Op-Ed: South Pasadena’s Historical Museum Deserves Better Than an Eviction Notice

The heart of any community beats in its history, and for South Pasadena, that heart has been kept alive for over 40 years by the South Pasadena Historical Museum. Operated by the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation (SPPF), the museum serves not only as a repository of artifacts and stories but as a gathering place that connects residents to the city’s past and, in many ways, to each other. Yet today, this vital institution faces an uncertain future due to an unexpected eviction notice from the City of South Pasadena—a move that threatens to sever our ties to our rich and storied heritage.

The confusion stems from a misunderstanding over the lease terms between SPPF and the City. The City proposed new terms to formalize the museum’s use for activities related to the weekly Farmers Market, and SPPF readily agreed to these provisions back in April, believing that all parties were on the same page. However, somewhere along the way, lines of communication were crossed, and a series of misunderstandings developed—leading to a surprise eviction notice in late July.

The eviction notice was as unexpected as it was troubling. It contained several complaints and concerns that could have been clarified with a simple phone call or email. SPPF has consistently expressed a willingness to cooperate and resolve any lingering issues, but instead of engaging in direct dialogue, the City’s actions seem to have been driven by miscommunication and misinformation.

This is where the real problem lies: not in a disagreement over lease terms, but in a breakdown of communication that has left a cloud of confusion and uncertainty over the fate of a beloved community asset.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on what is truly at stake here. The South Pasadena Historical Museum is more than just a building filled with artifacts; it is a living testament to the history and identity of our city. For decades, it has hosted educational programs, cultural events, and exhibits that celebrate the unique character of South Pasadena. It has provided a space for schoolchildren to learn about their city, for families to explore their heritage, and for visitors to understand what makes South Pasadena special.

To issue an eviction notice under these circumstances is not just short-sighted—it is an affront to the very fabric of our community. The museum represents a 40-year tradition of stewardship, education, and community engagement. It has been cared for by the SPPF, a dedicated nonprofit that has invested time, effort, and resources into ensuring that our city’s history remains accessible to all.

If we allow this eviction to proceed, we risk losing more than just a museum. We risk losing a part of our collective memory, our cultural identity, and the continuity that binds us as a community. Future generations of South Pasadena residents could be deprived of the opportunity to learn about their own heritage, to see where they come from, and to understand the values that have shaped their city.

There is still time to correct this course. A closed-session South Pasadena City Council meeting is scheduled for September 4, where the fate of the museum will be discussed. The City Council must take this opportunity to retract the eviction notice and renew SPPF’s lease. It is a chance to demonstrate that the City values transparency, fairness, and the importance of preserving our shared heritage.

To move forward, we must also learn from the mistakes that led us here. Clearer communication, greater cooperation, and a commitment to working together are essential. SPPF has made it clear that it is ready to address any remaining misunderstandings and to work with the City to find a resolution that serves the best interests of all parties.

But this is not just a matter for the City Council and SPPF. It is a matter for all of us. As residents of South Pasadena, we must speak up and make our voices heard. We must advocate for the preservation of our history and ensure that the decisions made in City Hall reflect the values we hold dear.

The South Pasadena Historical Museum deserves better than an eviction notice. It deserves our support, our attention, and our commitment to ensuring that it remains a vital part of our community for generations to come.

The path forward is clear: retract the eviction notice, renew the lease, and let the South Pasadena Historical Museum continue to do what it has done so well for over four decades—connect us to our past and help us understand who we are.

Steven Lawrence
South Pasadena Resident