AGENDA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
AUGUST 28, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 4:00 P.M.
MEMBERS
Victor M. Gordo, Mayor
Tyron Hampton, District 1
Justin Jones, District 3
Steve Madison, District 6
STAFF
Nicholas G. Rodriguez, Assistant City Manager
Danielle St. Clair, 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.
Meetings are broadcast live on cable Channel 3 and on the Internet at http://pasadena.granicus.com/mediaplayer.php?camera_id=2&publish_id=9 and https://www.pasadenamedia.org/watch/ (Click on Video Streamlining on the right side of the screen).
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-public-safety-committee/
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Public Safety 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 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING FOR AUGUST 28, 2025, AT 4:00 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 corres pondence of any length prior to the start of the meeting, at the following email address:
[email protected], [email protected], or
[email protected]
Correspondence will be forwarded to the 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 SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
AUGUST 28, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING: 4:00 P.M.
PASADENA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE, ROOM S249
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the special meeting of the Public Safety Committee, will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Pasadena City Hall Council Chamber S249.
Victor M. Gordo,
Public Safety Co
I HEREBY CERTIFY that this notice, in its entirety, was posted on the Internet at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city council-public-safety-committee and on the Council Chamber Bulletin Board, Room S249 and the Bulletin Board in the rotunda area, City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, and a copy was distributed to Central Library for posting this 26th day of August, 2025, by 5:30 p.m., and that copies hereof were faxed, 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 distrib�ti�et forth herein below. � ,._�,_,: NB
DISTRIBUTION:
City Council
City Manager
City Attorney
City Prosecutor
City Clerk
Beacon News
Colorado Boulevard.net
La Opinion
Laarni Daza
City Manager's Office
Public Information Officer
Central Library
Los Angeles Times
Pasadena Independent
Pasadena Star News
Pasadena Weekly
Pasadena Unified School District
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, listening assistive devices are available from the City Clerk's Office with a 24-hour advance notice.
Please call (626) 7 44-4124 to request use of a listening device.
Language translation services may be requested with 24-hour advance notice.
Habra servicio de interpretaci6n disponible para estas juntas 1/amando al (626) 744-4124 par lo menos con 24 horas de anticipaci6n.
Pasadena City JTall
100 N. Garfield Avenue
Mailing Addr·ess: P.O. Box 7115 • Pasadena 91109-7215
SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
AUGUST 28, 2025
Public Meeting: 4:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena City Hall
100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
The Public Safety 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 – 4:00 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 7, 2025 – Special Meeting*
May 21, 2025 – Cancellation of Regular Meeting*
June 18, 2025 – Cancellation of Regular Meeting*
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
INFORMATION ONLY
1. FIREWORKS MITIGATION EFFORTS AND DEBRIEF*
ADJOURN
* Attachments Included
APPPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 7, 2025 – Special Meeting*
May 21, 2025 – Cancellation of Regular Meeting*
June 18, 2025 – Cancellation of Regular Meeting*
01 05/07/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER – S249
MAY 7, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING
OPENING
Mayor Gordo called the special meeting of the Public Safety Committee to order at 4:19 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Councilmember Justin Jones
Councilmember Steve Madison (Arrived 4:24 p.m.)
Gene Harris, Police Chief
Bill Grisafe, Police Commander
Kimberly Siemen, Management Analyst V
Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation , and Community Services
Lola Osborne, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Kenny James, Recreation and Community Services Administrator Mel Alonzo, Parks Administrator
Pamela Cantero-More, Recreation and Community Services
Superintendent
Enrique Arroyo, Management Analyst V
Jennifer Colby, Public Information Coordinator
Matt Hawkesworth, Acting Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance
Timothy Park, Budget Administrator
Nicholas G. Rodriguez, Assistant City Manager
Danielle St. Clair, Assistant City Attorney
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilmember Hampton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the minutes of September 18, 2024, October 16, 2024 (Cancellation), November 20, 2024 (Cancellation), December 18, 2024, January 15, 2025
(Cancellation), and February 19, 2025 (Cancellation), as submitted. (Motion unanimously carried) (Absent Councilmember Madison)
NEW BUSINESS BUDGET WORKSHOP – FY 2026 RECOMMENDED OPERATING BUDGET
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
B. PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
02 05/07/2025
Councilmember Madison
arrived at 4:24 p.m.
Gene Harris, Police Chief, and Kimberly Siemen, Management Analyst V, jointly presented a PowerPoint presentation on the department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 accomplishments , FY 2026 enhancement requests and priorities/workplan, appropriations by category, significant changes from FY 2025 adopted budget, overview of funds, with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Hampton requested the Pasadena Police
Department (PPD) provide a timeline for the deployment of the Axon Signal Sidearm body -worn camera technology , proposed the department explore the use of asset forfeiture funds for security camera installations at City parks, and spoke in support for the police department’s lobby remaining open 24 hours for community members in need of a safe location.
Bill Grisafe, Police Commander, provided information on the Air Operations Section helicopters, their aerial surveillance technology, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Madison expressed concerns related to the current number of sworn officers and the need to fully staff the PPD, including hiring additional motorcycle officers. He further emphasized the demand for an additional HOPE (Homeless
Outreach Psychiatric Evaluation) team; and advocated to request a social worker from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) to support the HOPE team. He further advocated for leveraging resources to assume the policing of light rail trains and stations within the City, as a benefit to the community.
Councilmember Jones expressed concerns about the current effectiveness of patrolling the Memorial Park Station by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and Big Bang Theory Way by the Old Pasadena Ambassador Guides. He requested the PPD remain vigilant to discourage unwanted activity in the area.
Mayor Gordo spoke in support of contacting the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (LA Metro) to discuss joint jurisdiction for policing and maintenance in and around LA Metro trains and stations in Pasadena.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, advocated for transparency and community input prior to Police Department surveillance technology purchases.
Recording Secretary Sabha, reported that the City Clerk's Office received two letters of correspondence providing comments and suggestions related to the matter, which were distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the public record.
03 05/07/2025
Matt Hawkesworth, Director of Finance, provided information on a public assistance claim for the Police Firing Range in Eaton Canyon, which was submitted to California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to damage caused by the Eaton Fire.
Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS), presented a PowerPoint presentation on the department’s FY 2025 accomplishments, appropriations by category, FY 2026 enhancement request, FY 2026 priorities, and responded to questions.
The Committee thanked PRCS staff for their logistical and staffing support of the Pasadena Convention Center for community members affected by the Eaton Fire.
Matt Hawkesworth, Acting Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance, provided information on the City’s efforts to assist City staff directly impacted by the Eaton Fire, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Hampton advocated for updating the fitness equipment at La Pintoresca and Washington parks, the installation of additional park sail shades at La Pintoresca Park, additional shade structures and signage at Reese’s Retreat a t Brookside Park, irrigation upgrades for Brookside Park Area H, and more universally accessible playgrounds throughout the City.
In response to Councilmember Hampton’s inquiry, PRCS Director Panossian, responded that he will examine the joint use agreement with Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and communicate with PUSD to discuss the fields surrounding Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School and Octavia E. Butler Magnet School.
Councilmember Jones spoke on the importance of youth sports programs, reducing barriers to participation, and investing in Pasadena parks and community centers to remain active, vibrant, and staffed during the evenings and weekends.
Pamela Cantero -More, Recreation and Community Services Superintendent, provided information on the Villa Parke Youth Soccer League fee structure, and responded to questions.
The Committee discussed the positive impact of youth sports to the community and requested PRCS staff return at a future meeting to present options for subsidizing costs associated with participating in the City’s youth sports programs.
Enrique Arroyo, Management Analyst V, provided information on the “Passport to Fun!” Summer Day Camp Scholarships to eliminate cost as a barrier to entry and responded to questions.
04 05/07/2025
Mayor Gordo spoke on the need for year-round brush clearance and trail restoration in the Arroyo Seco, with the support of Municipal Assistance, Solutions, and Hiring (MASH) program workers, and partnering with Outward Bound Adventures (OBA). He requested the City Manager’s Office, PRCS, and Public Works departments collaborate on methods to achieve fulltime abatement and restoration in the Arroyo Seco.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by the consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the special meeting of the Public Safety Committee was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
_____________________________
Mayor Victor M. Gordo, Chair
Public Safety Committee
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
05/21/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
MAY 21, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Public Safety Committee, scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 2025 at 4:00 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on May 21, 2025, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Mayor Victor M. Gordo, Chair
Public Safety Committee
06/18/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JUNE 18, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Public Safety Committee, scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 2025 at 4:00 p.m., was cancelled, due to a lack of quorum on June 18, 2025, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Mayor Victor M. Gordo, Chair
Public Safety Committee
INFORMATION ONLY
1. FIREWORKS MITIGATION EFFORTS AND DEBRIEF*
Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Fireworks Mitigation
Efforts and Debrief
August 28, 2025
Chad Augustin, Fire Chief, PFD
Anthony James, Deputy Chief, PFD
Lisa Derderian, Public Information Officer
Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Pre 4th of July Mitigation Efforts
• Early activation of Fireworks Task Force and
patrols prior to July 4
• 3911 Hazardous Vegetation Inspections
• Robust legacy and social media messaging
campaign in English and Spanish
• Signage posted throughout Pasadena (signs,
vehicle stickers, city electric signs)
• Press Conference
2 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
City Enforcement
• Deployment period
> Friday, June 27 – Thursday, July 3
Enhanced staffing deployment consisting of personnel from PPD and PFD (4 PPD Officers; 1 PFD Arson Investigator)
> Friday, July 4
6 PPD Officers, 1 Sergeant, 1 Arson and 1 PPD Corporal Two Pasadena Fire Firework Prevention Teams
> Saturday, July 5
4 PPD Officers
> Sunday, July 6
4 PPD Officers
3 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Did our efforts work?
• Total calls for service by community
> 2022: 129
> 2023: 145
> 2024: 129
> 2025: 127
• Total Citations written
> 2022: 9
> 2023: 23
> 2024: 13
> 2025: 10
• Total Firework related fires and injuries
> 1 Tree Fire, 2 Vegetation Fires; 0 Injuries
4 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Did our efforts work?
• 2022: 19 pounds of
fireworks seized
• 2023: 118 pounds of
fireworks seized
• 2024: 48 pounds of
fireworks seized
• 2025: 128 pounds of
fireworks seized
> 80 pounds on July 4
> PFD assisted CAL Fire with a
large-scale firework seizure
consisting of over 450,000lbs in
the city of Commerce
5 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
July 4th CFS Heat Map
6 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Citation Increase
• Possession only of a safe and safe firework (PMC 14.30.030) 1st Violation: $250
2nd Violation: $500
Additional: $750
• Possession only of a dangerous firework (PMC 14.30.030) 1st Violation: $300
2nd Violation: $600
Additional: $800
• Discharge only of a safe and safe firework (PMC 14.30.040) 1st Violation: $500
2nd Violation: $750
Additional: $1,000
• Discharge only of a dangerous firework (PMC 14.30.030) 1st Violation: $650
2nd Violation: $850
Additional: $1,000
7 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Proposed Drone Program
• Drones to pinpoint illegal firework
activity
> Benefits of Drone Technology
Quick Deployment and
Maneuverable
Multiple Drones can respond to
different parts of the city
Realtime Footage with
Recorded Video to pinpoint
location of illegal firework
activity
Night Vision, FLIR Technology,
and Enhanced Zoom
Capabilities
8 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Summary
• Summary
> Fireworks pose a continued challenge to Public
Safety
> Mitigation through early messaging, outreach, and
education remains a priority
> City continues to emphasize public information,
awareness, inspections, patrols and enforcement
to reduce fireworks activity, injuries, and fires
> As a further deterrent, we propose a robust drone
program to assist with illegal firework enforcement
9 Fire, Police and Public Information Office
Summary
Where do we go from
here?
10