McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Christine Olsen
Sunday,April12,20265:18PM
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Re: Agenda Item 13 April 13th City Council Meeting
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Members of the Pasadena City Council:
I have been a homeowner in west Pasadena for over 40 years. My current home is located in an area designated as "very high wildfire hazard."
I strongly urge you to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the California State Board of Forestry in support of Vegetation Option 4 and Tree Option 2 with respect to the proposed Zone Zero regulations and supporting local control over enforcement with sufficient local flexibility.
Thank you.
Christine M. Olsen
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Jay Davis >
Sunday, April 12, 2026 7:12 PM
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Agenda Item 13. LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SEND
A LETTER TO THE STATE BOARD OF FORESTRY COMMENTING ON ZONE ZERO ISome people who received this message don't often get email fromirn why this is important [ l ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
I am a resident of Pasadena at Orange Grove Blvd I support the City's recommendation to adopt Vegetation Option 4 and Tree Option 2 to the California Board of Forestry in the consideration of the proposed regulations concerning Zone Zero.
JayDavis
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Henry Gibbons
Sunday, April 12, 2026 8:17 PM
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InRe: Agenda Item 13. Legislative Policy Committee : Authorize the Mayor to send a Letter to the State Board of Forestry Commenting on Zone Zero [Some people who received this message don't often get email from at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification ]
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Members of the City Council :
We have been homeowners in Pasadena for over 40 years. Our current home is located in an area designated as " Very High wildfire Hazard. "
We strongly urge you to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the State Board of Forestry in support of Vegetation Option # 4 and Tree Option #2 with respect to the proposed Zone Zero regulations and supporting local control over enforcement with sufficient local flexibility.
Thank you.
Henry Gibbons
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1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Liza Billington •
Monday, April 13, 2026 7:14 AM
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Zone 0 Comment
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Dear City Council,
I am a long time resident and homeowner in Pasadena. Zone 0 is not supported by science and would not prevent future devastating fires like we all witnessed last year. I urge you to send a letter to the Board of Forestry in support of Option 4 for vegetation and Option 2 fortress.
Thank you,
Liza Billington
Pasadena,CA91104
Sent from my iPhone
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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sarah gavit -
Monday, April 13, 2026 8:07 AM
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Andre De Salis
Letter regarding Pasadena Agenda Item 13. Legislative Policy Committee: Authorize the Mayor to Send a Letter to the State Board of Forestry Commenting on Zone Zero 26_4_13_Letter to Pasadena CC and CA Board of Forestry_signed.pdf [Some people who received this message don't often get email from important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification ] i. Learn why this is
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Please find the attached letter regarding the upcoming Pasadena City Council meeting related to 'Zone Zero' fire management.
Thank you,
Sarah Gavit and Andre de Salis
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
Date: April 12, 2026
From: Sarah Gavit and Andre de Sails
To: Pasadena City Council and the California Board of Forestry Subject: Comments on New 'Zone Zero' Fire Regulations and General Approach to Fire Management in California
Reference 1: "Pasadena Agenda Item 13. "Legislative Policy Committee: Authorize the Mayor to Send a Letter to the State Board of Forestry Commenting on Zone Zero" Reference 2: April 23, 2026 California Board of Forestry 'Zone 0" Defensible Space meeting We are California home owners and are deeply concerned about the proposed 'Zone Zero' and other extreme fire regulations being considered by the State of California.
We urge the City of Pasadena and the State of California to implement a balanced approach to addressing the state's fire management challenge, namely Adapt reasonable zone policies such as Tree Option 2 and Vegetation Option 4. • Have these policies enforced by local government, so that there is the flexibility to address local special circumstances when applying the regulations.
Implement available technology for early fire detection such as satellite and local Al- monitored imaging.
Ensure that fire departments are adequately funded to have efficient warning systems, and sufficient fire hydrants, fire trucks and firefighters.
The proposed regulations to denude numerous properties of vegetation is not a reasonable approach to solving California's fire management issues. This approach will have large impacts on the California quality of life, our natural environment and our residents' mental health.
The problems with implementing the proposed strict and untailored Zone 0,1, 2 fire regulations are innumerable. Just to name a few obvious deficiencies, the regulations fail to adequately consider the following:
Special cases for the preservation of cultural and strategic resources, such has historic buildings and parks, architecturally landmarked buildings and neighborhoods, and other assets of local and national significance.
Special cases for neighborhoods that are effectively 'extensions' to parks. It makes no sense to have a vegetation-dense natural park and require private properties surrounding the park to be stripped of vegetation. The surrounding neighborhoods 'extend the park' and are often used by persons throughout the region for exercise, walking, picnicking etc. and provide a service to the broader community. This is especially true of the Arroyo Seco Park region that serves the greater Los Angeles area.
In our experience, more than half of the 'walkers' in the surrounding neighborhoods are from other parts of Los Angeles. Residents take great pride in maintaining their yards and providing a beautiful place for others to enjoy.
The uniqueness of local terrain. For example, vegetation is fundamental to maintaining the stability of hillsides and hillside homes in many areas. Soil erosion needs to be considered in implementing property fire management policies.
The oversized financial burden on residents to implement the proposed fire regulations as opposed to implementing a more balance approach. Many people live on fixed incomes. The cost of compliance will likely be excessive for many and may compel them to sell their homes. This is especially true in older and highly-developed neighborhoods that were built before current codes applied. Costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, and maybe more.
The oversized financial loss to residents due to probable home devaluations. Due to the high cost of real estate in California, many residents have a significant portion of life savings in their homes. It is not unreasonable to assume their net worth can be significantly impacted if neighborhood flight causes home prices to drop. Neighborhood flight is probable if the proposed extreme regulations are enforced due to: 1) Unattractiveness of the neighborhood after properties are denuded of vegetation, 2) The high cost of regulation compliance, and 3) The destabilization of homes and hillsides.
The limited accuracy of fire hazard maps and fire management 'science'. The arbitrary lines drawn between one house and another on a fire map are highly subjective and will be challengeable in courts of law. Also, while all agree that fire management efforts need to be better understood and pursued, it should be acknowledged that the so- called 'science' related to it is relatively new. This 'science' needs time to mature and needs to be balanced with other factors, such as maintaining a realistic and healthy environment for humans, fauna and flora to live.
Furthermore, wej^commend a progressiveapproachforear[y fire detection using technologies that are currently available. This includes the following:
Satellite imaging for early fire detection: The recent and dramatic explosion of the commercial satellite business makes this a viable option. A quick search on the internet shows at least 10 major satellite imaging companies with high-resolution optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging. These provide viewing through clouds and at night. Many of them provide continuous, or near-continuous coverage. While any one neighborhood or city may not be able afford this imaging, a collection of cities and/or the state of California certainly can. Companies regularly use such systems to monitor the number of customers in parking lots. This technology is real and accessible.
Local imaging for early fire detection: Local communities, especially those in higher- fire-risk areas, can further augment this approach through local cameras and/or small SAR with Al monitoring for fires. For example, in the Pasadena Arroyo Seco Park region (home of the Rose Bowl stadium, golf course, swim center, children's museum, etc.), imaging hardware could be strategically placed along the park corridor (e.g. on top of a Jet Propulsion Laboratory building, the Rose Bowl and the numerous bridges spanning the park). This system could provide an excellent augmentation to satellite imaging and property regulations. Al now makes continuous monitoring on these systems very affordable.
Broadly enforcing extreme zone policies such as those proposed for 'Zone 0 and 1' will likely result in years of lawsuits and limited action. Consequently, we recommend the more reasonable and balanced approach described above, which will likely receive broad community support and result in immediate actions to reduce fire risk. It will also allow time for the 'science' of fire management to mature before drastic actions cause permanent damage to neighborhoods and the personal finances of homeowners.
Note: As residents of Pasadena, we were close witnesses to, and still suffer from, the impact of the Pasadena/Altadena fires on our friends, work colleagues and city. Consequently, we fully support efforts to reduce the risk of fires and their impacts. We are also convinced that the extreme measures proposed in the 'Zone 0 and 1' regulations would have had little effect on the outcome of the fires given the hurricane-force winds. Other factors played a more important role relative to the number of deaths and buildings that survived in our area. These included the lack of an early fire detection system, failure of an effective emergency warning system for residents, and a severe deficiency in fire-fighting resources (of every sort). We believe that fire management resources should put more emphasis in these areas.
Thank you for considering our comments.
_.J.Ai^_-
Andre de Satis
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Sarah Gavit
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Monday, April 13, 2026 8:51 AM
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FW: Agenda Item 13. LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO
SEND A LETTER TO THE STATE BOARD OF FORESTRY COMMENTING ON ZONE ZERO Some people who received this message don't often get email from-earn why this is important [ I ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Hello,
I live at 1290 La Loma Rd in Pasadena. I believe it is very important to keep the character of our city with beautiful landscapes and trees. I support only Vegetation option 4 and Tree option 2 with regard to the Zone Zero regulations.
Regards,
Terry Krupczak
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Bob Gutzman
Monday, April 13, 2026 9:27 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; [email protected] Fwd: Zone Zero Comments for City Council Meeting - 4/13/2026 Some people who received this message don't often get email from.earn why this is important [ t ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
We strongly support the goal of enhancing community wildfire resilience. However, we urge the City Council to tell the California Board of Forestry to adopt an approach that allows flexibility for local jurisdictions and reflects regional differences unique to Southern California's urban Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). We strongly urge that the Board should adopt Vegetation Option 4 and Tree Option 2 as presented in the October 23, 2025 draft rule package.
Vegetation Option 4 - Well-Maintained Plants Allowed
Option 4 provides the appropriate balance between safety and ecological stewardship. This approach allows potted and in-ground vegetation that is well-maintained and hydrated while prohibiting dead or combustible materials, such as dry weeds or wood mulches.
This method aligns with science-based research (Escobedo et al, 2025) showing that plant health and moisture content—not the mere presence of greenery—are key predictors of fire spread, hlealthy vegetation can also provide cooling benefits, erosion control, and protection against wind-d riven embers, which are especially relevant in Pasadena's and Altadena's hillside communities.
Tree Option 2 - Well-Maintained Trees with Clearances
Tree Option 2 provides a reasonable standard that maintains appropriate clearance from chimneys and roofs while recognizing the importance of trees in urban areas. Trees play a critical role in heat mitigation, erosion control, air quality, and the provision of habitat. Our community supports this approach as it maintains safety without imposing unnecessary removals that could harm biodiversity or conflict with local tree ordinances.
Please note that any tree option needs to include exceptions for trees protected by local ordinance.
In other words, we need to protect Pasadena's oak trees which protect against fire embers and are somef/mes likened to "catcher's mitts. "
Preserve Local Authority within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) We also strongly urge the Board to allow local control within LRAs, consistent with the "alternatives" language included in the draft rule.
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
Local discretion ensures that defensible space policies are effective, enforceable, and compatible with existing municipal codes, environmental protections, historic preservation ordinances and community expectations.
If the Boards finds that a single set of regulations is desired, then the least restrictive options (options 4 and 2) are advisable to prevent ecologically and financially costly regulatory overreach.
Thanks very much.
Bob Gutzman and Marcie Chan
2 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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=}• • Avak Sarafian
Monday, April 13, 2026 10:26 AM
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NO TO ZONE ZERO
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Dear Pasadena City Council,
Residents of this City and of this State are sickand tired of Sacramento politicians imposing their one size fits all laws on everyone. In this country we're supposed to have freedom and liberty- unfortunately AB 3074 infringes on that freedom and Liberty by forcing ridiculous rules that are not backed by science. Take a look for yourself in Altadena and see how trees and vegetation survived on lots where the houses are ash.
Cutting vegetation and turning our City into a desert is not going to stop the kind of fires we experienced in January. All it will do is turn our environment into a lifeless miserable place. What will stop fires is So Cal Edison removing its electric poles from Eaton Canyon and other wild places and for the City of Pasadena to make good on its promise to put overhead power lines underground.
The residents of this City are the ones voting for you, not the politicians in Sacramento and certainly not the insurance industry which is behind this nonsense.
Sincerely,
Pasadena Resident in District 2.
Councilmember Cole, your vote is being monitored.
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ethan Fogg
Monday, April 13, 2026 12:27 PM
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Pasadena City Council - Zero Zone
s
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To: Pasadena City Council
Re:Zero Zone
Hello, this email is a comment on the proposed Zero Zone, the 5-feet around a structure. I Live in the Bungalow Heaven neighborhood, although I lived at my residence 20 years before Bungalow heaven existed.
Bungalow heaven is very far from the mountains and the wind storm that caused the Edison electrical tower in Eaton Canyon to spark and start the fire was an isolated incident.
There have been many strong wind storms over the last 100 years in our area and none of those storms ever caused anything close to what happened on January 7th and 8th 2025 in Altadena and Pasadena.
I do not think a city wide Zero Zone around houses and other buildings that are nowhere near the mountains should be subject to this policy. That would really make no sense as Pasadena is a Tree City USA community and what is being proposed is a drastic overreaction to this isolated event.
Thankyou, Ethan Fogg
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ellen BresslerOsheroff ~" ~ " -
Monday, April 13, 2026 1:46 PM
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Re: Agenda Item 13. LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO
SEND A LETTER TO THE STATE BOARD OF FORESTRY COMMENTING ON ZONE ZERO Some people who received this message don't often get email from.earn why this is important [ l ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Dear Mayor Gordo and City Council Members,
I am writing as a 37-year-resident of beautiful Pasadena, to urge you to approve Item 13 on today's City Council agenda, authorizing Mayor Gordo to send a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection which states Pasadena supports Option 4 for vegetation management and Option 2 for tree management in the Zone Zero program.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ellen Dressier Osheroff
Pasadena
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Don McConnell
Monday, April 13, 2026 1:48 PM
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Council Agenda Item 13: Letter to California Board of Forestry on "Zone Zero" Letter to Pasadena City Coucil on Zone Zero 04132026.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from ' important
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Date: April 13, 2026
To: Mayor Victor M. Gordo & Pasadena Legislative Policy Committee:
From: Donald P. McConnell
Re: Council Agenda Item 13: Letter to California Board of Forestry on "Zone Zero" I commend you and the Council members on your plans to the State Board of Forestry addressing the pending Zone Zero Fire Wise legislation. It is essential that the City of Pasadena engage in addressing the impacts on Pasadena of rote application of the state's proposed Zone Zero requirements in the Lower Arroyo area. Unless thoughtfully adapted and administered, the classification of the Lower Arroyo as a high hazard "red" fire zone will profoundly impact this West Pasadena neighborhood.
Supporting this conclusion, the attachment to this letter outlines the practical limitations of applying the current proposed Fire Wise Red Zone requirements within the Arbor Street / California Terrace neighborhood. It was sent to the State Board of Forestry in response to their Pasadena Workshop of September 18, 2025. It also recommends actions which Pasadena City Council should address, including the following. •
•
Developed for rural areas, unless modified for Pasadena's urban/ suburban environment, many of the Zone Zero requirements are impractical and potentially destructive to the Pasadena property valuations. These limitations will become critical as compliance with homeowner's Fire Wise provisions become required to obtain commercial HO insurance in California. A critical requirement for City action is tailoring manageable and effective Zone Zero requirements to ensure the insurability of residential property while maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood.
Fire Wise recommended separation distances between homes cannot be achieved along Arbor street.
Per the LA County Assessor's parcel map for Arbor Street, the plot sizes vary little along Arbor Street with separation between buildings, measured wall-to-wall, typically 12 feet. This effectively defines the entire block as Zone O.This area also includes utility connections & metering, service walkways, vegetation, and fencing, typically cedar plank fencing with fencing along the property line. Defining workable, uniform Pasadena property line provisions will be essential.
Fire Wise vegetation management provisions will require adaptation for use in Pasadena's as-built environment. Arbor Street from California Terrace to South Grand rises at a slope of 12 degrees. While vegetation varies by property, most properties having large, mature protected Coastal Oaks with a total canopy heights in excess of75-feet, plus 10-foot-tall privet hedges and arbor vitae, 35-foot-tall podocarpus hedge rows, with multiple pine trees, in excess of 50-feet in height. Based on CalFire recommendations, distances separating shrubs should be 2x their height and trees at 10 to 20 feet apart. None of the plantings 1 4/13/2026
Item 13
meet the CalFire recommendations. Rote application would deforest the neighborhood would require deforesting the neighborhood. A common forestry management plan will be needed to adapt Zone Zero vegetation requirements adjacent to the Arroyo Seco.
Effective action requires addressing the greatest potential source of fire transmission: vegetation within Lower Arroyo Seco Park. The Altadena fire demonstrated the risk posed by vegetation on public land as a critical element of fire hazard. The arroyo acted as a conduit for fire to be driven by wind toward and into Pasadena, with forward progress finally being arrested by a fire line set near JPL. Current brush reduction needs to be accelerated and Pasadena's plans for arroyo fire prevention and suppression updated to reflect the lessons learned from the Altadena fire. Any realistic and effective Fire Wise plan for Pasadena must address the city 's management of the Lower Array o Park as a core fire hazard for the West Pasadena community.
Don McConnell
Pasadena, CA 91105
2 Date; April 13,2026
To: Mayor Victor M. Gordo & Pasadena Legislative Policy Committee:
From: Donald P. McConnell ^Q^^^^y^^,, . ^
Re: Council Agenda Item 13: Letter to California Board of Forestry on "Zone ZcroM I commend you and the Council members on your plans to the State Board of Forestry addressing the pending Zoiie Zero Fire Wise legislation, It is essential ttiat the Cil>' of Pasadena engage in addressing the impacts on Pasadena of rote application of the state's proposed Zone Zero requirements m the lower Arroyo area. Unless thoughtfully adapted and administered, the classification of the Lower Arroyo as a high hazard "red" fire zone will profoundly impact this West Pasadena neighborhood.
Supporting this conclusion, the attachment to this letter outlines the practical limitations of applying the currem proposed Fire Wise Red Zone requirements within the Arbor Street / California Terrace neighborhood. It was sent to the State Board ofForestn- in response to their Pasadena Workshop of September 18, 2025. It also recommends actions which Pasadena City Council should address, including the following. • Developed for rural areas, unless modified for Pasadena's urban/ suburban environment, many of the Zone Zero requirements are impractical and potentially destructive to the Pasadena property valuations. These limitations will become critical as compliaiice witli homeowner's Fire Wise provisioas become required to obtain commercial HO insurance in Califomia, A ci'incal requirement for City action is tttitoring manageable and effective Zone Zero requiremenfs to ensure the imurabiUty of residential pmperty while maintaining the. residential character of the. nvighborfwod.
Fire Wise recommended separation distances behveen homes cannot be achieved along Arbor street.
Per the LA County Assessors parcel map for Arbor Street, the plot sizes vary little along Arbor Street with separation between buildings, measured wall-to-wall, typically 12 feet. This effectively defines the entire block as Zone O.This area also includes utility connections & metering, service walkways, vegetation, and fencing, typicatly cedar plank fencing with fencing along the property line. De/ming workable, uniform Pascfdena properly line provisiom will be es.wnfia!.
Fire Wise vegetation management provisions will require adaptation for use m Pasadena's as-built environment. Arbor Street from California Terrace to South Grand rises at a slope of 12 degrees. While vegetation varies by property, most properties having large, mature protected Coastal Oaks with a total canopy heights in excess of75-teet, plus 10-foot-tall privet hedges and arbor vitae. 35-foot-taU podocarpus hedge rows. with multiple pine trees, in excess of50-leet in height. Based on CalFire Fecommendatioiis, distances separating shrubs should be 2x their height and trees at 10 to 20 feel apart. None of the plantings meet the Cal Fire recommendations. Rote application would deforest the neighborliood would require deforesting the neighborhood. A common forestry management plan will he needed to adapt Zone Zero vegetation requirements adjcicent to the Arroyo Seco.
Effective action requires addressing the greatest potential source of fire transmission: vegetation within Lower Arroyo Scco Park. The AItadena fire demonstrated the risk posed by vegetation on public land as a critical element of fire hazard. The arroyo acted as a conduit for fire to be driven by wind toward and into Pasadena, with fonvard progress finally being arrested by a fire tine set near JPL. Current brush reduction needs to be accelerated and Pasadena's plans fbr arroyo fire prevention and suppression iipdated to reflect the lessons learned from the Altadena fire. Afiy realistic cmd effective Fire Wise plan for Pasadena must address the city's munugement of the Lower Arroyo Park as a core fire hazard for the West Pasadena community.
, Pasadena CA 91105
Cal Board ofForestr>' & Fire Protection (https://[email protected],gov) Comments in Response to CBF Zone Zero Regulation Advison Committee Meeting Pasadena Convention Center. Sept. 18, 2025
I am writing to provide comments on the BFFP draft "Defensible Space Zone 0 Regulation" as presented at the September 18th public meeting in Pasadena. CA. My residence in Pasadena is located on Arbor Street in the CalifomJa Terrace Neighborhood of Pasadena at the immediaiely ai the immediate eastern edge of the proposed "red zone" of the Ai-royo Seco to the left of the red line. This is shomi in the blue box on the photo of Arbor Street ftoni the Arro^ o Seco to the rear property line of the buildings on South Grand Avenue. The specific plot lines for properties inside the boxed area are shown in the LA County Assessor's parcel map for Arbor Street below.
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Arbor Street, Pasadena
The proposed Defensible Space rule, as ilistrihiited und (liscussefl fit the Advisory Meeting {ft Ptisadena, raises a number of critical issues when applied to long developed, semi-urbwi environment such as that ^-fV-f ^. 1
, Pasadena CA 91105
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sliOH'n above. Using Arbor Street as typical of the areas show-n in the figure suggests the following challenges to the proposed "Zone 0" application to a semi-urban environmeni of Pasadena as discussed below.
The properties along Arbor Street were developed in 1964 have all been classified as in the "red zone'' of the An-oyo. For these properlies, as sho\\-n in the [,A County Assessor's parcel map for Arbor Street. the plot sizes vary little along Arbor Street and are typically 75-feet wide along the street side and 160 feet deep,
Currently, the properties along South Grand were not identified as in the "red zoiie." However, as highlighted by the yellow rectangle. all these properties extend below the red zone line as well and are well forested.
Typical space between buildings on Arbor Street, measured wall-to-wall is often less than 12 feet, with fencing along the property line. This effectively defines Zone 0 aroimd the buildings as six feet or less.
In all cases, Zone 0 includes utility connections & metering. service walkways, vegetation, and fencing, typically cedar plank fencing.
While vegetation varies by property. most properties having large, mature protected Coastal Oaks with a total canopy heights in excess of75-feet, plus 10-foot-tall privei hedges and arbor vitae, 35-foot-tali podocarpus hedge rows. with multiple pine trees, in excess of50-feet in Iieight.
Arbor Street in the blue highlighted section from California Terrace to South Grand rises at a slope of 12 degrees. Based 011 CaIFire reconiETiendations. distances separating shrubs should be 2x their height and trees at 10 to 20 teet apart. None oftliese plantings meet the CalFire recommendations.
In no instance can the Zone 1 or 2 requirements of the proposed rule be met in the Califonua Terrace neighborhood without substantial deforestation and degradation of the existing neighborhood.
In Summary:
•The bottom line is that while the CalFire recommendations under the proposed rule-making might be workable in new developments or in rural areas, as written they effectively require removing large swaths of established vegetation while not addressing the realities of a semi-urban envirotinient.
This inability to effectively address the Zone 0 requirements of the proposed regulation while preserving the neighborhood characteristics of Pasadena in turn could strongly inipact the assessment of fire risk by commercial insurance companies as has happened in other locales.
In turn. if implemented as written the proposed legislation, without addressing the source of ignition from the Arroyo Seco will impact the property values and Pasadena's tax base, while only peripherally addressing the risk of fire spreading in this neighborhood.
Consequently, joint engagement of property owners, the city, the Pasadena Fire Department and Board of Forests and Fire Protection to develop a set of viable recommendations specific to this section of Pasadena is essential to jointly addressing the rising risk of wildfire to the Arroyo Seco adjoining properties.
Donald P. McConnel]
591 Arbor Street
Pasadena.CA 91105
•
, Pasadena CA 91105
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PA SA D E N ARECEIVED
PRESERVATION | ADVOCACY | EDUCATION
CITY CLERK
CITY OF PASADENA
April 13, 2026
Mayor Victor Gordo and Members of the City Council
City of Pasadena
100N.0arfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
RE: Zone Zero (Item #13)
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
Pasadena Heritage supports Agenda Item No. 13 authorizing the Mayor to send a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding Zone Zero.
Pasadena Heritage supports the recommendation that the City advocate for Vegetation Management Option 4 and Tree Management Option 2. These options reflect a balanced approach that advances fire safety while recognizing the importance of Pasadena's historic, architectural, and environmental resources.
Pasadena's historic neighborhoods often include character-defining landscapes, including mature vegetation, designed gardens, and tree canopies that contribute to the integrity of historic properties and districts. A blanket prohibition on vegetation within five feet of structures would result in the loss of these features and alter the character of many neighborhoods. Option 4 appropriately emphasizes ongoing maintenance and the removal of combustible materials rather than the complete removal of vegetation.
Tree Option 2 similarly provides reasonable safety standards while avoiding unnecessary impacts to Pasadena's urban forest and existing local protections.
Pasadena Heritage also emphasizes the importance of maintaining local flexibility in implementation. Pasadena's built environment, including its historic districts and varied neighborhood contexts, requires a tailored approach that reflects local conditions.
Approval of this item supports a thoughtful, balanced position that aligns fire safety with preservation and environmental stewardship.
Sincerely,
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Bridget Lawlor, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Pasadena Heritage
626-441-6333 ext. 102
04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sarah Nichols
Monday, April 13, 2026 3:18 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Zone Zero
>
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I urge the council to adopt Vegetation Option 4 and Tree Plan 2 as part of the Zone Zero planning. There is ample scientific evidence showing healthy vegetation serves as a buffer not as fuel for fires. Keep Pasadena Beautiful!
Sincerely,
The Rev. Sarah W. Nichols
Pasadena, CA 91105
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Janelle Morton
Monday, April 13, 2026 4:02 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; [email protected]
Comments re Zone Zero
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I urge the City Council to adopt Vegetation Option 4 and Tree Option 2, which will allow healthy plants and trees near buildings. Stripping all planting for 5 feet around buildings will destroy the beauty and charm of Pasadena.
Thank you for your consideration.
Janelle Morton
Pasadena, CA 91105
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tina Miller
Monday, April 13, 2026 4:04 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Item No. 13 - Zone 0
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Dear Mayor Gordo and Members of the City Council,
As a resident living in the historic landmark district of Bungalow Heaven, I would like encourage your approval of Mayor Gordo to send a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection supporting Vegetation Management #4 and Tree Management #2.
I am favorably disposed to reasonable fire safety guidelines and feel that a more flexible and nuisance approach is best for our city. Local sensitivity to our historic neighborhoods' landscapes is a great objective with the city's letter and I hope you move forward with an approval.
Tina J. Miller
Tina Miller
N Holliston Ave
Pasadena, CA
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
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Subject:
JaneWhitcomb
Monday, April 13, 2026 4:05 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Zone 0 Comment
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Hi,
I'm writing to ask that the city council send a letter to the State Board of Forestry in support: of Option 4 for vegetation and Option 2 for trees.
Thank you for anything you can do about this!
Jane Whitcomb
Pasadena, CA 91104
1 04/13/2026
Item 13
^ Outlook
Support for Zone Zero letter
From Jessica Richards <
Date Man 4/13/2026 4:57 PM
To PublicComment-AutoResponse <[email protected]>,· Cole, Rick <[email protected]>,· Megheti DerBoghossuan <[email protected]> Some people who received this message don't often get email from. Learn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Hello, I have previously submitted more a lengthy outline on the topic. (Please see previous attachments to the legislative committee meetings.) I strongly support the approval of a letter on behalf of the city of Pasadena to the Board of Forestry Zone Zero advisory committee advocating for option four for vegetation and option two for trees. This is in line with what the city of Pasadena is already doing and what is working with a few modifications to enhance safety. These options are in line with currently known science, Pasadena Fire Department defensible space goals, are enforceable and preserve our needed greenery.
Pasadena must be proactive to protect our community from punitive, burdensome and outrageously costly insurance backed regulations.
Thank you,
Jessica Richards, MS, MSW, LCSW
District 2
Urban Forest Street advisory commissioner
VP of Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association
4/13/2026
Item 13
§K Outlook
Fwd: Item #13 Zone Zero
From Annette Yasin <
Date Man 4/13/20265:03PM
To PublicComment-AutoResponse <[email protected]> I 1 attachment (30 KB)
Zone Zero letter to CC April 13,2026.docx;
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———— Forwarded message ———
From: Annette Yasin '
Date: Man, Apr 13, 2026 at 4:59 PMcoSubject: Item #13 Zone Zero To: <[email protected]>
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
Please see the attached letter describing Bungalow Heaven's support of Agenda Item #13 4/13/2026
Item 13
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April 13, 2026
Mayor Victor Gordo and Members of the City Council
City of Pasadena
lOON.GarfieldAve.
Pasadena, CA 91101
RE: Zone Zero-Item #13
Dear Mayor Gordo and Members of City Council
Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association is in strong favor of Agenda Item #13 authorizing the Mayor to send a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection outlining the recommendations in Option 2 and Option 4 in Zone Zero as they will affect our historic neighborhoods.
Vegetation Option 4- Well-Maintained Plants Allowed
This option provides the appropriate balance between safety and ecological stewardship. It is a scientific fact that good plant health and adequate moisture content are deterrents to fire spread. Healthy vegetation provides shade, erosion control and protection from wind-driven embers. Our historic neighborhood has well established vegetation that contributes to this healthy environment and to the character of our community. Removing healthy vegetation from the Zone Zero areas will change the historic landscape forever and not deter the fire as wind driven as this past January 7.
Tree Option 2 - Well Maintained Trees with Clearances
As described above. Option 2 for trees maintains the characteristics of historic shady-lane streets that we are known for. This can follow local tree ordinances regarding tree maintenance and removal.
Local discretion ensures that defensible space policies are effective, enforceable and compatible with existing municipal codes, environmental protections, historic protections ordinances and community expectations.
Please approve Item 13 for the sake of our historic neighborhood and all of Pasadena.
Regards
Armette Yasin
President Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association