Pasadena Commission to Consider Honoring Former City Staffer Who Created Butterfly Garden

[UPDATED] The Pasadena Recreation and Parks Commission will consider approving a plaque honoring a former city employee who conceived and created the butterfly garden at Hastings Ranch Library.

Rhonda Stone served as field representative for District Four from 2003 to 2011. During that time, she went beyond her regular duties with exceptional commitment to the community.

The commission meets Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. at City Yards. The proposal is on the agenda.

Former City Councilmember Steven Haderlein submitted the request in November. He served on the council from 1999 to 2011, working alongside Stone.

Stone raised funds for the butterfly garden project and oversaw it to completion. The proposed plaque would be mounted on an existing boulder at the site.

The 12-by-10-inch plaque would read: “Honoring Rhonda Stone whose contributions to the community and garden made a lifelong impression in our hearts.”

Parks Administrator Melchor Alonzo recommended approval in a staff report. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department determined the proposal is “less than Citywide significant” and minor in scope.

The department evaluated the request based on multiple criteria, including  appropriateness, compatibility, impact on park use, aesthetics, maintenance and safety.

In its report, the department said it found the request consistent with the city’s Public Monument Policy.

Donors will pay all costs related to the plaque. No city funds would be required.

The policy generally requires five years to pass before honoring events or individuals. Stone left her position in 2011, satisfying that requirement.