AGENDA LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE
OCTOBER 7, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 4:30 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 LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING FOR OCTOBER 7, 2025, AT 4:30 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].
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 7, 2025
Public Meeting: 4:30 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 - 4:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to a total of 20 minutes at the beginning of the meeting and will continue at the conclusion of the meeting, if necessary. Please limit comments to 3 minutes each.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 3, 2025 – Regular Meeting*
OLD BUSINESS
1. REVISION TO “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 2, ARTICLES 3 AND 4 TO UPDATE PROVISIONS REGARDING TERM
LIMITS AND TRAINING OF MEMBERS OF ADVISORY BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS OF OPERATING COMPANIES CREATED BY CITY COUNCIL”*
2. REVIEW OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT INCLUDING ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON NEXT STEPS*
3. CONSIDERATION OF REVISED PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES
GOVERNING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE
FULL CITY COUNCIL
NEW BUSINESS
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.
4. BRIEFING BY KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
5. BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024 – 2025 AND WORK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 – 2026 FOR:
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission*
b. Arts & Culture Commission*
c. Commission on the Status of Women*
d. Environmental Advisory Commission*
e. Human Relations Commission*
f. Senior Commission*
7. CITY ADVOCACY LETTERS*
8. PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS*
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission – September 23, 2025 b. Arts & Culture Commission – September 10, 2025
c. Code Enforcement Commission – September 9, 2025, October 2, 2025 d. Commission on the Status of Women – September 30, 2025 e. Community Police Oversight Commission – September 11, 2025 f. Design Commission – September 23, 2025
g. Historic Preservation Commission – September 16, 2025 h. Human Relations Commission - September 2, 2025
i. Human Services Commission – September 10, 2025
j. Library Commission – September 17, 2025
k. Northwest Commission – September 9, 2025
l. Recreation and Parks Commission – September 9, 2025
m. Senior Commission – September 9, 2025
n. Transportation Advisory Commission – September 25, 2025 o. Urban Forestry Advisory – September 10, 2025
ADJOURN
* INDICATES ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 3, 2025 – Regular Meeting*
01 06/03/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JUNE 3, 2025
OPENING The Chair called the meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee to order at 4:46 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Councilmember Steve Madison, Chair
Vice Mayor Jess Rivas
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk
Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Development Alexander Hernandez, Assistant to the City Manager
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Tim Wellman, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor
Arnold Lee, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT No one appeared for public comment on matters not on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recording Secretary Sabha reported an amendment to the
December 3, 2024 minutes, stating that the proposed revision is a modification to the fourth page, first paragraph, to read “ Chair Madison reaffirmed the City of Pasadena's adopted policy in Resolution No. 9557, commended the City Manager for addressing community concerns by circulating the City's policy to community members, and requested that staff provide a copy of the resolution to the Committee.”
It was moved by Vice Mayor Rivas , seconded by Councilmember Masuda to approve the minutes of December 3, 2024, as amended above, January 7, 2025, and February 4, 2025, as submitted. (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: None)
OLD BUSINESS
REVIEW OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT
INCLUDING ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION ON NEXT STEPS
Brenda Harvey -Williams, Assistant City Manager, provided introductory comments, and Alexander Hernandez, Assistant to the City Manager, summarized the agenda report as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, with both responding to questions.
02 06/03/2025
In response to Vice Mayor Rivas’ inquiry related to requirements for employers verifying eligibility with I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms, Assistant City Manager Harvey -Williams shared that the City Manager’s Office will confirm and provide an update to the Committee.
Tim Wellman, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor, provided information on enforcement options for administrative and criminal violations, and responded to questions.
Chair Madison advocated for staff to include a prefatory statement to the Anti-Discrimination Policy statement or resulting ordinance and requested the City Attorney’s Office examine state and federal nondiscrimination laws for consistency before returning to present an update to the Committee.
Arnold Lee, Chief Assistant City Attorney, confirmed that the City Attorney’s Office can include a prefatory statement in the draft ordinance, and responded to questions.
Following discussion, the Committee requested that staff provide an update on the draft anti-discrimination ordinance at a future meeting, preferably in September 2025.
Recording Secretary Sabha reported one letter of correspondenc e related to this item was received by the City Clerk’s Office, distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the record for this item.
Following further discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
CONSIDERATION OF REVISED PROTOCOLS AND
PROCEDURES GOVERNING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR
RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL CITY COUNCIL
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, provided introductory comments, reviewed the proposed City Council retreat topics, and responded to questions.
The Committee discussed the following topics identified for the City Council retreat:
• City Council meeting efficiencies and protocols
• City Council team building
• City Council communications
• City advisory boards and commissions
Vice Mayor Rivas spoke in support of considering new methods for efficient meetings on a trial basis, public comment procedure, closed 03 06/03/2025
session, and empowering the Mayor to take a more proactive role in facilitating meetings and keeping the City Council on track.
Councilmember Lyon expressed concerns with the implementation of time limits for Councilmember questions unintentionally increasing the total time an agenda item is discussed, and supported using the retreat to engage in meaningful dialogue to acknowledge issues and work towards improvement.
Chair Madison spoke on the importance of Councilmembers conducting their due diligence and engaging with city staff for clarification prior to City Council meetings, and the difficulty in making impactful decisions when meetings continue into the late evening.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
SUPPORT FOR AB 476 (M. GONZALEZ); METAL THEFT
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager , summarized the agenda report a s part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, and responded to questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Rivas, seconded by Councilmember Masuda, to approve the staff recommendation and forward the item to the City Council for consideration. (Motion unanimously carried) (Absent: None)
DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF SB 79 (WIENER); HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT: TRANSIT -ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT:
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT: PUBLIC
TRANSIT AGENCY LAND
Brenda Harvey -Williams, Assistant City Manager , provided introductory remarks and introduced Kyra Emanuels Ross, State Legislative advocate for the City , who presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, with both responding to questions.
Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Development, provided information on the effect of SB 79 (W iener) on local planning, and responded to questions.
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, provided information on requirements of adopting a transit-oriented development (TOD) alternative plan, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Lyon spoke in support of the Mayor’s letter of opposition to SB 79 (Wiener) and for Pasadena to continue to be a pro-housing and thoughtfully planned city.
04 06/03/2025
Michael Canavan, Pasadena resident, provided comments in support of SB 79 (Wiener) and the importance of access to high-quality transit stops near housing.
Recording Secretary Sabha reported one letter of correspondence related to this item was received by the City Clerk’s Office, distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the record for this item.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
INFORMATION ONLY
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:
• Legislative budget deadline of June 15, 2025;
• State faces $12 billion budget deficit, with Medi-Cal program facing most significant cuts and adjustments;
• Push for renewing $1 billion funding for Homeless, Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program;
• Governor Newsom proposal to streamline the Delta
Conveyance Project;
• Reauthorization of the California Cap-and-Trade Program; • Significant impact from Trump administration cuts and tariffs; and
• Notable legislative bills discussed:
o AB 238 (Harabedian), mortgage forbearance;
o AB 239 (Harabedian), disaster housing task force;
o AB 1337 (Ward), changes to Information Practices Act; o SB 607 (Wiener), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
o SB 79 (Wiener) , housing development: transit -oriented development
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
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:
• “Big, Beautiful Bill”, budget reconciliation bill on tax, immigration, and defense spending;
05 06/03/2025
• Trump Administration FY 2026 budget proposal;
• Trump Administration proposed programs for elimination:
o Community Development Block Grant (CDBG);
o HOME Investment Partnerships program;
o Community Services Block Grant;
o Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program;
o Water Reclamation grants (Title 16);
o Economic Development Administration grants;
o Job Corps and AmeriCorps;
o National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities grants; and
o Institute for Museum and Library Services grants
• Proposed programs for contraction:
o Homeless assistance programs, restricted to emergency- type assistance by state block grant, eliminate “Continuum of Care” model;
o Housing assistance , eliminate rental assistance
programs, like Section 8, and into a state block grant; o Workforce development funding, combine 10 programs for youth and adults into a state block grant;
o Drinking and Clean Water Revolving Loan Funds, convert into state block grant; and
o Major restructuring/consolidation of Department of Health and Human Services programs.
• Department of Homeland Security posted a list of sanctuary cities, counties, and states, and was taken down.
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 – May 27, 2025 b. Arts & Culture Commission – May 14, 2025
c. Commission on the Status of Women – May 7, 2025
d. Community Police Oversight Commission – May 8, 2025
e. Design Commission – May 27, 2025
f. Environmental Advisory Commission – May 13, 2025
g. Fire & Police Retirement – May 21, 2025
h. Human Relations Commission – May 6, 2025
i. Human Services Commission – May 14, 2025
j. Library Commission – May 21, 2025
k. Northwest Commission – May 13, 2025
l. Pasadena Rental Housing Board – May 15, 2025
m. Planning commission – May 28, 2025
n. Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group – May 21, 2025
o. Recreation and Parks Commission – May 13, 2025
p. Senior Commission – May 13, 2025
q. South Lake Parking Place Commission – May 15, 2025
r. Transportation Advisory Commission – May 22, 2025
06 06/03/2025
s. Urban Forestry Advisory – May 14, 2025
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee was adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Councilmember Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
OLD BUSINESS
1. REVISIONS TO “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PASADENA
MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 2, ARTICLES 3 AND 4 TO UPDATE
PROVISIONS REGARDING TERM LIMITS AND TRAINING OF
MEMBERS OF ADVISORY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS,
COMMITTEES AND BOARDS OF OPERATING COMPANIES
CREATED BY CITY COUNCIL”
OLD BUSINESS
2. REVIEW OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT
INCLUDING ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION ON NEXT STEPS*
INFORMATION ITEMS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND WORK PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR:
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission*
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
R i s k M a n a g e m e n t D i v i s i o n
Accessibility & ADA Compliance • Liability Claims & Insurance • Safety • Workers’ Compensation September 12, 2025
TO:
FROM:
City Council
A
ccessibility and Disability Commission
SUBJECT: Annual Report - July 2024 through June 2025 and Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
R
ecommendation:
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
Attached are the following:
• Report of Accomplishments for July 24, 2024, through June 24, 2025 • Report of Commission Attendance for July 24, 2024, through June 24, 2025
• Work Plan for July 23, 2025, through June 23, 2026
The attached documents were reviewed and approved by the Accessibility and Disability Commission at our special meeting on June 24, 2025, and regular meeting on July 22, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Casey Jagusch, Chair
Accessibility and Disability
Commission
1 City of Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission Report of Accomplishments: 07/23/2024 – 06/24/2025
Mission:
The purpose of the commission is to advise the council on accessibility issues in Pasadena. The commission shall:
1. Study and examine: (a) existing inequities in access to the physical, work, communication, civic involvement, social and cultural environments for all residents of Pasadena, particularly those who have disabilities, and (b) policies, procedures, programs, and legislation for eliminating those inequities.
2. Recommend policies, procedures, programs, and legislation to promote and ensure the accessibility of the physical, work, communication, civic involvement, social and cultural environments to all residents of Pasadena, particularly those who have disabilities; and
3. C
onsult and cooperate with other public agencies and commissions on matters relevant to the commission.
FY 2024
-2025 Objectives:
Ad Ho
c Committee re: Objective #1 – Beyond the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2 – Building Inclusive Community Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3 – Safety, Health, and Wellness Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #4 – Supporting Community and City Events ADC Work Plan FY 2024-2025. Approved April 22, 2025
2 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #1 – Beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Objective Purpose: To support City departments and governing bodies in exceeding the minimum requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant state and local disability policy by implementing innovative and inclusive accessibility measures across City facilities and services.
C
ommissioners: Jennings (Co-Lead), Schiller (Co-Lead), Jagusch Action Items:
• Continued - Continue to provide input and recommendations regarding improvements to the Public Right of Way and curb ramp installations. • Continued - Collaborate with City of Pasadena Department of Transportation on upcoming City projects to improve transportation access for people with disabilities.
• Discontinued - Research and make recommendations to improve compliance with accessible parking and path of travel rules, including research into a community- driven ticketing/referral program for parking violations. • Continued - Finalize and publish Accessible Housing Guide to provide community members and local partners with resources to improve housing accessibility. • Continued - Continue to communicate with City of Pasadena Building Inspector regarding ADU standard plan updates, including provision of free accessible/ADA compliant standard plans, and provision of overnight on-street parking passes for ADU residents.
• Discontinued - Research and share information about the processes for validation of information regarding accessible housing features promoted on ht
tps://www.pasadenahousingsearch.com/
• Continued - Research and make recommendations on improving accessible housing planning approval process.
• Completed - Draft and submit a letter to City Council in support of Disability, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), read letter aloud at a City Council meeting following Commission approval Completed
Work Plan Updates:
September 2024:
Meeting cancelled.
October 2024:
• Vice Chair Struski and Commissioner Jennings provided the following updates:
o The Accessible Housing Guide draft has been completed and sent to Commissioners for their review. Once Commissioners review and finalize the draft, the guide will be publ
ished.
o A request was made to have Tiffany Yu, author of Anti-Ableist Manifesto, speak about above and beyond ADA compliance.
Acting Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Ovanessian requested contact information for follow up.
o Commissioner Schiller was appointed to the Objective #1 ad hoc committee. 3 November 2024:
• The Accessible Housing Guide draft will see additions and will incorporate former C
ommissioner Warner II’s findings.
Acting Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Ovanessian stated that once the doc
ument is finalized by the ad hoc committee, translating the document to m
ultiple languages can be done.
• The City of Pasadena’s Transportation Department will conduct virtual Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) meetings. Objective #1 Commissioners encouraged to participate in the LRSP meetings. Vice Chair Struski volunteered.
• A request was made to follow up with the City of Pasadena’s Building Inspector regarding updates on accessible ADUs.
Acting Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Ovanessian stated that she will f
ollow up.
January 2025:
• Commission Schiller continues to study the Accessible Housing Guide. Commissioner Schiller noted that she will incorporate Mr. Michael Warner III’s comments in the guide, will add a framework for a clearer structure, and add language about diversity of needs within the disability community.
• Commissioner Schiller inquired on the budget for design and print and if staff could reach out to the Housing Department as a resource.
Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Goldman stated that the budget is minimal, but additional funding can be requested for the next fiscal year; staff can r
each out to the Housing Department and Planning Department to assist in printing once the Accessible Housing Guide is completed. • Commissioner Struski stated that there is an opportunity for a 1-page guide highlighting r
ecommendations and a blurb. Commissioner Struski stated that she is open to designing the 1-page guide. Commissioner Jennings suggested a QR code be provided on the 1-page guide.
• Commissioner Heinrich suggested collaborating with Harbor Freight through their non- profit program and Habitat for Humanities for additional resources. Chair Jagusch s
uggested collaborating with M.A.S.H. Commissioner Schiller suggested collaborating w
ith Senior Centers.
• Commissioner J ennings stated that she will be in contact with the Building Inspector and w
ill request to schedule a meeting.
• Commissioner Jennings stated that she attended the Transportation Advisory Commission to speak on the difficulties crossing the street in a timely manner on Colorado Boulevard and Madison Avenue and Colorado Boulevard and El Molino A
venue, and overnight parking permits for ADUs. Per Commissioner Jennings, the Transportation Advisory Commission will investigate the matters that were brought to t
heir attention.
February 2025:
• When attending a recent parade, Commissioner Jennings noted that she witnessed a f
ew streets that will need improvements to the right-of-way and curb ramps; Commissioner Jennings stated that she will generate a report. • Commissioner Jennings reported that the Department of Transportation will be moving f
orward with their proposed plans for the pedestrian scrambles. 4 • Commissioner Schiller noted that she is continuing her work on the Accessible Housing G
uide and will provide an update to the Commission during the next scheduled meeting i
n March 2025.
• Commissioner Struski stated that she followed up with Brandon Lamar, a committee member whose committee is working on an apartment registry. Commissioner Struski noted that a second phase has been put on hold due to the recent fires.
Ma
rch 2025
• Commissioner Jennings shared that she and Commissioner Schiller continue to work on t
he draft of the Accessible Housing Guide, and plan to share the draft with the Chair for further review. They plan to present the finished guide to the Commission at the April 2025 regular meeting, with the goal of publishing the guide in June 2025. • Commissioner Jennings attended a Department of Transportation meeting to continue to enc
ourage more “scramble crossings” to allow additional time for pedestrians to safely cross the street.
• Commissioner Jennings would like the City of Pasadena Building Official to come discuss accessible housing options.
Accessibility Coordinator Goldman stated that she will reach out to Building O
fficial Jesse De Anda to speak to the Commission.
• Chair Jagusch requested that an action item be added to draft and submit a letter to City Council in support of DEIA and read the letter at a City Council meeting.
A
pril 2025
• Commissioner Schiller stated that a PDF of the Housing Draft will be provided to the C
ommission for their review.
Commissioner Jennings welcomed Commissioners comments and feedback.
M
ay 2025
• Commissioner Jennings provided updates regarding the status of action items.
Status: Completed
5 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2 – Building Inclusive Communities Objective Purpose: Foster an inclusive community by promoting accessibility awareness through opportunities for meaningful participation and engagement.
C
ommissioners: Herrera (Co-Lead), Struski (Co-Lead), Jagusch Action Items:
• Completed - Nominate, select, and recognize the Robert Gorski Access Award recipient. • Continued - Research, develop, and publish a resource list for local adaptive programs, services, and events for community use.
• Continued - Develop resources for annual recognition and celebration of Disability Pride Month, including celebration of the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Discontinued - Assemble resources to assist community members in navigating the reasonable accommodations process within the community, including schools, housing, and more.
• Completed - Fill current Commission vacancies through development of recruitment materials and processes.
Work Plan Updates:
September 2024:
Meeting cancelled.
October 2024:
• Vice Chair Struski provided the following updates:
o A list of webinars for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) w
as shared with staff; a flyer was created and submitted to the Economic Development team to distribute to their network of 12,600 local businesses. o Vice Chair Struski, Acting Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Ovanessian, and Civitan Club President Chris Otero accepted a Proclamation from City Council declaring October NDEAM month.
N
ovember 2024:
• U.S. Department of Labor designated funding and formed the National Expansion of Opportunities Network (N.E.O.N) to increase the capacity of service providers for employment. Training sessions were provided to businesses in the City; research can b e
done t
o see how many businesses in the City participated, and a follow up can be conducted.
• Robert Gorski Access Award to expand nominations to individuals outside the City. • Cal Inspire event was attended and a meeting will be set up with Maria Diaz to discuss w
hat the organization does and how it can help people with disabilities.
J
anuary 2025:
• Vice Chair Struski stated that the Disability Pride Celebration event is currently in discussion.
6 • Vice Chair Struski invited the idea of discussions on reasonable accommodations in the c
ommunity for schools, housing, etc., and suggested pulling policies or bringing in or
ganizations (the Undivided organization) to educate the public. • Vice Chair stated that there needs to be an announcement on March 2025 Abilities Expo.
• Commissioner Herrera inquired if the Commission would like to do anything for the 35th anni
versary of the ADA and pull a resource list that has been in development. • Commissioner Herrera suggested consideration of posthumously recognizing individuals for the Robert Gorski Award.
A ccessibility and Disability Coordinator Goldman stated that the Commission voted in November 2024 to approve the criteria and that a posthumously recognition could be investigated separately.
• Commissioner Heinrich inquired on City processes and solutions during a disaster. A ccessibility and Disability Coordinator Goldman stated that she can investigate pr
ocesses and can agendize the request for a future meeting for a discussion and v
ote.
• Members of the Commission spoke on having a townhall hosted by the County, the Department of Disability, and the Commission, and having the agenda relate to disaster preparedness improvement for the disability and senior community.
Febr
uary 2025:
• Commissioner Struski stated that she worked on a resource list for local adaptive pr
ograms, services, and events for community use, focusing on adaptive sports, camps, and general resources.
• Chair Jagusch announced that the Robert Gorski Award nomination period is from M
arch 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025.
• Commissioner Estabrook inquired if there were relatives of Robert Gorski within the City, and if so, suggested that they be informed about the award. D eputy City Manager Souto replied that staff can research. • Commissioner Schiller suggested that the Robert Gorski Award and its nomination per
iod be placed in the City Council newsletter.
Ma
rch 2025:
• Commissioner Herrera reminds Commissioners to submit their Robert Gorski Access A
ward nominations, with the nomination period closing March 31. • Commissioner Struski continues to work to develop a local resource list for people with disabilities for adaptive programs, services, and events. • July 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the passage of the ADA which will be r
ecognized at a City Council meeting in July 2025. Commissioner Herrera requested that the Commission share ideas for celebrating this milestone:
Commissioner Schiller noted that tangible infrastructure is the clearest sign of appr
eciation and inquired if there were infrastructure projects where a press conference could be held.
o Accessibility Coordinator Goldman stated that she will look into local sites t
hat may be good options for a press conference highlighting accessibility improvements.
Commissioner Heinrich noted that it is important to highlight California’s accessibility laws as well as local laws and policies providing accessibility and 7 inclusion for all community members while the 35th anniversary of the ADA is being recognized.
Commissioner Estabrook has contacted Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office, working to make plans to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ADA at the 2025 A
daptive Sports Festival (First Saturday in November).
Commissioner Jennings posed that a recognition event celebrate local individuals who have made contributions to accessibility in Pasadena and across the nation / world.
Chair Jagusch wants to incorporate the Robert Gorski Access Award and The
17%
Film into a celebration.
Commissioner Schiller suggested the City host a screening of Crip Camp. • Commissioner Heinrich reminds the Commission that the Accessibility Resource Fair (ARF) will take place at City Hall on May 2, 2025.
April 2025
• Vice Chair Struski noted that the Resource List will continue to be added to.
May 2025
• Commissioner Herrera provided updates regarding the status of action items.
S
tatus: Completed
8 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3 – Safety, Health, and Wellness Objective Purpose: Collaborate with City departments and community organizations to ensure equitable access to safety, health, and wellness resources in the City.
Com
missioners: Heinrich (Co-Lead), Estabrook (Co-Lead), Jagusch Action Items:
• Continued - Collaborate with City and community partners, including One Arroyo, to encourage the development of universally accessible trails in the Arroyo Seco. • Continued - Collaborate with Law Enforcement to increase public safety measures and relations with/for people with disabilities.
• Continued - Research current City Emergency Preparedness practices and procedures for people with disabilities, including provision of recommendations to City Emergency Manager and Pasadena Public Health Department regarding revisions of the City of Pasadena Emergency Operations Plan.
• Discontinued - Plan and host a community event promoting inclusive holistic wellness practices.
Work Plan Updates:
September 2024:
• Meeting cancelled.
Oc
tober 2024:
• Commissioner Heinrich provided the following updates:
o The ad hoc committee will remain active regarding the Arroyo Seco trails. o A request was made to have Carlos Benavides and representatives from Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center speak on safety measures and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.
Acting Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Ovanessian requested contact information for follow up.
o Commissioner Jennings requested a follow up with Pasadena Rental Housing Board member Brandon Lamar regarding safety measures for people with disabilities. Acting Accessibility and Disability Coordinator Ovanessian requested contact information for follow up.
Novem
ber 2024:
• No updates provided.
Februar
y 2025:
• Commissioner Heinrich stated that she focused on emergency management and suggested to have Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Commissioner / President, Carlos Benavides, do a presentation in March 2025. • Commissioner Struski noted that Commissioner Herrera is the Regional Manager for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), and that the SCDD have been having conversations and providing official recommendations on actions that can be 9 taken. Commissioner Struski stated that an email chain will be sent to staff to forward to the Commission for their reference.
Ma
rch 2025:
• Commissioner Heinrich shared that Los Angeles County Commission of Disabilities Commissioner, Carlos Benavides, is happy to join the Commission at an upcoming meeting to do a presentation.
Accessibility Coordinator Goldman requested that Commissioner Heinrich have Carlos Benavides reach out via e-mail to schedule.
• Chair Jagusch requested that the Eaton Fire response be moved back into Ad Hoc Committee 3 for further discussion regarding proposed actions (Town Hall, letter to City Council, etc.).
Tentative ad hoc meeting for discussion Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. or
11:00 a.m.
• Chair Jagusch referenced participating in the upcoming Pasadena Public Health D
epartment’s “Spring into Wellness” event.
• Chair Jennings would like to ask the Commission to work to understand impacts of recent Federal policy changes on their health and ability to sustain independence Write a letter to Representative Judy Chu, City Council, etc. Commissioner Heinrich suggests that we join an existing advocacy group to am
plify existing efforts
Chair Jagusch urged the Commission to focus on actions the City can / does take, as per the defined scope of the Commission.
A
pril 2025
• Commissioner Heinrich encouraged Commissioners to reach out to their respective C
ouncil members to discuss and request assistance with post-fire solutions and planning f
or future disasters in each district.
• Commissioner Heinrich requested understanding the purpose of having a list / registry, and i
nquired who will oversee the document.
Commissioner Jennings suggested investigating how the registry was handled pr
eviously.
May
2025
• Commissioner Heinrich provided updates regarding the status of action items.
S
tatus: Completed
10 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #4 – Supporting City and Community Events
Objective Purpose: Provide promotional and in person support to organizations recognizing and hosting events and providing services to the disability community.
C
ommissioners: Heinrich (Co-Lead), Estabrook (Co-Lead), Jagusch A
ction Items:
• Completed - Support and promote the annual Adaptive Sports Festival. • Completed - Support the Civitan event honoring employers of people with disabilities and disseminate information about employers supporting the hiring of people with di
sabilities in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (N
DEAM).
• Completed - Table at a minimum of (3) City and/or community events to increase awareness and visibility of the Accessibility and Disability Commission. • Completed - Continue to support the iBook Club of Pasadena including dissemination of monthly newsletter.
Work Plan Updates:
September 2024:
Meeting cancelled.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Heinrich and Chair Jagusch provided the following updates:
o The Adaptive Sports Festival will take place Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
o The iBook Club of Pasadena continues and is currently seeking new members. o The Civitan event for NDEAM was successful. Civitan awarded local businesses, recognizing, and celebrating their efforts of hiring individuals with disabilities. o Poodle Palooza will take place Sunday, October 27, 2024.
November 2024:
• Support the Civitan event honoring employers of people with disabilities and disseminate i
nformation about employers supporting the hiring of people with disabilities in r
ecognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Completed.
J
anuary 2025:
• Chair Jagusch noted that “Support the Civitan event honoring employers of people with d
isabilities and disseminate information about employers supporting the hiring of people w
ith disabilities in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (
NDEAM)” has been completed and can be removed.
• Chair Jagusch noted that there have been no talks on rescheduling the Adaptive Sports Festival, but that the Commission anticipates the event in the fall of 2025. • Chair Jagusch requested a table at the Black History Celebration on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
• No updates were provided for the iBook Club of Pasadena. 11 February 2025
• Chair Jagusch announced that the next iBook Club will meet Monday, March 10, 2025 and will discuss women in history.
• Commissioner Jennings shared her experience at the Pasadena Black History Festival and announced that there was an individual that expressed interest in becoming a Commissioner.
• Commissioner Heinrich announced the Accessibility Resource Fair (ARF), formerly known as Poodle Palooza, that will take place at City Hall on May 3, 2025 from 11:27 a.m. to 3:33 p .m. Commissioner Heinrich noted that it could be an opportunity for the Commission to table an event.
March 2025:
• Accessibility Coordinator Goldman will send information for tabling signup for the Accessibility Resource Fair (ARF) on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 1:27 a.m. to 3:33 p.m. • Accessibility Coordinator Goldman will look into dates for Pasadena Public Health Department’s “Spring into Wellness” event.
Ap
ril 2025
• Chair Jagusch encouraged Commissioners to sign up to table the Accessibility Resource Fair (ARF) event on May 3, 2025.
May
2025
• Commissioner Heinrich provided updates regarding the status of action items.
St
atus: Completed
ADC Work Plan FY 2024-2025. Approved April 22, 2025
12 To be scheduled:
Accessibility and Disability Commission
Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025
• Reschedule Presentation regarding the Short-Range Transit Plan; Department of Transportation
• Follow up with Law Enforcement Training with PD
• Tiffany Yu, author of the Anti-ableist Manifesto
Ju
ly 2024:
• Presentation regarding parking for individuals with disabled person parking placards and plates at the Paseo Colorado parking garage; John Hamblen, City of Pasadena Parking Manager and Michael Woolson, Management Analyst III, City of Pasadena Department of Transportation.
August 2024:
• Presentation regarding City of Pasadena curb ramp installation plans and processes; Roya Falahati, City of Pasadena Public Works Engineer and James Tong, City of Pasadena Public Works Principal Engineer.
September 2024:
• Meeting cancelled.
Octo
ber 2024:
• Presentation regarding Commission training; Danielle St. Clair, City of Pasadena Assistant City Attorney.
Nov
ember 2024:
• Presentation regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan; Tandem Solutions.
Dec
ember 2024:
• Meeting cancelled.
Janu
ary 2025:
• Presentation regarding the Short-Range Transit Plan; Department of Transportation. Presentation cancelled.
Febr
uary 2025:
• Presentation from A Shepard’s Protection; Michael White.
Marc
h 2025:
• No presentation scheduled.
April 2025:
• Presentation from Carlos Benavides, President, Los Angeles County Commission on Disability.
13 May 2025:
• Presentation from Katie Brandon, Executive Director, Pasadena Village.
Presentation rescheduled FY25-26.
June 2025 - Annual Meeting
(updated May 2025)
14 ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
July 2024 - June 2025
MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD
MEMBERS
07/23/2
4 RE
GULAR
08/27/2
4 RE
GULAR
09/24/2
4 RE
GULAR
10/22/2
4 RE
GULAR
11/19/2
4 S PECIAL11/26/2
4 RE
GULAR
12/24/2
4 RE
GULAR
01/28/2
5 RE
GULAR
02/25/2
5 RE
GULAR
03/25/2
5 RE
GULAR
04/22/2
5 RE
GULAR
05/27/25/2
3 RE
GULAR
06/24/2
5 S PECIAL
TOTAL
MEETINGS
ATTENDED
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
PERCENTAGE
ANDREA JENNINGS
(District 7) P P NQ P P XX XX P P P P P P 10 100.00%
CASEY JAGUSCH
(District 2) A P NQ P P XX XX P P P P P P 9 90.00%
CY ESTABROOK
(Mayor) P P P P P P 6 60.00%
ANDREA TOTTEN
(District 1) P A NQ U A XX XX U A U 1 12.50%
PATRICIA HERRERA
(District 4) P A NQ A P XX XX P A P P P P 7 70.00%
MICHAEL WARNER II
(District 5) P P NQ 2 20.00%
Liz Schiller
(District 5) NQ P P XX XX P P P P P P 8 80.00%
VALERIE STRUSKI (District
3) P P NQ P P XX XX P P A P P P 9 90.00%
JANIE LYNN HEINRICH District
6 P P NQ P A XX XX P P P P P A 8 80.00%
VACANT (Mayor) 0 0.00%
VACANT (At-Large) 0 0.00%
VACANT (District 1) 0 0.00%
LEGEND Total Meetings Held 10
P - PRESENT
A - EXCUSED ABSENCE
U - UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
XX - CANCELED MEETING
NQ - NO QUORUM
15 City of Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission Work Plan: 07/22/2025 – 06/23/2026
Mission:
The purpose of the commission is to advise the council on accessibility issues in Pasadena. The commission shall:
1. Study and examine: (a) existing inequities in access to the physical, work, communication, civic involvement, social and cultural environments for all residents of Pasadena, particularly those who have disabilities, and (b) policies, procedures, programs and legislation for eliminating those inequities.
2. Recommend policies, procedures, programs and legislation to promote and ensure the accessibility of the physical, work, communication, civic involvement, social and cultural environments to all residents of Pasadena, particularly those who have disabilities; and
3. Consult and cooperate with other public agencies and commissions on matters relevant to the commission.
FY 2025-2026 Objectives:
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #1 – Community Engagement and Education Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2 – Policy and Program
Development/Emergency Preparedness
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3 – Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements
ADC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved July 22, 2025
16 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #1 – Community Engagement and Education
Objective Purpose: Focus on outreach, education, and increasing public awareness regarding accessibility and disability matters
Chair appointed Commissioners: Commissioner Struski (Co-Lead), Commissioner Herrera (Co-Lead), Chair Jagusch
Action Items:
• Nominate, select, and recognize the Robert Gorski Access Award recipient • Identify opportunities for collaboration with the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities, City of Los Angeles, Altadena Town Council, City of Pasadena Commissions and advisory bodies, and more on shared objectives and goals
• Educate the Pasadena community about ableism and its impacts on the disability community
o Provide community education regarding disability etiquette, anti-ableism, etc.
• Engage and collaborate with community-based organizations (e.g. Junior League, Elks Lodge, Leadership Pasadena, Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena Media) to increase awareness of the needs of the disability community • Assemble resources to assist community members in navigating the reasonable accommodations processes within the community, including schools, housing, and more
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Finalized objective purpose, appointed Commissioners, and Action Items August 2025:
Status:
ADC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved July 22, 2025
17 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2 – Policy and Program Development/Emergency Preparedness
Objective Purpose: This objective seeks to identify strategies to close gaps in emergency preparedness planning and response for people with disabilities.
Chair appointed Commissioners: Commissioner Heinrich (Lead), Chair Jagusch Action Items:
• Educate community members on best practices for emergency preparedness with additional considerations for people with disabilities. • Research current City of Pasadena Emergency Preparedness practices and procedures for people with disabilities, including provision of recommendations to City Emergency Manager and Pasadena Public Health Department regarding revisions to the City of Pasadena Emergency Operations Plan • Provide feedback to the City of Pasadena Public Information Office and community education regarding the use of Plain Language for effective communication before, during, and after emergencies
• Collaborate with the City of Pasadena Policy and Programmatic Accessibility Team to provide direct feedback and share lived experience with City staff regarding access and inclusion for people with disabilities • Collaborate with law enforcement to increase public safety measures and relations with/for people with disabilities
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Finalized objective purpose, appointed Commissioners, and Action Items August 2025:
Status:
ADC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved July 22, 2025
18 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3 – Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements
Objective Purpose: Support and advocate for the advancement of the accessibility of City infrastructure projects, city planning, and the built environment.
Chair appointed Commissioners: Commissioner Schiller (Co-Lead), Commissioner Jennings (Co-Lead), Chair Jagusch
Action Items:
• Finalize and publish the Accessible Housing Guide to provide community members and local partners with resources to improve housing accessibility • Continue to communicate with City of Pasadena Building Official regarding ADU standard plan updates, including provision of free accessible/ADA compliant standard plans and provision of overnight on-street parking passes for ADU residents
• Collaborate with City of Pasadena Department of Transportation on upcoming City projects to improve transportation access for people with disabilities o Participate in and provide feedback to the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation public meetings regarding Greenways, Safe Streets for All, Active Transportation Plan, and planned corridor upgrades (e.g. Pasadena Ave, North Lake)
o Reaffirm Commission support for All Ages and Abilities Guidelines for implementation in upcoming infrastructure projects
• Collaborate with City and community partners, including One Arroyo, to encourage the development of universally accessible trails in the Arroyo Seco • Continue to provide input and recommendations regarding improvements to the Public Right-of-Way and curb ramp installations
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Finalized objective purpose, appointed Commissioners, and Action Items August 2025:
Status:
ADC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved July 22, 2025
19 Accessibility and Disability Commission
Special Events and Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026
Monthly:
• Continue to support the iBook Club of Pasadena including dissemination of monthly newsletter
To be scheduled:
• Table at a minimum of (3) City and/or community events to increase awareness and visibility of the Accessibility and Disability Commission • Reschedule presentation regarding the Short-Range Transit Plan; Department of Transportation
• Law Enforcement Training with Pasadena Police Department • Tiffany Yu, author of the Anti-ableist Manifesto
July 2025:
• No presentation scheduled
August 2025:
• No presentation scheduled
September 2025:
• Presentation from Katie Brandon, Executive Director, Pasadena Village October 2025:
• Support the Civitan event honoring employers of people with disabilities and disseminate information about employers supporting hiring of people with disabilities in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
• Collaborate with Day One to plan and implement “Walktober” month accessibility event/program(s)
November 2025:
• Support and promote the annual Adaptive Sports Festival (November 15, 2025)
December 2025:
•
January 2026:
•
February 2026:
•
ADC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved July 22, 2025
20 March 2026:
•
April 2026:
•
May 2026:
•
June 2026 - Annual Meeting
(updated July 22, 2025)
ADC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. A pproved July 22, 2025
21 INFORMATION ITEMS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND WORK PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR:
b. Arts & Culture Commission*
1 City of Pasadena, CA
Planning & Community Development Department
Cultural Affairs Division
ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION
FY 2024-2025 Work Plan Status Report
Robert Crook Commission Chair & Public Art Subcommittee (District 5) Joe Feinblatt Commission Vice-Chair, Grants Subcommittee Chair, Community Development Subcommittee & Design Commission Representative (Nov-June) (Representative, Mayor)
Gabriel Lizardo Commission Parliamentarian & Community Development Subcommittee (District 2)
Alex Jablonski Public Art Subcommittee (District 1)
Yolanda Sepulveda Design Commission Representative (July-Nov) (District 3) Estelle Campbell Community Development Subcommittee Chair (District 4) Takako Suzuki Public Art Subcommittee (District 6)
Eric Hogensen Community Development Subcommittee (District 7) Blair Hansen Public Art Subcommittee Chair (At Large/District 1) Danielle Hill (District 3)
2 PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS
The City's first Public Art Program began in 1988 and was created for the Downtown and Old Pasadena Redevelopment Areas for private development. Since then, the Public Art Program has expanded to include all areas of the City, for private development and CIP public art projects. As public art continues to gain visibility in the community, the Commission will continue to support artists and arts organizations through partnerships and programs that seek to place public art throughout the community. These Work Plan to pics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Programmatic Access, Make Programs More Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Economic Growth (Expand Cultural Heritage and Tourism); and Cultural Identity (Make Public Art Part of the Physical Fabric of the City).
Objectives
Private Development Public Art Program
(Public Art Subcommittee, Design Commission Representative) The Commission will:
1. Continue to engage closely with Cultural Affairs Staff to expand their understanding of best practices in the field specific to Public Art in Private Development, balanced against the City’s Private Development Public Art Guidelines.
2. Review for approval staff-recommended private development public art proposals.
3. Receive updates from Staff on private development projects that are subject to the City’s Percent for Art ordinance that will pay the 1% in-lieu fee.
4. Engage with Staff to expand their understanding of the Public Art Consultant’s role in the development of Private Development Public Art projects and continue to explore opportunities for expansion of the Public Art Consultant Approved List.
5. The Arts & Culture/Design Commissioner will continue to provide regular project updates between both Commissions regarding the City’s design projects, especially those impacted by the Public Art in Private Development Program by meeting regularly with Staff; and
6. Staff will continue to refine and distribute the Public Art in Private Development Public Art Guidebook, which is intended to provide a hands-on user’s guide to impactful public art development in Pasadena for private developers, public art consultants and artists.
STATUS:
1) ONGOING. Throughout FY25, Staff provided several reports pertaining to the Private Development Public Art Program, including regular updates on active public art commissions for Private Developments, public art fee revenue reports, and changes to the Private Development Public Art Guidebook.
2) ONGOING. In FY25, the Arts Commission reviewed the Concept Art Plan for the planned development for 2915 E. Colorado Boulevard.
3) ONGOING. Staff continues to monitor benchmarks for these projects and provides regular updates whether or not the developer chooses to propose a public art project. 4) ONGOING. Staff continues to provide project updates and resources to help the Arts Commission understand the role of the Public Art Consultant in the Public Art
3 development process and plans to release a Request for Qualifications for the Public Art Consultant pre-approved list in fall 2025.
5) COMPLETED AND ONGIONG. During FY25, the newly appointed Arts & Culture/Design Commissioner was onboarded by Staff and provided occasional reports to the Arts Commission about private development projects reviewed by the Design Commission. 6) ONGOING. Staff continues to refine and distribute the Private Development Public Art Guidebook document to Commissioners, public art consultants, artists, and developers who intend to complete an on-site project.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10
Capital Improvement Public Art Program
(Public Art Subcommittee)
Commissioners will continue to be assigned to represent the Commission on the development of all CIP public art projects that currently include:
1. Explore the development of a permanent, monumental-scale public art project sited within the Pasadena Civic Center District, to coincide with the 2028 LA Olympics.
2. Commissioners will review for approval the anticipated Concept Art Plans for the Robinson Park Recreation Center Capital Public Art Project and continue to receive regular project updates from Cultural Affairs Staff.
3. Commissioners will continue to serve as a medium between the City and the community to promote all Capital Public Art projects.
4. Continue to engage with Cultural Affairs Staff to expand the Commission’s understanding of the Capital Improvement Public Art Guidelines, including project development and funding allocation.
STATUS:
1) ONGOING. Staff provided an overview of the Civic Center (PCOC) Garage Mural Project and Capital Public Art Fund to facilitate a large-scale public art project sited at the Los Robles Garage within the Civic Center District. This project may coincide with the 2028 LA Olympics and Staff will continue to discuss possible approaches with the Public Art Subcommittee.
2) COMPLETED. The Arts Commission approved the Concept Art Plan for the Robinson Park Recreation Center Capital Public Art Project.
3) ONGOING. Throughout FY25, Staff provided regular opportunities for Commissioners to promote Capital Public Art projects.
4) ONGOING. Staff provided regular updates and information to Commissioners about the development of active Capital Public Art Projects and Guideline policies and procedures.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
4 Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program
(Public Art Subcommittee)
The Commission will monitor the continuation of the District-wide Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program including:
1. Staff will implement enhancements to the appropriate Rotating artwork sites for increased visibility and aesthetics, as needed.
2. The Public Art Subcommittee will work with Staff to consider ways to expand the Program including the establishment of additional sites in each District and enhanced documentation for expanded outreach, impact and documentation for the Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program Phase IV.
STATUS:
1) COMPLETED and ONGOING. Staff completed site improvements, landscaping and general cleaning/maintenance at Rotating artwork locations and will continue to explore opportunities to enhance artwork aesthetics and visibility. 2) ONGOING. Staff will continue to explore ways to expand the Rotating Program and site options until sufficient funding and resources become available. Staff facilitated a Public Art Bike Tour and Artist Talk in May 2025 in celebration of National Bike Month and promoted Rotating artworks currently on view.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9
5 Public Art Collection Maintenance & Conservation
(Public Art Subcommittee)
Staff will advise Commissioners on conservation and maintenance needs of the City’s Public Art Collection including possible development of recurring consultation with a professional conservation firm. The Commission will explore opportunities for expanding artwork engagement including:
1. Conservation of the Topiaries artwork, by Christie Beniston located on Union Ave.
2. Routine conservation of the Pasadena Robinson Memorial located in Centennial Square.
3. Updates to the Public Art Walking Tour brochure.
4. Renovation and expansion of the Pasadena Robinson Memorial artwork informational plaque.
STATUS:
1) COMPLETED. Staff completed extensive cleaning and conservation of the Topiaries artwork in August 2024.
2) COMPLETED. Staff completed routine cleaning and conservation of the Pasadena Robinson Memorial in September 2024.
3) COMPLETED. Staff completed extensive updates and re-designs to the Public Art Walking Tour brochure in spring 2025. Staff will continue to promote and distribute copies of the brochure throughout the City.
4) ONGOING. Updates to the Pasadena Robinson Memorial artwork didactic plaque are ongoing and Staff will continue to pursue renovation of the information sign as funding and resources become available.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #8, 9, 10
Artwork Concept Review Process
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will continue to stay informed about and adhere to the guidelines and procedures for reviewing artwork concepts as detailed in both the Private Development and Capital Improvement Public Art Guidelines.
STATUS:
ONGOING. Staff regularly provides informational presentations to inform and remind the Commission of Private Development and Capital Improvement Public Art procedures and requirements, in accordance with the City’s adopted Guidelines. Staff also provides a review of the Commission’s role and evaluation criteria as a standard part of public art action items for review and approval.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10
6 Annual Grants Program
The breadth and depth of Pasadena's creative community has historically distinguished the City from many of the surrounding areas. Support to the individuals and organizations that provide cultural services to Pasadena is intrinsic to the mission of the Arts & Culture Commission. These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Include Everyone in Creativity, Connect Arts Education with Lifelong Learning, Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Programmatic Access, Advocate for Arts and Culture , Make Programs More Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Cultural Identity (Make Public Art a Part of the Physical Fabric of the City); and Dynamic Support System (Develop Additional Creative Habitat, Foster Bio Diversity, Promote Responsible Stewardship).
Objectives
Annual Grants Program: Restructuring
(Grants Subcommittee)
The Commission's Grants Subcommittee will continue to consider Staff’s recommendations for revisions to the Annual Grants Program Guidelines and Application, based on best practices, feedback from grantees and Panelists, to facilitate the application process and to expand the impact of the program to reach more audiences. The data generated from Data Arts (formerly known as the Cultural Data Project) will continue to serve as an additional resource for Panelists. The Commission will continue to support the implementation of Phase 3 of the Cultural Affairs Division’s Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative (CEII) for the Annual Grants Program in alignment with that of LA County. All Grants Program applicants now need to submit a CEII Statement, Plan or Policy (based on operating budget size) as an application requirement. Cultural Affairs will continue to represent the City as part of the Municipal Funders Group, which includes the local arts agencies for 6 cities and LA County, for refinements to the Grants Program Common Application.
STATUS:
COMPLETED. The Grants Subcommittee approved both the FY 2025-2026 Annual Grants Program Guidelines and Application, which were unchanged from the previous Fiscal Year.
Staff’s recommendations for award structures for the FY 2025-2026 Annual Grants were recommended by the Grants Subcommittee on June 30, 2025, to the Arts & Culture Commission.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
7 Annual Grants Program: Technical Assistance
(Grants Subcommittee)
The Cultural Affairs Division continues to offer free Technical Assistance workshops that provide general grant writing techniques and a specific focus on the City’s Grants Program Application and Guidelines for prospective applicants. Technical Assistance is intended to provide more opportunities for local artists and arts and culture organizations to increase the quality of their applications and their ability to secure funding from a variety of private and public funders. Cultural Affairs Staff and the Grants Subcommittee will also focus on continued support and review of Cultural Equity and Inclusion efforts among Pasadena-based arts and cultural organizations and individual artists by considering the creation of supplemental scoring to recognize successful CEI efforts and to review a mid-year check-in with these organizations to assess what further support may be necessary to advance the CEII initiative. All Commissioners will continue to promote the Program and Technical Assistance opportunities through outreach to the community with particular emphasis on outreach to a diverse pool of eligible individual artists through a wide array of media channels.
STATUS:
COMPLETED. Three Virtual Technical Assistance Workshops were held in March and April of 2025 to review the FY 2025-2026 Grants Program Guidelines and Applications as well as to provide general grant writing skills. A CEI Workshop was provided to Pasadena-based arts and cultural organizations to support their individual, self-determined goals and progress.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 3, 6, 7
Annual Grants Program: Awards
(Grants Subcommittee)
The Commission will continue to oversee the Annual Grants Program through Staff’s recommendations for Program Awards each year. Cultural Affairs convenes Peer Panels to review all eligible applications and provide scores based on published criteria. The Grants Subcommittee will continue to review Staff’s award recommendations for concurrence prior to a formal Review and Approval by the Commission. Award recommendations are based on Panel scores and the Program budget as approved in the City’s Fiscal Year Operating Budget.
STATUS:
COMPLETED. Funding for the FY 2024-2025 Annual Grants Program was approved by the Commission on July 10, 2024, to support a total of 29 awardees, (25 arts & culture organizations and four individual artists) in the amount of $188,455.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 3, 5
8 Annual Grants Program: Outreach
(Grants Subcommittee, Community Development Subcommittee)
The Cultural Affairs Division, with support from the Commission, will continue to publicize all Commission-funded events, programs, exhibitions and performances to promote the high caliber of artistic productions made possible in part by City funding and to ensure public awareness and encourage participation—including online programming. The Community Development Subcommittee will strategize as to how best to continue outreach to community organizations and neighborhood associations to identify potential arts and culture collaborations and expand awareness of Commission programs. All Commissioners will continue to represent the City by attending Commission funded events and programs and will make reports to City Council members as appropriate during the fiscal year. The Commission will employ various means to expand awareness of Annual Grants Program opportunities with specific emphasis on outreach to individual artists. The Commission will report regularly about event attendance monthly at Regular meetings.
STATUS:
COMPLETED. Arts Commissioners amplified staff resources by sharing Cultural Affairs Division announcements for the Annual Grants Program with their individual networks. Additionally, announcements were published in the City Manager’s Newsletter, local press, email lists and postings at City facilities. Commissioners and staff attended many Grant-funded programs and performances.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 6
9 Cultural Tourism
Working in partnership with the local arts and culture organizations, community groups, the Pasadena Convention and Visitor's Bureau and other organizations, the Commission supports economic and community development through cultural tourism.
These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Include Everyone in Creativity, Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Physical and Programmatic Access, Advocate for Arts and Culture, Make Programs Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Economic Growth (Expand Cultural and Heritage Tourism); Cultural Identity (Market Pasadena’s Cultural Identity); and Dynamic Support System (Foster Biodiversity).
Objectives
Outreach to Arts Organizations and Local Businesses
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will consider opportunities to build stronger relationships between the business and arts communities as a part of the City's emphasis on Economic Development. Efforts may focus on expanding the economic impact of the arts in the City, finding opportunities for creative projects in underserved areas, expanding access to opportunities for artists and arts organizations, and foster programming that celebrates Pasadena’s history and culture. The Commission will engage with community groups, Business Improvement Districts, arts and culture organizations, artists, and others to find opportunities for collaboration. Specifically, the Community Development Subcommittee will engage and collaborate with Pasadena Heritage, the Pasadena Museum of History and local groups to support efforts to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of Colorado Boulevard and the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
STATUS:
COMPLETED & ONGOING. Members of the Community Development Subcommittee participated in various community-led meetings throughout the year, representing the Commission, to contribute to the development of events to honor these anniversaries.
Additionally, Commissioners solicited a presentation by a Claremont Graduate University representative on the Route 66 Pathway project.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #9
10 ArtNight – Commissioner Engagement
(Community Development Subcommittee)
The Commission will continue to work with Cultural Affairs Staff to identify opportunities and strategies to expand the impact of ArtNight programming and all Commission programs and projects.
STATUS:
COMPLETED & ONGOING. Commissioners continued to promote ArtNight events through their own networks, including: 1) Fall ArtNight on October 18, 2024, with 14 participating cultural venues, 11 supplemental Mini-grant performances and an estimated attendance 11,000-14,000; and 2) Spring ArtNight on March 14, 2025, with 19 participating cultural venues, 14 Mini-grant performances and an estimated attendance of 12,000-15,000.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 7
Surprise and Delight Live Music Event
(Community Development Subcommittee)
The Commission may continue to explore options for collaborations with the City’s Business Improvement Districts to support a live music event or performance series in public space. These impromptu or “pop-up” performances are intended to give residents moments of joy, levity and appreciation of Pasadena as an art-focused City. Further research on funding sources and feasibility will be initiated and possible venues may be identified.
STATUS:
COMPLETED. The Commission explored numerous possible ways to realize a separate program without dedicated funding or sites. It was determined that support for existing public programming through the Annual Grants Program would be the most efficacious way to meet this goal.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 8
11 Community Arts/Education
In acknowledgement of the importance of arts education for life-long learning, the Commission will continue to support local arts organizations and artists who provide arts education services and programs to the community .
These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Include Everyone in Creativity, Connect Arts Education with Lifelong
Learning, Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Physical and Programmatic Access, Advocate for Arts and Culture, Make Programs More Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Cultural Identity (Market Pasadena’s Cultural Identity); and Dynamic Support System (Develop Additional Creative Habitat, Foster Biodiversity).
Objectives
Individual Commissioner Outreach
(Commission-wide Effort)
1. Continued individual Commissioner outreach to artists, arts organizations and to neighborhood associations.
2. Commissioners will continue to seek ways to increase accessibility and awareness of the City’s programs and opportunities for artists and arts organizations.
3. Engage with neighborhood associations, arts organizations, and other community groups about the Commission’s activities.
4. Continue to disseminate Cultural Affairs flyers, promotional materials and arts opportunities— including through personal social media channels—and explore the creation of new informational resources.
STATUS:
COMPLETED & ONGOING. Commissioners continued to re-distribute Cultural Affairs program materials to their individual networks to amplify staff’s outreach efforts.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10
12 Guest Speaker Initiative
(Commission-wide Effort)
All Commissioners will develop recommendations for speakers/presenters to be included at upcoming Commission meetings and/or Retreats. Recommendations may include local artists, arts organizations, arts administrators, historic preservation representatives, neighborhood associations, and others. This initiative is intended to help Commissioners learn more about the arts community and the needs of local artists and arts organizations. The Commission may propose a joint meeting with the Human Relations Commission to explore areas of common interest.
STATUS:
COMPLETED & ONGOING. The Commission reached out to several outside individuals and organizations to explore opportunities for discussion. The Commission hosted a presentation by a potential Sister Cities delegation from Guanajuato, Mexico, a presentation by Historic Preservation staff on Historic Resources, as well as a presentation on historic Route 66 by a Claremont Graduate University representative.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Partnerships with PUSD
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will continue to consider opportunities to build a strong relationship with the community and support PUSD arts education programs and resources.
1. PUSD My Masterpieces.
This program engages approximately 1,000 PUSD second grade students annually through on- site field trips and public art education. The Commission will continue this ongoing partnership by providing Public Art Program Materials including the Public Art Walking Tour Brochure and other resources for students to learn about the City’s Public Art Collection.
2. PUSD Student Art Wall
Developed 20 years ago, the “No Boundaries” exhibition program is a district-wide exhibition of artworks created by PUSD students. Commissioners will continue to support the program by volunteering to select exemplary artworks to be included in the exhibition and promote the program. Students receive an online award and are featured on the PUSD and Cultural Affairs Division website to honor students and highlight the District’s arts education programs.
STATUS:
COMPLETED & ONGOING. Forty-one docent-led Public Art tours (with pre-and post- visit materials) were conducted for 900 PUSD second grade students this year through 41 field trips.
Commissioners selected over 40 artworks from PUSD’s “No Boundaries 20” District-wide student art exhibition for awards. 32 certificates were provided to both individual and group participants.
13 Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 9
Commissioner’s Public Art Tour
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will consider supporting a bike tour and or in-person tour of the Rotating Public Art Program IV artworks.
STATUS:
COMPLETED. Staff worked with the Complete Streets coalition to develop and implement two public art tours. The bike tour of the Rotating IV artworks was held in May 2025, in recognition of Bike Month, while the walking public art tour was held in October in 2024 recognition of National Arts & Humanities Month/Walktober.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Local Media and Communications
(Community Development Subcommittee)
The Commission will continue to seek ways to promote Cultural Affairs programs, events, and opportunities regarding on-going and new programs and Commission-sponsored events to garner media attention and activate a more substantial presence on social media.
STATUS:
COMPLETED & ONGOING. Commissioners circulated information about Cultural Affairs programs and opportunities to their personal networks in support of staff’s outreach efforts.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
14 Cultural Nexus Principles & Policies
The nine Policies of Cultural Nexus expand upon the four Principles:
1. Participation
2. Economic Growth
3. Cultural Identity
4. Dynamic Support System
The Cultural Nexus Policies provide direction for the implementation of the broad principles as follows:
Policy 1: Support the efforts of the community's arts education providers in all three sectors of the field: in-school, before/after school and lifelong learning.
Policy 2: Promote cultural equity and community-wide access to arts & culture.
Policy 3: Support and develop Pasadena's cultural and creative workforce.
Policy 4: Provide Space for Pasadena's cultural and creative sectors. a) Develop cultural zones in specific areas of Pasadena.
a. Develop cultural facilities.
b. Maximize the use of existing cultural facilities and spaces; identify opportunities in non-arts mixed-use developments.
c. Address the space needs of Pasadena's cultural and creative workforce, including live/work, exhibition, rehearsal and performance space.
Policy 5: Expand awareness of Pasadena as a center of the arts & culture locally, regionally and internationally; to promote tourism; and expand cultural audiences.
Policy 6: Foster expanded and diverse leadership and increased interaction within Pasadena's cultural sector.
15 Policy 7: Develop new public and private resources for Pasadena's arts & culture sector. a. Explore new and increased sources of public funding for the arts and culture sector.
b. Develop new and increased sources of private funding for the arts and culture sector.
c. Develop new and increased non-cash resources for the arts and culture sector.
Policy 8: Establish the Cultural Nexus Trust.
Policy 9: Create a New Vision for Public Art in Pasadena. a. Appoint a Public Art Committee of the Arts Commission to advise on public art policy, program vision and provide long-range planning. b. Convene a Public Art Task Force of the Arts Commission to address public art policy issues and develop a long-range plan.
c. Increase the presence and awareness of public art throughout Pasadena.
16 Public Art Master Plan Policies
The ten Policies of the Public Art Master Plan are:
Policy 1: Use public art to reinforce Pasadena’s identity, weaving together culture, people, neighborhoods and ideas to create a memorable urban landscape that respects the past and builds for the future.
Policy 2: Embrace public art as a citywide urban beautification effort, using the access and strength of the City’s Cultural Affairs Division to build its collection of art in public places and to facilitate public art and public art partnerships with City Departments, private developers and arts and cultural organizations.
Policy 3: Celebrate Pasadena’s unique gateways to Downtown and neighborhoods – its freeway entrances, overpasses and off ramps – by enhancing them with the work of artists.
Policy 4: Employ public art to promote a more walkable city.
Policy 5: Commission public art that reinforces parks and neighborhoods.
Policy 6: Create a Public Art Overlay Zone that integrates with the “Bennett Plan” for the Civic Center area, primarily along Holly Street and Garfield Avenue, and builds upon existing public art within that area.
Policy 7: Refine the Public Art in Private Development Program to more actively contribute to Pasadena’s cultural and economic health.
Policy 8: Support ongoing temporary artwork Installations and performance-based arts events in areas with strong pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Policy 9: Expand the role of education in the Pasadena’s Public Art Program.
Policy 10: Allocate more funding for public art commissions and maintenance.
1 City of Pasadena, CA
Planning & Community Development Department
Cultural Affairs Division
ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION
FY2025-2026 Work Plan
Gabriel Lizardo Commission Chair & Public Art Subcommittee (District 2) Eric Hogensen Commission Vice-Chair and Community Development Subcommittee (District 7) Robert Crook Public Art Subcommittee (District 5)
Joe Feinblatt Grants Subcommittee Chair, Community Development Subcommittee & Design Representative (Representative, Mayor)
Danielle Hill Community Development Subcommittee (District 3) Estelle Campbell Community Development Subcommittee Chair (District 4) Takako Suzuki Public Art Subcommittee (District 6)
Blair Hansen Public Art Subcommittee Chair (At Large/District 1)
2 PUBLIC ART PROGRAMS
The City's first Public Art Program began in 1988 and was created for the Downtown and Old Pasadena Redevelopment Areas for private development. Since then, the Public Art Program has expanded to include all areas of the City, for private development and CIP public art projects. As public art continues to gain visibility in the community, the Commission will continue to support artists and arts organizations through partnerships and programs that seek to place public art throughout the community. These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Programmatic Access, Make Programs More Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Economic Growth (Expand Cultural Heritage and Tourism); and Cultural Identity (Make Public Art Part of the Physical Fabric of the City).
Objectives
Private Development Public Art Program
(Public Art Subcommittee, Design Commission Representative)
1. The Arts Commission will continue to engage closely with Cultural Affairs Staff to expand their understanding of best practices in the field specific to Public Art in Private Development, balanced against the City’s Private Development Public Art Guidelines.
2. The Arts Commission will review for approval staff-recommended private development public art proposals. For FY25, the Commission reviewed and disapproved the Concept Art Plan for the Rusnak Porsche development, 2915 E. Colorado Blvd. Staff subsequently prepared and presented a Call for Review Agenda Report to City Council in May 2025.
3. The Arts Commission will continue receiving updates from Staff on private development projects subject to the City’s Percent for Art Ordinance that are in the process of developing an on-site public art project. In FY25, Staff reviewed approximately 80 building permits and plans for eligibility under the Guidelines and collected over $1.2M in public art fee payments, deposited to the Cultural Trust Fund.
4. The Arts Commission will engage with Staff to expand their understanding of the Public Art Consultant’s role in the development of Private Development Public Art projects and receive updates from Staff regarding the Prequalified Public Art Consultant List Request for Qualifications opportunity.
5. The Arts & Culture/Design Commissioner will continue to provide regular project updates between both Commissions regarding the City’s design projects, especially those impacted by the Public Art in Private Development Program by meeting regularly with Staff; and
6. Staff will continue to refine and distribute the Public Art in Private Development Public Art Guidebook, which is intended to provide a hands-on user’s guide to impactful public art development in Pasadena for private developers, public art consultants and artists. Additionally, Staff will distribute a Public Mural Advisory Guide for private businesses who may wish to commission public murals on their property independent of the Private Development Public Art Program.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10
3 Capital Improvement Public Art Program
(Public Art Subcommittee)
Commissioners will continue to be assigned to represent the Commission on the development of all CIP public art projects that currently include:
1. Explore the development of a public art project sited within the Pasadena Civic Center District, to coincide with the 2028 LA Olympics, including the formation of an Advisory Group to provide guidance of project goals and vision, as applicable.
2. Commissioners will review for approval the Final Art Plan for the Robinson Park Recreation Center Capital Public Art Project and continue to receive regular project updates from Cultural Affairs Staff. In advance of this review, Staff will complete contracting and budget approvals with each artist for Phase 2 of the project.
3. Receive updates from Cultural Affairs Staff on the development of the PCOC Parking Garage Capital Public Art Mural Project and assign a representative from the Public Art Subcommittee to serve on the Stakeholder Group.
4. Commissioners will continue to serve as a medium between the City and the community to promote all Capital Public Art projects.
5. Continue to engage with Cultural Affairs Staff to expand the Commission’s understanding of the Capital Improvement Public Art Guidelines, including project development and funding allocation.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program
(Public Art Subcommittee)
The Commission will monitor the continuation of the District-wide Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program including:
1. Staff will implement enhancements to appropriate Rotating Program artwork sites for increased visibility and accessibility, including landscape aesthetics, augmentation of existing concrete pads, and didactic signage, as appropriate.
2. The Public Art Subcommittee will work with Staff to consider ways to expand the Program including the establishment of additional sites on City property, as available, and encourage enhanced documentation for expanded outreach and impact of the future Series V Rotating Public Art Program Exhibition.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9
4 Public Art Collection Maintenance & Conservation
(Public Art Subcommittee)
Staff will inform the Arts Commission on conservation and maintenance needs of City-owned artworks including reoccurring work with independent public art conservation firms. The Commission will explore opportunities for expanding artwork engagement including:
1. Improvements to several artwork sites through enhancements to the surrounding landscape with additional native plants and groundcover, led by Cultural Affairs Staff in collaboration with Pasadena Water & Power.
2. Routine maintenance of the Pasadena Robinson Memorial located in Centennial Square.
3. Possible future conservation of the Memorial Flagpole artwork by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, and Homage to Quetzalcoaltl tile fountain by Dora De Larios.
4. City-wide distribution of the redesigned Public Art Walking Tour brochure.
5. Participation and promotion of reoccurring public bike and walking tours of the Public Art Collection organized and led by Cultural Affairs Staff.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #8, 9, 10
Artwork Concept Review Process
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Arts Commission will continue to stay informed about and adhere to the guidelines and procedures for reviewing artwork concepts as detailed in both the Private Development and Capital Improvement Public Art Guidelines. Commissioners will be mindful of their role in evaluating and discussing public art proposals, engaging in a review process that is centered on established procedures.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10
5 Annual Grants Program
The breadth and depth of Pasadena's creative community has historically distinguished the City from many of the surrounding areas. Support to the individuals and organizations that provide cultural services to Pasadena is intrinsic to the mission of the Arts & Culture Commission. These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Include Everyone in Creativity, Connect Arts Education with Lifelong Learning, Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Programmatic Access, Advocate for Arts and Culture, Make Programs More Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Cultural Identity (Make Public Art a Part of the Physical Fabric of the City); and Dynamic Support System (Develop Additional Creative Habitat, Foster Bio Diversity, Pr omote Responsible Stewardship).
Objectives
Annual Grants Program: Restructuring
(Grants Subcommittee)
The Commission's Grants Subcommittee will continue to consider Staff’s recommendations for revisions to the Annual Grants Program Guidelines and Application, based on best practices, feedback from grantees and Panelists, to facilitate the application process and to expand the impact of the program to reach more audiences. The data generated from Data Arts (formerly known as the Cultural Data Project) will continue to serve as an additional resource for Panelists. The Commission will continue to support the implementation of Phase 3 of the Cultural Affairs Division’s Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative (CEII) for the Annual Grants Program in alignment with that of LA County. All Grants Program applicants now need to submit a CEII Statement, Plan or Policy (based on operating budget size) as an application requirement. Cultural Affairs will continue to represent the City as part of the Municipal Funders Group, which includes the local arts agencies for 6 cities and LA County, for refinements to the Grants Program Common Application.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Annual Grants Program: Technical Assistance
(Grants Subcommittee)
The Cultural Affairs Division continues to offer free Technical Assistance workshops that provide general grant writing techniques and a specific focus on the City’s Grants Program Application and Guidelines for prospective applicants. Technical Assistance is intended to provide more opportunities for local artists and arts and culture organizations to increase the quality of their applications and their ability to secure funding from a variety of private and public funders. Staff will continue to offer a Cultural Equity and Inclusion workshop for Pasadena-based arts and cultural organizations to support their progress for
6 self-determined goals and objectives. All Commissioners will continue to promote the Program and Technical Assistance opportunities through outreach to the community with particular emphasis on outreach to a diverse pool of eligible individual artists through a wide array of media channels.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 3, 6, 7
Annual Grants Program: Award Structure
(Grants Subcommittee)
The Commission will continue to oversee the Annual Grants Program through Staff’s recommendations for Program Awards each year. Cultural Affairs convenes Peer Panels to review all eligible applications and provide scores based on published criteria. The Grants Subcommittee will continue to review Staff’s award structure recommendations for concurrence prior to a formal Review and Approval by the Commission. Award structure recommendations are based on Panel scores and the Program budget as approved in the City’s Fiscal Year Operating Budget and are applied to successful applications accordingly.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 3, 5
Annual Grants Program: Outreach
(Grants Subcommittee, Community Development Subcommittee)
The Cultural Affairs Division, with support from the Commission, will continue to publicize all Commission-funded events, programs, exhibitions and performances to promote the high caliber of artistic productions made possible in part by City funding and to ensure public awareness and encourage participation—including online programming. The Community Development Subcommittee will strategize as to how best to continue outreach to community organizations and neighborhood associations to identify potential arts and culture collaborations and expand awareness of Commission programs. All Commissioners will continue to represent the City by attending Commission funded events and programs and will make reports to City Council members as appropriate during the fiscal year. The Commission will employ various means to expand awareness of Annual Grants Program opportunities with specific emphasis on outreach to individual artists. The Commission will report regularly about event attendance monthly at Regular meetings.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 6
7 Cultural Tourism
Working in partnership with the local arts and culture organizations, community groups, the Pasadena Convention and Visitor's Bureau and other organizations, the Commission supports economic and community development through cultural tourism.
These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Include Everyone in Creativity, Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Physical and Programmatic Access, Advocate for Arts and Culture, Make Programs Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Economic Growth (Expand Cultural and Heritage Tourism); Cultural Identity (Market Pasadena’s Cultural Identity); and Dynamic Support System (Foster Bio Diversity).
Objectives
Outreach to Arts Organizations and Local Businesses
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will consider opportunities to build stronger relationships between the business and arts communities as a part of the City's emphasis on Economic Development. Efforts may focus on expanding the economic impact of the arts in the City, finding opportunities for creative projects in underserved areas, expanding access to opportunities for artists and arts organizations, and foster programming that celebrates Pasadena’s history and culture. The Commission will engage with community groups, Business Improvement Districts, arts and culture organizations, artists, and others to find opportunities for collaboration. Specifically, the Community Development Subcommittee will engage and collaborate with Pasadena Heritage, the Pasadena Museum of History and local groups to support efforts to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of Colorado Boulevard and the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #9
ArtNight – Commissioner Engagement
(Community Development Subcommittee)
The Commission will continue to work with Cultural Affairs Staff to identify opportunities and strategies to expand the impact of ArtNight programming and all Commission programs and projects.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 7
8 Surprise and Delight Events
(Community Development Subcommittee)
The Commission may continue to explore options for collaborations with the City’s Business Improvement Districts and arts organizations to support the activation of unused spaces for live music events or performance series in public space. These impromptu or “pop-up” performances are intended to give residents moments of joy, levity and appreciation of Pasadena as an art-focused City. Further research on funding sources and feasibility will be initiated and possible venues may be identified.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 5, 8
9 Community Arts/Education
In acknowledgement of the importance of arts education for life-long learning, the Commission will continue to support local arts organizations and artists who provide arts education services and programs to the community .
These Work Plan topics relate to the Cultural Nexus Master Plan Principles of Participation (Include Everyone in Creativity, Connect Arts Education with Lifelong
Learning, Ensure Cultural Equity, Improve Physical and Programmatic Access, Advocate for Arts and Culture, Make Programs More Available Throughout all Neighborhoods); Cultural Identity (Market Pasadena’s Cultural Identity); and Dynamic Support System (Develop Additional Creative Habitat, Foster Bio Diversity).
Objectives
Individual Commissioner Outreach
(Commission-wide Effort)
1. Continued individual Commissioner outreach to artists, arts organizations and to neighborhood associations.
2. Commissioners will continue to seek ways to increase accessibility and awareness of the City’s programs and opportunities for artists and arts organizations.
3. Engage with neighborhood associations, arts organizations, and other community groups about the Commission’s activities.
4. Continue to disseminate Cultural Affairs flyers, promotional materials and arts opportunities— including through personal social media channels—and explore the creation of new informational resources.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10
10 Guest Speaker Initiative
(Commission-wide Effort)
All Commissioners will develop recommendations for speakers/presenters to be included at upcoming Commission meetings and/or Retreats. Recommendations may include local artists, arts organizations, arts administrators, historic preservation representatives, neighborhood associations, and others. This initiative is intended to help Commissioners learn more about the arts community and the needs of local artists and arts organizations. The Commission may propose a joint meeting with the Human Relations Commission to explore areas of common interest.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Partnerships with PUSD
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will continue to consider opportunities to build a strong relationship with the community and support PUSD arts education programs and resources.
1. PUSD My Masterpieces.
This program engages approximately 1,000 PUSD second grade students annually through on- site field trips and public art education. The Commission will continue this ongoing partnership by providing Public Art Program Materials including the Public Art Walking Tour Brochure and other resources for students to learn about the City’s Public Art Collection.
2. PUSD Student Art Wall
Developed over 20 years ago, the “No Boundaries” exhibition program is a district-wide exhibition of artworks created by PUSD students. Commissioners will continue to support the program by volunteering to select exemplary artworks to be included in the exhibition and promote the program. Students receive an online award, a printed certificate of achievement and are featured on the PUSD and Cultural Affairs Division website to honor students and highlight the District’s arts education programs.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 4, 9
11 Commissioner’s Public Art Tour
(Commission-wide Effort)
The Commission will consider continued support for in-person public art tours including collaboration with community organizations.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Local Media and Communications
(Community Development Subcommittee)
The Commission will continue to seek ways to promote Cultural Affairs programs, events, and opportunities regarding on-going and new programs and Commission-sponsored events to garner media attention and activate a more substantial presence on social media. Pasadena Media may be approached regarding publicity for the Public Art program.
Cultural Nexus Policies: #2, 5, 9
Public Art Master Plan Policies: #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
12 Cultural Nexus Principles & Policies
The nine Policies of Cultural Nexus expand upon the four Principles:
1. Participation
2. Economic Growth
3. Cultural Identity
4. Dynamic Support System
The Cultural Nexus Policies provide direction for the implementation of the broad principles as follows:
Policy 1: Support the efforts of the community's arts education providers in all three sectors of the field: in-school, before/after school and lifelong learning.
Policy 2: Promote cultural equity and community-wide access to arts & culture.
Policy 3: Support and develop Pasadena's cultural and creative workforce.
Policy 4: Provide Space for Pasadena's cultural and creative sectors. a) Develop cultural zones in specific areas of Pasadena.
a. Develop cultural facilities.
b. Maximize the use of existing cultural facilities and spaces; identify opportunities in non-arts mixed-use developments.
c. Address the space needs of Pasadena's cultural and creative workforce, including live/work, exhibition, rehearsal and performance space.
Policy 5: Expand awareness of Pasadena as a center of the arts & culture locally, regionally and internationally; to promote tourism; and expand cultural audiences.
Policy 6: Foster expanded and diverse leadership and increased interaction within Pasadena's cultural sector.
13 Policy 7: Develop new public and private resources for Pasadena's arts & culture sector. a. Explore new and increased sources of public funding for the arts and culture sector.
b. Develop new and increased sources of private funding for the arts and culture sector.
c. Develop new and increased non-cash resources for the arts and culture sector.
Policy 8: Establish the Cultural Nexus Trust.
Policy 9: Create a New Vision for Public Art in Pasadena. a. Appoint a Public Art Committee of the Arts Commission to advise on public art policy, program vision and provide long-range planning. b. Convene a Public Art Task Force of the Arts Commission to address public art policy issues and develop a long-range plan.
c. Increase the presence and awareness of public art throughout Pasadena.
14 Public Art Master Plan Policies
The ten Policies of the Public Art Master Plan are:
Policy 1: Use public art to reinforce Pasadena’s identity, weaving together culture, people, neighborhoods and ideas to create a memorable urban landscape that respects the past and builds for the future.
Policy 2: Embrace public art as a citywide urban beautification effort, using the access and strength of the City’s Cultural Affairs Division to build its collection of art in public places and to facilitate public art and public art partnerships with City Departments, private developers and arts and cultural organizations.
Policy 3: Celebrate Pasadena’s unique gateways to Downtown and neighborhoods – its freeway entrances, overpasses and off ramps – by enhancing them with the work of artists.
Policy 4: Employ public art to promote a more walkable city.
Policy 5: Commission public art that reinforces parks and neighborhoods.
Policy 6: Create a Public Art Overlay Zone that integrates with the “Bennett Plan” for the Civic Center area, primarily along Holly Street and Garfield Avenue, and builds upon existing public art within that area.
Policy 7: Refine the Public Art in Private Development Program to more actively contribute to Pasadena’s cultural and economic health.
Policy 8: Support ongoing temporary artwork Installations and performance-based arts events in areas with strong pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Policy 9: Expand the role of education in the Pasadena’s Public Art Program.
Policy 10: Allocate more funding for public art commissions and maintenance.
ARTS AND CULTURAL COMMISSION
MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD
July 2024 - June 2025
MEMBERS
7/10/2024 REGULAR 7/19/2024 SPECIAL
Annual Retreat
8/14/2024 REGULAR9/11/2024 REGULAR10/09/2024 REGULAR11/13/2024 REGULAR12/11/2024 REGULAR1/08/2025 REGULAR 2/05/2025 SPECIAL2/12/2025 REGULAR 3/12/2025 REGULAR 4/09/2025 REGULAR 5/14/2025 REGULAR 6/11/2025 REGULAR 6/25/2025 SPECIAL Annual Retreat
TOTAL
MEETINGS
ATTENDED
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
PERCENTAGE
CAMPBELL, ESTELLE
DISTRICT 4 P P XX P A NQ XX XX P XX A P P P P 8 80%
CROOK, ROBERT
DISTRICT 5 P P XX P P NQ XX XX P XX P P P P P 10 100%
FEINBLATT, JOE
MAYOR REP P P XX P P NQ XX XX P XX P P P P P 10 100%
HANSEN, BLAIR
DISTRICT 1, AT LARGE P P XX P A NQ XX XX P XX A P P P P 8 80%
HOGENSEN, ERIC
DISTRICT 7 P P XX P P NQ XX XX P XX P P P P P 10 100%
JABLONSKI, ALEX
DISTRICT 1 A P XX A P NQ XX XX P XX P P A U A 5 50%
LIZARDO, GABRIEL
DISTRICT 2 A P XX P P NQ XX XX P XX P P P P P 9 90%
SEPULVEDA, YOLANDA
DISTRICT 3 A P XX A P NQ XX 2 50%
HILL, DANIEL
DISTRICT 3 P XX P P P P P 6 100%
SUZUKI, TAKAKO
DISTRICT 6 A P XX P A NQ XX XX P XX P P A P P 7 70%
LEGEND
P - PRESENT
A - EXCUSED ABSENCE
U - UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
XX - CANCELED MEETING
NQ - NO QUORUM
CO-19 - CANCELLED DUE TO
INFORMATION ITEMS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND WORK PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR:
c. Commission on the Status of Women*
100 N. Garfield Ave., Room N255 ∙ P.O. Box 7115 ∙ Pasadena, CA 91109-7215 (626) 744-4386 ∙ Fax (626) 744-6698
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
September 1, 2025
TO: City Council
FROM: Commission on the Status of Women
SUBJECT: Annual Report – July 2024 through June 2025 and Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Recommendation:
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
Attached are the following:
• Report of Accomplishments for July 10, 2024, through June 21, 2025 • Report of Commission Attendance for July 10, 2024, through June 21, 2025 • Work Plan for July 2, 2025, through June 3, 2026
The attached documents were reviewed and approved by the Commission on the Status of Women at our special meeting on June 21, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Vanessa F. Rodriguez, Chair
Commission on the Status of Women
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 2 City of Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women
Report of Accomplishments: 07/10/2024 – 06/11/2025
Mission:
The purpose of the commission is to advise the council on the special needs and concerns of women of all ages, races, religions, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and economic and social circumstances.
The commission shall:
1. Study and examine conditions which indicate discrimination or prejudice encountered by women;
2. Recommend policies, procedures, programs and legislation to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women in the city;
3. Consult with other public agencies and commissions on matters relevant to the commission.
FY 2024-2025 Ad Hoc Committees:
Ad Hoc Committee re:Objective #1: Advise City Council
Ad Hoc Committee re:Objective #2: Empower Women
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 3 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #1 – Advise City Council
Objective Purpose: Promote economic equity & opportunity for women with a focus on marginalized groups.
Commissioners: Thompson (lead), Allen, Harrington Roggero, Castellón
Action Items:
• Ongoing - Monitor the progress and response from the City to the Commission’s recommendation regarding privacy in campaign literature. • Completed - Raise awareness about the gender pay gap in order to promote adoption of the California Equal Pay Pledge by City Council and business community.
• Completed - Explore ways to gather community input to inform policy positions such as listening sessions, surveys or a community meeting. • Completed - Meet with individual City Councilmembers and relevant City Council Committee members.
• Completed - Connect with subject-matter experts at monthly commission meetings.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioners Thompson, Allen, and Harrington Roggero to the Advise City Council ad hoc committee.
• Commissioner Castellón stated she will abstain from being on this committee as she is unable to get an appointment with the Mayor’s office. • Commissioner Thibault stated she will reach out to her contact at the City of Glendale to schedule a presentation by their Commission on the Status of Women.
August 2024:
• Commissioner Thibault reported she confirmed the presentation from the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women for the September 6 meeting and provided the contact information to Staff (Whitmore).
• Chair Rodriguez requested a presentation to the Commission regarding the California Equal Pay Pledge.
• The ad hoc committee recommended adding the following action item to the objective:
o Monitor the progress and response from the City to the Commission’s recommendation regarding privacy in campaign literature. • The Commission signed up to observe City Council meetings from August – December 2024.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 4 September 2024:
• The Commission received a presentation from the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women and Girls regarding the Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Glendale, Equal Pay Pledge, and the Strategic Goals of the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women.
• Commissioner Thompson reported she received the Pay Equity Initiative packet of information from the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and will review the information with the ad hoc committee. • Commissioner Thompson recommended the Commission receive a presentation from a representative from the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to assist the Commission with promoting the adoption of the California Equal Pay Pledge by the City Council and local business community. • The Commission discussed following Federal and State legislation to determine if the legislation pertains to the work of the Commission. Staff (Lopez) will verify if the Commission is able to have a presentation from the City’s lobbyist to provide information about monitoring legislation.
• Commissioner Thompson agreed to start following legislation that may affect women locally.
• Vice Chair Harrington Roggero stated the Commission should follow legislation that relates to the recommendations included in the Report on the Status of Women in Pasadena.
• Commissioner Castellón encouraged the Commission to talk with their Councilmember about the letter of recommendation regarding privacy in campaign literature since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. • Commissioner Castellón reported she attended the City Council meetings on Monday, August 19 and August 26 and provided information that pertained to the work of the Commission.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Thompson provided the following updates regarding the California Equal Pay Pledge:
o She confirmed the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is able to meet with the ad hoc committee virtually to give more information about the Equal Pay Pledge and find out what the Commission can do to promote the pledge to Pasadena businesses and the City. o The meeting date has not been scheduled as of yet and she will provide an update once the date has been confirmed.
• The ad hoc committee requested a presentation from the Human Resources Department regarding an update on the recommendations included in the 2021 Report on the Status of Women in Pasadena that relate to City policies. • Staff (Lopez) requested the ad hoc committee develop specific questions on the topic that she can share with the Director of Human Resources to coordinate the presentation.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 5 • Commissioner Thibault stated she listened to the City Council meetings on Monday, September 23 and September 30 and reported the City Council recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the meeting on September 30.
• The Commission requested Staff (Lopez) confirm if the City Council will recognize Women’s History Month in February 2025, Equal Pay Pledge in March 2025 and Sexual Violence Awareness Month /Denim Day in April 2025 and request the Commission be included in the acknowledgement during the appropriate City Council meeting.
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioner Santell to the Advise City Council ad hoc committee.
November 2024:
• Commissioner Thompson reported the ad hoc committee met virtually with representatives from the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls on Wednesday, October 30 to discuss the Equal Pay Pledge Initiative and recommended the ad hoc committee members share the information with the Commission at the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 4. • Staff (Lopez) shared information she received from Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn, Director of Human Resources, regarding the percentage of and median salary for women working for the City.
• Staff (Lopez) reported the Human Resources Department is currently working on updating the Equal Opportunity in Employment Annual Report and will send the report to Staff (Lopez) when it is submitted for review to the City Council. • Commissioner Thompson reported the ad hoc committee drafted a follow up letter to the City Council regarding the Commission’s letter pertaining to privacy in campaign literature and recommended Chair Rodriguez send the letter to the City Council to request consideration of their request. • Staff (Osborne) reported the letter pertaining to privacy in campaign literature was sent to the City Council in April 2024. She recommended the Commission approve the Chair and Vice Chair to attend an upcoming meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee when the Commission’s Annual Report is being reviewed or the City Council meeting to provide public comment regarding the Commission’s request.
• The Commission discussed the options to follow up on the letter and agreed to the following:
o Commissioners are encouraged to contact their Councilmember to express appreciation for their support of the Light A Candle event to help bring awareness of the issue of Domestic Violence and to request consideration of their recommendation regarding privacy in campaign literature, as it relates to protecting victims of domestic violence.
o Chair Rodriguez, Vice Chair Harrington Roggero and members of the ad hoc committee will attend the December meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee and speak during public comment to encourage consideration of the letter provided to the City Council pertaining to privacy in campaign literature by the City Council.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 6 • Staff (Lopez) will notify the Commission of the date of the Legislative Policy Committee meeting and confirm the number of members that can attend the meeting.
December 2024:
• Staff (Lopez) reported the Commission was notified on Monday, December 2 that the Legislative Policy Committee was scheduled to review the Commission’s Annual Report at their meeting on Tuesday, December 3.
• Vice Chair Harrington Roggero and Commissioner Castellón stated they virtually attended the Legislative Policy Committee and reported the Committee did not discuss the Commission letter pertaining to privacy in campaign literature during the review of the Commission’s Annual Report.
• The Commission discussed other options to follow up regarding the letter pertaining to privacy in campaign literature, including attending a City Council meeting to speak during public comment and contacting their Councilmember to discuss the recommendation.
• The Commission signed up to observe the City Council meetings from January – March 2025.
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• The Commission received a presentation from Vice Chair Harrington Roggero and Commissioner Thompson regarding the gender pay gap and the California Equal Pay Pledge initiative championed by Governor Newsom’s Office of the First Partner and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to help close the pay gap in California.
• The ad hoc committee requested Staff (Lopez) to schedule a presentation from a representative from the City’s Human Resources Department to discuss the Equal Pay Pledge at the March 5 meeting. The ad hoc committee will send an email to Staff (Lopez) with the specific topics for the presentation. • Chair Rodriquez appointed Commissioner Castellón to the Advise City Council ad hoc committee.
• Vice Chair Harrington Roggero reported she virtually attended the City Council meetings on Monday, December 9 and Monday, December 16 and provided an update on items that pertained to the work of the Commission. • Chair Rodriguez requested the ad hoc committee explore the need for child care providers in Pasadena, and if the Commission needs to make a recommendation to the City council regarding the need in Pasadena.
March 2025:
• Commissioner Thompson reported the ad hoc committee met on Monday, February 24 to discuss the action items for the objective.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 7 • Commissioner Thompson stated the ad hoc committee would like to distribute information regarding the Equal Pay Pledge to the attendees at the HERstory event on Thursday, March 13. The Commission discussed different options on how to distribute the information and gather contact information to follow up with individuals that may be interested in learning more about the issue.
Commissioner Thompson will create an information sheet regarding the Equal Pay Pledge to Staff (Lopez) for approval and to print copies for distribution at the event.
• The ad hoc committee recommended a change to an action item as follows:
o Encourage community participation through hosting one listening session to inform policy positions.
• Commissioner Castellón reported she virtually attended the Legislative Policy Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 4 and reported the Committee discussed training and term limits for Commissioners.
• Commissioner Thibault reported she virtually attended the City Council meetings on February 3 and February 10 and reported the City Council did not discuss any items that pertained to the work of the Commission.
• The Commission signed up to observe the City Council meetings from April - June 2025.
• Chair Rodriguez requested the ad hoc committee discuss the following and provide an update at the meeting on April 2:
o Information regarding term limits for the Commission
o How to formalize and document communication with Councilmembers to report updates regarding the work of the Commission and follow up on Commission recommendations to the City Council.
April 2025:
• The Commission received a presentation from Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn regarding the City’s efforts to address gender equity and gender pay gaps in City employment and the Equal Pay Pledge.
• Commissioner Thompson reported the ad hoc committee prepared information material about the Equal Pay Pledge, including postcards, to distribute at HERStory. The Commission discussed how to follow up to encourage the HERStory attendees to sign the pledge.
• Commissioner Thompson stated the ad hoc committee will be contacting City Councilmembers to discuss the Equal Pay Pledge and requested guidance from Staff (Lopez) on the process to submit a recommendation from the Commission to City Council.
• Commissioner Castellón informed the Commission that there are several different observed Equal Pay Days, such as Mother’s Equal Pay Day, LGBTQ Equal Pay Day and Latina Equal Pay Day that can be linked to the promotion of the Equal Pay Pledge.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 8 • The ad hoc committee recommended a change to an action item as follows:
o Explore ways to gather community input to inform policy positions such as listening sessions, surveys or a community meeting.
• Staff (Lopez) stated the City is offering training for Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs and that the recent email sent to the Commission was sent in error.
May 2025:
• Staff (Lopez) stated the City is offering training for Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs and that the recent email sent to the Commission was sent in error. • The ad hoc committee recommended changes to action items as follows:
o Raise awareness about the gender pay gap in order to promote adoption of the California Equal Pay Pledge by City Council and business community.
o Meet with individual City Councilmembers on relevant issues. o Move action item #5 – Monitor the progress and response from the City to the Commission’s recommendation regarding privacy in campaign literature to #1
June 2025: No updates.
Status: Completed
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 9 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2 – Empower Women
Objective Purpose: Build relationships with community members and disseminate information to the public about the issues disproportionately affecting women.
Commissioners: Thibault (lead), Aceves, Peralta, Perez
Action Items:
• Completed - Promote awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Candlelight Vigil (October 2024)
• Discontinued - Organize Speed Networking (upskill, resources) • Completed - Organize HERstory event with focus on economic equity (March 2024)
• Completed - Partner with other City and community leaders to promote financial literacy and related economic issues
• Completed - Promote Denim Day (April 2025)
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioners Castellón, Santell and Thibault to the Empower Women ad hoc committee.
• Commissioner Thompson stated she would reach out to domestic violence shelters (Shepherd’s Door or YWCA) for a presentation on services they offer to domestic violence victims in preparation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Candlelight Vigil.
• Commissioner Santell stated she would reach out to the Pasadena Police Department about doing a presentation on handling situations where there are victims of domestic violence.
• Commissioner Allen stated she would reach out to her department’s Victim Advocates to do a presentation on services they offer for victims of domestic violence.
August 2024:
• Commissioner Castellón reported the ad hoc committee met on Thursday, August 1 and provided the following update:
o The ad hoc committee contacted Peace Over Violence and the YWCA Glendale & Pasadena to verify activities planned by the organizations to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
• The Commission discussed potential dates for the Candlelight Vigil and suggested Thursday, October 24 or Tuesday, October 29. The ad hoc committee will advise Peace Over Violence of the potential dates and confirm their availability to participate in the event.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 10 September 2024:
• Commissioner Castellón reported the ad hoc committee met on Friday, August 30 and Tuesday, September 3 to discuss the Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil scheduled for Thursday, October 24, from 6 – 7:00 P.M. at Pasadena City Hall and provided the following updates:
o The ad hoc committee met with representatives from YWCA Glendale and Pasadena, and Peace Over Violence to coordinate marketing for the event and discussed a title for the event that would be inviting and empowering. o Commissioner Aceves is creating an event flyer to distribute to the community.
o The ad hoc committee is working to identify domestic violence survivors to speak during the event and the YWCA has agreed to provide an honorarium to the speaker.
o The committee is following up on a video created by Shepherd’s Door that includes stories from domestic violence survivors to determine if it is appropriate to show during the event.
o Commissioners were asked to arrive at 5:30 P.M. on the day of the event to provide assistance with set up and during the event.
• Commissioner Thibault reported that Senator Portantino’s office is donating the use of a PA system for the event.
• Commissioner Thibault asked Staff (Lopez) about the protocol for inviting Mayor Gordo, City Councilmembers, and other local officials to attend and/or speak at the event. Staff (Lopez) will follow up to provide the information to the ad hoc committee.
• Commissioner Castellón asked if KPAS can record and/or provide live coverage of the event. Staff (Lopez) will contact Pasadena Media to verify if they are able to provide the requested coverage for the event.
• Staff (Lopez) requested the ad hoc committee send her the proposed budget for the event and stated she will follow up with the ad hoc committee regarding the approved expenditures.
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioner Aceves to the Empower Women ad hoc committee.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Santell requested to be removed from the Empower Women ad hoc committee.
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioner Peralta to the Empower Women ad hoc committee.
• Commissioner Castellón reported the ad hoc committee met on Friday, September 27 and provided the following updates regarding the Candlelight Vigil event:
o The Commission is partnering with Peace Over Violence, Shepherd’s Door, and the YWCA Glendale & Pasadena to host the event.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 11 o Der Wolf has agreed to provide the refreshments for the event. o Requested Commissioners wear purple and arrive by 5:30 P.M. if they are planning to attend the event.
• Commissioner Thibault provided the following updates regarding the marketing of the event:
o Commission Aceves created the event flyer which has been approved by the City and includes a link to RSVP for the event.
o The flyer was shared with the community partners and other organizations for distribution to their network.
o The City will provide printed copies of the flyer, and the Commission will be notified when they are ready to be picked up for distribution within the community.
o The City will distribute the press release to local media and the flyer will be posted on the City’s social media pages.
o Commissioner Peralta created a design to use on a retractable banner for the Commission for the Candlelight Vigil and future Commission events. o Email invitations were sent to Mayor Gordo, Councilmembers, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and State Senator Anthony Portantino. State Senator Portantino and Councilmember Rivas replied they will attend the event and requested to speak during the program. The Council Liaisons for each council district stated they will include information in the district newsletters.
November 2024:
• The Commission held the Light A Candle event on Thursday, October 24 to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. • Commissioner Castellon thanked everyone that attended and assisted with the event.
• Commissioner Thibault provided the following comments regarding the event:
o There were approximately 100 people attending the event, which was an increase of the number that attended the event in 2023. o Attendees included Mayor Victor Gordo, Councilmembers Jason Lyon, Justin Jones, and Jessica Rivas; Volunteers and staff from the event partners Peace Over Violence, Shepherd’s Door, and the YWCA Glendale & Pasadena; and students from Pasadena Polytechnic School’s Feminist Club and Harmony for Hope quartet.
o Marketing for the event included a press release sent to local media by the City Public Information Office that resulted in articles appearing in Pasadena Now before and after the event.
o The program included two survivors of domestic violence who shared their personal stories, which were emotional, but showed that domestic violence can happen to anyone.
o Community members were asked to RSVP for the event which created a list of names and contact information that the Commission can utilize to invite to future events.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 12 • Commissioner Thibault read an email she received from Tunisia Offray, Co- Director/Vice President of Shepherd’s Door, thanking the Commission for hosting a successful event.
• The ad hoc committee deemed the following action item completed for FY 2024 – 2025:
o Promote awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Candlelight Vigil (October)
• Commissioner Castellon stated she needs to step down as the lead for the ad hoc committee due to her school schedule.
December 2024:
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioner Thibault as the lead of the Empower Women ad hoc committee
• Commissioner Thibault provided the following updates for Herstory 2025 that the ad hoc committee discussed at their meeting on Wednesday, December 4:
o Tentative dates are Thursday, March 6 or March 13
o The Learning Center at All Saints Church is available on either date and will provide a larger space for the event including more room for tables for community partners.
o The theme for this year’s event in Financial Literacy which can include information about the Pay Equity Pledge Initiative. The ad hoc committee will continue to work to develop the concept including identifying a potential panel or keynote speakers.
o The ad hoc committee is researching potential sponsors for the event and asked Staff (Lopez) to provide information regarding the City’s policy regarding sponsorships for events.
• Staff (Lopez) provided general parameters for co-sponsorship for City events and will get additional information to share with the ad hoc committee. • Chair Rodriguez requested Staff (Lopez) set up a meeting with the City Public Information Officer for the ad hoc committee to discuss marketing for the event.
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Commissioner Thibault stated the ad hoc committee met on Wednesday, February 5 and refocused the theme and format for the HERstory event due to the impact of the Eaton Fire and provided the following update:
o The event will be held on Thursday, March 13 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at All Saints Church.
o The event theme is “Mastering Money: Financial Resilience for Women” o The format will be a mini conference with three sessions on the topics of budgeting and tax filing, banking basics, and financial planning. o Resource tables will be offered to community partners that can provide services related to financial literacy.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 13 o Pasadena Federal Credit Union is a sponsor for the event and will cover the cost of the refreshments for the event.
• Commissioner Castellón stepped down from the Empower Women ad hoc committee.
• Chair Rodriguez appointed Commissioner Perez to the Empower Women ad hoc committee
March 2025:
• Commissioner Thibault provided the following updates regarding the HERstory event scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025:
o Shared the flyer for the event with the Commission and stated the event will be held at All Saints Church in the Learning Center from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. o Reported 125 individuals have registered to attend the event and the Learning Center capacity is 300.
o The room will be set up with seating configured theater style with resource tables around the perimeter of the room for the community partners. o The schedule will include three mini sessions on the topics of budgeting and tax filing, banking basics, and financial planning and include a 30- minute break for networking.
o State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Mayor Victor Gordo will welcome the attendees and provide opening remarks prior to the sessions. o Pasadena Media will videotape the event and share it online via YouTube o Event sponsors include Pasadena Federal Credit Union (refreshments), County of Los Angeles Supervisor Kathryn Barger (translation services), and the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation (event signage, printing and gifts for presenters). In addition, American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation services are being provided as an in-kind donation.
o Requested assistance from Staff (Lopez) to purchase bottled water and tablecloths and to provide a projector and projector screen for the event. o Stated the ad hoc committee needs assistance from the Commission at the event as greeters, distributing the Equal Pay Pledge information and at the registration table. She requested that Commissioners arrive by 4:00 P.M. if they can, to assist with the event.
• Commissioner Castellón requested a link to the YouTube video be uploaded to the Commission webpage along with the video from the prior HERstory events.
Staff (Lopez) will work with the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) to confirm if the webpage can include the additional links.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Thibault expressed her appreciation to the Commission and staff for attending and supporting the HERStory event. She reported there were over 100 participants and stated she received very positive feedback from the community and event partners.
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 14 • The Commissioners shared their assessment of the HERStory event and expressed appreciation to Commissioner Thibault for taking the lead in planning the event.
• Commissioner Thibault reported Pasadena Media provided the video from the event and asked Staff (Lopez) to verify if the video can be uploaded to the Commission webpage. Staff stated she will follow up with the Department of Technology (DoIt).
• Commissioner Thibault stated the ad hoc committee sent follow up emails to the event attendees to request feedback about the event and shared that 48.5% reported they learned about the event through the City’s social media, 22% reported they learned about the event through personal invitations. • Commissioner Castellón encouraged the Commission partner with other organizations and agencies to assist with planning the events such as HERStory and the Domestic Violence Awareness events.
• Staff (Lopez) reported the City Council will recognize Denim Day at an upcoming meeting and will notify the Commission once she confirms the date of the meeting.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Thibault sent out a second follow up email to the attendees of the HERStory event sharing resources from their partners.
• Commissioner Thibault commended PRCS for their Denim Day promotion leading up to the day and on the day itself.
• Commissioner Thompson and a few other Commissioners attended the City Council meeting on April 14th to accept the proclamation for Denim Day • The ad hoc committee recommended changes to action items as follows:
o Discontinue: Organize Speed Networking (upskill, resources.) o Partner with other City and community leaders
June 2025: No updates.
Status: Completed
CSW Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 15 Commissioner Sign-Up to Observe City Council Meetings
July 2024:
1st – Cancelled
8th – Missed
15th – Missed
22nd – Missed
29th – Missed
August 2024:
5th – To be cancelled
12th – To be cancelled
19th – Castellón
26th – Castellón
September 2024:
2nd – To be cancelled
9th – Rodriguez
16th – Rodriguez
23rd – Thibault
30th – Thibault
October 2024:
7th – Aceves
14th – To be cancelled
21st – Aceves
28th – Santell
November 2024:
4th – To be cancelled
11th – To be cancelled
18th – Santell
25th – Allen
December 2024:
2nd – To be cancelled
9th – Harrington Roggero
16th – Harrington Roggero
23rd – To be cancelled
30th – To be cancelled
January 2025:
6th – Cancelled
13th – Rodriguez
20th – Cancelled
27th – Rodriguez
February 2025:
3rd – Thibault
10th – Cancelled
17th – Cancelled
24th – Thibault
March 2025:
4th – Cancelled
11th – Harrington Roggero
18th – Dhanifu
25th – TBD
April 2025:
1st – to be cancelled
8th – Rodriguez
15th – Rodriguez
22nd – to be cancelled
29th – Castellón
May 2025:
6th – Thibault
13th – Thompson
20th – Thompson
27th – to be cancelled
29th – Lacey
June 2025:
3rd – Lacey
10th – Allen
17th – Allen
24th – to be cancelled
CSW Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 16 Commission on the Status of Women
Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025
July 2024:
• No presentation
August 2024:
• No presentation
September 2024:
• Presentation on the Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Glendale, Equal Pay Pledge, and Strategic Goals of the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women - Diane Lambillotte, Chair, Glendale Commission on the Status of Women, Dr. Suzie Abajian, Ph.D., City Clerk, City of Glendale and Dr. Sophia Armen, City of Glendale
• Presentation from Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office regarding the criminal justice system, domestic violence, and the victims of crimes program – Robin Allen, Deputy District Attorney
October 2024:
• Presentation from Shepherd’s Door regarding services they offer to victims of domestic violence – Linda Offray, Executive Director
• Presentation by the Pasadena Police Department Special Victims Unit on assisting victims of domestic violence – Detective Brandon Marshall Davis and Detective Kimberly Jones
November 2024:
• Commission Training by the City of Pasadena City Attorney’s Office – Arnold Lee, Assistant City Attorney
• Presentation from a community member regarding her personal journey experiencing homelessness and services available for women in Pasadena – Suzanne Lee, Community Member and Leslie White, Community Advocate and Board Member, Friends in Deed
December 2024:
• No presentation
January 2025
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Presentation regarding the gender pay gap and the California Equal Pay Pledge initiative championed by Governor Newsom’s Office of the First Partner and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to help close the pay gap in California – Vice Chair Maura Harrington Roggero and Commissioner Jill Thompson
CSW Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 17 March 2025:
• No presentation
April 2025:
• Presentation from the City of Pasadena Human Resources Department to discuss the City’s efforts to address gender equity and gender pay gaps in City employment and the Equal Pay Pledge – Tiffany Jacobs-Quinn, Director of Human Resources.
May 2025:
• No presentation scheduled
June 2025: Annual Meeting
(updates approved April 2, 2025)
CSW Meeting Attendance Record FY 2024-2025. Approved June 21, 2025. 18 City of Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women
Meeting Attendance Record for FY 2024-2025
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD
July 2024 - June 2025
MEMBERS
07/17/24 SPECIAL08/07/24 REGULAR09/04/24 REGULAR10/02/24 REGULAR11/06/24 REGULAR12/04/24 REGULAR01/01/25 REGULAR01/08/25 Special 02/05/25 REGULAR03/05/25 REGULAR04/02/25 REGULAR05/07/25 REGULAR06/21/25 SPECIAL TOTAL
MEETINGS
ATTENDED
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
PERCENTAGE
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ
(District 5) P P P P P P XX XX P P A P P 10 90.91%
MAURA HARRINGTON ROGGERO
(District 6) A P P P P P XX XX P A A P P 8 72.73%
MARIA GUADALUPE CASTELLON
(Mayor) P P P P P P XX XX P P P A P 10 90.91%
ZIANDRY PERALTA
(District 1) P P P P XX XX P P P A P 8 88.89%
ROBIN ALLEN
(District 2) P P P A P P XX XX A P P P P 9 81.82%
JILL THOMPSON
(District 3) P A P P P A XX XX P P P P P 9 81.82%
GABRIELA PEREZ
(District 4) P A P P P 4 80.00%
CRYSTAL ACEVES
(District 7) P P P P P XX XX P P P P P 10 100.00%
JENNIFER THIBAULT
(At Large/D7) P P P P P P XX XX P P P P A 10 90.91%
KIM SANTELL
(District 4) P P P P P A 5 83.33%
ALICIA DHANIFU
(District 1) P 1 100.00%
LEGEND Total Meetings Held 11
P - PRESENT
A - EXCUSED ABSENCE
U - UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
XX - CANCELED MEETING
NQ - NO QUORUM
CSW Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 21, 2025. 19
City of Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women
Work Plan: 07/02/2025 – 06/03/2026
Mission:
The purpose of the commission is to advise the council on the special needs and concerns of women of all ages, races, religions, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and economic and social circumstances.
The commission shall:
1. Study and examine conditions which indicate discrimination or prejudice encountered by women;
2. Recommend policies, procedures, programs, and legislation to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women in the city;
3. Consult with other public agencies and commissions on matters relevant to the commission.
FY 2024-2025 Ad Hoc Committees:
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1: Advise City Council
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2: Empower Women
CSW Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 21, 2025. 20
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Advise and Inform Decision Makers
Objective Purpose: To be determined.
Commissioners: Harrington Roggero, Allen, Thompson, Castellón Action Items:
• Advocate for the Commission’s recommendation regarding privacy in campaign literature.
• Collect and promote citywide data to advise on economic conditions experienced by women.
• Advocate for city adoption of the California Equal Pay Pledge by the city council and the business community
• Petition City to recognize Equal Pay Day and invite CSW to receive a proclamation (March 25, 2026)
• Learn from subject-matter experts through presentations at monthly commission meetings
• Update city council members on ongoing policy matters Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Meeting Cancelled
August 2025:
• Commissioner Thompson gave the following updates:
o The committee met on July 16 and July 24 to begin planning for the year, including themed commission meetings with community partners and public comment, with the goal of using input to inform recommendations to City Council and city departments while exploring strategies to build community awareness and identify supporters who can assist with outreach.
o Commission members have contacted city council and are planning a follow-up with the Director of Human Resources to continue earlier discussions and explore collaboration.
o The committee is drafting a letter outlining its recommendations for adoption of the California Equal Pay Pledge for commission review and approval and plans to use the months leading up to Equal Pay Day in March to promote it through city council meetings and other channels. o The committee also plans to ask City Council to formally recognize Equal Pay Day in March 2026 as the Commission’s designated event, using the opportunity to encourage adoption of the California Equal Pay Pledge by that date, and to table at the Latino Heritage Parade and Festival event in October, which aligns with Latina Equal Pay Day. At that event, they will
CSW Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 21, 2025. 21
share materials on pay equity for Latinas, engage attendees in Spanish, and may partner with groups like the Pasadena Job Center. o The committee discussed the possibility of a candlelight vigil with community partners for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
They propose dedicating the October 1st meeting to the topic of women’s safety and domestic violence, with brief presentations and expanded public comment to help launch the month and promote the upcoming vigil. • Commissioner Peralta proposed revising the October 1st agenda to move directly into guest presentations and extended public comment after roll call and minutes. The Commission would vote to modify the order of the agenda at the meeting’s start. The goal is to create space for public engagement without needing to organize a separate event.
• Commissioner Thompson suggested collecting community input at the October 1 commission meeting and summarizing key themes and recommendations. The summary would be shared with City Council during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and used as a foundation for advocacy efforts throughout the year.
• Commissioners discussed the possibility of securing a larger space for the October meeting, and Staff (Lopez) will assist.
• Commissioner Thompson expressed concern about hosting both a public listening session and a candlelight vigil on domestic violence in the same month, noting it may be too much to ask of community members and partner organizations. She suggested reconsidering whether the vigil is the most effective approach and indicated openness to focusing efforts on the October meeting instead.
• Chair Rodriguez noted broad interest in the discussion and recommended the Commission revisit plans for the October meeting and candlelight vigil in September, allowing time to assess logistics and determine whether to proceed with one or both events.
• Commissioner Castellón asked if the city could promote Latina Equal Pay Day on its social media platforms for October 8. Staff (Lopez) said she would follow up on the request.
• Staff (Lopez) also shared that the bilingual version of the Equal Pay Pledge postcard is pending final approval. Once finalized, 250 copies will be printed on cardstock, four per page, as previously discussed.
Status:
CSW Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 21, 2025. 22
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2 – Strengthen Community Partnership and Engagement
Objective Purpose: To drive community engagement and awareness through signature events, strategic partnerships, and inclusive participation in commission-led initiatives.
Commissioners: Peralta, Perez, Aceves, Thibault
Action Items:
• Facilitate Domestic Violence Awareness event (October) • Present annual HERStory event (March 2026)
• Actively promote community participation in select commission meetings • Engage with the community by attending partners’ activities and tabling at major city events
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Meeting Cancelled
August 2025:
• The committee reviewed the initial budget for the HERStory event scheduled for March 2026. Preliminary discussions also took place regarding the Domestic Violence candlelight vigil in October. Planning is ongoing and will continue in September.
• The ad hoc committee recommended a change to an action item as follows:
o Facilitate Domestic Violence Awareness event (October) • Commissioner Thibault asked if the Commission could receive a list of major city events. Staff (Lopez) responded that PRCS maintains a special events calendar for the year and offered to circulate it for review or provide a copy upon request.
Status:
CSW Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026. Approved June 21, 2025 23 Commission on the Status of Women
Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026
Possible Presentations:
• Presentation from the National Day Laborer Organization Network on the impact on immigrant women in Pasadena (Castellón)
July 2025:
• Meeting Cancelled
August 2025:
• No presentation.
September 2025:
• Presentation from the National Day Laborer Organization Network on immigration policies affecting women in Pasadena – Swany Barahona, organizer at the Pasadena Job Center
October 2025:
• Presentations from Domestic Violence advocates – Presenters TBD (Thompson) November 2025:
• No presentation scheduled.
December 2025:
•
January 2026:
•
February 2026:
•
March 2026:
•
April 2026:
•
May 2026:
•
June 2026: Annual Meeting
(updates approved August 6, 2025)
INFORMATION ITEMS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND WORK PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR:
d. Environmental Advisory Commission*
July 8, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION CHAIR
SUBJECT: ANNUAL REPORT: JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025 AND WORK PLAN: JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
Attached is the following:
• Annual Report of Accomplishments for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; • Proposed Work Plan for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; and • Report of Commission Attendance for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
The Environmental Advisory Commission discussed the Annual Report at its regular meeting on July 8, 2025. The Commission reviewed its accomplishments for the past year and formulated its Work Plan items for the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Siegel, Chair
Environmental Advisory Commission
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
ANNUAL REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS: JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025 AND WORK PLAN: JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026
BACKGROUND:
As set forth in the Municipal Code, the primary function of the Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) is to provide policy advice to the City Council for promoting environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in accordance with the City’s adopted Environmental Charter, the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan, and other related environmental policies adopted by the City Council.
The Commission consists of nine members with each Councilmember appointing one member and the Mayor appointing two members. See Attachment A for a roster of Commission members for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025. Members serve on several committees. See Attachment A for a roster of committees. Members are appointed for three years and may be reappointed to serve a maximum of six years.
On June 11, 2024, the Commission elected Lauren Siegel as Chair and Laura Fleming as Vice-Chair to serve until the end of the 2025 fiscal year. On June 10, 2025, the Commission re-elected Lauren Siegel as Chair and elected Mark Sanborn as Vice-Chair to serve until the end of the 2026 fiscal year
The EAC meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings are held in the Hale Building Hearing Room located at 175 N Garfield Ave. Over this past fiscal year, the Commission met 11 times. Please see Attachment B for the FY 2025 Attendance Record of each Commissioner.
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
ANNUAL REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS – JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025
1. Energy
a. Monitor implementation of City environmental objectives related to energy, including Carbon-free by 2030 goal of City of Pasadena Resolution 9977 and including those objectives contained in the Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of the Climate Action Plan, including but not limited to energy rates, and building decarbonization.
b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding environmental policy matters related to energy, as consistent with the Charter.
c. Participate in Optimized Energy Plan Technical Advisory Panel through EAC representation and engage in other relevant groups where appropriate. d. Coordinate with relevant commissions and stakeholders to improve and promote environmental objectives related to strategies listed in the CAP and updated CAP, including but not limited to energy efficiency, energy conservation, residential and commercial renewable energy programs and EV charging stations. e. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to environmental policy matters related to energy.
STATUS: ON-GOING
Chair Siegel is appointed to the Technical Advisory Panel for the Optimized Strategic Plan by PWP Director David Reyes to represent the Environmental Advisory Commission.
On July 9, 2024, Assistant General Manager, Kelly Nguyen presented on the Pasadena Water and Power Clean Energy Tracker with a breakdown on the plans and progress of achieving carbon-free energy through solar and battery energy storage.
On September 10, 2024, Assistant General Manager, Kelly Nguyen and Nick Schlag from Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc (E3) gave a well-detailed updated on the development of the Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP) for Pasadena Water and Power. This broke down the steps in different phases to achieve the overall results with the Final Report and Action Plan.
On November 12, 2024 Assistant General Manager, Kelly Nguyen and Nick Schlag from Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc (E3) returned with another update on the continued process of the Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP) for Pasadena Water and Power.
This included technical analysis of the preparatory studies, portfolio development, and the impact assessment.
On November 12, 2024, Customer Program Manager, Gordon Algermissen gave a presentation to the EAC on the many programs that PWP is currently offering and some coming soon. These included public benefit programs, commercial programs, residential programs, low-income assistance programs, and future solar and energy storage programs.
On December 10, 2024, Chair Siegel initiated an interactive discussion in regard to the Solar and Demand Response section of the Optimized Strategic Plan. This served as an opportunity for the Commissioners to address some concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and bring forth important issues.
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
On March 11, 2025, Assistant General Manager, Kelly Nguyen and Mike Sontag from Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc (E3) returned with another update on the continued process of the Optimized Strategic Plan (OSP) for Pasadena Water and Power.
This presentation covered the Plan’s outline, strategies for a reliable electricity system, transmission limitations, and options for internal generation.
On June 10, 2025, the EAC Commissioners finalized and voted to approve a letter to the Municipal Services Committee on the Optimized Strategic Plan for Climate Resolution 9977. This letter was drafted to urge the Council to install 75 MW municipal solar by 2030, deploy 125 MW storage at Glenarm with rebates, launch demand response for large commercial customers, and adopt building performance standards for existing buildings.
On June 23, 2025, this letter was sent to the City Clerk’s office with the intention of being heard at the June 24, 2025 MSC Meeting and reach the Council members.
2. Waste Reduction
a. Monitor implementation of City solid waste reduction objectives, including those contained in the State of California SB 1383, Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of the Climate Action Plan.
b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding environmental policy matters related to solid waste, as consistent with the Charter. c. Evaluate community educational strategies for creating awareness for expanding composting and recycling infrastructure for residents, commercial, and events. d. Coordinate with relevant commissions and stakeholders to improve and promote environmental objectives related to solid waste.
e. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to environmental policy matters related to solid waste.
STATUS: ON-GOING
On March 11, 2025, Management Analyst IV, Gabriel Silva from Public Works presented to the EAC on Pasadena’s organics recycling efforts under SB1383, highlighting food and yard waste diversion progress, slow rollout of composting hubs in parks, and new contamination education initiatives. He also reported on Public Works’ cleanup response to recent wildfire and windstorm events, demonstrating the city’s continued commitment to sustainability and disaster resilience.
3. Urban Design
a. Monitor implementation of City urban sustainability objectives related to urban design and land use, including those contained in the Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of the Climate Action Plan, General Use Plan and Specific Plans.
b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding urban sustainability policy matters related to urban design and land use, including but not limited to artificial turf as consistent with the Charter.
c. Coordinate with relevant commissions and stakeholders to improve and promote urban sustainability objectives related to urban design and land use, including but not limited to General Use Plan, Specific Plans, 710 stub and updates to Building Code related to sustainability and climate adaptation.
d. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to urban sustainability matters related to urban design and land use policy.
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
STATUS: ON-GOING
On April 8, 2025, Jesse De Anda, City Building Official from Planning & Community Development presented an overview of energy requirements for new single-family homes, focusing on California’s sustainability laws, including Title 24 and the 2022 Energy Codes.
He emphasized the push for electric heat pumps, expanded solar photovoltaic mandates, and new battery-ready storage standards. The presentation also clarified compliance methods, performance benchmarks, and key local ordinances shaping residential energy efficiency.
4. Preservation and Enhancement of Urban Natural Areas
a. Monitor implementation of City objectives pertaining to the preservation and enhancement of urban natural areas, including those contained in the Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of the Climate Action Plan, including but not limited to protecting and expanding the urban forest, and preserving and expanding greenspace to improve carbon-sequestration, reduce urban heat-island effect and enhance biodiversity through planting native plants and trees. b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding policy matters pertaining to preservation and enhancement of urban natural areas, as consistent with the Charter.
c. Participate in Hahamonga Watershed Park Advisory Committee through EAC representation and engage in other relevant groups where appropriate. d. Coordinate with relevant commissions and stakeholders to improve and promote objectives relating to the preservation and enhancement of urban natural areas. e. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to policy matters relating to preservation and enhancement of urban natural areas.
STATUS: ON-GOING
On August 13, 2024, Water Conservation Manager, Ursula Schmidt presented on the Turf Replacement Rebate rules. This included eligibility for landscape retrofits, requirements and restrictions for new residents, along with water efficiency programs. This topic was prompted by the public’s concerns for Artificial Turf located in schools and public parks.
On September 10, 2024, the EAC Commissioners finalized and voted to approve a letter to Council on Artificial Turf. This letter was drafted following the signing of SB676 that allows cities to ban artificial turf. This letter included information gathered from experts, residents and city staff, urging Pasadena to ban artificial turf in the city. On September 24, 2024, this letter was sent to the City Clerk’s office with the intention of being heard by MSC and City Council members.
On February 11, 2025, the EAC reviewed a letter drafted by Chair Siegel and the Commissioners in support of the Climate Resilience Environmental Education Center (CREEC) and all were in favor to move forward with this letter. On February 18, 2025, this letter was sent to City Council and Financial Committee supporting the revitalization of the Annex in Hahamongna WaterShed Park with the goal of providing climate education, workforce development and community resources.
5. Transportation
a. Monitor implementation of City sustainable mobility and transportation objectives, including those contained in the Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
the Climate Action Plan.
b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding environmental and urban sustainability policy matters related to transportation, as consistent with the Charter.
c. Review and analyze initiatives, plans, and policy matters relating to or affecting vehicle miles traveled.
d. Coordinate with relevant commissions and stakeholders to improve and promote environmental and urban sustainability objectives related to transportation, including but not limited to Bicycle Transportation Plan, Complete Streets Improvement Measures and Pedestrian Plan, Transport Demand Management, Electric Vehicle Charging, EV and Transit Fleet, and Public Transit. e. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to environmental and urban sustainability policy matters related to transportation.
STATUS: ON-GOING
On May 13, 2025, Principal Planner Sebastian Hernandez, from the Department of Transportation provided an overview of the agency’s transition to zero-emission transit in alignment with CARB’s Innovative Clean Transit regulations adopted in December 2024.
6. Environmental Health and Climate Adaptation
a. Monitor implementation of City environmental health objectives, including those contained in the Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of the Climate Action Plan.
b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding environmental health policy matters, as consistent with the Charter, the Environmental Justice Element as part of the General Plan, and Climate Vulnerability Assessment. c. Coordinate with Department of Public Health, relevant commissions, and stakeholders to improve and promote environmental health objectives including but not limited to environmental pollution, extreme heat, fires, destructive storms, droughts and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.
d. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to environmental health policy matters.
STATUS: ON-GOING
On September 10, 2024, Ani Garibyan from Planning and Community Development gave a well-detailed presentation of a new general plan element, which included fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins, with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
On December 10, 2024, following up from the September 10 th presentation, the EAC
Commissioners reviewed a letter that they have been drafting for RFP of Environmental Justice Element, which is a state-mandated document that addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by disadvantage communities. It was temporarily put on hold. Following the Eaton fire, this letter was revised and finalized.
On February 11, 2025, PWP General Manager, David Reyes and Assistant General Manager, Stacie Takeguchi gave a brief background on Pasadena’s swift disaster EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
response to the recent Windstorm and Eaton Wildfire. They gave praise to the PWP and Public Works Departments for maintaining power and water during these extreme cases.
They were able to outline the plans for resilient infrastructure, while highlighting power reliability efforts that were put into motion.
On March 17, 2025, following the Eaton fire, the Environmental Justice Element letter was revised, finalized and sent to City Council.
7. Water
a. Monitor implementation of City environmental objectives related to water, including those contained in the Climate Action Plan and in any updated version of the Climate Action Plan, including but not limited to Water Rates, Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Water Savings Programs to Residents and Commercial including home improvement programs, groundwater, non-potable and greywater systems.
b. Provide feedback to staff and Council regarding environmental policy matters related to water, as consistent with the Charter, Climate Action Plan and updated Climate Action.
c. Evaluate community educational strategies and programs to increase water efficiency and conservation including Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Water Savings Programs to Residents and Commercial, groundwater and non-potable systems.
d. Coordinate with relevant commissions and stakeholders to improve and promote environmental objectives related to water.
e. Create opportunities for stakeholders to be civically engaged as it applies to environmental policy matters related to water.
STATUS: ON-GOING
On August 13, 2024, Water Conservation Manager, Ursula Schmidt gave an overview on the trends of Pasadena Water and Power’s water usage, as well as the state and local conservation actions. This included a breakdown on the current and upcoming Programs/Projects set in motion by the department.
On October 8, 2024, Dawn Petschauer, Storm Program Administrator with Public works gave a presentation on Storm Water Management and Municipal Strategies for addressing pollution. This was essentially a breakdown of the Storm Water Master plan and how the City stays in compliance through regulatory processes.
On December 10, 2024, Commissioner Cutter delivered a presentation from his experience to the State Water Project Tour. This information included challenges that the state is facing with fluctuating water levels and issues with the delta systems being shut down due to major complications.
8. Climate Action Plan
a. Review, monitor, and provide feedback to staff and Council regarding the Climate Action Plan, the RFP for updated Climate Action, related reports and updates to the Climate Action Plan.
b. Review and provide feedback to staff and Council on annual GHG Inventory Report and Climate Action Plan Annual Reports.
c. Work with stakeholders, staff, relevant advisory bodies, relevant commissions, EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
and departments to provide feedback on setting and attaining environmental policy goals, including those to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
STATUS: ON-GOING
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
WORK PLAN – JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026
1. Energy
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on energy policy matters, including the implementation of Resolution 9977 to become a 100% carbon free electric utility by 2030 and policies listed in the Climate Action Plan, including but not limited to greenhouse gas reduction energy rates, energy efficiency incentives and programs, residential and commercial renewable energy programs, electric vehicle charging stations, and building decarbonization. b. Participate in Optimized Energy Plan Technical Advisory Panel through EAC representation and engage in other relevant groups where appropriate.
2. Waste Reduction
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on solid waste policies, including the implementation of Senate Bill 1383 and policies listed in the Climate Action Plan. b. Evaluate community educational strategies for creating awareness for expanding composting and recycling infrastructure for residents, commercial, municipal and events.
3. Urban Design
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on urban design policies to encourage sustainable, high density, mixed-use, transit-oriented communities and infill development, including but not limited to cool roofs, cool pavements, fire resistance landscaping, artificial turf, adaptive reuse, and building performance standards.
4. Preservation and Enhancement of Urban Natural Areas
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on policies pertaining to the preservation and enhancement of urban natural areas including, providing feedback on the Open Space Element of the General Plan, preserving and expanding the urban forest and tree canopy, and preserving and expanding greenspace to improve carbon- sequestration, reduce urban heat- island effect and enhance biodiversity through planting native plants and trees.
b. Participate in Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee through EAC representation and engage in other relevant groups where appropriate.
5. Transportation
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on policies pertaining to mobility and transportation sustainable mobility policies in the Climate Action Plan, greenhouse gas reduction, the zero-emission rollout plan, vehicle miles traveled, Bicycle Transportation Plan, Complete Streets Improvement Measures and Pedestrian Plan, Electric Vehicle Charging, EV and Transit Fleet, and Public Transit.
6. Environmental Health
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on policies pertaining to environmental health, including SB1000 Environmental Justice Element added to the General Plan, environmental pollution, extreme heat, fires, destructive storms, droughts and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.
7. Water
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
a. Monitor and advise the City Council on water policies, including policies in the Climate Action Plan, Water Rates, Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Water Savings Programs to Residents, Municipal and Commercial including home improvement programs, groundwater, non-potable and greywater systems. b. Evaluate community educational strategies and programs to increase water efficiency and conservation including Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Water Savings Programs to Residents and Commercial, groundwater and non- potable systems.
8. Climate Action Plan
a. Review and offer input on the Climate Action Plan Update.
9. Communications and Neighborhood Engagement
a. Each Commissioner is encouraged to work with their Council Member’s office to participate in meetings in their nomination district to gather public input.
Commissioners are encouraged to find other ways to reach out to the public and encourage community involvement as it relates to environmental policies such as energy, waste reduction, urban design, preservation and enhancement of urban natural environments, environmental health, and water.
10. Committees
a. The purpose of each committee will be to provide research on the subject matter and take the lead in drafting letters to advise the Mayor and the City Council. The Committees shall be:
• Watershed and Preservation of Natural Resources Committee. The purpose of this committee will be to report on the Hahamongna Watershed and the preservation of the City’s natural resources, including but not limited to trees, landscaping, native eco-systems and bio-diversity.
• Water Committee. The purpose of this committee will be to report on the conservation of water, water quality, water rates and stormwater management.
• Urban Design. The purpose of this committee will be to report on green infrastructure, including but not limited to parks, permeable surfaces, urban heat island effect, and rebuilding after the Eaton Fire. • Environmental Health. The purpose of this committee will be to report on how the natural and built environment affects heath, including but not limited to air quality, waste and toxins, food systems, and heat. • Transportation and Energy. The purpose of this committee will be to report and monitor the transportation and energy sectors, included but not limited to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Waste Reduction. The purpose of this committee will be to report on efforts to minimize waste, promote recycling and increase composting.
EAC Annual Report FY2025 and Work Plan FY2026
July 8, 2025
ATTACHMENT A
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ROSTER
FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
July 2024 - August 2024
MEMBER DISTRICT
Chair Lauren Siegel District 1
Vice-Chair Laura Fleming District 7
David Cutter District 3
Mark Sanborn District 4
Iesha Siler District 5
Heather Robb At Large
Tyler Werrin District 2
Vacant District 6
Vacant Mayor
September 2024 - October 2024
MEMBER DISTRICT
Chair Lauren Siegel District 1
Vice-Chair Laura Fleming District 7
David Cutter District 3
Mark Sanborn District 4
Iesha Siler District 5
Heather Robb At Large
Tyler Werrin District 2
Suzanne York Mayor
Vacant District 6
November 2024 - April 2025
MEMBER DISTRICT
Chair Lauren Siegel District 1
Vice-Chair Laura Fleming District 7
David Cutter District 3
Mark Sanborn District 4
Iesha Siler District 5
Heather Robb At Large
Tyler Werrin District 2
Suzanne York Mayor
Felix Breden District 6
EAC FY2025 Annual Report and FY2026 Work Plan
July 8, 2025
May 2025 – June 2025
MEMBER DISTRICT
Chair Lauren Siegel District 1
Vice-Chair Laura Fleming District 7
David Cutter District 3
Mark Sanborn District 4
Iesha Siler District 5
Heather Robb At Large
Ana Soulriver District 2
Suzanne York Mayor
Felix Breden District 6
EAC FY2025 Annual Report and FY2026 Work Plan
July 8, 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION 2024-2025
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Climate Action Plan Draft Response Ad Hoc Committee
Committee Chair – Iesha Siler
Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee
EAC Representative – Suzanne York, Heather Robb
Power Integrated Resource Plan Stakeholder Ad Hoc Committee EAC Representative - David Cutter
Waste Management Ad Hoc Committee
Committee Chair – Jonathan Levy, Iesha Siler
Utility Advisory Ad Hoc Committee
Committee Chair – Lauren Siegel
EAC Chair/Vice Chair Election Ad hoc Committee
EAC Representative – Iesha Siler, Mark Sanborn
Water Committee
Committee Chair - Heather Robb
Energy Committee
Committee Chair – David Cutter, Felix Breden
Waste Reduction Committee
Committee Chair – Laura Fleming, Iesha Siler
Urban Design Committee
Committee Chair – Lauren Siegel
Preservation & Natural Areas Committee
Committee Chair – Suzanne York, Tyler Werrin, Felix Breden, Iesha Siler
Transportation Committee
Committee Chair – Mark Sanborn
Environmental Health Committee
Committee Chair – Iesha Siler
Artificial Turf Ad Hoc Committee
Committee Chair – Iesha Siler, Laura Fleming, Suzanne York
Resilience Rebuild Ad Hoc Committee
Committee Chair – Heather Robb, Suzanne York
EAC FY2025 Annual Report and FY2026 Work Plan
July 8, 2025
ATTACHMENT B
INFORMATION ITEMS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND WORK PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR:
e. Human Relations Commission*
100 N. Garfield Ave., Room N255∙P.O. Box 7115∙Pasadena, CA 91109-7215 (626) 744-4386 ∙ Fax (626) 744-6698
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
September 1, 2025
TO: City Council
FROM: Human Relations Commission
SUBJECT: Annual Report – July 2024 through June 2025 and Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Recommendation:
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
Attached are the following:
• Report of Accomplishments for July 2, 2024, through June 3, 2025 • Report of Commission Attendance for July 2, 2024, through June 3, 2025 • Work Plan for July 1, 2025, through June 2, 2026
The attached documents were reviewed and approved by the Human Relations Commission at our special meeting on June 3, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Sandy Greenstein, Chair
Human Relations Commission
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 2 City of Pasadena Human Relations Commission
Report of Accomplishments: 07/02/2024 – 06/03/2025
Mission:
The purpose of this Commission is to aid the City in achieving better human relations in City government, and to provide assistance to private persons and groups in promoting good will and better relations among all people.
FY 2024-2025 Ad Hoc Committees:
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #1: Advise and Engage City Government Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2: Inform, engage, and support the Pasadena community
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3: Cultivate Partnerships
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 3 Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Advise and Engage City Government
Objective Purpose: Advise and engage City Government on Human Relations issues of local and national concern to better human relations in City government and among the diverse Pasadena community.
Commissioners: Horton, Gonzalez
Action Items:
• Completed - Inform City Council on Human Relations issues of local and national concern, both current and historic.
• Ongoing - Follow up on the status of commission priorities including the City’s anti-discrimination policy and the removal of portraits/plaques commemorating racist persons or policies from City buildings.
• Completed - Identify how to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, 2025.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024
• The Commission received a presentation from representatives from Hahn & Hahn LLP and Pasadena-Foothills REALTORS© which acknowledged past involvement in a historical “hate campaign” that continues to have ramifications on people of color. They presented their educational efforts to increase public, private school, and college students at PCC’s knowledge and awareness of the damaging historical events.
o Commissioner and public comments included the following questions:
1. Will Hahn and Hahn make a public apology for their actions like the National Association of Realtors did?
2. What will success look like if educational efforts are successful? o Commissioners recommended that school children should be asked for recommendations for additional things Hahn and Hahn can do to make amends for their past actions. The Commissions next step will be to schedule an ad hoc meeting to determine additional ways that the Commission can collaborate with Hahn and Hahn LLP.
• Chair Greenstein appointed Vice Chair Horton and Commissioner Gonzalez to the Advise and Engage City Government ad hoc committee.
August 2024:
• Vice Chair Horton reported the ad hoc committee met on Wednesday, July 17 to discuss the presentation from Hahn and Hahn LLP and provided the following updates:
o The ad hoc committee agreed that Hahn and Hahn are doing the work to engage with the community and impacted organizations to make amends
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 4 for their involvement in a historical “hate campaign” in Pasadena and that the issue is beyond the expertise of the Commission.
o The ad hoc recommends that the Commission request monthly or semi- monthly updates from Hahn and Hahn on the progress of their proposed education program for Pasadena students to increase knowledge and awareness of the damaging historical events.
o The ad hoc committee also recommends the Commission request a follow up presentation from Hahn and Hahn in six months for an update on their work with the community and the impacted organizations.
• The Commission discussed additional ways the City can address restorative justice for the communities affected by the historical ‘hate campaign” including the following:
o Draft a statement regarding the need for restorative justice and request the City Council publicly acknowledge the historical events in the City. o Follow up with Councilmembers appointed by Mayor Gordo to the task force or special committee to research and recommend a restorative justice plan for the City.
o Follow up to request the status of the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council regarding the removal of the portraits and plaques commemorating racists persons and polices from City buildings. • Staff (Osborne) stated she will follow up with the City Manager to verify the status of the City’s anti-discrimination policy and provide an update to the Commission in November.
September 2024:
• Commissioner Robertson reported she contacted Gail Reysa, Executive Director of Hahn & Hahn LLP by email to request monthly updates on the progress of their proposed education program and a follow up presentation to the Commission in 2025. Ms. Reysa response stated they are unable to commit to monthly updates but will include the Commission in public announcements about the education program going forward. Chair Greenstein replied to Ms. Reysa requesting a presentation from Hahn and Hahn prior to the launch of the education program.
• Commissioner Robertson reported she spoke to Councilmember Hampton regarding the status of the City Council ad hoc committee established by Mayor Gordo to research and recommend a restorative justice plan for the City. She reported that Councilmember Hampton stated the ad hoc committee has not been formally established yet and recommended the Commission review the work of the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group regarding the discussions about restorative justice for the community.
October 2024:
• The Commission added the following action item to the objective:
o Identify how to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, 2025.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 5 • Commissioner Robertson requested an update from staff regarding the formation of a special committee to research and recommend a restorative justice plan for the City.
• Staff (Osborne) reported the special committee has not been formed yet and stated the City Manager’s Office has confirmed that the Commission will be informed of the status of the committee once it is established. • The Commission discussed attending the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group monthly meetings to learn about their work in identifying residents that were displaced.
November 2024:
• The Commission approved writing a letter from the Commission to the City Council to consider commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima Bombing which will occur on August 6, 2025. Chair Greenstein will draft the letter for review and approval by the Commission at the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 3.
• Staff (Osborne) reported the Commission’s letter regarding the removal of portraits/plaques commemorating racist persons or policies from City buildings was resent to the City Council in April 2024.
• Staff (Osborne) recommended that the Commission approve the Chair and Vice Chair to attend an upcoming meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee when the Commission’s Annual Report is being reviewed or the City Council to provide public comment regarding the Commission’s request.
• The Commission approved Chair Greenstein and Vice Chair Horton as the representatives to attend the Legislative Policy Committee meeting or a City Council meeting in December and speak during public comment on behalf of the Commission regarding the removal of portraits/plaques commemorating racist persons or policies from City buildings.
December 2024:
• The Commission reviewed and approved the letter to the City Council to consider commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing (August 6, 2025) as a ceremonial matter at a meeting in July 2025.
• The ad hoc committee deemed the following action item completed for FY 2024- 2025:
o Identify how to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, 2025
• Commissioner Young reported that Commissioner Robertson attended the Legislative Policy Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 3 and spoke during public comments regarding the Commission’s letter sent to the City Council to request the removal of portraits commemorating racist persons or policies from City buildings and requested an update on the status of the proposed Anti-Discrimination Policy.
• Staff (Osborne) stated a copy of the recording from the meeting will be shared with the Commission by email.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 6 January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Staff (Osborne) distributed a copy of the letter from the Commission that was sent to the City Council on December 9, 2024, to consider commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing (August 6, 2025) as a ceremonial matter at a meeting in July 2025.
March 2025:
• Staff (Osborne) recommended the Commissioners contact their Councilmember regarding the letter distributed to the City Council on December 9, 2024, recommending the City consider commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing as a ceremonial matter at a meeting in July 2025.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Young recommended the Commission contact their Councilmember to ensure they are aware of the recent hate incidents in Pasadena that were reported during the update provided by Sergeant Maclaurin Adesina during today’s meeting.
• Chair Greenstein met with Commissioner Roffina on March 24th to review the action items for the objective and provided information regarding the previous work of the ad hoc committee.
• Commissioner Roffina shared that he will meet with Councilmember Lyon to discuss the letter of recommendation to the City Council regarding the removal of portraits/plaques commemorating racist persons or policies from City buildings.
He also requested information or a map of other plaques or statues in the City for the Commission to review and determine if additional recommendations for removal are appropriate.
• Staff (Osborne) advised the Commission that information regarding the locations of all plaques and monuments can be found on the City’s webpage in the section titled “Visitors – Public Memorials and Monuments.”
• Staff (Osborne) stated the letter of recommendation regarding the removal of portraits/plaques commemorating racist persons or policies from City buildings was previously provided to the City Council. Staff has not received any response.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Horton attended their Councilmember’s Commissioner’s breakfast and discussed potential training and/or shadowing opportunities for new commissioners.
June 2025: All action items were completed in May
Status: Completed
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 7 Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2 – Inform, engage, and support the Pasadena Community
Objective Purpose: Offer information and programming to promote goodwill.
Commissioners: Young, Gonzalez, Greenstein
Action Items:
• Completed - Spotlight a human relations trailblazer from the City of Pasadena. • Completed - Participate in United Against Hate Week 2024. • Completed - Identify events in Pasadena’s history that have shaped and impacted human relations today, in order to promote awareness, accountability, healing, and progress.
• Completed - Explore methods for the public to report human relations concerns to the commission.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024
• Commissioner Robertson reminded the commission there will be cost associated with the first two action items.
• Commissioner Young reported she and Chair Greenstein met with Elissa Barrett of the Western Justice Center to discuss and plan the United Against Hate Week 2024 event taking place on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
August 2024:
• Chair Greenstein stated the ad hoc committee will need to discuss the process for the selection and how to recognize the human relations trailblazer at a meeting tentatively scheduled for May 2025.
• Chair Greenstein provided the following update regarding the United Against Hate Week event:
o This year’s event will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. at the Maxwell House and is being planned as a family event. o The Commission is partnering with the Western Justice Center to plan the event, and the Los Angeles County United Against Hate committee is providing marketing material such as posters and yard signs to distribute to the community.
o The Pasadena Boys & Girls Club will be providing art activities, and the Western Justice Center Youth Empowerment Program participants will provide a healing activity for the attendees.
o Invitations for the event will be emailed to community members and local organizations and reservations will be required to ensure the location is able to accommodate the number of attendees. The Commission provided suggestions for individuals and organizations to include on the invitation list.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 8 o Chair Greenstein requested assistance from Staff (Osborne) regarding the management of the parking lot during the event and notifying the Pasadena Police Department of the event.
• Commissioner Gonzalez reported he assisted at the Commission table during Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Annual Block Party and suggested the Commission create a survey or form that can be distributed to the community to gather input on human relations concerns in Pasadena.
September 2024:
• Commissioner Young reported on the plans for the Pasadena Against Hate Resource Fair scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. at the Maxwell House and provided the following updates:
o The event has been posted online on Eventbrite and the United Against Hate and City of Pasadena websites.
o Event flyers will be distributed through the event partners and emailed to the department commissions.
o The City sent a press release for the event to local media. o Lawn signs and posters were distributed to the Commission. Commissioner Horton will distribute the lawn signs and posters to the office for each Councilmember.
o Invitations to the event have been sent to Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mayor Gordo, and the City Council.
• Commissioner Young requested an update from Staff (Panossian) regarding the status of purchasing supplies and snacks for the event. Staff (Panossian) stated he will request Staff (Osborne) to follow up with the ad hoc committee regarding the purchase of the requested items.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Young provided the following information about the Pasadena Stands Against Hate event held on Sunday, September 22 at the Maxwell House:
o Reported the number of attendees was smaller than expected. o Several new organizations participated in the event that will be great resources for future events or projects lead by the Commission. o Expressed appreciation for the support from the event partners including the Western Justice Center and LA vs Hate.
• Chair Greenstein reported she spoke with Brian Biery, and he recommended the Chair attend the Clergy Community Coalition (CCC) and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance meetings (IMA) to engage with the members and increase awareness of the Commission’s objectives.
• The Commission approved Chair Greenstein and Commissioner Roffina to attend the meetings of the CCC and IMA as representatives from the Commission.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 9 • The ad hoc committee deemed the following action item completed:
o Participate in United Against Hate Week 2024.
November 2024:
• The Commission discussed the criteria and process for spotlighting a human relations trailblazer from the City of Pasadena and made the following recommendations.
o Criteria:
▪ An individual should be a resident of Pasadena and have made a significant contribution to human relations in Pasadena. ▪ An organization’s majority of work should be in Pasadena and have made a significant impact on human relations in Pasadena.
▪ An individual leader of an organization that reflects the mission of the Commission.
▪ An individual should not be currently volunteering, serving, or working for the City of Pasadena, the Pasadena Unified School District Board, or a County, State, or Federal Government agency.
o Process:
▪ Each Commissioner can recommend an individual or organization. ▪ The Commission is encouraged to reach out to the community or their Councilmember for suggestions of potential nominees.
▪ There is no limit to the number of recommendations that can be submitted by a Commissioner.
• The Commission will finalize the criteria and selection process for spotlighting a human relations trailblazer at the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 3. • Commissioner Young requested assistance from Staff (Osborne) regarding the options for the public to report human relations concerns to the Commission.
Staff (Osborne) agreed to follow up with the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and the Public Information Officer (PIO) to research potential options and provide an update at the next Commission meeting.
December 2024:
• The Commission reviewed the recommendations discussed at the November meeting regarding the criteria and process for spotlighting a human relations trailblazer from the City of Pasadena and approved the criteria as follows:
o Criteria
▪ An individual should be a resident of Pasadena or has made a significant contribution to human relations in Pasadena. ▪ An organization’s majority of work should be in Pasadena and have made a significant impact on human relations in Pasadena. ▪ An individual leader of an organization that reflects the mission of the Commission.
▪ An individual should not be currently volunteering, serving, or working for the City of Pasadena, the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education, or a County, State, or Federal Government agency.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 10 o Process:
▪ Each Commissioner can recommend an individual or organization. ▪ The Commission is encouraged to reach out to the community or their Councilmember for suggestions of potential nominees ▪ There is a limit of four recommendations that can be submitted by a Commissioner.
▪ Commissioners will complete an application for each potential nominee that will include the following information:
➢ Nominee’s name, phone number and email
➢ Confirmation that the nominee lives or works in Pasadena ➢ Brief biography for the nominee
➢ Explanation of why they are being nominated
▪ Application deadline is February 24, 2025.
• The Commission recommended the name of the award be “Human Relations Trailblazer Award” and will discuss how to present the award at the meeting scheduled for January 7, 2025.
• Staff (Osborne) stated she is working with the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) to review the City’s regulations for adding public access to human relations concerns on the Commission’s webpage and will provide an update at the January meeting.
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Commissioner Young recommended changing the application deadline for the Human Relations Trailblazer Award due to the impact of the Eaton Fire on the community.
• After discussion, the Commission agreed to change the application deadline date to April 11, 2025.
• Staff (Osborne) reported that the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) confirmed that the Commission can set up a document on the Commission webpage for the community to report on human relations concerns and the comments can be sent to Vice Chair Horton. Staff stated the Commission needs to ensure that the public does not receive any error messages when completing or submitting the document and that the documents do not go to a spam folder when sent to Vice Chair Horton.
• The Commission discussed the formatting options for the document and Vice Chair Horton agreed to create a draft of the document that will be tested and finalized by the Commission at the meeting scheduled for March 4, 2025.
March 2025:
• Commissioner Gonzalez shared that he spoke to Councilmember Jones at the Black History Festival on Saturday, February 15 regarding nominating an individual for the Human Relations Trailblazer Award
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 11 • Vice Chair Horton shared the draft of the Google document for the public to report human relations concerns to the Commission. The Commission requested additional time to review the document and agreed to send their comments and/or suggestions to Vice Chair Horton by Tuesday, March 25. The Commission agreed to finalize the document at their meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 1. • Chair Greenstein announced United Against Hate Week is October 19 – 25, 2025 and the ad hoc committee is working with the Western Justice Center to confirm the date of the Pasadena Against Hate event.
• Chair Greenstein invited the Commission to attend the next virtual meeting with Not In Our Town, which is working with California Against Hate to share events and initiatives planned statewide and will share the meeting link with the Commission.
• Commissioner Gonzalez shared information regarding the history of Roosevelt School in Pasadena and recommended the Commission discuss the historical significance of the use and the opening of an ADA compliant and racially diverse school in 1953 and how to share the information with the community.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Young reported that she and Chair Greenstein virtually attended the Not In Our Town meeting on Wednesday, March 26 and shared the Commission’s involvement with United Against Hate week activities and the current efforts to involve local youth with the initiative. • Commissioner Young reminded the Commission of the April 11 deadline to submit their recommendations for the Human Relations Trailblazer Award to Chair Greenstein.
• The Commission agreed to continue the agenda item to review the Google document for the public to report human relations concerns to the Commission to the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
May 2025:
• Chair Greenstein highlighted the 2 nominations for the Trailblazer Award. The Commission reviewed the 2 nominations and agreed to award both nominees with the Trailblazer Award for this fiscal year.
• Staff reminded the Commission that they will need to finalize the details of the award at their annual meeting in June.
June 2025: All action items were completed in May
Status: Completed
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 12
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #3 – Cultivate Partnerships
Objective Purpose: Promote information sharing among organizations that facilitate peaceful relations, goodwill, or welfare among persons and groups in the Pasadena community
Commissioners: Young, Greenstein, Roffina
Action Items:
• Completed - Invite speakers to populate the Presentation Calendar for FY 2024- 2025.
• Completed - Enhance the Commission’s collaboration with Western Justice Center.
• Completed - Partner with existing organizations to engage youth in commission initiatives.
• Completed - Support Pasadena Police Department in the implementation of 211LA in response to hate incidents.
• Completed - Support City’s Bullying Prevention month programming • Discontinued - Discuss the process for the Commission to write letters related to the Commission’s purpose and function.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024
• The Commission received a draft of Pasadena’s Police Department 211 flyer to review and make suggestions for editing.
• Commissioner Gonzalez suggested a speaker from the Sister City Committee to be added to the presentation calendar for October 2024 to help build community relations and promote education and goodwill.
August 2024:
• Chair Greenstein requested Bullying Prevention Month material from Staff (Osborne) to display at the United Against Hate event.
• Commissioner Robertson requested a presentation regarding “Hate Maps.” • Chair Greenstein agreed to research a potential presentation from the Southern Poverty Law Center.
September 2024:
• The Commission received a presentation from the Pasadena Police Department regarding the 211LA referral service to connect Pasadena residents to public and private programs.
• Chair Greenstein recommended the Commission request a presentation from a representative from 211LA regarding information provided to callers reporting hate crimes and hate incidents.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 13 Commissioner Robertson reported she spoke to Councilmember Hampton regarding the information shared by Teens4Disarmament during public comment at the meeting held on August 6, 2024, and reported that Councilmember Hampton requested the Commission consider making a recommendation to the City Council to support providing education about nuclear weapons to students attending Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools. • Chair Greenstein stated the Commission previously made a recommendation to the City Council regarding voting rights for all parents of PUSD students and were informed that the City Council was not able take action on the recommendation since it was a Pasadena Unified School District issue and referred the recommendation to the Superintendent.
• Chair Greenstein recommended the Commission research ways the City can commemorate the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing in 2025 that support the need for education about nuclear weapons for the community.
October 2024:
• The Commission received a presentation from Linda Bustamante regarding the information provided by 211LA to callers reporting hate crimes and hate incidents.
• Chair Greenstein requested an update from Staff (Osborne) regarding the City Council’s recognition of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Staff (Osborne) will confirm the date of the City Council meeting and notify the Commission by email.
• Chair Greenstein will confirm Vice Chair Horton’s availability to attend the City Council meeting as the Commission’s representative and encouraged the Commission to attend the meeting in support of the City’s recognition of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.
• The ad hoc committee recommended revising the following action item for the objective:
o Support City’s Bullying Prevention month programming. • Commissioner Young recommended the Commission receive a presentation from the members of the Boys & Girl’s Club Teen Leadership Center regarding human relations issues affecting youth in the city that can be addressed by the Commission.
• Chair Greenstein reported that the Southern Poverty Law Center has confirmed a representative is available to provide a presentation for the Commission regarding the Hate Maps and will follow up to confirm the presenter for the presentation.
• Chair Greenstein appointed Commissioner Roffina to the Cultivate Partnerships ad hoc committee.
November 2024:
• Commissioner Young reported the ad hoc committee will be meeting with the Western Justice Center and other partner organizations for the Pasadena Stands against Hate event in December to discuss additional ways they can collaborate with the Commission on human relations issues.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 14 • Chair Greenstein reported she attended the City Council meeting on Monday, October 21 to represent the Commission during the recognition of October as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.
• The ad hoc committee deemed the following action item completed for FY 2024- 2025.
o Support City’s Bullying Prevention month programming
• Chair Greenstein reported that she had a virtual meeting with representatives from the Southern Poverty Law Center and stated the presentation to the Commission is confirmed for the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
December 2024:
• Commissioner Young reported the meeting with the Western Justice Center and other partner organizations from the Pasadena Stands against Hate event has been postponed and she will provide an update once a new meeting date is scheduled.
• Commissioner Young requested the presentation from the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Teen Leadership Center be added to the Presentation Calendar for March.
• Commissioner Young stated she will follow up with Lieutenant Montiglio regarding the training offered by 211LA for law enforcement regarding hate crimes and hate incidents.
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Commissioner Young reported she sent an email to Lieutenant Montiglio regarding the training offered by 211LA for law enforcement regarding hate crimes and hate incidents and provided the contact information for Linda Bustamante, Program Manager with 211LA.
• Commissioner Young reported that the Boys & Girls Club will not be collaborating with the Commission at this time due to staffing changes within the organization.
She recommended the presentation from the Boys & Girls Club be removed from the FY 2024 – 2025 Presentation Calendar.
• The Commission discussed other youth organizations to contact to request a presentation regarding a potential partnership to engage youth in commission initiatives. The Commission suggested Day One or the Pasadena/Altadena Coalition of Transformative Leaders (PACTL) as organizations to contact. • Chair Greenstein reported she attended a virtual meeting on January 29, 2025, organized by the California vs. Hate program and shared information regarding the Commissions work and events supporting the United Against Hate program during the meeting.
• Chair Greenstein reported the ad hoc committee has started planning the United Against Hate event for 2025 with the Western Justice Center and requested a City of Pasadena ROSE program intern to provide administrative support for the
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 15 • event. Chair Greenstein will follow up with an email to Staff (Osborne) with more information regarding the request.
• Commissioner Young will contact Gregory Mann with the California Civil Rights office to discuss presenters on the topic of “How did California cities apologize to people of color and their descendants for systemic racism and past atrocities” for the Commission.
• The ad hoc committee recommended adding the following Action Item to the Objective:
o Discuss the process for the Commission to write letters related to the Commission’s purpose and function.
March 2025:
• The Commission received a presentation from Day One regarding human relations issues affecting youth in Pasadena. The Commission invited the agency to participate in the planning for the United Against Hate 2025 activities. • Commissioner Young reported that Lieutenant Montiglio suggested the Commission can assist the Police Department with promoting LA 211 as a resource for reporting hate crimes and incidents by providing the agency’s flyers to local community and neighborhood centers. Staff (Osborne) agreed to have the City print copies of the flyer once approved by the City. She also recommended that Commissioner Young work with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department Public Information Office staff to determine the method of sharing information on the City’s social media platform. • Commissioner Young reported she is following up to contact presenters on the topic “How did California cities apologize to people of color and their descendants for systemic racism and past atrocities.” that were recommended by Gregory Mann, Senior Attorney Mediator with the California Civil Rights Department. Staff (Osborne) recommended the ad hoc committee contact the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Committee as a possible resource for a presenter.
April 2025:
• The Commission received a presentation from Rene Gonzalez and Raul Ibáñez about the Sister Cities program and the current progress of the Mexico Sister City relationship with the Pasadena Sister City Committee. • Staff (Osborne) shared she received an email from Kendra Tanacea with the California Community Conflict Resolution Unit to share information about their services and to explore the possibility of collaboration with the Commission. Staff will share Ms. Tanacea’s contact information with the Commission for follow up. • The Commission reviewed the Presentation Calendar for FY 2024 – 2025 and agreed to move the “to be scheduled” presentations to the FY 2025 – 2026.
Presentation Calendar.
• The ad hoc committee recommended the following action item be discontinued for FY 2024 - 2025:
o Discuss the process for the Commission to write letters related to the Commission’s purpose and function.
HRC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 16
• The ad hoc committee deemed the following action items completed for FY 2025 - 2026:
o Invite speakers to populate the Presentation Calendar for FY 2024-2025. o Enhance the Commission’s collaboration with Western Justice Center. o Partner with existing organizations to engage youth in commission initiatives.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Young reached out to their contact for 211 LA. They are working on connecting with a new contact to get more flyers for Staff to distribute to the centers in the Parks division.
June 2025: All action items were completed in May
Status: Completed
HRC Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 17
Human Relations Commission
Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025
July 2024
• Presentation by Gail Reysa, Executive Director of Hahn & Hahn LLP, and Rian Barrett of Pasadena-Foothills REALTORS© regarding efforts to work with local groups adversely impacted by a decades-old hate campaign aimed at preventing people of color from buying property in Pasadena.
August 2024
• No presentation.
September 2024
• Discussion of the 211LA referral service to connect Pasadena residents to public and private programs - Lieutenant Carlo Montiglio, Pasadena Police Department • Commission Training by the City of Pasadena City Attorney’s Office – Arnold Lee, Assistant City Attorney
October 2024
• Presentation from 211LA regarding information provided to callers reporting hate crimes and hate incidents - Linda Bustamante, Program Manager for LA vs. Hate and Stop the Hate Programs
November 2024
• No presentation.
December 2024
• No presentation.
January 2025
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025
• No presentation.
March 2025
• Presentation from Day One regarding human relations issues affecting youth in Pasadena – Ashley Carrasco, Prevention Programs Coordinator, Sophia Alvarado, Prevention Program Coordinator, Natalie Mendoza, Youth Advocate, and Dilan Martinez, Youth Advocate
April 2025
• Presentation by the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee (PSCC) and Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation Ad-Hoc Committee (Guanajuato PA), regarding how the
HRC Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 18 Sister Cities program creates global people to people relationships that promote world peace, and the current progress of the Mexico Sister City relationship with PSCC - Rene Gonzalez, Guanajuato PA Co-Chair, Raul Ibáñez, Guanajuato PA Vice Chair
May 2025
• Presentation from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) – Erika Cervantes & Hector Villagra
June 2025: Annual Meeting
(updated May 6, 2025)
HRC Meeting Attendance Record FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 19 City of Pasadena Human Relations Commission
Meeting Attendance Record for FY 2024-2025
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD
July 2024 - June 2025
MEMBERS
07/02/24 REGULAR08/06/24 REGULAR09/03/24 REGULAR10/01/24 REGULAR11/05/24 REGULAR12/03/24 REGULAR01/07/2025 REGULAR02/04/25 REGULAR03/04/25 REGULAR04/01/25 REGULAR05/06/25 REGULAR06/03/25 REGULAR
TOTAL MEETINGS
ATTENDED
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
PERCENTAGE
SANDY GREENSTEIN
(District 6) P P P P P A XX P P P P P 10 90.91%
JONATHAN HORTON
(District 2) P P P A P P XX P P A P P 9 81.82%
RENE GONZALEZ
(District 3) P P A A U P XX P P P P P 8 72.73%
KATIE YOUNG
(District 5) P A P P P P XX P P P P P 10 90.91%
REV. MICHAEL ROFFINA
(District 7) P P P P XX P P P P P 9 100.00%
PAUL MCGEE
(District 1) P P 2 100.00%
NAT NEHDAR
(District 4) A P 1 50.00%
WILHELMINA ROBERTSON
(District 1) P P P P A A XX 4 66.67%
DANIEL BAY
(District 7) A 0 0.00%
VACANT
(Mayor)
VACANT
(At Large)
LEGEND Total Meetings Held 11
P - PRESENT
A - EXCUSED ABSENCE
U - UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
XX - CANCELED MEETING
NQ - NO QUORUM
HRC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 20
City of Pasadena Human Relations Commission
Work Plan: 07/01/2025 – 06/02/2026
Mission:
The purpose of this Commission is to aid the City in achieving better human relations in City government, and to provide assistance to private persons and groups in promoting good will and better relations among all people.
FY 2025-2026 Objectives:
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Strengthen Interaction with City Council and City Departments
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2 – Collaborate on Community Projects Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #3 – Improve Responsiveness to the Community
HRC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 21
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Strengthen Interaction with City Council and City Departments
Objective Purpose: Involve City Council members and City departments to proactively discover and address human relations issues.
Commissioners: Roffina, Young
Action Items:
• Submit quarterly reports to City Council regarding the commission’s progress on objectives.
• Invite City Council District liaisons to meetings.
• Receive reports of hate incidents from Pasadena Police Department. • Support City of Pasadena initiatives related to human relations. • Identify existing physical representations of positive and negative expressions on public property.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Chair Horton elected Commissioners Roffina and Young to the ad hoc committee.
• Commissioner Young reiterated that the Commission continues to receive reports from Pasadena Police Department regarding hate incidents in Pasadena. • Commissioner Greenstein highlighted news/media regarding the mayor’s involvement in the No Kings Protest on June 14th, 2025, and thanked the Pasadena Police Department for promoting human relations within the City by closing streets and allowing protesters to pass peacefully.
August 2025:
• Commissioners Young and Roffina proposed a process for quarterly progress reports to City Council. Each commissioner will submit a summary of accomplishments related to their work plan action items. The summaries will be compiled and edited by the ad hoc committee, then forwarded to staff for distribution in September, December, March, and June at commission meetings. • Commissioner Young received a list of City Council District liaisons from staff and recommended sharing it with all commissioners. Each commissioner will invite their respective liaison to attend a meeting. Commissioner Young offered to provide a template for outreach.
• Commissioner Young noted that liaisons are not expected to stay for full meetings but may observe or offer brief public comment. Commissioner Greenstein recommended that attending liaisons be asked to briefly share human relations concerns from their districts. Staff (Osborne) offered to consult with the City Attorney about including liaison updates as a regular agenda item.
HRC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 22
• Commissioner Young shared that she has been tracking the data received during regular updates from the Pasadena Police Department regarding hate incidents and categorizing each incident by demographic group affected and frequency.
She proposed that the Commission begin analyzing these trends to identify which groups are most impacted, to invite relevant speakers who can address those issues. Commissioner Young also suggested recording the locations of incidents to determine which Council Districts are affected and coordinating with respective councilmembers to inform them of the incidents. Additionally, she recommended reaching out to 211 to gather data on how many reported incidents are routed through their system.
• Commissioner Nehdar recommended revisiting the past practice of inviting hate crime victims to speak at Commission meetings to provide firsthand insight and inform the Commission, particularly in cases involving racial bias or prejudice.
Commissioner Young suggested asking Lt Andrea Perez, Pasadena Police Department, during next month’s commission meeting whether coordination is possible, given the sensitivity of obtaining a victim’s contact information. • Commissioner Young requested and received a calendar of monthly citywide events (e.g., Bullying Prevention Month) and will identify those aligned with the Commission’s objectives. She will confirm with staff which events are appropriate for participation and explore tabling opportunities to raise public awareness of the Human Relations Commission.
• Commissioner Greenstein plans to attend the Center for Restorative Justice’s Pasadena Pilgrimages tour on September 13th and will report back to the Commission.
Status:
HRC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 23
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2 – Collaborate on Community Projects
Objective Purpose: Align with local organizations and residents to lead or support projects bettering human relations.
Commissioners: Greenstein, Nehdar
Action Items:
• Recognize Human Relations Trailblazers within the City of Pasadena. • Involve youth in Commission objectives by reaching out to local youth programs and PUSD.
• Explore ways to improve relationships between new residents and the City of Pasadena.
• Increase Human Relations Commission involvement in United Against Hate week 2025.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Commissioner Greenstein suggested the Commission consider the following:
o Partner with organizations that are hosting events related to human relations, with respect to United Against Hate week.
o Support the Center for Restorative Justice Freedom Walk at City Hall during United Against Hate week and include the Youth Ambassadors and City officials to join.
o A Community Love-In, in partnership with Day One, possibly held at Day One property; a festival environment where families can join for a celebration of strength, diversity, resilience and connection.
o Invite Southern Poverty Law Center to an invitation only event during United Against Hate Week. The event will be recorded and shared with the public.
The event will be held at the Crawford Family Forum or Western Justice Center. Commissioner Greenstein is waiting on a final date to be established. o A toolkit designed for faith leaders providing them with messaging themes, materials, and social media content that allows them to craft sermons to be used during United Against Hate week.
o Another toolkit that offers themes for non-profit organizations to focus on during United Against Hate week.
August 2025:
• The Commission discussed and approved the criteria and submission deadline for the Human Relations Trailblazer Awards.
• Commissioner Greenstein proposed contacting the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors to identify new residents and suggested sending them a welcome letter or meeting invitation to the Human Relations Commission meetings.
HRC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 24
• Commissioners Greenstein and Roffina met with the Muslim Public Affairs Council and Collaborate Pasadena to develop a faith leader toolkit for United Against Hate Week (October 17–19). The toolkit will provide messaging and resources for remarks during the opening days of United Against Hate week, with Commissioner Roffina leading outreach.
• Commissioner Greenstein and Elisa Barrett (Western Justice Center) met with Andrew Giang (Not In Our Town), who expressed interest in the faith leader toolkit as a potential national model. Commissioner Roffina will continue development, and an adapted version will also be created for use by non-faith- based nonprofit organizations.
• Commissioner Greenstein confirmed the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) will present during United Against Hate Week, with the Director of the Intelligence Project (SPLC) speaking on hate group trends and the SPLC Hate Map. The event, at the Western Justice Center, is invitation-only, with invites to be sent to outside Human Relations Commissions and planning team members. o The 6:00 p.m. program will include a panel with Rachel Carroll Rivas (SPLC), the local Muslim Public Affairs Council director (moderator), Robin Toma (LA County Human Relations Commission), and others.
• The Day One event on October 25 will close United Against Hate Week with a community festival and youth art activities, followed by a “Walk of Freedom”. o Staff (Osborne) will confirm availability of City Hall, coordinate permits, and requested a site plan with timing and route details to determine logistics.
• Commissioner Nehdar will work with local high schools to involve 10th–12th graders in Commission meetings for community service credit and will report back on progress.
• Commissioner Greenstein shared a one-page flyer explaining United Against Hate Week.
Status:
HRC Work Plan FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 25
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #3 – Improve Responsiveness to the Community
Objective Purpose: Create or improve methods to collect and respond to public feedback on human relations concerns.
Commissioners: Horton, McGee
Action Items:
• Develop methods to collect and respond to public feedback. • Invite relevant speakers to attend Commission meetings. • Define measures of success for action items.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Chair Horton appointed Commissioners Horton and McGee to the ad hoc committee.
• Chair Horton will make final changes to the survey to collect feedback to place it on the Commission Website before the next regular meeting in August 2025.
August 2025:
• Chair Horton reported that the Commission’s public feedback survey for responses regarding human relations concerns has been completed and is now posted on the City’s commission website.
• Chair Horton noted that he and Commissioner McGee plan to meet and further review the actions item, measures of success and provide feedback at the next meeting.
• Staff (Osborne) informed the ad hoc committee that the city was approached by the We Love U Foundation, an international nonprofit focused on humanitarian work and community service. She asked the commission to review the organization’s website and consider whether to invite them as a future speaker.
Staff (Osborne) will meet with the group and update the commission at the next meeting.
Status:
HRC Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 26 Human Relations Commission
Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026
To be scheduled:
• Presentation regarding “How did California cities apologize to people of color and their descendants for systemic racism and past atrocities.” (Young) July 2025:
• No Presentation
August 2025:
• No Presentation
September 2025:
• Presentation from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) to speak about the Four Freedoms Pillars, which pertain to issues of freedom and safety for all people (Greenstein)
October 2025:
• Presentation from the John Williams, Executive Director of the Center for Restorative Justice, on Freedom Walks (Greenstein)
• Presentation from Kevin Johnson, Principal Planner, City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department, on an update on the Historic Places Pasadena: Completing Our Story project. (Staff – Osborne) November 2025:
•
December 2025:
•
January 2026:
•
February 2026:
•
March 2026:
•
April 2026:
•
May 2026:
•
HRC Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 27 June 2026: Annual Meeting
(updated August 5, 2025)
INFORMATION ITEMS
6. ANNUAL REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND WORK PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR:
f. Senior Commission*
100 N. Garfield Ave., Room N255 ∙ P.O. Box 7115 ∙ Pasadena, CA 91109-7215 (626) 744-4386 ∙ Fax (626) 744-6698
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
September 1, 2025
TO: City Council
FROM: Senior Commission
SUBJECT: Annual Report – July 2024 through June 2025 and Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Recommendation:
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
Attached are the following:
• Report of Accomplishments for July 9, 2024, through June 3, 2025 • Report of Commission Attendance for July 9, 2024, through June 3, 2025 • Work Plan for July 8, 2025, through June 9, 2026
The attached documents were reviewed and approved by the Senior Commission at our special meeting on June 3, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Dawneen Lorance, Chair
Senior Commission
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 2 City of Pasadena Senior Commission
Report of Accomplishments: 07/09/2024 – 06/03/2025
Mission:
The purpose of the Senior Commission is to advise the City Council on the needs, concerns, and quality of life for seniors.
The commission shall:
• Advise the City Council on the needs and concerns of all seniors; • Engage in consultation and study with local groups on the needs of the aged and evaluate available resources; and
• Consult with other public agencies and commissions on matters relevant to the commission.
FY 2024-2025 Ad Hoc Committees:
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #1: Celebrate Older Americans Month by holding an event
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2: Advise on Marketing Strategy for Older Americans Month
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3: Research and Promote Resources for Older Adults
Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #4: Community Engagement Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #5: Explore the State of Pasadena’s Age Friendliness
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 3 Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Celebrate Older Americans by Holding an Event
Objective Purpose: Coordinate logistics for an in-person event.
Commissioners: Mason (lead), Berkemeier, Brandon, Ferguson, Lorance
Action Items:
• Hold an in-person event in May 2025.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Lorance appointed Vice Chair Ferguson, Commissioner Mason, Commissioner Berkemeier, Commissioner Brandon, and herself to the Celebrate Older Americans Month ad hoc committee.
August 2024:
• No updates.
September 2024:
• No updates.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Mason reported the ad hoc committee is proposing Wednesday, May 21 as the date for the Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month event and more details will be provided at the meeting scheduled for November 12. • Commissioner Mason agreed to be the lead for the Celebrate Older Americans by Holding An Event ad hoc committee.
November 2024:
• Chair Lorance reported the Older Americans Month event will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Victory Park. The ad hoc committee submitted the Commission Event form to Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) and will start planning for the event in January 2025.
• Staff (Lopez-Rodriquez) will submit the reservation request for the park and work with the ad hoc committee to secure the required permits for the event.
December 2024:
• Meeting cancelled - no quorum.
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 4 February 2025:
• Commissioner Mason stated the ad hoc committee is updating the Older Americans Month sponsor form. The form will be sent to previous event sponsors, and the ad hoc committee will also start contacting potential new sponsors for the event.
• Commissioner Brandon stated the ad hoc committee will offer sponsors an opportunity to contribute to a sponsor “resource bag” that will be given to attendees that pre-register for the event. This will give sponsors an opportunity to promote their businesses and allow the ad hoc committee to plan for an estimated number of attendees at the event.
March 2025:
• Commissioner Mason reported the ad hoc committee met on Tuesday, March 4 to discuss the action items for the objective.
• Commissioner Mason stated the ad hoc committee submitted a draft of the Older Americans Month event flyer to Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) for approval along with the invitation letter for the event that will be sent to the Mayor, City Council, and other dignitaries.
• Commissioner Mason reported the ad hoc committee is working on the agreement for the Older Americans Month event rentals with the vendor and are scheduled to have a walkthrough of the site with the vendor. • Commissioner Brandon reported to date the Older Americans Month event has received $15,000 from sponsors and donations and 30 exhibitors have registered to table at the event. This year’s exhibitors are a mix of businesses, social service agencies, and community organizations that aid and support older adults. • Commissioner Brandon stated that sponsors and exhibitors have expressed their gratitude to the Commission for the opportunity to support the Older Americans Month event this year due to the impact of the recent fire on the community. • Commissioner Brandon reported this year’s sponsors are: Presenting Sponsor - Home Instead; Gold Sponsors – UCLA Health, Villa Gardens; Silver Sponsor – E-Central Credit Union and Bronze Sponsors – Convalescent Aid Society, Pasadena Federal Credit Union, LA Trash Junkers, Forest Lawn Mortuary, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and Modern Woodmen of America.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Mason provided the following updates for the Older Americans Month event:
o The event flyers were approved by the City and Huntington Health will donate the printing of the flyers.
o Dolphin Rentals will provide the rentals for the event and the ad hoc committee will schedule a walkthrough at Victory Park to confirm the set-up needs for the event with the vendor.
o Starbucks and Villa Gardens have donated coffee and pastries for the volunteers and vendors for the morning set up on the day of the event.
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 5 • Commissioner Brandon provided the following updates for the Older Americans Month event:
o The ad hoc committee has received confirmation from 47 vendors for the resource tables and they have received a commitment from 10 additional vendors.
o The event has received $18,900 in donations for sponsors and stated that the sponsors have expressed appreciation to the Commission for holding this year’s event after the impact of the Eaton Fire on the community. o The ad hoc committee has also received several donated items from the sponsors and vendors to include in the Older Americans Month Resource Bags that will be distributed to the first 300 individuals registered for the event.
o Announced the Older American Month Resource Bags will be assembled on Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 A.M. at Pasadena Village and requested assistance from the Commission to volunteer to pick up the bags on Tuesday, May 20 and deliver the bags to the event on Wednesday, May 21. • Commissioner Berkemeier announced that she has confirmed three organizations will provide entertainment during the event and is waiting to receive confirmation from two additional organizations.
• The ad hoc committee will purchase five 8”X3” premium vinyl banners to advertise the event to be placed at Victory Park, Villa Parke, Memorial Park, Washington Park, and the Jackie Robinson Community Center. The Commission recommended a banner also be placed near the site of the Altadena Senior Center or the close to the border between Altadena and Pasadena, if feasible.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Mason thanked the ad hoc committee for making the Older Americans Month event come together smoothly. The ad hoc committee met on Saturday, May 10th to finalize details for the Older Americans Month event taking place on May 21st. Commissioner Mason asked commissioners to volunteer to staff the table and help distribute tote bags.
• Commissioner Mason thanked the commission for voting to reallocate funds for printing requests for the Older Americans Month event, in addition to food for volunteers.
• Commissioner Brandon reminded Commissioners to register for the event. All who register online will receive a bag. The commissioner mentioned there are 172 individuals registered and they are expecting over 500 visitors. • Commissioner Mason noted vendors will be presenting at their booths during the Ask the Expert portion of the event.
• The Commission will have stickers for volunteers who can interact with people in different languages.
• Commissioner Mason thanked Pasadena village, Commissioner Brandon, and their board for working together to bring the Older Americans Month event to life.
June 2025: No updates.
Status:
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 6 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #2 – Advise on Marketing Strategy for Older Americans Month
Objective Purpose: Advise on Marketing Strategy for Older Americans Month.
Commissioners: Mason (lead), Zechner
Action Items:
• Contact Parks Recreation and Community Service Public Information Officer regarding public relations for the event.
• Pursue City Council Proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month.
• Create and execute a marketing strategy for the Older Americans Month event.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioners Zechner and Mason to the Advise on Marketing Strategy for Older Americans Month ad hoc committee.
August 2024:
• No updates.
September 2024:
• No updates.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Mason agreed to be the lead for the Advise on Marketing Strategy for Older Americans Month ad hoc committee.
November 2024:
• No updates.
December 2024:
• Meeting cancelled - no quorum
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Commissioner Mason stated the ad hoc committee will begin to develop the marketing strategy for the Older Americans Month event in March.
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 7 March 2025:
• Commissioner Mason stated the ad hoc committee met on Tuesday, March 11 and discussed the plan to request quotes for advertising from local media, such as Pasadena Now, to advertise the Older Americans Month event. • Commissioner Zechner stated the ad hoc committee is open to suggestions from the Commission regarding additional media outlets to contact to advertise the Older Americans Month event.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Mason reported the ad hoc committee has placed advertisements for the Older Americans Month event in the Arroyo Monthly and Pasadena Now and stated that Pasadena Now will provide advertisement of the event through their website, emails, and editorial content.
• Commissioner Zechner reported he is working with Pasadena Media to create a video to promote the Older Americans Month event, and the ad hoc committee will review a draft of the video before it is aired on the Pasadena webpage. He stated that Pasadena Media will also attend and videotape this year’s event. • Commissioner Mason reported the press release for the Older Americans Month event has been reviewed and sent to Jennifer Colby, PRCS Public Information Coordinator for City approval. She stated the ad hoc committee will create a statement that the Commission can use to share with their Councilmembers, and personal contacts to encourage their attendance at the event.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Mason and Commissioner Zechner provided the following updates regarding marketing research:
o Promo distributed through Pasadena Now has been very successful. o The ad hoc committee has been working with a few different local media outlets, including Pasadena Now and Pasadena Media. They are expecting media outlets to provide coverage during the Older Americans Month event on May 21st.
• Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) confirmed that banners are up at Villa Parke, JRCC, Pintoresca, Victory Park, and Pasadena Senior Center
• Vice Chair Ferguson and Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) announced flyers were distributed at libraries and Villa Parke.
• Commissioner Berkemeier distributed flyers at Heritage Square.
June 2025: No updates.
Status:
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 8 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #3 – Research and Promote Resources for Older Adults
Objective Purpose: Research and promote resources for older adults.
Commissioners: Quallsgray (lead), Haderlein, Celis, Ferguson, Mont O’Brien, Lorance
Action Items:
• Research existing lists.
• Identify opportunities for distribution.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Update Pasadena Senior Commission resource lists as needed.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Lorance appointed Vice Chair Ferguson and Commissioners Haderlein and Celis to the Research and Promote Resources for Older Adults ad hoc committee.
August 2024:
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioner Quallsgray, Commissioner Mont O’Brien, and herself to the Research and Promote Resources for Older Adults ad hoc committee.
September 2024:
• Commissioner Celis reported the ad hoc committee is currently reviewing the existing resource lists and updating information as needed.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Celis reported the ad hoc committee completed the review of the Useful Numbers for Seniors resource booklet and a few minor changes were made to the list of resources.
• Commissioner Quallsgray agreed to be the lead for the Research and Promote Resources for Older Adults ad hoc committee.
November 2024:
• Commissioner Quallsgray reported that the ad hoc committee is updating the Food Resource List and announced that Huntington Health has offered to design and print the updated resource lists when the updates have been completed.
• Commissioner Quallsgray stated the ad hoc committee discussed the distribution of the resource lists and requested Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) confirm the process for distributing the resource lists to City departments.
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 9 • Commissioner Haderlein stated that Huntington Health Community Outreach staff can assist with the distribution of the resource lists to seniors in the community.
December 2024:
• Meeting cancelled - no quorum
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Vice Chair Ferguson announced the ad hoc committee has been working on updating sections of the Useful Numbers for Seniors resource booklet and the Food Resources list.
• Commissioner Celis stated the updates have been completed for both resource lists and the next steps are as follows:
o Vice Chair Ferguson will update the resource list documents with the edits submitted by the ad hoc committee.
o Vice Chair Ferguson will send the updated resource list documents to Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) for review.
o After the documents have been reviewed by the City, the documents will be sent to Commissioner Haderlein for formatting by Huntington Hospital staff.
• Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) stated the resource lists will need to be approved by the City and the Commission prior to printing the documents.
March 2025:
• Commissioner Celis reported the ad hoc committee met on Tuesday, March 11 and reported the committee decided to merge the Useful Numbers for Seniors list and the Food Resource list into one booklet.
• Commissioner Quallsgray reported the updates to the resource lists have been completed and the document will be sent to Commissioner Haderlein for formatting.
• Commissioner Haderlein reported that 500 copies of the new resource book will be printed and requested information from Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) regarding the City logo and information that should be included in the document. • Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) stated that Commission can distribute the resource booklets to the community and the City will arrange distribution to City libraries.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Haderlein shared the final draft version on the new resource guide for older adults that combined the Useful Numbers for Older Adults and Food Resource list and requested confirmation if the document has received final approval from the City.
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 10 • Staff (Lopez-Rodriguez) requested the ad hoc committee send her a list of community locations and City facilities they want to deliver the resource books to with an estimated number of books for each location. She reminded the ad hoc committee that the resource books for the City libraries will be delivered by City staff.
• The Commission discussed potential locations to distribute the resource book and Commission Zechner recommended the resource book be delivered to locations that provide assistance to residents impacted by the Eaton Fire.
• Commissioner Haderlein agreed to have Huntington Health print 1,500 copies of the resource books for distribution at the Older Americans Month event and in the community.
• Staff (Lopez-Rodriquez) will follow up to have the resource book uploaded to the Commission’s webpage once it is approved by the City.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Brandon thanked the committee and Commissioner Haderlein for preparing and printing the resource books.
• Vice Chair Ferguson and Staff worked together to distribute resource books to the libraries in Pasadena.
• Huntington Health will distribute the resource books during their normal outreach.
• Commissioner Haderlein noted Huntington Hospital has 700 additional resource books available to distribute based on the ad hoc committee’s needs.
June 2025: No updates.
Status:
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 11 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #4 – Community Engagement Objective Purpose: Engage with Pasadena older adults.
Commissioners: Berkemeier, Brandon, Ferguson
Action Items:
• Encourage public attendance at Commission meetings.
• Attend community events for Older Adults.
• Explore Townhall on issues related to Pasadena Older Adults.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioners Berkemeier and Brandon to the Community Engagement ad hoc committee.
August 2024:
• Chair Lorance reported she assisted at the commission table at Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Annual Block Party on Saturday, August 3, and shared information about the work of the Commission with the community. • Chair Lorance appointed Vice Chair Ferguson to the Community Engagement ad hoc committee.
September 2024:
• Vice Chair Ferguson reported he attended the Walk in Remembrance event on Monday, September 9 that was held at the Rose Bowl in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month. He stated the Pasadena Senior Center hosted a resource table at the event.
October 2024:
• No updates.
November 2024:
• No updates.
December 2024:
• Meeting cancelled - no quorum
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 12 February 2025:
• Vice Chair Ferguson announced he attended the Senior Luncheon sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation in honor of Jackie Robinson’s 106th Birthday at Robinson Park Recreation Center on Friday, January 31 and stated it was wonderful to see the seniors connecting with each other and having fun. • Vice Chair Ferguson stated he visited the Evacuation Center at the Pasadena Convention Center on Wednesday, January 7 to show support from the Commission and assess the needs of the seniors that had been evacuated due to the Eaton Fire.
• Vice Chair Ferguson announced the Pasadena Senior Center is offering free memberships for the center to patrons of the Altadena Senior Center since it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
• Commissioner Berkemeier stated she attended a commission brunch on Saturday, December 14 hosted by Councilmember Jess Rivas for all District 5 commissioners. She stated she met the District 5 commissioner for the Accessibility and Disability Commission, and they discussed the possibility of the commissions collaborating on hosting a forum regarding the issues that affect both the disabled and senior communities.
• Commissioner Brandon announced Lena Kennedy is hosting a Senior Summit on Saturday, March 15 at the First AME Church in Pasadena to connect older adults affected by the Eaton Fire to resources. The event is still in the planning stages and Ms. Kennedy is seeking volunteers to assist with planning the event.
March 2025:
• No updates.
April 2025:
• Commissioner Berkemeier announced she will be attending the Metro’s on the Move Riders Program 9th Annual Older Adult Transportation Expo that is being held on Friday, May 9 from 9:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. at the Pasadena Convention Center
• Commissioner Brandon announced she will be attending the Eaton Fire Rebuild Senior Summit hosted by Community Women Vital Voices on Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at First A.M.E. Church, Pasadena. • Vice Chair Ferguson announced he will be attending Councilmember Jones District 3 Community Meeting on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 P.M. at Robinson Park Recreation Center.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Berkemeier will be attending the Healthy Aging Fair on Wednesday, May 28 from 9: 30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at South Pasadena Senior Center.
June 2025: No updates.
Status:
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 13 Ad Hoc Committee re: Objective #5 – Explore the state of Pasadena’s Age-Friendliness
Objective Purpose: Assess where Pasadena is as an age friendly city.
Commissioners: Brandon (lead), Ferguson, Waterson, Lorance
Action Items:
• Research the AARP age friendly guidelines.
• Research the master plan for aging guide for local plans. • Invite relevant speakers based on research.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2024:
• Chair Lorance appointed Vice Chair Ferguson, Commissioner Waterson, Commissioner Brandon, and herself to the Explore the State of Pasadena’s Age- Friendliness ad hoc committee.
August 2024:
• Chair Lorance reported on behalf of Commissioner Brandon that the ad hoc committee met on August 22 and discussed the action items for the objective.
September 2024:
• Vice Chair Ferguson reported the ad hoc committee met on Thursday, August 22 to discuss the action items for the objective and will be meeting with Akila Gibbs on Thursday, October 3 and Koko Panossian on Wednesday, October 9 to get input on the guidelines to become an Age Friendly City. • Commissioner Waterson reported the ad hoc committee is reviewing the AARP and the California Master Plan for Aging processes to become an Age Friendly City in preparation for the meetings scheduled with Akila Gibbs and Mr.
Panossian in October.
• Commissioner Waterson recommended the Commission receive a presentation from American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) regarding their age friendly guidelines in early 2025 and the ad hoc committee will discuss a potential date at their next meeting.
October 2024:
• Commissioner Brandon reported the ad hoc committee met with Akila Gibbs, Executive Director, Pasadena Senior Center on Thursday, October 3 to discuss the guidelines to become an Age-Friendly City and the ad hoc committee will be meeting with Koko Panossian on Wednesday, October 9 to gather additional information about the process to become an Age-Friendly City.
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 14 • Commissioner Brandon agreed to be the lead for the Explore the State of Pasadena’s Age-Friendliness ad hoc committee and reported the next meeting for the ad hoc committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 17 at 4:00 P.M.
November 2024:
• Commissioner Brandon reported the ad hoc committee met with Koko Panossian, Director, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department on Wednesday, November 6 to discuss the guidelines and process for the City to be designated an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Age-Friendly City.
• Commissioner Brandon stated the ad hoc committee is working on scheduling a meeting with staff from the City of Glendale to discuss their experience of having Glendale designated an AARP Age-Friendly City including the impact of the process on City staff.
• Commissioner Waterson stated that Glendale’s councilmembers are elected at large, which is different than the structure of Pasadena’s City Council. The ad hoc committee is researching other Age-Friendly designated cities to identify a city with a similar government structure as Pasadena to verify if this may affect the process of becoming an age-friendly city.
December 2024:
• Meeting cancelled - no quorum
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to the Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• Commissioner Brandon stated the ad hoc committee met with Maggie Kavarian from the City of Glendale on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, to learn about the process and benefits of being designated an Age-Friendly City. She stated the ad hoc committee is planning to meet with staff from the City of Santa Monica that has a similar government structure as Pasadena, to gather information on their process to be designated an Age-Friendly City.
• Commissioner Waterson will contact Rachel Zaiden with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to verify her availability to reschedule the presentation for the Commission regarding the guidelines to be designated an Age-Friendly City for the meeting on Tuesday, May 13.
March 2025:
• Commissioner Waterson requested confirmation from the Commission regarding the meeting date for the presentation from American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and stated he will contact Rachel Zaiden to confirm her availability for the meeting on May 13.
SC Report of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 15 April 2025:
• Commissioner Waterson announced the presentation from American Association of Retired Person (AARP) regarding the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities program has been confirmed for the commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
May 2025:
• Commissioner Brandon thanked Commissioner Waterson for scheduling the AARP presentation. The Ad hoc committee will meet after the Older Americans event on the 21st to discuss possible objectives/action items for the work plan for the new fiscal year.
June 2025: No updates.
Status:
SC Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 16 Senior Commission
Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025
July 2024:
• No presentation
August 2024:
• No presentation
September 2024:
• Presentation from the Salvation Army regarding low-income housing for seniors – Jason Piecuch, Salvation Army
October 2024:
• Presentation from Huntington Hospital regarding Flu vaccines (Haderlein) • Commission Training by the City of Pasadena City Attorney’s Office – Arnold Lee, Assistant City Attorney
November 2024:
• No presentation
December 2024:
• Meeting cancelled – no quorum
January 2025:
• Meeting cancelled due to Eaton Fire
February 2025:
• No presentation
March 2025:
• Presentation from the County of Los Angeles about the implementation of the Countywide Intergovernmental Broadband Coordinating Committee (IBCC) to support the advancement of digital equity and inclusion for older adult residents - Rebecca F. Kauma, Director of Digital Equity, County of Los Angeles
SC Presentation Calendar FY 2024-2025. Approved June 3, 2025. 17 April 2025:
• No presentation
May 2025:
• Presentation from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) regarding the process to enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities program – Rachel Zaiden, Associate State Director, Advocacy and Community Engagement
June 2025: Annual Meeting
(updates approved April 8, 2025)
SC Meeting Attendance Record FY 2024-2025. Approved June 03, 2025. 18 City of Pasadena Senior Commission
Meeting Attendance Record for FY 2024-2025
SENIOR COMMISSION
July 2024 - June 2025
MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD
MEMBERS
07/09/24 REGULAR08/13/24 REGULAR09/10/24 REGULAR10/08/24 REGULAR11/12/24 REGULAR12/10/24 REGULAR01/14/25 REGULAR02/11/25 REGULAR03/11/25 REGULAR04/08/25 REGULAR05/13/25 REGULAR06/03/25 SPECIAL TOTAL
MEETINGS
ATTENDED
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
PERCENTAGE
DAWNEEN LORANCE
(At Large/District 5) P P A P P NQ XX A P A P P 7 70.00%
DION FERGUSON
(Pasadena Senior Center) P P P U P NQ XX P P P P P 9 90.00%
JANE HADERLEIN
(Mayor) P A A P P NQ XX P P P P P 8 80.00%
RUBY QUALLSGRAY
(District 2) A P P P P NQ XX P P P P P 9 90.00%
MATTIE BETTS
(District 3) A A A P A NQ XX A A A A A 1 10.00%
HARALD ZECHNER
(District 4) P P P P P NQ XX P P P P P 10 100.00%
MARI BERKEMEIER
(District 5) P P P P P NQ XX P P P P P 10 100.00%
ANGIE MONT O'BRIEN
(District 6) P P P P P NQ XX P P P P P 10 100.00%
CHELSEA MASON
(District 7) P P P P A NQ XX P P P P P 9 90.00%
MARTHA CELIS
(Senior Care Network) P P P P P NQ XX P P P P P 10 100.00%
KATIE BRANDON
(Agency Representative) P A A P P NQ XX P P P P P 8 80.00%
MARK WATERSON
(Agency Representative) P A P P P NQ XX P P P A P 8 80.00% TARA L. MASTRO
(District 1) A A 0 0.00%
LEGEND Total Meetings Held 10
P - PRESENT
A - EXCUSED ABSENCE
U - UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
XX - CANCELED MEETING
NQ - NO QUORUM
SC Work Plan FY 2025 – 2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 19
City of Pasadena Senior Commission
Work Plan: 07/08/2025 – 06/09/2026
Mission:
The purpose of the Senior Commission is to advise the City Council on the needs, concerns and quality of life for seniors.
The commission shall:
• Advise the City Council on the needs and concerns of all seniors; • Engage in consultation and study with local groups on the needs of the aged and evaluate available resources; and
• Consult with other public agencies and commissions on matters relevant to the commission.
FY 2024-2025 Objectives:
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Celebrate Older Americans Month with an Event Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2 – Help Older Adults Access Resources Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #3 – Assess Needs of Older Adults with the Goal of Having the Biggest Impact on the Greatest Needs
SC Work Plan FY 2025 – 2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 20
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #1 – Celebrate Older Americans Month with an Event
Objective Purpose: Plan and host a citywide event in May 2026 to celebrate Older Americans Month
Commissioners: Ferguson, Mason, Brandon, Berkemeier
Action Items:
• Begin pre-planning in November 2025. Host an in-person event in May 2026.
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Chair Lorance appointed herself and Vice Chair Ferguson to the ad-hoc committee
August 2025:
• Chair Lorance appointed commissioner Berkemeier, Brandon, and Celis to the ad-hoc committee
• Commissioners Lorance, Ferguson, Mason, Brandon, and Berkemeier began preliminary planning via email and proposed May 20, 2026, as the tentative event date for the Older Americans Month event.
• The ad hoc committee recommended a change to an action item as follows:
o Begin pre-planning in November 2025. Host an in-person event in May 2026. • Commissioner Mason stated the committee plans to replicate last year’s event, retaining the same vendors and seeking similar sponsors.
Status:
SC Work Plan FY 2025 – 2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 21
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #2 – Help Older Adults Access Resources
Objective Purpose: Update and expand the distribution of the Useful Phone Numbers for Pasadena Seniors booklet
Commissioners: Haderlein, Mastro, Celis, Quallsgray, Mont O’Brien Action Items:
• Gather feedback regarding the current resource list
• Update current resource guides for seniors
• Distribute resource guides
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioners Haderlein, Mastro, Celis, and Quallsgray to the ad-hoc committee
August 2025:
• Commissioner Celis reported she has distributed the resource guide to 13 senior apartment sites in Pasadena, with a few remaining due to limited copies, and included a cover letter for apartment managers; other ad hoc committee members will be distributing guides to local churches.
• Commissioner Mont O’Brien reported that all libraries have received their copies of the resource guide and expressed positive feedback; additional copies were delivered after initial supplies ran out.
• Chair Lorance acknowledged that this is the first year the resource guide is being distributed at this scale using an organized list and commended the commissioners for their good work.
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioner Mont O’Brien to the ad-hoc committee • Commissioner Waterson asked about potential printing budget challenges; Chair Lorance confirmed that Huntington Hospital is currently handling printing, including color copies, at no cost.
• Commissioner Brandon reported that Holy Family Church in South Pasadena has requested resource guides. Commissioner Celis will reach out to them.
Status
SC Work Plan FY 2025 – 2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 22
Ad Hoc Committee: Objective #3 – Assess Needs of Older Adults with the Goal of Having the Biggest Impact on the Greatest Needs Objective Purpose: Review existing needs assessments for seniors and create a report for city council.
Commissioners: Mastro, Haderlein, Brandon, Waterson, Hernandez Action Items:
• Meet to understand the current city’s needs assessments and rank priorities • Identify existing resources and ongoing activities supporting older adults in Pasadena
• Analyze the impact of Pasadena’s possible designation as an Age Friendly City • Create an action plan to engage City Council
Work Plan Updates:
July 2025:
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioners Mastro and Haderlein to the ad-hoc committee
August 2025:
• Chair Lorance appointed Commissioners Waterson and Hernandez to the ad-hoc committee
• Commissioner Brandon reported that Kathy Chadwell from Huntington Health will present the newly released 2025 Community Needs Assessment at the September meeting along with Jane Haderlein and Matthew Feaster, with the report available online and to be sent in advance.
Status:
SC Presentation Calendar FY 2025 - 2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 23 Senior Commission
Presentation Calendar FY 2025-2026
To be scheduled:
• Presentation from the Planning and Community Development Department regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (Staff - Lopez-Rodriguez) • Presentation from the Department of Housing regarding availability of subsidized housing for seniors (Staff – Lopez-Rodriguez)
• Pasadena Elderly & Dependent Adult Liaisons (PEDAL) (Staff - Lopez- Rodriguez)
• Presentation regarding an update on the possibility of mental health services at the former Kaiser site in Pasadena – Economic Development Division, City Manager’s Office
July 2025:
• No Presentation
August 2025:
• No Presentation
September 2025:
• Presentation from Huntington Health on the Greater Pasadena Needs Assessment, executive summary – Cathi Chadwell, Executive Director, Huntington Health, and Dr. Matthew Feaster, Division Manager, Epidemiology & Disease Control Division
October 2025:
• Presentation from the Department of Housing regarding the availability of subsidized housing and upcoming developments - Jim Wong, Director, Department of Housing
• Invite Nurses from Huntington Health to bring information to Commission (Haderlein)
November 2025:
• Presentation from the Department of Housing regarding the availability of subsidized housing and upcoming developments - Jim Wong, Director, Department of Housing
December 2025:
•
January 2026:
•
February 2026:
•
SC Presentation Calendar FY 2025 - 2026. Approved June 3, 2025. 24 March 2026:
•
April 2026:
•
May 2026:
•
June 2026: Annual Meeting
(updates approved August 12, 2025)
INFORMATION ITEMS
7. CITY ADVOCACY LETTERS*
INFORMATION ITEMS
8. PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS