A Calm Night Segues into Massive Cleanup

[Updated 7:40 a.m. | Dec. 2, 2011] City officials and residents in Pasadena breathed sighs of relief as a much-feared pickup in high winds last night did not occur. Light dawned on a city readying for massive cleanup efforts.

The City of Pasadena continues to operate its Emergency Operations Center, but with “minimal” staffing, Pasadena Fire Dept. spokesperson Lisa Derderian said this morning. There were no serious emergency incidents Thursday night, she said.

With the exception of Pasadena Unified schools, most city institutions are expected to reopen today.

Pasadena Unified Schools District Superintendent Jon Gundry said Friday that schools facilities were thoroughly inspected for damage yesterday and apparently suffered only light damage.

Gundry said he expects the State of California will grant PUSD a waiver for the lost classrooms days, citing the City of Pasadena’s emergency declaration as the basis for the claim.

Pasadena Public Libraries plans to keep to its regular Friday schedule:  Central Library, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Hastings Branch, La Pintoresca and Villa-Parke branches, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community centers plan to be open Friday, but Victory Park and community center are  closed due to significant tree damage.

ARTS buses and Dial-a-Ride services plan to resume regular service Friday.

Residents are reminded to verify all credentials of anyone offering to perform inspection or repair work.  If you suspect someone is attempting such a scam please contact Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241.

Two information phone lines have been established for the public to report fallen trees and downed power lines – (626) 564-0199 and (626) 564-0299 – and the city website at www.cityofpasadena.net is being updated as necessary.

Damage estimates are still being compiled from Wednesday’s storm.

Of 200 buildings in Pasadena damaged by the wind storm, 42 units have been red-tagged – 40 units in one building alone – and six have been yellow-tagged. Residents of red-tagged units have been evacuated.  Thirty-six residents are at a temporary shelter at Robinson Park Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino graciously provided lunch to the families today. The local Red Cross is assisting at the shelter.

Lamanda Park Branch Library and Hill Avenue Branch Library have sustained downed trees and minor damage.

The Pasadena Fire Department responded to wind-related fire incidents on Wednesday in the 100 block of Penn Street where a house fire resulted in four injuries; the 1200 block of Hudson Avenue where 40 residents were evacuated due a large tree falling into the structure; and the 900 block of Del Mar Boulevard where seven residents were evacuated due to a structure fire. The injured residents were transported to a local hospital.

Four hundred fifty public street trees are down or damaged. This figure does not include trees in parks and Brookside Golf Course, where assessments are not complete.  The Pasadena Public Works Department is being assisted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to clear downed trees in the public right of way.