AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
AUGUST 20, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 6:00 P.M.
MEMBERS
Steve Madison, Chair, District 6
Gene Masuda, District 4
Jess Rivas, District 5
STAFF
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
Arnold Lee, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Pasadena is dedicated to delivering exemplary municipal services, responsive to our entire community and consistent
with our history, culture and unique character.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices are available from the City Clerk’s Office with a 24-hour advance notice.
Please call (626) 744-4124 to request use of a listening device.
Language translation services are available for this meeting by calling (626) 744-4124 at least 24 hours in advance.
Habrá servicio de interpretación disponible para éstas juntas llamando al (626) 744-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación.
Items on the agenda may not be called in order listed.
Agendas and supporting documents are available on the Internet at http://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-legislative-policy-committee/ Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Legislative Policy Committee after distribution of the agenda packet will be posted online and listed as: “Supplemental Agenda Material Received after the Posting of the agenda”
PUBLIC COMMENT AT THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING FOR AUGUST 20, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. WILL BE ACCEPTED IN-PERSON AND BY VIDEOCONFERENCE/TELECONFERENCE.
Link to City Meeting Policy:
cityofpasadena.net/CityCouncilMeetingPolicy
TO VIEW A LIVE STREAM OF THE MEETING:
http://pasadena.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9 AND
WWW.PASADENAMEDIA.ORG
In order to facilitate public participation at meetings the City will accept public comment in the following manner:
1. Whether participating in-person or virtually at the meeting, members of the public may provide public comment by submitting a speaker card prior to the start of public comment on that item, at the following webpage:
www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/
If a public comment speaker wishes to speak on more than one agenda item, please indicate which items on the online form (multiple item speakers will be handled according to the process posted on the agenda and as specified in the City meeting policy). Public comments are limited to 3 minutes each, and the Chair and Committee may limit this time if reasonable under the circumstances.
2. In-person Meeting Participation: Complete an online speaker card at the following website: www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/ After submitting a public speaker card, members of the public may attend the meeting in-person by coming to the Pasadena City Council Chamber, Room S249 at City Hall at the date and start-time of the posted meeting.
Virtual Meeting Participation: For virtual participants, you may attend by connecting to the meeting using a computer, other electronic device, or by telephone. Please review the agenda to identify the published start time for the meeting and connect to the meeting just prior to, or at the start of the meeting.
To participate in public comment for an item and to be recognized to speak, it is required that the speaker login to the meeting using the same name or telephone number used on the Speaker Card form. This will allow City staff to locate and promote the speaker into the meeting when it is time for their public comment.
Participants’ phone calls to the Committee meeting will be recorded as part of the Committee meeting. By staying on the line and making public comment during the Committee meeting by phone, you are agreeing to have your phone call recorded. Following is the connectivity information for virtual participation:
Computer or electronic devices, join the meeting at: cityofpasadena.net/cczoom Telephone only dial-in: 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 161 482 446
3. Speaker Card Help Line: If a public comment speaker needs assistance in completing a speaker card, please call the City Clerk’s Office at: (626) 744-4124.
Help line will open 30 minutes prior to the posted start time of the meeting.
4. Members of the public may submit correspondence of any length prior to the start of the meeting, at the following email address:
Written correspondence will be forwarded to the Legislative Policy Committee prior to the start of the meeting, posted online, and made part of the legislative record for the item.
LIVESTREAM WITH CAPTIONING IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.PASADENAMEDIA.ORG, AND ALSO AT WWW.CITYOFPASADENA.NET/COMMISSIONS/AGENDAS,
IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE MODIFICATION OR ACCOMMODATION PURSUANT
TO THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
BECAUSE YOU ARE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE ELECTRONICALLY AS SET FORTH ABOVE, CONTACT THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT (626) 744-4124 OR
[email protected].
CITY OF PASADENA
NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
AUGUST 20, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 6:00 P.M.
PASADENA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE, ROOM S249
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the special meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee, will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber to discuss matters on the attached agenda.
1fjf}7d-
STEVE MADISON, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
I HEREBY CERTIFY that this agenda in its entirety, was posted on the Internet at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-legislative-policy-committee/ and on the Council Chamber Bulletin Board, Room S249, and the Bulletin Board in the rotunda area; City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, this 18th day of August 2025 by 7:30 p.m. and that copies hereof were emailed or delivered to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio or television station requesting notice in writing, all of which recipients are identified on the distribution herein below.
RU�--�
City Manager's Office
DISTRIBUTION:
Steve Madison, Councilmember
Gene Masuda, Councilmember
Jess Rivas, Vice Mayor
Miguel Marquez, City Manager
Matthew Hawkesworth, Acting City Manager
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk
Michele Bagneris, City Attorney
Jana Stewart, Management Analyst Ill to Mayor/Council
Chris Giglio, Legislative Advocate
Kyra Ross, Legislative Advocate
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
City Hall Information Kiosk
Pasadena Hastings Library
Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator
Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator
Judy Chu, U.S. Congresswoman
Laura Friedman, U.S. Congresswoman
Sasha Renee Perez, State Senator
John Harabedian, State Assembly
Kathryn Barger, Board of Supervisors
Colorado Boulevard.net
Conversation Live
La Opinion
Los Angeles Times
Pasadena Independent
Pasadena NOW
Pasadena Star-News
Pasadena Weekly
SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
AUGUST 20, 2025
Public Meeting: 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena City Hall
100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
The Committee may take action within its authority on any item listed on this agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
PUBLIC MEETING - 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT – Limited to items on this special meeting agenda and will be heard at the time the item is considered. Please limit comments to 3 minutes each.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 6, 2025 – Regular Meeting*
OLD BUSINESS
1. CONSIDERATION OF REVISED PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES
GOVERNING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE
FULL CITY COUNCIL
2. UPDATE ON SB 79 (WIENER) HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: TRANSIT-
ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
NEW BUSINESS
3. APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL & STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORMS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025*
4. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF ASSEMBLY BILL 1033 (TING) ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS: LOCAL ORDINANCES: SEPARATE SALE OR
CONVEYANCE*
5. SUPPORT FOR SB 256 (PÉREZ): ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE: WILDFIRE MITIGATION*
6. SUPPORT FOR AB 740 (HARABEDIAN): VIRTUAL POWER PLANTS: LOAD SHIFTING: INTEGRATED ENERGY POLICY REPORT*
7. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF AB 847 (SHARP-COLLINS) PEACE OFFICERS: CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS*
8. REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF MEASURES HIGHLIGHTED BY MR.
PABLO ALVARADO’S JUNE 23, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT REQUEST “A UNITED COMMUNITY APPEALS TO PASADENA CITY GOVERNMENT” RELATED TO FEDERAL IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS IN PASADENA*
9. CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN’S
REQUEST TO REQUIRE THAT ALL CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
CAMPAIGNING WITHIN THE CITY OF PASADENA OBTAIN PRIOR WRITTEN
CONSENT OF ANY PASADENA RESIDENT THEY WISH TO IDENTIFY BY NAME AND/OR ADDRESS IN CAMPAIGN MATERIALS*
INFORMATION ONLY
Information only items contain no staff recommendations. The committee may, however, take action within its authority relating to informational items on the agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
10. BRIEFING BY KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
11. BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
12. PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS*
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission – July 22, 2025 b. Arts & Culture Commission – July 9, 2025
c. Code Enforcement Commission – July 3, 2025, August 7, 2025 d. Commission on the Status of Women – August 6, 2025
e. Committee on City Councilmembers’ Compensation – July 7, 2025, July 28, 2025
f. Community Police Oversight Commission – August 14, 2025 g. Deferred Compensation Committee – August 5, 2025
h. Design Commission – August 12, 2025
i. Environmental Advisory Commission – August 12, 2025
j. Fire and Police Retirement System Board – July 16, 2025 k. Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee – July 22, 2025 l. Human Relations Commission – August 5, 2025
m. Human Services Commission – August 13, 2025
n. Library Commission – July 16, 2025
o. Northwest Commission – July 8, 2025, August 12, 2025 p. Planning Commission – July 23, 2025, August 13, 2025 q. Recreation and Parks Commission – August 12, 2025
r. Senior Commission – August 12, 2025
s. Transportation Advisory Commission – July 24, 2025
ADJOURN
* INDICATES ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 6, 2025 – Regular Meeting*
01 05/06/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
MAY 6, 2025
OPENING The Chair called the regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee to order at 4:43 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Councilmember Steve Madison, Chair
Vice Mayor Jess Rivas (Arrived at 4:45 p.m.)
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Michele Bagneris, City Attorney/City Prosecutor
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk
Matt Hawkesworth, Acting Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance
Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Development Tim McDonald, Director of Libraries and Information Services Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Israel Del Toro, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Tim Wellman, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor
Timothy Park, Budget Administrator
Shannon Prior, Principal Administrative Analyst
Steven Leung, Senior Administrative Analyst
Chinua Obaze, Management Analyst III
Bill Petry, Project Manager
Kristen Johnston, Management Analyst V
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
Arnold Lee, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vice Mayor Rivas arrived at
4:45 p.m.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, requested that the City Council consider support for California Assembly Bill 1337 (Ward) (AB 1337), and examine adopting a citywide privacy program.
Chair Madison requested the City’s legislative advocates provide a briefing on AB 1337 to the Committee.
Rene Gonzalez, representing PADRES , requested that the Committee explore revising the language for City of Pasadena Measure J (2018), in which one-third of sales tax revenue is allotted for Pasadena public schools , in effort t o promote taxpayer accountability for the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
02 0 5/06/2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon to approve the minutes of October 1, 2024 , and November 5, 2024, as submitted. ( Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
NEW BUSINESS
BUDGET WORKSHOPS – FY 2026 RECOMMENDED
OPERATING BUDGET
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL
CITY CLERK
Michele Bag neris, City Attorney/City Prosecutor, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 accomplishments, appropriations, FY 2026 priorities and enhancement request, and responded to questions.
Chair Madison spoke in support of the City Attorney’s Office documenting all work associated with the Eaton Fire in order to seek reimbursement.
Arnold Lee, Chief Assistant City Attorney, provided information on City staff tracking time for work related to the Eaton Fire, and responded to questions.
Matt Hawkesworth, Acting A ssistant City Manager/Director of Finance, provided information on funding for the Deputy City Attorney position assigned to the Rent Stabilization Department, and responded to questions.
Tim McDonald, Director of Libraries and Information Services, and Chinua Obaze, Management Analyst III, jointly presented a PowerPoint presentation on the department’s FY 2025
accomplishments, FY 2026 priorities, and FY 2025 appropriations, with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Masuda expressed gratitude to the Library staff for opening the Hastings Branch Library for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire.
Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Development, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the department’s FY 2025 accomplishments, appropriations, FY 2026 priorities and enhancement requests, and responded to questions.
The Committee expressed gratitude to the department for their response to the Eaton Fire and establishing the Eaton Fire Rebuild Program.
03 05/06/2025
Chair Madison asked staff to inclu de information on the 710 Revisioning Project on future budget presentations ; advocated for staff to develop additional solar installation projects in the City and explore opportunities to install underground utilities concurrently with other projects. He also asked the Planning and Water and Power departments to collaborate and explore incentives to develop projects that include solar installations.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, advocated for the City to update the Pasadena Municipal Code (P.M.C) C hapters 17.40.080
(Outdoor Lighting) and 17.46.220 (Outdoor Parking Area
Lighting) for better clarification, to decrease light pollution, and as a hardscaping safety measure.
Matt Hawkesworth, Acting A ssistant City Manager/Director of Finance, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the City Council’s FY 202 5 accomplishments , significant changes from FY 202 5 adopted budget, appropriations, and responded to questions.
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 major accomplishments, expenses by categories and divisions, FY 2026 priorities and work plan, and responded to questions.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
INFORMATION ONLY
BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
MATTERS
Chris Giglio, Federal Legislative advocate for the City, provided an update on the following legislative matters listed below and answered questions on the following topics:
• President Trump’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 proposed budget includes:
o Recommended budget increases for the Department of
Defense and Department of Homeland Security;
o 44% cut to Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD);
o 55% cut to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
o Approximately 30% cut for State Department foreign aid programs;
o Eliminating the HUD Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership
Program (HOME);
o Eliminating Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP).
• Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) pausing and terminating grant awards;
04 05/06/2025
• One Big Beautiful Bill (budget reconciliation bill) expands on 2017 tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and energy
exploration; and
• Presidential Executive Orders, memorandums, and
declarations relating to sanctuary cities:
o Legal remedies for state and local entities who do not cooperate with federal immigration law or officials;
o Direct the Department of Justice and Department of
Homeland Security to create a list of sanctuary cities.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
BRIEFING BY KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON STATE
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
Kyra Emanuels Ross, State Legislative advocate for the City, provided an update on state and local legislative matters listed below and responded to questions:
• State tax returns continue to trend above Governor
Newsom’s proposed 2025- 2026 State Budget released on
January 10, 2025;
• Deadline for May budget revision is May 14, 2025;
• Federal government funding cuts affecting the state budget, including cuts to public health and libraries;
• Governor Newsom signed AB 100 (Gabriel) on April 14,
2025, which expands the use for wildfire recovery funds; • Added language that provides two years of property tax backfill for areas affected by the recent wildfires;
• Recent legislative hearing on Zone 0 program and the need for Zone 0 defensible space during the rebuilding process; • Fiscal deadline for policy committees is June 2, 2025; • Notable wildfire bills: AB 238 (Harabedian), AB 239
(Harabedian), AB 246 (Bryan), AB 301 (Shiavo and Rivas), AB 311 (McKinnor and Rivas), AB 846 (Connolly), Senate
Bill 222 (Wiener) (SB 222), SB 256 (Perez), SB 663 (Allen, McNarney and Perez);
• AB 1337 (Ward), updates the Internet Practices Act (IPA) for state agencies and applies the IPA to local agencies; and
• SB 79 (Wiener), transit-oriented development and
upzoning.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, spoke in support of AB 1337 (Ward), and for staff to contact the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) to discuss privacy protections.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed 05 05/06/2025
NEW BUSINESS
(Continued)
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION TO IMPLEMENT
RECENT CITY CHARTER APPROVED AMENDMENTS,
INCLUDING PREPARATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO CODIFY
PROCESS FOR FILLING CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT VACANCIES
BY APPOINTMENT AND CONVENING A COUNCIL
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, summarized the agenda report at part of his PowerPoint presentation on the item, and responded to questions.
Vice Mayor Rivas suggested outreach to residents include mailers, press releases, and utilizing Council District email lists; and emphasized looking at the appointment process from an equity perspective to ensure people from all walks of life can serve on the City Council.
Councilmember Lyon recommended compiling a list of qualities that would be beneficial for members serving on the Council
Compensation Committee , including experience in human
resources.
Following discussion, t he Legislative Policy Committee requested staff forward the following topics to the Committee on Councilmembers’ Compensation for examination and discussion:
• Expenses relating to child and/or family care that are separate from other monthly expenses;
• All methods of support and best practices (Example: meals provided before City Council meetings);
• Cafeteria style benefit plan based on individual needs; • Encourage and assist with educational goals;
• Reimbursement policies; and
• Eliminating City Council ad hoc committee
Following further discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
OLD BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF REVISED PROTOCOLS AND
PROCEDURES GOVERNING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR
RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL CITY COUNCIL
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, and responded to questions.
The Committee discussed meeting efficiencies and protocols, and the following topics for potential recommendation to the City Council:
• City Council communications
06 05/06/2025
• City Council budget process
• City Council meeting length
• Adhering to City advisory body term limits
• City commission process and project approvals
Following discussion, the Committee requested the removal of term limits for advisory bodies from the list of proposed topics and have staff from the City Manager’s Office return to present an updated recommendation.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
INFORMATION ONLY
(Continued)
DISCUSSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer, provided information on the upcoming City Council retreat, scheduled for June 20, 2025, and responded to questions.
The Committee discussed the importance of focus on pro cess, as opposed to substance, amongst the City Council, and using the retreat as a method to discuss complex issues that cannot be resolved during a City Council meeting.
Chair Madison suggested a goal of the City Council retreat as, “how to work together during meetings ”, and suggested trainings involving the Brown Act, closed session confidentiality, and fiduciary duties.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission – March 25, 2025, April 22, 2025
b. Arts & Culture Commission – March 12, 2025, April 9, 2025 c. Commission on the Status of Women – March 5, 2025, April 2, 2025
d. Community Police Oversight Commission – April 10, 2025 e. Design Commission – March 11, 2025, March 25, 2025, April 22, 2025
f. Environmental Advisory Commission – March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025
g. Historic Preservation Commission – March 4, 2025, April 10, 2025, April 15, 2025
h. Human Relations Commission – March 4, 2025, April 1, 2025 i. Human Services Commission – March 12, 2025, April 9, 2025
j. Library Commission – March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025
k. Northwest Commission – March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025 07 05/06/2025
l. Old Pasadena Parking Meter Zone Advisory Commission – April 17, 2025,
m. Pasadena Rental Housing Board – March 6, 2025, March 20, 2025, April 3,2025, May 1, 2025
n. Planning Commission – March 12, 2025, April 9, 2025
o. Recreation and Parks Commission – March 4, 2025
p. Senior Commission – March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025
q. South Lake Parking Place Commission – March 27, 2025 r. Transportation Advisory Commission – March 27, 2025, April 14, 2025, April 24, 2025
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
REQUESTS FOR FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS
The Committee asked staff to agendize the draft Anti-Discrimination Policy statement and Fair Campaign Practices Agreement for review and discussion.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Councilmember Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
NEW BUSINESS
3. APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL & STATE LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORMS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025*
NEW BUSINESS
4. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF ASSEMBLY BILL 1033 (TING)
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS: LOCAL ORDINANCES:
SEPARATE SALE OR CONVEYANCE*
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As you know, the City of Pasadena is suffering from a severe lack of housing, including
a
dearth
of
affordable
housing
options
in
both
the
rental
and
for-sale
markets.
This
year,
the
crisis
went
from
bad
to
worse,
after
the
loss
of
more
than
9,000
local
housing
units
to
the
Eaton
Fire,
129
of
them
in
Pasadena.
That is part of why advocates from Abundant Housing LA encourage you to direct
Planning
Staff
to
allow
accessory
dwelling
units
(ADUs)
to
be
sold
separately
as
condominiums—as
allowed
by
state
law,
following
the
passage
of
AB
1033.
This
innovative
state
bill,
signed
into
law
in
2023,
allows
a
property
owner
to
sell
an
ADU
as
an
individual
conveyance,
provided
the
local
jurisdiction
opts
into
the
program.
With
only
15%
of
Californians
able
to
afford
the
median-priced
home,
the
situation
is
critical
and
requires
swift
intervention.
The
lack
of
homeownership
opportunities
in
our
communities
keeps
the
majority
of
us
from
ever
achieving
the
American
Dream.
It
also
harms
local
economies,
forcing
residents
into
long
commutes
or
into
leaving
the
region
entirely,
all
while
worsening
the
racial
wealth
gap.
Opting
in
to
ADU
condos
will
create
a
pipeline
of
attainable
starter
homes,
make
neighborhoods
more
inclusive,
and
give
vulnerable,
older
homeowners
more
options
for
aging
in
place
and
downsizing—all
without
public
subsidy.
Additionally,
the
program
benefits
racial
and
social
justice,
as
it
creates
new
opportunities
to
those
who
would
be
otherwise
locked
out
of
buying
a
place
to
call
their
own.
This is not a new concept—many thousands of ADU condos have been built or converted
around
the
U.S.,
including
in
Austin,
Texas,
Portland
Oregon,
and
Seattle
Washington.
Where
ADU
condos
are
commonplace,
they
often
sell
for
40%
less
than
single
detached
homes
in
the
same
neighborhood.
In
regions
with
rising
home
and
land
costs,
existing
lower-cost
older
homes
are
too
often
replaced
by
large
single-family
homes,
creating
displacement
and
gentrification.
ADU
condos
provide
builders
with
a
realistic
way
to
build
more
smaller
units.
Here
in
California,
the
Cities
of
San
Jose
and
Berkeley
recently
voted
to
opt
in
to
ADU condos and are updating their ordinances and establishing procedures to align
with
state
law–with
many
more
in
the
process
of
opting-in
now.
With
your
help,
Pasadena
can
be
next.
Abundant Housing LA is a pro-housing organization that advocates for more stable,
affordable
and
diverse
housing
options,
based
on
a
four-pronged
policy
agenda
that
includes
legalizing
more
homes,
making
homes
easier
to
build,
funding
affordable
housing
and
protecting
tenants.
Our
Pasadena
chapter,
Abundant
Housing
Pasadena,
has
been
active
for
more
than
two
years,
organizing
community
members
around
these
principles.
Thank you for considering this important step to bring hope to residents locked out
of
homeownership
opportunities.
We
are
available
to
answer
any
questions.
Sincerely,
Azeen Khanmalek
Michael CanavanAzeen Khanmalek Michael Canavan Executive Director Chair Abundant Housing LA Abundant Housing Pasadena
NEW BUSINESS
5. SUPPORT FOR SB 256 (PÉREZ): ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE: WILDFIRE MITIGATION*
NEW BUSINESS
6. SUPPORT FOR AB 740 (HARABEDIAN): VIRTUAL POWER
PLANTS: LOAD SHIFTING: INTEGRATED ENERGY POLICY
REPORT*
NEW BUSINESS
8. REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF MEASURES HIGHLIGHTED
BY MR. PABLO ALVARADO’S JUNE 23, 2025, CITY COUNCIL
MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT REQUEST “A UNITED
COMMUNITY APPEALS TO PASADENA CITY GOVERNMENT”
RELATED TO FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
ACTIONS IN PASADENA*
NEW BUSINESS
9. CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF
WOMEN’S REQUEST TO REQUIRE THAT ALL CANDIDATES
FOR PUBLIC OFFICE CAMPAIGNING WITHIN THE CITY OF
PASADENA OBTAIN PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ANY
PASADENA RESIDENT THEY WISH TO IDENTIFY BY NAME
AND/OR ADDRESS IN CAMPAIGN MATERIALS*
April 8, 2024
Mayor Victor Gordo and City Councilmembers
Pasadena City Hall
100 North Garfield Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
Dear Mayor Victor Gordo and City Councilmembers:
We write to express our deep concern regarding the campaign practice of listing individual names and streets which they reside on in campaign materials. The publication of residents’ personal information without their express consent raises serious issues of privacy, and more critically, may unintentionally put some Pasadena residents at risk.
In California, an estimated one-third of women have experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse from an intimate partner or non-partner, with one in five having survived severe domestic violence. Furthermore, the rate of gender-based violence among disadvantaged women, non-binary individuals and transgender Californians is disproportionately high. It is imperative to recognize that some of these survivors live in Pasadena. Indeed, several of us on the Commission have personally experienced domestic violence, gender-based harassment and/or stalking, or have worked closely with survivors in our professional capacities.
In our shared and lived experiences, people who have experienced gender- based violence, and especially those fleeing domestic abuse, often go to great lengths to protect the privacy of their personal information, particularly their physical location. In California, survivors may obtain a confidential address from the state to mitigate the risk of exposure across various aspects of their lives, including mail, voter registration, DMV, school records, court documents, utility bills, etc.1 Imagine the ramifications if a survivor’s name,
1 Safe at Home is a confidential address program administered by the California Secretary of State's office. It offers victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking & elder and dependent abuse, as well as reproductive health care workers and public servants a substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail. This address is also accepted by California state, county, and city government agencies in lieu of a residential or other mailing address where a victim can be tracked down, keeping the residence address confidential and out of the hands of someone who might want to harm the victim. For more information, see https://www.sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home
street and city appear on a widely distributed campaign flyer without their knowledge or consent. The potential consequences of disclosure to the survivor’s safety and peace of mind must not be underestimated. Nor should we ignore the broader message this practice conveys - that the needs of Pasadena’s most vulnerable residents are unrecognized or marginalized.
We also recognize that other city residents may have compelling reasons to keep their home addresses out of the public eye, including undocumented individuals and those facing threats or harassment due to their work for a public entity. Others may simply wish to keep their candidate preferences confidential.
As the Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women, our mandate is to “advise the Pasadena City Council on the special needs and concerns of women of all ages, races, religions, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and economic and social circumstances,” and to make recommendations “to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women in the city.”2 Consistent with this mission, we respectfully bring our concern to the Council’s attention and recommend the following actions:
That the City Council and its relevant committee(s):
● Place this issue on the agenda of an upcoming City Council meeting for discussion and public comment.
● Consider amending the City code relating to political campaigns and fair campaign practices to require that all candidates for public office campaigning within the City of Pasadena:
○ Obtain prior written consent of any Pasadena resident they wish to identify by name and/or address in campaign
materials; and
○ Make this information available to the public for inspection through the City Clerk or other designated city office. ● In the interim, and with the imminent November election in mind, take immediate steps to strengthen the City’s voluntary fair campaign practices agreement3 to prohibit the practice of listing residents on printed materials without first obtaining their informed written consent.
2 Commission description available at
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/commission-on-the-status-of-women/
3See section 9.88.050 re: fair campaign practices agreement.
By implementing these measures, the Council can uphold the principles of privacy, safety, and equity for all Pasadena residents, especially those in vulnerable situations.
We thank the Mayor and the Pasadena City Council for the opportunity to serve on the Commission and appreciate your timely consideration of this matter. We look forward to working collaboratively with the City Council to bring awareness to this issue and ensure a fair and respectful electoral process for all.
Sincerely,
Members of the Commission on the Status of Women
Charlotte Lacey, Chair, District 7
Vanessa F. Rodriguez, Vice-Chair, District 5
María Guadalupe Castellón, Mayor
Jennifer Thibault, At Large
Alicia Dhanifu, District 1
Robin Allen, District 2
Jill Thompson, District 3
Kim Santell, District 4
Maura Harrington Roggero, District 6
INFORMATION ITEMS
12. PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS*