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In the controversy over housing growth in Pasadena, one concern inevitably surfaces: Will we have enough water? It’s a reasonable question. California has endured repeated droughts. Climate scientists tell us the future is likely to be hotter and drier. And re... More »
SB 79 legalizes the construction of taller residential buildings close to California’s best transit in its biggest metro areas, including Pasadena’s six A-line stations where it would permit five to seven stories. Signed by Governor Newsom last October, it’s a... More »
As former Mayor of Pasadena, I am proud that after my strong written opposition was submitted, the City pulled from the agenda the outrageous $6.6 million Sierra Madre Boulevard Median Enhancements Project from Monday’s council agenda. This tone-deaf proposal ... More »
Last night, like many of you in northeast Pasadena, I heard the sound of helicopters, simulated explosions, and weapons fire. The City of Pasadena’s official notice was brief and to the point: a U.S. military training exercise was underway until 1:00 a.m. Pasa... More »
[Friday, May 29, 2026] Last night I attended the PUSD Board Meeting to deliver a message to the board members. I did not finish. And not because my time ran out—a minute to give a message is very short—but because I was interrupted by a loud “Not true!”, from ... More »
As Pasadena voters finished casting ballots in the 2026 primary, Lorraine Ali’s recent Los Angeles Times column offers a timely reality check. The UC Berkeley poll shows 47% of Californians rely most on the official mailed voter guide, while only 9% find expen... More »
For forty years, I have had the privilege of serving the City of Pasadena in many departments, including Planning and Community Development, Code Enforcement, Current Planning, Design and Historic Preservation, Northwest Programs, the City Manager’s Office, an... More »
Late last week, the latest Pasadena In Focus newsletter (June–August 2026) landed in mailboxes and inboxes across the city. Presented as a friendly “Community Conversation” survey, it asks residents how we feel about fire protection and our aging streets. The ... More »
At a recent Pasadena Unified School District board meeting, I asked a simple question about the district’s proposed Equity Impact Analysis related to school closures: Where exactly is the equity analysis? The document prepared by Total School Solutions discuss... More »
Sierra Madre Mayor Kristine Lowe, niece of Al Lowe, who served as PUSD Board President during the 1970s conflict over busing, invoked his legacy at last week’s PUSD Board meeting. Mayor Lowe presented herself as in tune with her uncle’s legacy as she leads the... More »
Pasadena’s Latino community deserves an organization that advocates beyond linguistic difference. While language access remains important, Latino families are not defined solely by translation needs or bilingual communication. Our community deserves representa... More »
This week, Pasadena Councilmembers have been receiving nearly identical emails from residents with the subject: “Urgent Action Needed: Protecting Pasadena’s Historic Neighborhoods.” These urge the Council to urgently act to change a new state housing law — and... More »
