The proposed actions would address a challenge to the process surrounding the original termination notice while maintaining the city’s planned departure date for the organization at 4750 Oak Grove Drive in Hahamongna Watershed Park.
An anonymous email received Sept. 26 alleged, among other things, that the city violated California’s open-meeting law during a Sept. 8 closed session, according to a staff report prepared for the Oct. 20 meeting.
City staff disputes the allegation but recommends rescinding the Sept. 21 termination notice to address the complaint and head off potential litigation.
“Since RBR has threatened litigation against the City, it would be prudent to utilize the statutory opportunity to foreclose a potential Brown Act lawsuit,” the report states.
The report does not detail the specific conduct alleged to have violated the Brown Act. It describes the allegations as “unfounded” and says the law provides an opportunity to cure alleged violations within 30 days of a demand.
Rose Bowl Riders was founded in 1946 and moved to its current location in 1952, when it began hosting horse shows, according to the report.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the property’s former owner, entered into the lease with the organization in 1970. Pasadena purchased the property in 2005 and assumed the lease.
The most recent lease amendment expired Dec. 31, 2023. Since then, Rose Bowl Riders has occupied the property under a month-to-month arrangement that either party may terminate with 30 days’ written notice, according to staff. The agreement does not require cause for termination.
The 2023 amendment required additional public benefits, including riding lessons and scholarships for participants in the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department summer camp. Staff said the short-term agreement was intended to allow the city to evaluate those benefits before considering a long-term lease.
The report does not identify a specific performance failure as the reason for ending the tenancy.
If the council authorizes a new termination notice, Rose Bowl Riders would have more than 90 days to relocate animals and equipment before the Jan. 31, 2027, deadline, staff said.
The report also recommends authorizing the city manager to negotiate short-term emergency management of the stables and arena.
Hahamongna’s other equestrian users include Tom Sawyer Camps and Ride On Therapeutic Stables. The report’s termination recommendation concerns Rose Bowl Riders’ lease.
Ending the tenancy would reduce city rental income by $1,250 a month. Staff also anticipates that future use of the property would entail costs to replace structures and improvements removed by Rose Bowl Riders.
A 1994 lease amendment transferred ownership of the property’s structures and improvements to the organization, according to the report.
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