include approval of the February 25, 2025, meeting minutes, which noted that friends of Robert Gorski (Barbara Deck, Debbie Borgio, and Mary Wyell) provided personal stories for the Commission to reference when presenting the Robert Gorski Award. Chair Jagusch announced the Robert Gorski Award nomination period will run through March 31.

At the February meeting, A Shephard’s Protection representatives Keith Holloway and Manuel White (both Pasadena firefighters) presented their work on addressing the “accessibility gap in fire equipment” and expressed hope that Pasadena could become the first city to adopt an ADA Operable Parts 309.4 Ordinance for fire safety equipment. Commissioner Schiller suggested the Commission could draft a letter to City Council imploring them to consider supplying the City with ADA-compliant fire extinguishers once they become available.

Commissioner Andrea Jennings has been participating in Transportation Advisory Commission meetings to discuss pedestrian crossing difficulties at specific intersections along Colorado Boulevard, while Commissioner Janie Lyn Heinrich has been focusing on emergency management resources for people with disabilities.

At the February meeting, Commissioner Cy Warren Estabrook was nominated to Ad Hoc Committees 3 and 4, which focus on Safety, Health, and Wellness, and Supporting Community and City Events respectively.

This week’s meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, located at 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue.

Public comments for items not on the agenda will be heard as part of the agenda. Members of the public may provide comments either by submitting a speaker card prior to public comment on agenda items or by sending written correspondence via email to bjenkins@cityofpasadena.net at least 30 minutes before the meeting starts.

Meeting materials are available on the City website at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/accessibility-and-disability-commission and at all branch libraries.