McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Lauren Siegel <
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Official Records - City Clerk
Jomsky, Mark; Airitam, Derrick
CIP Budget - Letters on Artificial Turf
2024-09-10 EAC Artificial Turf Memo to Council with Figure.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from1 rn why this is important [ .1 ] 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.
Good Afternoon,
I believe ALL the public comment letters to EAC, Parks and REC and MSC on artificial turf should be included in public comment regarding the CIP for City Council and Finance Committee. The Planning Commission didn't receive the Letters, and I feel it impacted their vote. There were thirty letters sent to MSC, please attach these to the CIP comments and the EAC letter.
Thanks,
LaurenSiegel
Lauren Siegel
MS Sustainable Development and Resource Management
Pasadena Environmental Advisory Commissioner
linkedin.com/in/sjegell/
1 04/13/2026
Item 11
Memorandum
To: Pasadena City Council
From: Environmental Advisory Commission
Date: September 13,2024
Re: Recommendations and Background on Artificial Turf in the City of Pasadena
1. Executive Summary
Plastic artificial turf (also known as "synthetic turf" or just "artificial turf"), much like lead paint, DDT, and asbestos, represents a once-promising innovation that has since raised significant concerns regarding environmental and public health and safety. Initially introduced as a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, artificial turf was celebrated for its durability and ability to provide consistent, year-round playing surfaces, and the look of green grass without the commitment of water and fertilizers. However, as was the case with other seemingly-promising innovations, the long-term health risks and environmental impacts associated with artificial turf are now becoming unavoidably apparent.
In the case of artificial turi:, the toxicity of materials used in its production, including in the infill, which is often made from shredded rubber tires, have raised alarm. Studies show that exposure to chemicals in artificial turf, including lead and other heavy metals and forever chemicals, poses risks to athletes, children, the public, and contamination of our water supply. Dangerous heat conditions arise since artificial turf gets significantly hotter than natural grass, increasing the urban heat island effect and leading to thermal burns and heat stress. Biodiversity loss and tree root suffocating derives from no organisms living under artificial turf. These concerns echo the historical pattern of substances initially embraced for their practicality, only to later reveal serious public health and environmental consequences.
For the reasons set forth below, after several months of study, research, testimony, and discussion at Commission meetings, the Environmental Advisory Commission recommends that the Pasadena City Council take the following steps relating to artificial turf in the City of Pasadena:
A. Recommendations for Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Settings:
Adopt an ordinance that would put a moratorium on new installations or replacement installations of artificial turf for landscaping in residential properties, commercial and institutional settings.
Direct Pasadena Department of Water and Power to explore incentives and rebate programs to remove and replace artificial turf in residential, commercial and institutional settings with drought-tolerant native plants.
B. Recommendations for City-Owned Property, Including Parks and All City Landscaping:
Adopt an ordinance that would put a moratorium on new installations or replacement installations of artificial turf for City-owned property, including parks and City landscaping.
While artificial turf still exists in City-owned parks, direct the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments in coordination with the Public Health Department to (1) establish policies for the safe utilization of artificial turf to prevent burn injuries, heat stress, and dehydration; and (2) educate the public by conducting a series of information sessions about the environmental and public health safety concerns of artificial turf playing fields, including exposure to PFAS and extreme heat conditions.
Direct the Public Health Department to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on artificial turf to study potential adverse health impacts of artificial turf both directly and due to contamination to natural resources caused by artificial turf. (An hllA isa tool designed to investigate how a proposed program, project, policy, or plan may impact health and well-being and inform decision-makers of these potential outcomes. An HIA in this context will aid the City in determining what, if any, future planning and actions should occur to mitigate health effects from existing artificial turf installations.)
2. Background - What is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf is made of plastic, a petrochemical product designed as a substitute for natural grass. Plastics are derived from chemicals produced through the combustion of fossil fuels like oil and gas. Energy-intensive processes, including extraction, refining, and manufacturing, transform these fossil fuels into plastics, which are then used to produce both the grass-Iike blades and the backing materials in artificial turf installations.
There are three main components of artificial turf:
Blades: The plastic blades are made by melting nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene pellets and mixing them with other chemicals and additives to achieve desired color. The melted mixture is shaped into strands and spun into a yarn that is then sewn into a mesh material.
Backing layers: These layers are derived from various types of plastics such as polyester, polyurethane, polypropylene and latex to support the blades and provide stability and drainage.
Infill: This granular material is spread between the blades to keep the blades upright and provide shock absorption. The most common types of infill are rubber crumb (made from shredded end-of-life automobile tires) and sand.
3. ^nvironmentaj and Public Health Concerns of Artificial Turf Installations A. Dangerous Heat Conditions and Urban hleat Islands
Turf Heats Up More than Grass: Numerous studies confirm that plastic turf gets significantly hotter than natural grass, regardless of the type of fibers or infill used. Penn State research shows surface temperatures of synthetic turf can reach 140-170°F.1 A study by Brigham Young University found synthetic turf to be 37°F hotter than asphalt and 87°F hotter than natural grass.2 Unlike artificial turf, grass cools itself and the surrounding air through water evaporation. (See Figure 2 of temperatures of artificial turf and grass at Villa Park). 1 (Abraham, 2019; Claudio, 2008; NPRA, 2019)
2 (Williams & Pulley, 2002)
Plastic Turf Increases Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban areas are already warmer than surrounding regions due to heat retention by buildings and pavement. Artificial turf contributes to this by trapping and radiating heat, creating dangerous conditions for users, and raising temperatures in surrounding neighborhoods. According to Kelly Turner of UCLA'S hleat Equity Initiative, plastic turf is one of the hottest materials, retaining heat longer than asphalt.3 (See Figure 1 of Urban Heat Island Effect at Jackie Robinson Park) Climate Change Will Make Plastic Turf Even Hotter: As global temperatures rise, Pasadena will experience more frequent days above 90°F. It is critical to address how artificial turf contributes to worsening conditions.4
B. PFAS and Microplastic Pollution
Toxic "Forever Chemicals": Plastic turf contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals that persist in the environment and have been linked to cancer, hormonal issues, neurotoxicity, and developmental delays in children. All artificial turf tested has contained PFAS.5 In addition, the infill, typically made of shredded tires made from end-of-life automobile tires, is extremely toxic, containing, among other substances, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.6
Risks of Cumulative Exposure: Athletes frequently in contact with plastic turf, such as soccer players and goalies, face higher risks of exposure to PFAS through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.
Contamination of Water Systems: Runofffrom plastic turf fields carries PFAS into storm drains, polluting Pasadena's water supply, which could be both difficult and costly to clean up.
Estimates suggest cleanup would reach tens of billions of dollars, depending on the scale of the problem.7
Microplastic Pollution: Plastic turf blades break off over time, releasing microplastics into drainage systems and waterways. Fields using crumb rubber infill are even worse, with studies showing 85% of water samples near such fields contain microplastics.8 C. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Plastic Turf's Carbon Footprint: Greenhouse gasses are emitted from artificial turf continuously throughout its lifespan, in the extraction, storage, transportation and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, as well as off-gassing methane and ethylene while 3 httDS://innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/climate/heat-eauitv/. 4 California hlealthy Places Index: Extreme Heat Edition, available at: httDS://heat.healthvDlacesindex.ora/. 5 What are the health effects of PFAS? Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, available at:
httDS://www,atsdr.cdc.aov/Dfas/health-effects/index.html: Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS, EPA, available at:
httDS://www.eDa.aov/ofas/our-current-understandina-human-health-and-environmental-risks-Dfas. 6 Health Impacts of Artificial Turf: Toxicity Studies, Challenges, and Future Directions, available at:
httDS://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/Dmc/articles/PMC10262297/. 7 "Groundbreaking study shows unaffordable costs of PFAS cleanup from wastewater," Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, available at:
https://www.Dca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/aroundbreakina-studv-shows-unaffordable-costs-of-Dfas-cl ea n u p-from-wastewater.
8 (Korbol,2018).
in use and as it degrades. Solar radiation triggers the off-gassing from artificial turf and it continues long after dark.9 Methane is 80% more powerful at trapping heat than C02 and a significant contributor to global warming.
Life Cycle Emissions: A recent study10 found one artificial turf field emits 527 tons of C02 equivalents over its life cycle.
D. Carbon Absorption and Biodiversity Loss
Loss of Carbon Sink: Plastic turf installations eliminate natural spaces that would otherwise absorb carbon, hindering Pasadena's climate goals.
Biodiversity Loss: Plastic turf kills soil microorganisms and displaces habitats for pollinators and wildlife, worsening the biodiversity crisis. Nothing can thrive in plastic grass.
Harm to Trees: Plastic turf covering the ground near tree roots suffocates the soil, depriving trees of essential nutrients. Preserving Pasadena's tree canopy is critical for climate mitigation.
E. Public Safety and Injuries
Thermal Burns: Playing on plastic turf in high heat can cause first-degree burns at 1 18°F and second-degree burns at 131°F. Hot artificial turf can melt shoes, blister skin, and cause dehydration or heatstroke.
Plastic "Turf Burns": Friction injuries from sliding on plastic turf are common and can lead to bacterial infections like MRSA. Artificial turf causes a two-to-threefold increase in skin abrasions compared to natural grass.11
Increased Injury Rates: NCAA football players are nearly three times more likely to suffer ligament tears on artificial turf than grass. NFL players also experience a 16% increase in lower extremity injuries on artificial turf.12
F. Lack of Recvclabilitv
Plastic Waste: At the end of its life, plastic turf becomes non-recyclable plastic waste, emitting methane in landfills. A typical 80,000 sq. ft. plastic turf field contains 40,000 pounds of plastic.13 G. Water Use and Maintenance Costs
High Water Usage: Artificial turf is often touted as a water-saving alternative to grass. However, in hot climates like ours, water is regularly required to cool the surface of artificial turf, which can 9 "Synthetic turf will contribute to greenhouse gas problems" MV Times, available at:
httDs7/www.mvtimes.com/2019/02/20/svnthetic-turf-will-contribute-areenhouse-aas-Droblems/. 10 "Analysis of energy use and emissions of greenhouse gasses, metals and organic substances from construction materials used for artificial turf" available at:
httDs://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S0921344917300861 11 (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 2010). 12 American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019, available at: httDs://Dubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/30995074/. 13 (Beyond Plastics, 2024).
reach 140-170'F. Water is also regularly required to remove pollution, bodily fluids, animal waste and bacteria from the surface of artificial turf. Given these factors, the water usage for artificial turf can easily match or exceed that needed to maintain natural grass.14 Replacement Costs: Plastic turf must be replaced every 8-12 years, with replacement costs ranging from $300,000 to $650,000 for football or soccer fields.15 H. Environmental Justice
Pasadena's Environmental Justice Element requires fair treatment for all residents in implementing environmental policies. Artificial turf fields in Robinson Park and Villa Parke create urban heat islands in neighborhoods where some of Pasadena's most disadvantaged residents live, raising utility bills and worsening health conditions for low-income communities.
4. Other Municipalities Adopting Similar Ordinances
The cities of Millbrae and San Marino have already begun establishing moratoriums for new artificial turf installations. Other California cities and counties such as Los Angeles, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara County are considering artificial turf bans.
5. Conclusion
Based on the significant environmental and public health concerns we have outlined related to artificial turf installations, the EAC firmly believes that keeping this substance in our city is not a responsible choice for Pasadena. The Commission believes that allowing new installations or re-installations of artificial turf is not in alignment with the City of Pasadena's Climate Action Plan and makes it more difficult for the City to achieve its goals for climate change mitigation, adaptation and readiness.
We urge the City Council to act, adopting the recommendations we have put forward: Placing a moratorium on new and replacement installations of artificial turf for residential, commercial, institutional, and City-owned properties, conducting a Health Impact Assessment of artificial turf and establishing safe utilization policies for park field usage while the product still exists within the City of Pasadena.
14 httDS://www.turi.ora/Dublications/artificial-turf/.
15 httDS://sDortsvenuecalculator.com/knowledae/artificial-turf-field/turf-field-reDlacement-and-recvclina/.
Figure 1. Villa Parke Temperatures on Artificial Turf vs Grass on September 2nd, 2024 1 1
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Figure 2 (Safe Healthy Playing Fields Memo to EAC, August 2024) Heat Island over Robinson and Villa Parks synthetic turf fields extending over surrounding areas:
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Robinson Park
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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John Odell
Saturday, April 11, 2026 8:30 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
[email protected]; Cynthia Cannady
Public Comment-Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromearn 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.
City Council Members, MynameisJohnOdell, a resident of districts. Thank you again for clearly giving top priority to achieving carbon-free electricity in Pasadena by 2030. As you know, the proposed budget for the Capital Improvement Plan does not achieve your goal. I urge you to refuse to approve this proposed CIP budget until it is revised to include all funding necessary to accomplish the Optimized Strategic Plan, that is, 20MW of Local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage, by 2030. Thankyou again foryour Leadership.
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Lissette Rodriguez
Sunday, April 12, 2026 8:44 AM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email from •irn 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.
Dear City Council Members,
My name is Lissette Rodriguezand I am a resident of District 7. Thankyou for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the Cl P. However, the Cl Pas it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessaryto achieve the goal. Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects, and a new office buildingthatare unnecessaryto achieve the goat. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
Lissette Rodriguez
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMiIlan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Robin Newquist
Sunday, April 12, 2026 10:20 AM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromTI. Learn why this is important ^
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City Council Members,
My name is Robin Newquist and I am a resident of District 6.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal.
I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
Robin Newquist
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Sunday, April 12, 2026 10:52 AM
Gordo, Victor; Rivas, Jessica; Hampton, Tyron; Rick Cole; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason
Gao, Beilei; PublicComment-AutoResponse
City Council 04.13.2026 Item 18. FY2027-2031 CIP Budget [ 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.
Dear Mayor Gordo and City Council Members,
By ranking 18MW of the 20MW of solar generation on municipal properties as the lowest priorities in its FY2027-2031 CIP Budget and by failing to fund them, Pasadena Power demonstrates its disdain for the stated goals of their own Optimized Strategic Plan which was completed at significant dollar cost, not to mention the hours of presentations and discussions with the Environmental Advisory Commission, Municipal Services Committee, and the full City Council. The Glenarm BESS (Priority #15) was fully funded in 2026 through federal grants; its inclusion in the FY2027 list is gratuitous. However, the Broadway BESS (Priority #28) is essential for achieving the carbon free goal; only a small fraction of necessary funding for this important project was provided in the FY2027-2031 CIP.
At their December 1, 2025 Budget Workshop, City Council set the goal of carbon free electric generation by the end of 2030 as one of its top 5 priorities for the FY2027-2031 CIP Budget. This priority was forcefully reaffirmed Last week at the April 7 City Council meeting.
By readjusting budget priorities and the schedule for long deferred infrastructure maintenance, the carbon free goal can be achieved without a bond issue or additional rate increase. Note that the order and ranking of infrastructure maintenance projects for FY2027 is remarkably similarto the ranking for the same projects in FY2026.
Whereas Pasadena Power's Optimized Strategic Plan clearly states that the Glenarm Power Plant would be used as a peaker plant following the addition of local solar generation and storage, PWP continues to pour funds into the five gas generators.
PriorityFY2025
Actual
FY2026
Actual
FY2027
Proposed
FY2028
Proposed
FY2029
Proposed
FY2030
Proposed
#21.GT-1 >-2(3182) | 790,000 | 2,130,0000100,0001 1,350,000100,000 #11.GT-3>-4(3186) I 2,110,000 I 120,000 | 4,120,000 | 2,120,000] 620,000 | 1,120,000 #20. GT-5 (3280)1,220,0001 260,00002,600,000 | 3,100,000100,000 The current budget shortfall for critical solar and storage is $235M ($70M solar, $165M storage).
By re-allocating the CIP budget, Pasadena Power and City Council can use the existing CIP budget to fully fund projects required to achieve Pasadena's carbon free goal in 2030.
Policy decisions are made by City Council, not staff. Please direct Pasadena Power staff to update their CIP budget so that required funds are clearly designated for the 20MW of local solar generation on municipal properties and for the 75MW of 04/13/2026
1 Item 18
local storage projects. These projects, mandated by the Optimized Strategic Plan, must be fully funded to implement Council priorities.
Sincerely,
Genette Foster, CD2
2 MlcMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Olivia Alcabes
Sunday, April 12, 2026 11:35 AM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email from. Learn 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Olivia and I am a resident of Los Angeles, but I work in Pasadena. Thankyou for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the Cl P. However, the Cl Pas it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessaryto achieve the goal. Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Please note that I care very strongly about this and will spend time encouraging all of my Pasadena resident friends to vote against you if I see that this is not something you actually prioritize.
Thankyou,
Olivia
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Cynthia Cannady
Sunday, April! 2, 2026 12:11 PM
Jones, Justin; Rivas, Jessica
Lauren Siegel; [email protected],· [email protected]; Suzanne York; Ana Soulriver; Felix Breden; phlunteriddle; lkennedy@||kassociates.com; PublicComment- AutoResponse
Ten Reasons to Say NO to Artificial Turf at Jackie Robinson and Villa Parke-HEAT GOOD REASONS TO ELIMINATE ARTIFICIAL TURF FROM PLAYING FIELDS.pdf [ 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.
DearJustin and Jess,
If I am correct, Jackie Robinson and Villa Parke are in your Council districts so I address this to you especially.
We (Suzanne York and I) have made the attached document "Ten Good Reasons to Say No to Artificial Turf". (This is based on the excellent work of the EAC for more than a year.) I will focus on #1 on this list: Heat. We are talking about atmospheric heat, not just the high surface temperature.
Artificial turf increases atmospheric (neighborhood) temperature, contributing to urban heat island effect. See this analysis. And this And this. There's lots more.
Northwest Pasadena is an urban heat island with low tree shade, high asphalt, Low air conditioning access and freeway proximity. It has "major heat risk". See this good EPA paper on heat islands.
Overall, Pasadena is a city with heat risk. See this 2018 PWP study that concludes that temperatures here are increasing as a result of climate change. And this. And this.
And research shows that minorities and low income populations suffer disproportionately from heat island burden: "Our findings reveal that present-day income inequality is a stronger predictor of heat burden than the legacy of redlining. Additionally, land surface temperature disparities exhibit a seasonal hysteresis effect, intensifying during extreme heat events by 5-7 °C. Sociodemographic analysis highlights that African-American and Hispanic populations in historically and economically disadvantaged areas are often the most vulnerable."
Globally, a 2026 study by the World Meteorological Organization concluded that climate change is causing global heat increases at a faster pace than anticipated. It states:
"One of the longest observational records of climate change is that of global mean near-surface temperature. The past three years are the three warmest years in the 176-year combined land and ocean observational record." 04/13/2026
1 Item 18
This chart from p. 8 is worth a thousand words.
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18601880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020
Berkeley Earth Hires (1850-2025) — GISTEMP (1880-2025)
CMA-GMST (1850-2025) —— HadCRUTS (1850-2025)
CMST (1850-2025)
DCENT-I (1850-2025)
ERAS (1940-2025$
JRA-3Q (1947-2025)
NOAAGIobalTemp v6 (1850-2025)
Figure 2. Annual global mean temperature anomalies relative to a pre-industrial (1850-1900) baseline shown from 1850 to 2025
Source; Data are from the datasets indicated in the legend. For details see Datasets and methods.
So, why would we installs material that increases surface and ambient heat on afield in a heat island neighborhood in a high heat risk city at a time when climate change induced heat is a big problem?
Please say no to this. I remain convinced that the mid-long term public health risks to children inhaling PFAS and toxic chemicals should not be ignored. (There are lots of studies on this both ways, with the profitable turf/petroleum industry arguing that the PFAS and toxins may not be "bioavailable", and Lobbying and intimidating vigorously). Same was true of cigarettes and asbestos. At some point, wise policy makers realized that the risk did not have to be conclusive to justify policy decisions. And eventually, the evidence became conclusive. During the interim between risk and conclusive evidence, many people suffered and died from Lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Secondarily, for Pasadena to accept the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of plastic grass appears inconsistent with our carbon free electric power goal.
But the heat problem atone is reason to decline to authorize this expense. hlow will we recall these decisions when the days above 100 degrees F. increase dramatically and people are getting sick? When children can't play?
Finally, the environmental injustice issue cannot be ignored. See this study on "thermal inequity" in Los Angeles County parks. We cannot ignore the reality that John Muir has artificial turf but Polytechnic and Westridge do not. That AF is proposed for Villa Parke and Jackie Robinson, but not for Victory Park. That 2 San Marino has banned AF as have many affluent cities (Milbrae, Westport, Boston) across the nation, but South Central Los Angeles schools (Carson, Fremont, Dymally, Conteras) have it.
There are 10 good reasons to reject the budget proposal for artificial turf. All of which are founded in facts.
The EAC researched and highlighted these problems more than a year ago.
Cynthia
3 TEN GOOD REASONS TO SAY NO TO PLASTIC GRASS (artificial turf or AF)
1. Surface and atmospheric heat: AF can reach surface temperatures of over 150 to 200°F, significantly hotter than natural grass or asphalt, creating a high risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and burns for children and athletes. AF is also known to contribute to the "heat island effect"; entire urban neighborhoods suffer from intensified heat in a climate that is already heating to dangerous levels.
2. Increased Injury Rates: Professional athletes, including the NFL Players Association, have noted higher rates of non-contact injuries on AF. Studies show a 28% increase in overall injuries compared to natural grass, specifically for ACL tears and ankle issues.
3. Toxic Chemical Exposure: The "blades", filler and base of AF release PFAS ("forever chemicals"), lead, and known carcinogens (benzene, arsenic, cadmium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among others). May be absorbed through skin contact or inhaled.
4. Microplastic Pollution: Constant wear and UV exposure cause plastic blades to break down into microplastics. A single field can lose 200 to 3,200 pounds of plastic per year, which migrates into soil, waterways, and the ocean.
5. Destruction of Biodiversity: Unlike natural grass, artificial turf is a "biological desert." It kills soil organisms like worms and microorganisms by creating an impermeable barrier, and provides no food or habitat for birds or insects.
6. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The entire life cycle of plastic grass- from manufacture to disposal- emits carbon dioxide and methane gas, both potent greenhouse gases, which cause climate change. By contrast, natural grass absorbs C02.
7. Water Contamination: PFAs and leached chemicals from the blades, fill and base can contaminate groundwater aquifers and local estuaries, posing a threat to drinking water.
These also drain to the ocean, increasing the alarming contamination of the ocean.
8. Poor Drainage and Runoff: Installation often involves compacting soil, making it less permeable. This can lead to increased surface runoff and a higher risk of urban flooding compared to absorbent natural turf.
9. Disposal and Recycling Issues: Most turf cannot be recycled due to mixed materials and contamination. With a lifespan of only 8 to 10 years, most of the thousands of tons of used turf end up in landfills or are incinerated.
10. High Mid to Long-term Costs: While marketed as low-maintenance, a single field can cost over $1,000,000 to install and requires expensive professional cleaning, repairs, and replacement every decade.
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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julianna
Sunday, April 12, 2026 1:02 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
[email protected]; 'Cynthia Cannady, JD'; 'Suzanne York'; [email protected]; Reyes, David
RE: Agenda Item 18 — Replace Artificial Turf with Natural Grass in CIP Projects ISome people who received this message don't often get email from;t. Learn 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.
RE: Agenda Item 18 - Replace Artificial Turf with Natural Grass in CIP Projects Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:
Please consider replacing Pasadena's 'fake grass,' or synthetic, artificial turf playing fields ("artificial turf") with natural grass in City parks projects listed in the 2027-2031 CIP. It seems counter-intuitive and counter-productive for the City to prioritize being carbon-neutral by 2030, yet installing a material that contributes to urban heat islands, needs regular water for cleaning that seeps pollutants into our water table and eventually the ocean, creates microplastics that destroy natural habitats and systems, and is difficult to recycle, typically ending up in landfills. Most insidiously, artificial turf playing fields pose potential health risks which are not vet clearly known, especially to children, our most vulnerable population with the highest exposure to it.
Artificial turf is a manufactured, non-living replacement material for turfgrass, installed ostensibly to reduce maintenance costs and water use in light of California's drought. The grass blades are made of fibers such as nylon or plastic. The base is typically a crumb rubber made from used tires, plastic pellets, or sand. The turf contains heavy metals and PFAS chemicals, "forever chemicals" that according to the Environmental Protection Agency are known carcinogens which can interfere with hormones, reproduction, immunity, and cause developmental delays in children.
In 2010, then Attorney General Brown successfully sued manufacturers to prohibit the use of lead in artificial turf production but none of the other chemicals. In 2026, a CatEPA study found carcinogen exposure from crumb rubber to be within an acceptable range:
httDS://oehha.ca.aov/sites/default/files/media/2026-03/oehhaturffinal.pdf However, there have been no studies of the long-term health effects of the entire, cumulative range of chemicals used to produce and install artificial turf. See especially this paper on toxicity and call for more study by New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers funded through the National Institute of Health, available from the National Library of Medicine:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.goy/articles/PMC10262297/pdf/nihms-1903943.pdf According to USC Environmental Engineering professor Adam Smith, although research is continuing to understand fully what the health implications of the chemicals are, current research suggests that "PFAS is absolutely bad for human health." It can enter the human body through contact with skin, by 1 04/13/2026
Item 18
breathing the particles in or through water sources, especially groundwater sources, that can get contaminated during leaching.
For use as a playing surface, artificial turf is also sionificantly harder on the human body than grass, often leading to more surgeries and longer recovery times for athletes. This has called for widespread protest among professional athletes to cease the use of artificial turf for the following reasons:
Toxic Chemical Exposure: Artificial turf often contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals. Crumb rubber infill, made from recycled tires, can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and VOCs. These harmful chemicals that can be absorbed or inhaled, are linked to cancer and respiratory issues.
Higher Injury Rates: Studies of NFL data shows that non-contact injuries are about 20% more likely on artificial turf than on grass, with a staggering 69% higher rate of non-contact foot/ankle injuries. NFL and NCAA studies indicate significantly higher rates ofACL and ankle injuries, as the turi: has higher friction, leading to joints absorbing more force.
Extreme Temperatures: Synthetic surfaces can be 30-60 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than natural grass, on sunny days causing severe heat-related illnesses and thermal burns.
Turf Burns and Infections: Sliding on plastic turf causes friction burns ("turf burn") that are notorious for becoming infected with bacteria like MRSA.
Reduced "Give": Natural grass offers more "give," allowing for natural movement, while stiff turf puts excessive stress on ligaments and tendons
On a larger scale, microplastics from the grass blades and crumb rubber leaches into groundwater and freshwater bodies, eventually making its way to the ocean. Former Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sylvia Earle said, "These molecules are actually entering the food chains in the ocean, and they're in our system, they're in our blood, they're in our muscle. We've changed the nature of nature through actions that we've taken. Now they are coming back to haunt us."
As Dr. Earle said, "We want to increase the population of our habitat pollinators, and plant climate- resilient plants that provide shade, buffer sun exposure, provide windbreaks, help reduce stormwater runoff and reduce soil and water erosion. And you can't do that with synthetic grass." The best alternative to any artificial surface is natural plants. Let's strive to contribute to improvinci our environment and our future by eliminatinq a bad idea: by replacing artificial turf in our parks with natural orass, and developina safer plavina fields through effective operations and manaaement practices, including a program of rotational replantina.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Julianna Delgado, MArch., PhD, FAICP
Julianna Delgado, M.Arch, Ph.D, FAICP
President, Southern California Planning Congress
Planning Commissioner, City of Pasadena
Design Commissioner (Chair), City of Pasadena
Member, Mayor's Housing Task Force, City of Pasadena
2 Professor Emerita, Department of Urban and Regional Planning California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
After enlightenment, do the laundry.
- Zen proverb
3 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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Subject:
Wesley Reutimann
Sunday, April! 2, 2026 1:59PM
hlampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Q^ispublic Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects [ 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.
Dear Council and staff,
As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about local efforts to transition to clean, non-potluting forms of renewable energy, I thank you for setting a carbon free goal as one of your top 5 CIP priorities.
However, un- or under-funded priorities are not truly priorities. The draft CIP recommends the use of hundreds of millions of dollars for a new office building and deferred maintenance projects that are unrelated to the goal. Some of these projects are also Less time sensitive than the City's 2030 goal, and could be rescheduled accordingly.
Please direct staff to align the CIP with City's clean energy goal and set aside funds for 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects, as outlined in the City's Optimized Strategic Plan.
Thankyou,
Wes Reutimann
Pasadena 91103
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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> Jenna Cobb
Sunday, April 12, 2026 4:55 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects [ 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.
City Council Members,
My name isJenna Cobb and I am a resident of District 2. Thankyou for settingthe carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. hlowever,the CIPas it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal. While I appreciate the ways the CIP reflects the council's high priority of street safety through the additional funds for the Lake Ave Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements from Mountain Street to Maple Street, for the EL Molino Quick-Build Greenway Demonstration, and for the improvements to Bus Stops and Bus Zones, which will support Pasadena community members in choosing low-carbon transportation options, more investment is needed to fund the projects that are essential for making Pasadena carbon free. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
Jenna Cobb
Di3trict2(91106)
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMiIlan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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Lai Sam
Sunday, April 12,20266:21 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects II Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn 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 City Council Members,
My name is Lai Sam, and I am a resident of District 2. Thank you for setting the carbon-free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal. Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thank you,
Lai
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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Sam Berndt
Sunday, April 12,20268:11 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Update CIP to Fully Fund Solar and Storage [ 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.
Mayor & City Councilmembers,
The proposed CIP ranks solar as the bottom 3 priorities & funds only 1/10th of the solar (2MW of the 20MW) and 1/3rd of the storage (25MWofthe 75MW) necessary to achieve the carbon free goal.
All of this despite the City Council setting the carbon free goal as one of its top 5 priorities at their December 1 st CIP budget priority meeting & reaffirming this priority at last week's City Council meeting.
Without a clear funding allocation, these projects will either not be completed, or require another funding mechanism. PWP's memo suggests funding the carbon free goal using a bond issue or rate increases. Neither of these options are necessary.
Rather, PWP is using the City's carbon free goal as a "get out of jail free card" to justify funding years of deferred maintenance on the electric system, funding a total of $545M of "Indirect Carbon- Free Enablement Projects." For example, $463M to transmission / distribution upgrades that were previously planned and are unrelated and unnecessary to achieve the 2030 goal.
The outstanding budget for the necessary solar and storage is $235M ($70M solar, $165M storage). By appropriately allocating the CIP budget, the City Council can use the existing CIP budget to fully fund projects that directly achieve the carbon free goal by 2030, I urge you to send CityStaff back to ensure the required 20MW of municipal solar and 75MW of municipal storage are fullyfunded in the CIP.
Thankyou,
Sam Berndt
PASADENA 100
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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cheryl auger
Sunday, April 12, 2026 8:23 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email from,Lea rn 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.
Dear City Council Members,
Thanks for including the carbon free goal as one of the top 5 priorities. I am concerned however that the CIP leaves important associated projects unfunded and Pasadena won't achieve this very important and necessary goal.
Please ask staff to find funding and update the CIP to appropriate funds to the 20MW of municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects. Maybe the money being allocated for the new office building can be diverted to this effort.
Thankyou,
Cheryl Auger
Districts
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMilIan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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Michael Robertson
Sunday, April 12, 2026 10:10 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects [ ,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.
City Council Members,
My name is Michael Robertson, I am a resident of District 4, a professional Environmental Scientist, and Eaton Fire survivor.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal.
I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Now is our chance to provide for our futures in an environmentally and fiscally sustainable way ensuring the longevity, safety, and health of our community for generations to come.
Thank you,
Michael Robertson
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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Subject:
Leo Cheng
Sunday, April 12, 2026 10:59 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email from. Learn 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Leo Cheng and I am a resident of District 2 (Rick Cole).
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Instead, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal.
I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects called for in the Optimized Strategic Plan are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
LeoCheng
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
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Subject:
Therese Brummel
Monday, April 13, 2026 8:40 AM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn 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 City Council Members,
I am a 47 year resident of District 2.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. hlowever,theCIPas it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal.
I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of Local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thank you for your service to the citizens of Pasadena.
Sincerely,
Therese Brummel
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
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Subject:
heidrun mumper-drumm
Monday, April 13, 2026 9:22 AM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Heidrun Mumper-Drumm and I am a resident of District 6.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow stated priorities and importantly, Leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Instead, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building. It's time to focus attention, effort, and funding on the carbon free priority.
I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
Heidrun Mumper-Drumm
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chelsea Glauber
Monday, April 13, 2026 10:24 AM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromI.Learn why this is important [ ,1, ] 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Chelsea Glauber and I am a resident of District 7.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessaryto achieve the goal.
I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
Chelsea Glauber
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rick Daub <
Monday, April 13, 2026 12:19 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects B
Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn why this is important [ ,:|, ] 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Rick Doub and I am a resident of District 7
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal.
I have been in the renewable battery storage industry for years. Storage and solar offer the city benefits in many ways. From power to EV charging applications, microgrids to fully back up the current grid and storage to offload power draws when peak hits are happening. Look at Santa Barbara county offices and what they achieved with solar and storage.
I urge you to send staff backto update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
RickDoub
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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To:
Cc:
Subject:
Shayne Smith
Monday, April 13, 2026 12:20 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cynthia Cannady
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects g
Some people who received this message don't often get email fromin. Learn 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Shayne Smith and I am a resident of District 7.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
There is only so much money available to fund Pasadena's annual needs. To accommodate the required OSP investments, your leadership is required to ensure that other items in the budget are either removed or deferred. This includes "nice to have" new office facilities and hydrogen projects now doomed due to lack of federal support.
City staff will be upset that pet projects and planned activities will be curtailed or abandoned. But you'll be able to tell your constituents that you insisted that their money is better spent on building City assets that generate revenue and contribute to Pasadena's resilience and clean energy future.
We are all counting on you.
Respectfully,
Shayne Smith, P. Eng.
f
Pasadena, CA
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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To:
Subject:
Monday, April 13, 2026 12:37 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn 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.
My name is Kris Ockershauser, a homeowner in District 6.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goat as one of your top 5 priorities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Unfortunately, the CIP currently doesn't follow your priorities and Leaves the projects necessary to achieve the goal unfunded. I urge you to send the staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of Local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Let's stick to the original plan you authorized, not the staff's decision to deviate.
Thankyou.
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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To:
Subject:
Christopher Yeh •
Monday, April 13, 2026 2:17 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email from/i. Learn 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.
Dear Pasadena City Council Members and Mayor Gordo,
I am a resident of Pasadena District 6. Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. To reflect that priority, I urge you to ask PWP to pursue and fund 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of Local storage as called for by the Optimized Strategic Plan. This will not only reduce electricity costs in the long run, but it will also help increase Pasadena energy resilience and reliability.
Thankyou,
ChristopherYeh
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
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Subject:
Diane Morgan -
Monday, April 13, 2026 2:19 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn 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.
City Council Members,
My name is Diane Morgan and I am a resident of District 1.
Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, I am extremely concerned that the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal.
Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal.
I urge you to send staff backto update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
Thankyou,
Diane Morgan
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Nick Laushkin
Monday, April 13, 2026 2:19 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; [email protected]; Gordo, Victor Public Comment Agenda Item 18
Some people who received this message don't often get email from•am why this is important [ I ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you k-nowthe 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.
City Council Members, My name is Nick Laushkin Co-Chair of the Knox Presbyterian Church SustainabilityTask Force. Thankyou for setting a carbon free goal by 2030. We have also been concerned about getting to this goal and have recently installed Solar for the church facilities.
The CIP Leaves unfunded the projects necessary to reach the City goal. It's been a long road to this point in planning for implementing the carbon free goals. Now is not the time to let go or postpone the plans after all the work put into them. Other brick and mortar priorities such as office building are unnecessary to achieve the carbon free goals, along with local storage projects.
You have already created a good stir for achieving community goals for solar and battery, We are looking forward to helping implement the Optimized Strategic carbon free goals along with others in the community.
Thank-you,
NickLaushkin
Co-Chair of the SustainabilityTask Force
Knox Presbyterian Church
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Craig Arteaga-Johnson
Monday, April 13, 2026 2:52 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromI.earn whv 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.
Hello City Council Members,
My family and I have been proud residents of District 1 for twenty years. Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. I am grateful that you are recognizing environmental sustainability as an especially important goal. It is hard to imagine anything more important.
However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal. Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety.
We all must do everything we can to ensure this goal is met. I am counting on you and Ithankyou.
With appreciation for all you do for Pasadena, and with special thanks to Councilmember hlampton for his caring commitment to District 1,
Craig Arteaga-Johnson
-•asadena, CA91103
1 04/13/2026
Item 18
Outlook
Public Comment - Pasadena City Council Meeting 04/13/26 From Yadi
Date Man 4/13/2026 5:01 PM
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Public Comment - Pasadena City Council - 04-13-26 CIP FY 2027-2031.pdf; [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.
Hi,
Please find attached my public comment for the April 1 3, 2026 Pasadena City Council Meeting, agenda item 18. City Manager Recommended FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
Thanks,
Yadi
(Attachments: 1)
4/13/2026
Item 18
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Yadi
Pasadena City Council Meeting
April13,2026
18. City Manager Recommended FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program Budget McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Lisa Zeigel
Monday, April 13, 2026 3:21 PM
Hampton, Tyron; Cole, Rick; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Madison, Steve; Lyon, Jason; Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - Agenda Item 18 - Prioritize Funding Carbon Free Projects Some people who received this message don't often get email fromsarn why this is important [ I ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you frnowthe 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 City Council Members,
My name is Lisa Zeiget and I am a resident of District 7. Thank you for setting the carbon free goal as one of your top 5 priorities in the CIP. However, the CIP as it stands does not follow your priorities and leaves unfunded the projects necessary to achieve the goal. Rather, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allocated for deferred maintenance projects and a new office building that are unnecessary to achieve the goal. I urge you to send staff back to update the CIP to guarantee that the 20MW of local municipal solar and 75MW of local storage projects that the Optimized Strategic Plan calls for are funded in their entirety. Thank you, LisaZeigel
Pasadena resident. District?
Lisa G. Zeigel
1 04/13/2026
Item 18