Pasadena, California

Celebrating 51 years of community service

Fall 2013

Land use / planning Education Open Space / conservation neighborhood Safety Government parks / recreation

Super-sizing the American Dream MANSIONIZATION: at the expense of the other dreamers By Mic Hansen our hilly terrain, zoning guidelines for flat Opinion parcels are far more forgiving, thus less he City of Los Angeles’ Planning effective in preventing these unsightly and Department defines mansionization as by those who feel entitled to contravene disproportionate houses that have recently T“… new construction or additions on local norms. It disrespects the rights of begun to appear more frequently. Often just residentially zoned lots that are out-of-scale neighbors and destroys the very ambiance one out-of-scale and poorly designed house [size, context and compatibility] with the and values that made the neighborhood undermines the entire neighborhood and surrounding neighborhood, but which comply attractive and desirable in the first place. alters its ambiance, feel and property values. with the current City zoning regulations.” By ignoring aesthetics, context, scale and Pasadena is generally known for its inimitable, appropriate design, the intrusion of a single In a built-out area like Pasadena, where land diverse neighborhoods of distinct and such “McMansion,” as these structures values are at a premium and larger homes are proportionate housing graced by stands of are dubbed by some, compromises the sought in highly desirable neighborhoods, mature and stately trees. We need not silently neighborhood fabric — affecting its visual this regrettable practice has emerged. To those accept the unsightly intrusions that are integrity, context, coherence, and the privacy determined to inhabit — or invest in — such beginning to encroach into our established of adjacent residences. A corollary to this is a preferred neighborhood and large home, neighborhoods, along with the buzz saws buyers who purchase an existing home on a the answer seems self-evident: enlarge or that cut down the shade trees to make way larger parcel and proceed to subdivide the demolish-then-replace a proportionate, for them. lot to inflict multiple McMansions upon the contextual, and sound existing home with an neighborhood. Guiding Principles (#2 and #7) from the City’s out-of-scale and out-of-context behemoth. General Plan advocate respect for harmonious Although Pasadena’s hillside zoning ordinance At best this is an unfortunate, and more change and community participation. helps mitigate this type of adventurism on often than not a harmful and selfish practice Continued on page 14

Bridge will close during project La Loma Bridge retrofit/rehab project may start in early 2014

By Blaine Cavena WPRA Treasurer

he La Loma Bridge, now more than 90 years old, was determined to be Tdeficient and deteriorating in reviews conducted after the Loma Prieta earthquake. The City subsequently approved a seismic retrofit and rehabilitation plan that will restore and preserve much of the bridge’s historic character and appearance. The City reports the construction may start in early 2014 and should last for 18 months, although geologic complexities and Caltrans La Loma Bridge, watercolor by Joseph Stoddard Continued on page 12 WPRA in motion

WPRA concludes archery, if safe, has place in Arroyo

By Bill Urban be removed from the LAMP. Furthermore, B. Certify and identify, in coordination WPRA president there were no reported incidents of with PRA, those authorized to use the interference of walkers, joggers or range or provide instruction to people n a recent letter to the City, the West equestrians with archers. not yet authorized. Pasadena Residents’ Association (WPRA) 3. Trails to be used by archers and those C. Adopt, by ordinance, the rules for use of shared its recommendations regarding I for walkers are clearly delineated in the the Lower Arroyo, especially the archery archery activity in the Lower Arroyo LAMP. These should continue to be used as range and adjacent areas. Only in this range. Informing those recommendations described. way can rules be enforced and, when were concerns and insights gathered by a necessary, appropriate penalties issued. committee of the WPRA met with City staff 4. Safety concerns are an issue for everyone members, the Pasadena Roving Archers and must be addressed by the City of 5. The reference in the LAMP (Section 4.3.5) (PRA) and other local residents. Pasadena, even though there have been to “14” as the maximum allowable targets in no reported injuries during the past 65 or the southern range is an error. The northern Based on this input, the WPRA board so years that archers have pursued their range targets should be 14 (Section 4.3.4), concluded that: sport in the lower Arroyo Seco. The WPRA however, the number of permissible 1. Archery, as specified in the Lower Arroyo recommends that the City: targets in the southern range should be 28, Master Plan (LAMP) adopted by City which is consistent with usage that can be A. Clearly post and enforce rules for archers Council on September 29, 2003, is an documented by the PRA and City staff. City and other users of the Lower Arroyo integral activity of the Lower Arroyo Seco Council should take necessary action to Seco. This is critical and should include natural preservation area. WPRA supports clarify in the LAMP the correct number of timely installation of signs and natural this continued use. archery targets for each range. barriers, in accordance with LAMP 2. During the Arroyo Seco Master Planning design guidelines. (ASMP) process, which was fully supported by WPRA, no one suggested that archery About us

Mission: Founded in 1962, the West 2013 – 2014 board of directors Pasadena Residents’ Association is dedicated • Sarah Gavit to maintaining the character of our • Joan Hearst community and enhancing the quality of life in West Pasadena. • Chuck Hudson ([email protected]) Communications Director The News is mailed each quarter to Area: nearly 7,000 homes in the 91105 and The WPRA service area is bounded on • Laura Kaufman the north by Colorado Boulevard, on the east 91103 ZIP codes. • Audrey O’Kelley, past president by Fair Oaks Avenue and on the south and Editor: Chuck Hudson • Marilyn Randolph ([email protected]) west by the city limits. ([email protected]), Education chair Funding: All WPRA activities are funded Communications Director • Priscilla Taylor through membership dues and contributions. • Michael Udell, past president The WPRA is most grateful to Castle The WPRA receives no public funding and has Press for design and printing services. no paid employees. Since the WPRA is a • John Van de Kamp 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation, • Fred Zepeda, past president P. O. Box 50252 Pasadena, CA 91115-0252 contributions and donations are fully • Linda Zinn ([email protected]) deductible to the extent permitted by law. Membership, Open Space & Visit our website at wpra.net Conservation chairs 2013 – 2014 officers The West Pasadena Residents’ President: Bill Urban ([email protected]) Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Vice Presiden: Catherine Stringer public benefit corporation. ([email protected]) Treasurer: Blaine Cavena ([email protected]) Secretary: Robert Holmes ([email protected])

The News 2 Fall 2013 The News 3 Fall 2013 CITY IN MOTION

New committee considers San Rafael School’s future

By Catherine Stringer WPRA Vice President

he Pasadena Unified School District has previously stated that at some Tpoint in the future it plans to relocate San Rafael Elementary School (SRES) due to discovery of seismic faults running beneath the school site. As a result, the District is prohibited from making structural The long awaited Rose Bowl Brick Campaign is up and running. Don’t miss your chance to be improvements to campus buildings. among the first to purchase your brick. Buying a brick enables you to have your personalized brick incorporated into the iconic plaza in front of Gate A, leading to the main entrance of the At its August 27 meeting, the PUSD School stadium. The premium 8” x 8” legacy bricks ($425–$350) take center stage as they will create the Board took two actions relevant to the iconic rose pattern. The 4” x 8” ($100) bricks will make up the plaza bands surrounding the rose. Premium rose brick options also include a keepsake replica brick. Replica bricks are made of issue of SRES’ eventual relocation, which is the same material and inscribed with the same personal message as the installed stadium brick required under current state law. (premium replicas will be rose red). Become part of history “one brick at a time” to ensure the Rose Bowl’s future for generations to come. For more information and to place an order now, 1. The Board approved a motion to solicit visit rosebowlbricks.com. lease bids for the now-shuttered Linda Vista campus, which many have argued should be considered as an alternative site for San Rafael Elementary. Avenue 64 coalition seeks safer road 2. The board has formed a “7-11 committee,” a District advisory committee tasked with June 2013 accident on Avenue 64, measures and a fatal accident had occurred determining whether SRES should be which resulted in the death of a on Avenue 64 at Elder. The coalition is also designated as a surplus property, the first A cyclist, proved to be the last straw scheduling a meeting with Los Angeles step to closing, leasing or selling the school for a group of 40 area residents. The group, District 14 Councilmember José Huizar. including a representative of the West site. [The committee is required to have at Following input and discussion, the Pasadena Residents’ Association, formed least seven, but no more than 11 members, coalition identified a list of potential traffic an Avenue 64 coalition and set as its goal hence its name.] calming measures: to make the road safer, especially between Because the school buildings meet all Field La Loma Road in Pasadena and Meridian n Raised and planted medians, as well Act requirements for earthquake safety, Street in Los Angeles. as curb extensions to narrow the SRES will continue to operate on its historic traffic lanes campus until a suitable alternative is made This stretch of Avenue 64 is noted for n Designation of Hillsides as a school available to the school and its flourishing chronic and excessive speeding; illegal Dual Language Immersion program. vehicle maneuvers, which include passing n A roundabout, with clearly marked in the median as well as the parking lane; crosswalks, at Burleigh and Avenue 64 Concerned parents, school staff and disregard of posted stop signs; failure to n Reconfiguration of the Church Street and administrators have been exploring options grant right of way to motorists attempting Avenue 64 intersection, with the addition for the school’s future at another District to turn on to and off of Church Street; and of clearly marked crosswalks campus. PUSD officials have previously no clearly marked crosswalks. announced that SRES will remain open at Funding of the remediation could its current site through at least the 2014-15 The coalition shared its concerns with come partially from a $750,000 speed school year. Taka Suzuki, District 6 Councilmember management project for which Pasadena’s Steve Madison’s field representative, who Transportation Department has applied For more information, please contact recalled that a 2005 “gateway project” had and from another grant the City might Catherine Stringer at [email protected]. never been implemented. The only element qualify for if Hillsides receives a school of the project that had won approval was designation. — Source: Pilar Reynaldo additional stop signs, but only after Los Angeles had refused the request for traffic

The News 2 Fall 2013 The News 3 Fall 2013 LAND USE / PLANNING

Preserving our stately oaks for posterity

[Editor’s note: This article was first published While experienced southern California Spot water sparingly to establish them in in the Summer 2011 issue of the the WPRA gardeners know it’s not good to plant flowers newsletter. We’ve been asked to reprint it due to or water a lawn under oaks, most gardeners the value and importance of West Pasadena’s eschew bare dirt, finding it unattractive in a magnificent oaks. Curiously, much of the risk garden or, put another way, a waste of good to our trees isn’t from insensitive, budget- planting opportunities. driven developers, but from the ill-advised and So how can we make the most of the garden often inadvertent actions of the trees’ current under an oak canopy? Rocks are decorative stewards — area residents.] and fit the arroyo look, particularly if your By Randy Finch architecture or landscape incorporates similar President and CEO stones. Finch Tree Surgery Dirt rings — best for oaks

the soil or, even better, in pots above grade. ften, as we travel around the area, Imagine the riot of permanent color and we see arroyo stones placed around texture you can achieve with pots. Othe base of oak trees, usually in a single layer carefully arranged or, Finally, notice I’m not saying you shouldn’t sometimes, looking like they just fell from the water oaks. The key is to keep oaks dry in wheelbarrow. Why are they there? Is this an the summer, particularly near the trunk. ancient therapy for ailing trees learned from During years with winter drought, the oaks the native Indians who once occupied our oak will be less stressed if the root zone receives woodlands? Not likely, because oaks survived a deep slow soaking in spring and fall. Keep better in the natural dry summer environment Decorative rocks — not much better the soaker at least two trunk diameters away that existed before we planted our lush water- from the trunk, allow penetration up to 3 hungry gardens. feet in drained soil and repeat in 4-6 weeks, Rocks give texture, provide a hard surface depending on the degree of drought. that can be blown leaf-free, and they certainly don’t need water, which is good for gardens in Thomas Jefferson once said “Too old to plant a naturally arid environment like ours. trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for posterity.” As custodians of the forest Rocks, however, have been misunderstood by whose trees can live many generations beyond many. Surprisingly, they can function much as our stay, it is only right that we meet that would mulch. The moisture that accumulates responsibility with the best care possible to under them encourages root fungus to spread make sure they thrive for our grandchildren. quickly. If you keep the area dry after we get our winter rains, rocks cause no harm. Randy Finch is an ISA-certified arborist and an ASCA-registered consulting arborist. With As I’ve suggested, oaks do best in a dry, experience dating from 1946, Finch Tree uncultivated space with a light natural Water-hungry planting — bad for oaks was the first Tree Care Industry Association- accumulation of oak leaf mulch from the accredited company in California. For more In fact, whether native or transplanted, oaks trunk, as far as you can aesthetically tolerate. information browse the resources and browse are equally susceptible to tree-killing and If you must plant, use only drought- and the resources and blog at FinchTree.com/ root-rotting fungi. In fact, the recipe for oak shade-tolerant plants to jazz it up. resources.aspx. death or collapse, assuming one might chart this course, could be as simple as: add water to warm soil, keep wet and wait.

Looking back: 1939 “The name of Dr. Edward L. Thorndike of Columbia University struck Pasadena with startling force April 13, 1939, when the New York educator published a book entitled ‘Your City.’ The book, prepared on the basis of a three-year survey costing $100,000, placed Pasadena first among American cities where the ‘general goodness of life’ is highest. Dr. Thorndike rated 310 cities of more than 30,000 population on 37 points, covering such fields as health conditions, educational advantages, recreational facilities, economic and social conditions, physical comforts, public cultural institutions and municipal fiscal affairs.“— Pasadena Community Book, 1943

The News 4 Fall 2013 The News 5 Fall 2013 LAND USE / PLANNING LAND USE / PLANNING

Artist’s vision of the view looking east toward City Hall along Holly Drive at Leonard Pieroni Drive Lincoln proceeds with 100 West Walnut project

he City of Pasadena recently concluded residential and ancillary retail. The three street lies between Holly and Union streets two public meetings to receive familiar Parsons office towers will remain, and is bounded by the two western Annex Tcomments on the scope and content as will the office and parking annexes along buildings. This new design will serve as a of the Environmental Impact Report for the Union between Fair Oaks and Pasadena welcoming southern entrance to the area. 100 West Walnut Project. This property, on Avenue. Plans include landscaped gardens, courtyards the spacious Parsons Corporation site, will be and sidewalks with underground parking. In addition to the activities created by the developed by Lincoln Property Company. Currently, this site is isolated from the rest of office, housing and supporting uses, the Old Pasadena. The design of buildings, streets, The 22.7 acre property is bounded by West project proposes to foster further integration walkways and courtyards will foster a vibrant Walnut Street on the north, North Pasadena of this site by opening up Holly Street from and welcoming area and provide a pleasant Avenue on the west, West Union Street on Fair Oaks to Pasadena Avenue. This will walk to Old Pasadena on the south and east. the south and North Fair Oaks Avenue on the reinstate the western anchor for the view east. corridor from the Civic Center as envisioned The project is proposed to be designed in two by the city’s Bennett Plan. phases with Phase 1 build out, 475 residential The project, as proposed, will consist of Class units, 210,000 square feet of Class A office and “A” office space (which can help the city Streetscape improvements also are proposed 10,000 square feet of restaurant on the east meet its current need for large-office space), along Leonard Pieroni Drive. This half-block side of the site, is planned for 2016. Build out of Phase 2, with up to 410,000 square feet of office on the western side, is planned for 2020. For more information on this project contact Audrey O’Kelley at [email protected].

Looking back: 1895 Arroyo Drive: “This street or roadway was laid out by the original colonists, and so named because it followed the meander line of the Arroyo’s east bank; and also because it was the road they must follow to get down to their wood lots – these being narrow strips or allotments of timbered land which stretched from the Arroyo Drive on the east down the steep, high bank, thence across the wash, thence up the wooded hill slopes west of the Arroyo.” — History of Pasadena, by Hiram Reid in 1895 Architect’s rendering of key project features

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BRIEFS

General Plan update proceeds The proposed General Plan Update applies to the City of Pasadena as a whole, spanning 14,802 acres. The plan calls for specific plan amendments to update the development caps within each Specific Plan area, as Historic rendering of the Hotel Green as originally envisioned. The southwestern portion (right well as changes to some Specific side) was never built, but is now the site of a new mixed-use proposal. Plan boundaries. The eight Specific Plans, which focus Green Hotel project is back, on areas of the city that need special consideration, are also scheduled for so is Craftsman Weekend updates once the proposed General Plan is completed and approved by By Sue Mossman with the Draft EIR expected City Council. Outside of the Specific Executive Director in November. The new design Plan areas, the City is predominantly Pasadena Heritage residential, comprising single- and approach has made the project multi-family neighborhoods. Green Hotel Project will more attractive and palatable, change this historic site but as a major new building The proposed General Plan Update in the Old Pasadena National includes a new Guiding Principle major new housing project will be built on the Green Hotel/Castle Green Register Historic District, it regarding education and substantial- needs careful attention. to-minute revisions to the other seven Ablock in Old Pasadena, facing Central principles. This proposed update would Park. The owner of the Green Hotel, which is Craftsman Weekend permit a net increase of up to 11,649 the last addition to the historic hotel complex returns October 18-20 residential units and 8,025,000 square that faces Raymond Avenue, is Goldrich Pasadena Heritage will host its annual three- feet of nonresidential/commercial uses & Kest Industries. This historic building day Craftsman Weekend, which includes in the City. It also calls for creation provides many small, affordable housing units walking tours, bus tours, workshops and or enhancement of “transit villages,” (former hotel rooms). The firm also owns the lectures, special events in historic locations, which are within walking distance of open space on the northeast corner of Fair and its famous Sunday Craftsman House Gold Line light-rail stations, and new Oaks and DeLacey, which is currently garden Tour as the grand finale the third weekend in or enhanced neighborhood villages space and surface parking. October. On Saturday and Sunday, the group around major intersections. Thus The Castle Green — the earlier, more will occupy one of the exhibit halls at the future growth would be directed into decorative building that faces Raymond Pasadena Center with an Exposition including the Central District and transit and 60 booths with antique and contemporary neighborhood villages. Avenue with the two circular towers, Moorish details, and the truncated bridge extending furnishings, art, textiles and lighting The Land Use portion will consider toward Raymond — has been owned from the period. For more information, sustainability, open space, conservation, separately for decades, first as an apartment visit pasadenaheritage.org. Tickets may be urban design, historic preservation, art cooperative and now as condominiums. purchased separately for each tour or event. and cultural resources, economic vitality Historic Properties workshop and growth, and educational resources. Goldrich & Kest is also proposing a six- Mobility considerations include story apartment building with retail on the slated for November 16 transportation strategies to improve ground floor, a topic under discussion for What style is my house? Is it historic? What economic vitality, health and safety, and several years. The first concept drawings does that mean? What regulations apply? ways and means to improve all modes of were strongly criticized by Pasadena Heritage What are the benefits of owning an historic movement, including pedestrian, bicycle, and other interested parties, including property? These questions and more will vehicular and public transport. Castle Green owners, as not architecturally be addressed in November during all-day compatible and reserving enough open space As this process proceeds, you will have Historic Properties workshop being hosted between the new and original buildings. After additional opportunities to provide by Pasadena Heritage. Designed to appeal numerous meetings, Goldrich & Kest hired input on the final environmental to homeowners and to realtors, the morning impact review. Remember: Citizen Architectural Resources Group, which started and afternoon sessions will cover different participation is a Pasadena tradition. from scratch to create a more compatible and topics and may be attended separately. Expert Please make an effort to participate in complimentary building. presenters will address common questions, the General Plan process and to make New concepts presented last year were far and additional resources and information your voice heard. — By Mic Hansen, superior to the earlier designs. The project is will be provided. For more information, visit Planning Commission member currently undergoing environmental study Pasadena Heritage.org.

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City to streamline, improve planning, development review

[Editor’s note: The City has commissioned the Matrix Consulting Group to recommend ways to streamline the planning and development process and improve the quality of development review. The WPRA has asked Planning Director Vince Bertoni to provide more insight into the study and the impact it may have on City processes and operations.] WPRA: How did the idea for this study come about? Vince Bertoni: When I arrived in Pasadena two and half years ago, I heard Vince Bertoni, Director of Planning, City of Pasadena a tremendous amount of discussion in the community about the decision-making process related to planning projects. Many Hills, Santa Monica, Palo Alto, Walnut Mayor and City Council members; Design, expressed a strong desire to ensure that Creek and Napa. Historic Preservation and Planning planning recommendations and decisions Q. Has the study evolved commission members; project applicants, were based upon solid planning practices from its original intent? architects and developers; residents and and that the City’s review of development representatives from neighborhood projects be more rigorous. Having worked A. The study began as a review of the and business groups. The consultant in other communities that set a high bar on operations of the Planning and facilitated the meetings. Conversations development standards, I understood that Community Development Department. were confidential, so participants felt more rigorous review many times results in That’s why you’ll find a large majority comfortable speaking frankly. For a longer permit process. This city wanted to of the recommendations focus solely on best practices, the consultant studied maintain a strong economy while preserving the operations of this department. The Pasadena’s development review process important quality-of-life issues. For that City Manager [Michael Beck] was an touching on all departments involved in reason, I wanted to look at different ways early supporter of the study. To further the process. The consultant also drew upon to streamline the process and improve the his goal of having the City serve as a its experience in working with government quality of development review. I should also model for best practices in all areas of its agencies throughout the country to add that Pasadena has been at the forefront operations, he asked that we make the determine key improvements from which of innovation in the permitting process for a study more comprehensive to include all Pasadena could benefit. long time. When the City established the One- departments and commissions involved Q. What are some of the Stop Permit Center in the early 1990s, it was with reviewing or issuing land-use key findings of the study? the model for many other cities in southern entitlements. For this reason, we expanded California. the study to review the permitting process, A. The study identified areas in which Q: Why hire a consulting firm to as it relates to the Fire, Public Health, Pasadena does well and areas that prepare the study? Public Works, Transportation, and Water provided us with opportunities for and Power departments, as well as the improvement. Some of the areas the study A: Preparing the study is a tremendous Design, Environmental Advisory, Historic found we did well include maintaining a amount of work. I’d have had to reassign Preservation and Planning commissions. comprehensive up-to-date zoning code; staff from other assignments to get the Q. How did the consultant strongly pursuing advanced planning work done. Our department’s plate was full prepare the study? efforts, such as updating the General Plan; with the General Plan update, as well as and having a certified Housing Element. with reviewing development projects and A. The consultant took a two-part approach. The study also found favor with the fact preparing environmental impact reports. First, it included a series of focus-group the City had adopted environmental Also, it’s important to get advice on how meetings with various representatives from guidelines and was guided by the latest other agencies handle development review. the community. Second, it compared best edition of the California Building Code. Our selection of Matrix Consulting Group practices of several different communities. It valued the fact that we have a central to conduct the study was based on its For the focus groups, Matrix conducted permitting services location for the experience of reviewing permit processes 20 different group meetings to solicit community. The most notable areas throughout California and preparing feedback on the City’s development review identified for improvement include similar studies for cities such as Beverly process. Those interviews included the providing a central contact for entitlement Continued on page 14

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66-year journey: Ambassador College to Ambassador West

By Vince Farhat The Legacy Project

or almost 20 years, WPRA has In or about 1999, the Worldwide Church advocated for balanced and of God entered into a sales option Fthoughtful development on the agreement with Orange County-based site of the former Ambassador College developer Legacy Partners. Relying campus. Looking back, neighborhood on the TDR provisions of the WGSP, vigilance has paid-off with respect to Legacy Partners wanted to develop Ambassador West. the Ambassador College site into an all-residential housing project. Legacy n Widespread community opposition Partners originally planned to build stopped the infamous Legacy Project, 1,943 new dwelling units on the college which would have decimated the campus. The developer later announced historic fabric of the beautiful West that it would “voluntarily” reduce the Campus. Photos by Chuck Hudson density of the Legacy Project from n Maranatha High School and Harvest 1,943 units to 1,727 units. Of this total, Rock Church are excellent neighbors. located on the east side of the 710 Freeway approximately 888 units would be located on adjacent to Old Pasadena. When it closed n Historic buildings, gardens, fountains, and the West Campus. To appreciate the size of the in 1997 for financial reasons, Ambassador walkways all have been preserved. Legacy Project, consider that condominiums College had operated for 50 years and was on South Orange Grove Boulevard are zoned n City Ventures’ new building designs are accredited by the Southern Association of for approximately 14 units per acre. But contextually compatible with surrounding Colleges and Schools. Legacy Partners proposed to develop over historic resources, and overall West West Gateway Specific Plan (WGSP) 35 units per acre – two and a half times the Campus density will remain consistent with current density. South Orange Grove. In the mid-1990s, it became apparent to City officials that the Worldwide Church of God With respect to Ambassador Auditorium, However, the results on the East Campus are would soon sell the Ambassador College Legacy Partners wanted the City of Pasadena at best mixed bag. The Westgate apartments in campus. The impending sale was the impetus to sponsor a special tax assessment district Old Pasadena generally comply with the City’s for City Hall to convene a special stakeholders on future homeowners in the Legacy Project. planning guidelines, but many West Pasadena committee to develop a new specific plan to Tax revenues from this special district (called residents question the design, fit, and quality guide future development for the City’s “West a “Community Facilities” or “Mello-Roos” of that very high-density housing project. Gateway” area. This area included the college, district,” honoring the co-authors of the 1982 Ambassador College the Elks Lodge property, Norton Simon Community Facilities Act, State Sen. Henry J. Ambassador College was a four-year liberal Museum, Rusnak automotive, and the Vista Mello and Assemblyman Mike Roos) would arts college founded in 1947 by radio del Arroyo Bungalows. The West Gateway have been used to finance the transfer of the evangelist Herbert W. Armstrong, leader Specific Plan (WGSP) committee included Ambassador Auditorium from the Church to of what was then called the Radio Church representatives from citizen commissions and the City. The City in turn would have leased of God, later renamed the Worldwide neighborhood associations such as WPRA. the Auditorium to a non-profit organization Church of God. The college started buying that would have operated it as a performing The WGSP focuses on arts, culture and historic mansions on South Orange Grove, arts venue. Under their plan, Legacy Partners education by building on the strengths of the culminating in the purchase in the late 1950s would have used future residents to pay Norton Simon Museum and Ambassador of the Hulett C. Merritt mansion, which for the Auditorium—an asset that had no Auditorium. Unfortunately, the WGSP also formerly belonged to an iron ore mining economic value to the developer. sowed the seeds of future discontent in West magnate. The Merritt mansion featured a Pasadena. The WGSP contains so-called WPRA surveys residents, sunken Italian garden, a rosewood-paneled Transfer Development Rights (TDRs) that adopts official positions room, and a basement swimming pool. During allow a developer to “convert” allowable its heyday, the college was well known for its As part of WPRA’s advocacy process, the commercial square footage into residential Ambassador Auditorium worship and concert WPRA board of directors conducted an units. At the time, WGSP committee venue, which for 20 years was host to many extensive neighborhood survey to understand members assumed that future development renowned artists from classical music to jazz. West Pasadena residents’ views on future on the Ambassador College site would be development of Ambassador College. Over The Ambassador College campus consisted “mixed-use” in nature, i.e., residential and 80% of survey respondents said that project of two main parts: the 35-acre West Campus, commercial. However, committee members density and traffic management were “very which fronted South Orange Grove and did not anticipate that a future developer important” issues that must be addressed in featured the auditorium and historic would use the TDRs to propose an all- the development process. 94% of respondents mansions; and the 14-acre East Campus, residential project. said that density on the West Campus should

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be similar or less than the surrounding n There should be a three-story height limit n Any future development must preserve all neighborhood. 72% of the respondents said for all new buildings, and set-backs similar historic homes, gardens and walkways on they would accept a more dense development to those on South Orange Grove; the West Campus. on the East Campus in exchange for a less n Traffic mitigation should be funded “up n Legacy Project EIR Sparks Neighborhood dense development on the West Campus. A front” as part of the City’s development Opposition majority of survey respondents also believed agreement with the Church; In December 2000, the City circulated a draft it was important to retain the Ambassador n Traffic management measures should environmental impact report (EIR) for the Auditorium. There was a relatively even protect residents living on “deemphasized Legacy Project. According to the EIR, the split between those who felt the Auditorium streets” such as Orange Grove and St. John Legacy Project would have generated up to should be financially self supporting and by diverting traffic east toward commercial 12,450 new daily vehicle trips and would have those for whom subsidies of some sort would corridors; and resulted in significant traffic impacts at 16 be acceptable. West Pasadena intersections, including South After considering the survey results, the Orange Grove and Del Mar, South Orange WPRA board adopted a series of principles Grove and California, and Fair Oaks and that would guide its advocacy with respect California. to future development on the Ambassador The Legacy EIR sparked widespread College site: neighborhood opposition. The City received n Density on the West Campus should be more than 350 letters and e-mails regarding consistent with the surrounding residential the EIR. WPRA actively participated in the neighborhood, i.e., no more than 14 units public comment process and submitted more per acre; than 20 pages of written comments in a series n The design of new buildings should be of letters to the City. The concerns raised by consistent with surrounding residential West Pasadena residents generally fell into neighborhoods, and comply with Pasadena’s three major categories: density, traffic and “City of Gardens” ordinance; historic preservation. Continued on page 10

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66-year journey… Continued from page 9

WPRA and Save South Orange end, however, their differences were too great wanted to build 696 new dwelling units and Grove lead the charge and the two parties were unable to reach an demolish the Ambassador Auditorium. During the EIR process, a group of concerned agreement. As a result, Legacy withdrew from Maranatha and Harvest Rock members of the Valley Hunt Club formed the project in April 2002. “save” West Campus an advocacy organization called “Save South Following Legacy’s withdrawal, the Church As the Church pressed forward, Maranatha Orange Grove”. WPRA worked in tandem submitted an application with City Hall High School and Harvest Rock Church with Save South Orange Grove. While WPRA requesting permission to develop up to 1,942 “saved the day” in early 2004 by expressing focused on advocating for neighborhood new residential units, over 200 more units a strong interest in the buildings that line St. interests before the City Council and City John Avenue, including the threatened Commissions, Save South Orange Grove Auditorium. Ultimately, a large portion conducted a petition drive and retained of the Ambassador West Campus was legal counsel to challenge the Legacy sold to Maranatha and a smaller portion, Project if it was approved by the City. including the auditorium, to Harvest Over 1,400 Pasadena residents signed Rock. Save South Orange Grove’s petition opposing the Legacy Project. The property owned by Maranatha and Harvest Rock is on the lower, St. John half WPRA also retained the services of TND of the West Campus. The lower portion Engineering for the purpose of evaluating of the West Campus is where Legacy the adequacy of the EIR. TND found Partners and the Worldwide Church of that the traffic assumptions contained in God wanted to build the highest-density the EIR were off by as much as 50% for housing units. After moving in, Harvest condominiums and 33% for apartments. Rock Church re-opened the Auditorium TND also concluded the Legacy Project than Legacy had proposed. The Church later for worship services and concerts. Taken EIR violated Pasadena’s General Plan because together, Maranatha and Harvest Rock it failed to address the “environmental announced its selection of Shea Homes to serve as the “master developer consultant” ensured that most of the land use for the West capacity” of neighborhood streets and the Campus would remain institutional in nature. Project itself would increase traffic on “de- for the Church’s proposed development of emphasized” streets such as South Orange the former Ambassador College property. A new plan for Ambassador West Grove. Unlike Legacy Partners, Shea Homes would Beginning in 2005, WPRA and historic not have purchased the Ambassador property preservation groups participated in a The City released its responses to public from the Church. Instead, the Church itself stakeholder committee to carefully plan the comments in September 2001. In its responses wanted to develop the property, with Shea future development of the balance of the West to public comments, City planning staff Homes serving as the Church’s development Campus. In April 2007, the Pasadena City conceded that the Legacy Project would result consultant. Council approved a new plan for “Ambassador in “significant unmitigated impacts” to traffic, Church splits up the property West,” which covers the parts of the West historic resources, air quality and schools. The Shea Homes project was short-lived. Campus not otherwise owned by Maranatha Legacy Partners withdraws Neighborhood opposition hardened and Harvest Rock. Despite spending nearly $12 million, Legacy (particularly with respect to plans for the The plan calls for preserving 12 acres of open Partners eventually abandoned its plans to West Campus), and City Hall remained space on the West Campus, including lawns, buy the former Ambassador College campus skeptical about “inheriting” the Ambassador European-style gardens and courtyards, while and convert it into a 1,700-unit housing Auditorium. Realizing that it could not preserving all the historic buildings and 80 development. It had become apparent to sell or develop the site as a single project, percent of the trees. Under the plan, the upper the developer that West Pasadena residents the Worldwide Church of God elected to or Orange Grove half of the West Campus will simply would not accept their massive sell-off the Ambassador College property eventually see about 70 new residential units development project. Moreover, City officials in a piecemeal fashion. In 2004, the Church and the reuse of some 28 existing residential voiced serious concerns about the size of sold the entire East Campus to real estate units. The new units will be on the corner of Legacy’s proposed Community Facilities development and management firm Sares Orange Grove and Green. District and the possibility of future financial Regis Group, who later submitted an Ambassador West hit a “bump in the road” liability if the City assumed ownership of application to develop the site. After selling shortly after the City Council approved the Ambassador Auditorium. When its option the East Campus to Sares Regis, the Church plan. In February 2008, then-developers on the Ambassador campus expired, Legacy then filed an amended application to develop AACP Properties LLC, DPP Ambassador Partners tried to use the issues of density and the West Campus in a manner similar to Residential LLC, BGM Pasadena LLC, AAC the Auditorium to obtain a price reduction its original West Campus plan. The Church Properties II LLC, all controlled by Dorn from the Worldwide Church of God. In the

The News 10 Fall 2013 The News 11 Fall 2013 LAND USE / PLANNING

Platz, defaulted on a $44 million loan from Worldwide Church of God sold the historic for some exemptions for height-averaging. Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd. houses to private parties. As previously noted, Although a majority of WPRA survey The default came after the firms failed to find the Ambassador West plan also calls for respondents said they would accept a more a builder to replace Standard Pacific Homes, preserving all the historic buildings and 80 dense development on the East Campus in which abruptly pulled out of the project in percent of the trees on the West Campus. exchange for a less dense development on the November 2007. A senior housing complex West Campus, the Sares•Regis project was so In 2012, City Ventures submitted applications proposed on another portion of Ambassador massive that many West Pasadena residents for landmark designation of two historic West also was abandoned. The owner of that and City Commissioners were very concerned structures on the campus: the Jamieson site, Sunrise Senior Living, put the property about traffic and design issues. With 820 House, also known as the “Terrace Villa,” and on the market for sale. housing units and 22,154 square feet of retail the Grove Manor Apartments. Terrace Villa is space on almost 12 acres, the Sares•Regis City Ventures buys Ambassador West project was more than twice as big as the Del In 2010, the real estate investment and Mar Station project. development firm City Ventures purchased a significant portion of the Ambassador The WPRA board eventually voted to oppose West campus. City Ventures assumed the the Sares•Regis project due to concerns role of developer previously held by Fortress about traffic and design. WPRA questioned Investment Group, a New York hedge fund how the project EIR could possibly conclude that had foreclosed on the previous owners that 5,851 new car trips would not negatively in 2008. City Ventures paid approximately impact key street intersections. WPRA also $15 million for the property. called for a project that was truly “mixed- use” rather than effectively all apartments. City Ventures now is building-out the However, WPRA lost the battle for the East project according to the City-approved Campus when, in September 2006, the City Ambassador West plan. In 2011, City Council approved “Westgate Pasadena.”. As Ventures began construction of the first phase a Mediterranean Revival-style residence built build-out continues, some West Pasadena of a 70-unit luxury townhouse complex along in 1924 and designed by Pasadena architect residents continue to question the design, fit, Orange Grove Boulevard that could be valued Walter C. Folland for Stillman B. Jameison, a and quality of Westgate Pasadena. at as much as $140 million on completion. retired lawyer from Highland Park, Illinois. Ambassador West story continues The historic Hulett C. Merritt mansion and The Grove Manor Apartments consists of 27 existing apartments will remain on the five multi-family garden apartment buildings With the support of West Pasadena residents, site, but former classrooms and “egg crate” in the Minimal Traditional- Style built in WPRA fulfilled its goal of ensuring that offices dating to the 1960s have been razed. 1949 by Lionel V. Mayell, a prolific builder of Ambassador West would not be overwhelmed The townhomes, which will be built on four Modernist apartment buildings. In Summer by a massive housing development. The separate parcels on the site, are expected to go 2013, City Ventures sold the historic Grove Ambassador Auditorium has been saved on the market for more than $1 million each. Manor Apartments for $3.4 million. The without a penny of taxpayer dollars, land use of most of the West Campus remains Phase 1, comprising 10 condominium transaction was reportedly one of the highest institutional, and historic homes have been homes in two buildings along West Del Mar, per-unit sales in recent months, with the preserved for future generations. at the Ambassador West campus is nearly seven-unit complex going for $492,859 per complete. Exterior finishes are being applied unit. The final chapter of the Ambassador College and interior improvements are wrapping up. East Campus: Westgate Pasadena “story” is still being written. The original Phase 2 construction, at the former Library Ambassador West plan called for the While community consensus ultimately was and Library Annex site, has also begun. The development of a senior living project on the reached regarding Ambassador West, events resulting 21-unit, three story building will be corner of Green and St. John streets. But the on the East Campus took a different turn. In located above Fowler Garden. Excavation for owner of that parcel (Sunrise Senior Living) 2004, the Worldwide Church of God sold the the subterranean parking area is complete, went bankrupt and sold the property last year entire East Campus to the Sares•Regis Group, and the podium will be out of the ground by to City Ventures, which is working on a new which later submitted an application for a the end of the year. design for this parcel. Ben Besley, project “transit-oriented urban village” similar in size manager, previewed a preliminary conceptual West Campus historic preservation and scale to what the Church had proposed design at the June 2013 WPRA board for the area. Notably, Sares•Regis waited to Over the years, preservationists, neighbors meeting. He will return with an updated formally submit its development application and City officials have taken affirmative steps concept once the traffic study is complete. to preserve historic resources on the West until after City Hall had adopted the new Campus. For example, the City created the Central District Specific Plan. Editor’s Note: Vince Farhat was WPRA president from 2001 to 2003, and served on the WPRA Ross Grove Landmark District to preserve WPRA faced difficult choices regarding the board until his appointment to the Pasadena and protect five historic homes on South Sares•Regis project. For better or worse, the Planning Commission in 2012. Contact Vince at Orange Grove north of Del Mar. In 2004, Sares•Regis project generally complied with [email protected]. after they were named City Landmarks, the the Central District Specific Plan, except

The News 10 Fall 2013 The News 11 Fall 2013 education

A letter from San Rafael Elementary School

Editor’s note: The WPRA has “adopted” San school for the 2013-2014 school year. This Rafael Elementary School, 1090 Nithsdale Rd., is a major accomplishment that must be which is the last public elementary school in commended and celebrated. our service area, through the WPRA Student The combination of our academic growth Enrichment Program. as well as the growing popularity of or Dual Dear Friends of the West Pasadena Language Immersion Program (DLIP) has Residents’ Association led to an enrollment surge at San Rafael. he 2013-2014 school year has started This year, San Rafael welcomed 105 new at San Rafael Elementary School with faces to our Kindergarten program. On Tgreat excitement and energy. Although top of that, both of our DLIP Pre-School starting a new school year with newfound classes are filled to capacity. As you can see, great things are happening at San Rafael; it spirit and rejuvenated smiles is nothing new Rudy Ramirez to those of us who work in schools, I can is a time to acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments. emphatically state that this new beginning has Rafael is also a place where each student is been extremely special. To be more specific, And while we celebrate these celebrated for his or her uniqueness, creativity, last week, the California Department of accomplishments, it is important to note and contribution to the community at large. Education released the results of the 2012- that many members of the West Pasadena At San Rafael School, our motto has become, 2013 California Standards Tests (CST) and Residents’ Association must be given credit “The Best Is Yet to Come!” San Rafael Elementary School can boast of for all that they have done, and will continue having the largest performance increase of to do, for our school. With the continuous With your continued support, we know it to any school in the Pasadena Unified School involvement of WPRA volunteers, grants be true. District (PUSD). to enhance school programs, and the The hard work of our students, staff, parents, enthusiastic support by the WPRA board of and of our academic community has allowed our growth and progress, who would expect for San Rafael to earn a 54 point increase in anything less than success? San Rafael is a our Academic Performance Index. On top of unique place of study where teachers are Rudy Ramirez that, San Rafael is one of only two schools in empowered to do their best, and appreciated Principal PUSD that is NOT a Program Improvement for all of the work that they do. San San Rafael Elementary School

La Loma Bridge retrofit/rehab… Continued from page 1 and Federal Highway funding may yet affect from the east (Arroyo Boulevard) for the To facilitate construction, a temporary bridge the schedule. duration of the project. will be placed across the concrete channel down in the Arroyo, just north of the La Traffic and pedestrian impact In addition, all paths running beneath the Loma Bridge. While it’s likely that this bridge bridge, including those next to the flood The bridge will be closed to all traffic – will be limited to construction traffic, some control channel, will be closed at various vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian – for the entire consideration is being given to providing a times during construction. With no exit duration of the project. Trail access into and permanent bridge spanning the channel at from the Lower Arroyo to the west (since within the Lower Arroyo will be affected by this location. the trail to Rockwood will be closed) and the project. limited opportunities to cross the flood For more information, contact Roubik The current trail at the southwest corner of control channel, users of the Lower Arroyo Mardirosian, City project manager the bridge, at Rockwood and La Loma, will be will need to be aware of these path closures to at (626) 744-7456 or closed for the entire duration of the project. avoid lengthy detours on foot or horseback. [email protected]. Since this is the only access into the Lower All paths and trails will be reopened at the Arroyo from the west side, all access will be project’s conclusion.

The News 12 Fall 2013 The News 13 Fall 2013 education PARKS / RECREATION

The half-acre, 800,000 gallon Clubhouse lake on the C.W. Koiner course was Hole #7 on the C.W. Koiner course, looking back at renovated in 2003. the San Gabriel Mountains.

Brookside Golf Club: Emerald jewel of the Central Arroyo

By Andrew Sinatra of the annual Pasadena City Men’s Amateur turf with mulch and removed and relined Intern, Rose Bowl Stadium Golf Championship, a tradition that spans a number of lakes, among other things. As over 80 years. Additionally, it hosts more a result, domestic consumption has been he Brookside Golf Club, owned by the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) reduced by over 22% over the last 10 years. TCity of Pasadena, has two courses: events than any other course in Southern With other potential water conservation n C. W. Koiner course: designed by California. projects being considered, like the use of recycled water for 100 percent of irrigation, renowned golf course architect William Despite its rich history and proud traditions, the RBOC is dedicated to reducing or Park Bell, this course opened in 1928, runs Brookside has encountered a number of eliminating the use of domestic water for along the western and southern ends of the recent challenges. These include a slumping irrigation purposes without compromising the complex and is the longer of the two. golf economy, changing demographics, quality of the courses. It contains strategically placed bunkers and soaring operational costs, as well as water cost tricky greens. and availability issues. With over $6 million invested by the RBOC since 2000 and another $600,000 set aside n E. O. Nay Course: opened in the 1940s, In 1999, water cost was 9% of golf revenues. annually for future improvements to the is a shorter course with smaller greens that By 2012, that number had increased to 16%. courses and clubhouse, Brookside Golf Club are well bunkered. At one time, Brookside was using as much as aims to remain an integral part of Pasadena 230 million gallons of domestic (drinking) Brookside has hosted a number of major and the Arroyo area. tournaments, including the 1968 Los water each year, about enough to supply a Angeles Open, the 1974 National Publinks year’s worth of water to 1,500 households. And why not? Of the 2,200 government- Championship, as well as two LPGA events In recent years, Brookside and the Rose Bowl owned golf courses in the country, Brookside in the early 1970s. Operating Committee (RBOC) have worked ranks in the top 1% in revenues. And to solve numerous water-related issues and recreationists enjoy not just golfing there, but Though the City of Pasadena in 1986 invested millions of dollars to preserve the running and walking around the three-mile contracted American Golf Corporation to club’s history. track that encircles this jewel of the Central maintain and operate the courses, the club Arroyo. remains a staple in the community as the host Brookside has taken action to improve its irrigation system, replaced much of its

The News 12 Fall 2013 The News 13 Fall 2013 community

Mansionization… City to streamline, improve…

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 7 Therefore, as community members, we have applications, shortening the design-review recommendations that require changes to the opportunity to help shape the look and process while maintaining high-quality the Pasadena Municipal Code or require feel of our neighborhoods and our home design, providing a new expedited “same budgetary approval will be implemented environments. day” plan review service at the Permit by City Council. Any changes that involve Center, revising the plan check and commissions will be reviewed by the Over the last decade, mansionization has been inspection procedures, updating the affected commission to give its members challenged by many California communities, automated permit system, creating a new an opportunity to comment prior to the including Laguna Beach, Menlo Park, Los virtual permit center, and expanding the Council taking action. Any changes to the Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach, use of wireless technology for field-based zoning ordinance will be reviewed by the Saratoga, as well a host of other cities across positions. Planning Commission, which will make a the United States. Perhaps we can learn from recommendation to the City Council prior their experiences as we develop guidelines Q. Is there any overarching theme to the Council taking any action. to limit these unsightly incursions into our that the study has revealed? established neighborhoods. The dilemma we Q. How long will it take to implement A. Yes. Seamlessness. Our development face is how we proceed to balance property the study? process can seem complex and fragmented rights of new owners and investors with to those who need a permit. The study A. I expect the changes to occur in phases the safeguarding of property values and suggested that we needed to re-engineer over the next two years, however, some the intrinsic quality-of-life rights held by our procedures so they appear seamless to changes have already been implemented. long-term residents. I’m optimistic that our customers. One way to achieve this is For example, we’ve already relocated with the help and guidance of our Planning through technology. The study generated staff from the Public Works and Fire Department we may achieve a workable over 50 recommendations for how we departments to the Permit Center to resolution, and take action as a community to could improve our use of technology improve customer service. In addition, halt this detrimental trend. in both the office and field to provide we’ve reorganized our Code Compliance Mic Hansen is a current member of the customers with more information and operation so that the officers responsible the Planning and Design commissions, the fewer unnecessary steps. for enforcing the codes are working Metro/710 Stakeholder Oversight Advisory Q. The consultant has come up closely with staff members responsible Committee (as Pasadena’s representative) and with 278 recommendations. for reviewing the plans and creating the a member of the Heritage Housing Partners How will you evaluate them? conditions of approval. Some items will board of directors. She has been a member Who will be the final arbiter? take longer, such as creating a permit of the WPRA and Pasadena Heritage boards technician position to streamline the of directors, and the General Plan Update A. It’s important to keep in mind that process at the Permit Center. Advisory Committee. although our consultant has a tremendous Q. Are there any other thoughts that amount of experience at evaluating permit you’d like to share? processes throughout California, it is not Maranatha High as familiar with the unique circumstances A. It’s important to keep in mind that this School makes history, of Pasadena. Therefore, we need to study is really more about how we can consider the recommendations as just constantly improve as an organization. hosts preview day that – recommendations. We’ve already As a government agency, we have the begun evaluating the recommendations aranatha High School, which put obligation to work in partnership with to determine which will be implemented iPad Minis in the hands of every our many customers and ensure that we as written, which will be implemented Mstudent to use throughout the year, are continue to look for ways to improve with modification and which will not as part of its 1:1 eLearning program, will host the services we provide to residents, be implemented. Recommendations an Admissions Preview Day on Saturday, businesses and visitors. As we strive to that address internal operations will November 9 at 10 a.m. Maranatha High be efficient, we should also strive to be be evaluated and implemented by the School, located near Old Town Pasadena. effective. appropriate department head, and any For more information, call the Admissions Office at 626-817-4021 and visit the school’s website at maranatha-hs.org. Tuition assistance is available.

Looking back: 1905 “First Queen appeared in Rose Parade. Hallie Wood was chosen informally by Altadena school girls.” — Pasadena Community Book, 1943

The News 14 Fall 2013 The News 15 Fall 2013 community

Gone, but not forgotten The Rosenbaum home: Pasadena’s fifth

[Editor’s note: The Pasadena Museum of History graciously provides WPRA News readers with historical vignettes that reveal our city’s past and inform our future.] By Kirk Myers Assistant Archivist Pasadena Museum of History oritz Rosenbaum came to the settlement that later became MPasadena in 1874. He bought 15 acres on the southwest corner of Orange Grove and Colorado, built the fifth home in the area, and started an orange grove. He also started the first store in Pasadena, a rough board shack on Orange Grove south of Colorado. After he added liquor to his initial Moritz Rosenbaum in his garden, circa 1880 stock of books and stationery, early residents protested, and he decided to close the store. Early resident Ralph Arnold described a stay in full bloom. There was also a fish pond with He later rented the building to Yuen Kee, in the Rosenbaum home in the fall of 1880 – water lilies; also various water plants right in who then operated a laundry there, the first “…the howling of coyotes and wild cats in the front yard. Mr. Rosenbaum was one of Chinese-owned business in Pasadena. the jungles of the Arroyo Seco, just below our Pasadena ’s first fanciers of exotic plants and On July 4, 1876 Mr. Rosenbaum planted a windows, did a good job of banishing sleep…” his garden had many rare plants which he had eucalyptus tree on his property in honor imported from his native Germany. He and But the next morning brought a different of the centennial of the Declaration of his wife were a kindly old couple and enjoyed perspective. “The Rosenbaum home was Independence. It was said to be the first showing their gardens to strangers – a habit covered from ground to roof with an eucalyptus in Pasadena. everyone had in those days.” enormous “Gold of Ophir” climbing rose bush The Rosenbaums later built a more substantial home on their property, with a street address of 29 South Grand. Some of their acreage was purchased by Mrs. Emma Bangs in 1882, and is now the site of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Pasadena Museum of History is located at the corner of N. Orange Grove and W. Walnut. Parking is free in the museum’s lot. The Research Library & Archives are open to the public free of charge Thursday–Sunday from 1–4 pm. For additional information, please visit the Museum’s website, PasadenaHistory.org, or call 626/577-1660, ext. 10.

Looking back: 1890 “California Street School became the James A. Garfield Elementary School when a new building was constructed at the corner of Pasadena Avenue and California Street.” — Pasadena Community Book, 1943 The second Rosenbaum home at 29 South Grand Ave.

The News 14 Fall 2013 The News 15 Fall 2013 Non-Profit Org. WEST PASADENA U.S. Postage RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION paid Post Office Box 50252 pasadena, ca Pasadena, CA 91115-0252 permit #1105 Visit our website @ wpra.net

Pasadena: city on call Make your own motion!

Police Department Our representatives need to hear from you. Take a few Emergency...... 9-1-1 minutes to make your voice heard, and make your Pasadena Crime Stoppers...... (800) 222-8477 own motion. Non-Emergency...... (626) 744-4241 Services Pasadena Bulky trash items...... (626) 744-4158 Missed trash pickup...... (626) 744-4087 Mayor Bill Bogaard Missed residential recycling pickup .(626) 744-4087 [email protected] New trash container...... (626) 744-4087 City Manager Michael J. Beck New street light...... (626) 744-4191 [email protected] Pothole...... (626) 744-4158 Recycling...... (626) 744-4087 Jacque Robinson, District 1 (vice mayor) Sewer problem...... (626) 744-4158 [email protected] Shopping cart pickup...... (626) 744-8227 Margaret McAustin, District 2 Street light not working...... (626) 744-4158 [email protected] Storm drain blockage...... (626) 744-4158 John Kennedy, District 3 Traffic signal malfunction...... (626) 744-4158 Traffic signal timing problems.....(626) 744-4191 [email protected] Gene Masuda, District 4 Frequently called numbers [email protected] City information operator ...... (626) 744-4000 Victor Gordo, District 5 Abandoned vehicles ...... (626) 744-7627 Alarm permits ...... (626) 744-4166 [email protected] Animal control ...... (626) 792-7151 Steve Madison, District 6 ARTS bus ...... (626) 744-4055 [email protected] Code enforcement ...... (626) 744-4633 Terry Tornek, District 7 Dog licenses ...... (626) 744-4501 [email protected] Graffiti...... (626) 744-7622 Historic preservation ...... (626) 744-4009 Neighborhood Watch ...... (626) 744-4550 California Park/picnic reservations ...... (626) 744-7275 Parking permits/exemptions ...... (626) 744-6440 Senator Carol Liu (D-21), (818) 409-0400 Parking tickets ...... (626) 744-4360 Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-41), (626) 351-1917 Street tree maintenance ...... (626) 744-4321 Trash pick-up ...... (626) 744-4087 United States Water/power billing inquiries ...... (626) 744-4005 Yard sale permits ...... (626) 744-4200 Representative Judy Chu (D-27), (626) 304-0110 Representative Adam Schiff (D-28), (818) 450-2900 Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), (202) 224-3553 The West Pasadena Residents’ Association is a Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), (202) 224-3841 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation.

The News 16 Spring 2013