N. Fair Oaks Avenue was once a thriving “Black Main Street,” but today it has become divested because of city policies. Twenty years ago N. Fair Oaks was downzoned from 48 to 16 units per acre to prevent more nursing homes. This policy stifled development and ... More »
We have all faced a multitude of challenges since the start of the New Year, from the devastating windstorm and fires to shifts in government policies. Sometimes it can feel as though information is coming at us at a dizzying pace—just when you think one issue... More »
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have impacted our community, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) has taken steps that raise serious concerns. Following weeks of indecision and canceled meetings, the Board presented an updated proposal for pr... More »
The fire that tore through Altadena and Pasadena left behind a stark reminder of the power of nature and our responsibility to act. Climate change fueled the conditions that made this disaster possible, and as we begin the long process of rebuilding, we must d... More »
Sunday, February 16th was truly special—I saw Altadena from a new perspective and faced an unexpected fear with Historian Michele Zack. In August 2023, I interviewed Zack, and afterwards she invited me to hike the meadows with her to visit Owen Brown’s gravesi... More »
Dear Pasadena Now, As I listened intently to the 11 points discussed at the Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) meeting on February 6, 2025 entitled Potential Board Action to “safeguard and assist those affected by the Eaton Fire,” I became extremely frustra... More »
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is facing a pivotal moment, just weeks after our community faced the devastating Eaton Fire. With declining enrollment, rising costs, and the expiration of one-time COVID relief funds, we are under immense financial ... More »
As the President of the United Teachers of Pasadena, I represent an educator workforce that has done everything we can to welcome back our students, despite a substantial number of us having experienced the loss of our homes and property damage. The stories an... More »
I had not attended a City event since the Eaton Inferno destroyed my home in January. Wednesday the exile came to an end when I traveled from Fontana, or Fontucky, to Pasadena for the State of the City event. First off, I have to say it was a great speech by M... More »
I’d like to start by saying that after all we’ve been through since January 7th and all that is yet to come, I am truly grateful to be here tonight with each and every one of you. TO OUR RESIDENTS – You have responded to adversity with grace, compassion, and g... More »
Dear Pasadena Now, I am writing to express my concern regarding the $500,000 loan advanced by the City Council to the Rental Housing Board in May 2023. As stated in the City Council record and Chapter 18 of the City Charter, this loan was to be repaid once the... More »
Years ago, wrecked with climate anxiety, I left my Hollywood job for something much sexier: Midwestern utility consumer advocacy. I drove around Illinois, scraping ice off my windshield and spreading the good word of the clean energy transition. Feeling lost i... More »
