Message from the Chair Craig L. Washington, District 3

Sheryl Turner, NW Commissioner, District 2, June 2015 Vol. 2, No. 6 Newsletter Editor

Greetings and Welcome to start of Heritage Square, a 70- space. In addition to creating local our June newsletter. Fellow Unit Senior Housing land- jobs, it is anticipated that this project NW community residents, we mark; Madison Elementary will help create a stronger connection are at the halfway point in School beautification project; between activities north and south of 2015 with much accom- John Muir High School South the freeway. plished, yet with much more Sports field improvements and to be done. It is a month of renewed interest in the retail celebration of great achieve- commercial development of In recognition of the history associat- ments. the Lincoln corridor. Last but ed with the site, the developers have not least, we have new City agreed to consult with the City of leadership in our newly elect- Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division, The Class of 2015: All over ed Mayor Terry Tornek and Pasadena Museum of History and the nation, state and city District 1 Councilman Tyron Pasadena Heritage to develop a per- graduations are taking place Hampton. manent and visible recognition on giving the opportunity to re- the property (such as a plaque or flect on past success but with The NW community must monument) of the history and contri- an eye toward the future. begin to turn its attention and butions of African-American busi- Graduates, I challenge you to leadership to the planning and nesses, individuals and residences in think bigger than the biggest development of Heritage the area. picture. Your community Square Phase II – a planned needs your leadership, hearts Mixed-Use development on Finally, this month pays homage to and mind to make a differ- the important NE corner of the backbone and difference makers ence. You have been given Fair Oaks & Orange Grove of our community-Father’s. True and the opportunity to stand on and the much anticipated Lin- committed fathers are needed to step the shoulders of great men coln Properties project taking -up and lead their family. The tangi- and women who have come place on the grounds sur- ble and intangible values fathers before you. Too much is giv- rounding Parson’s world-wide bring to our community cannot be en, much is expected. You headquarters immediately overstressed. With strong and pre- have an obligation to actively south of the 210 Freeway and sent fathers we begin to change the participate in building your directly adjacent to Northwest outlook of the youth in our communi- community with all you’ve Pasadena. ty. learned and make it better The City is unlikely to see an- Happy Father’s Day - We must do place for all. other project of this magni- more. tude for many years to come, with 475 residential units and -Craig L. Washington, Chair, NW Heritage Square: The first more than 635,000 square feet Commission half of 2015 has ushered in of new office and commercial the long awaited construction Page 2 Northwest - The Heart and Soul of Pasadena

Reminder - Final Public NPS online public comment system along with the Secretary's recommen- are available on the study website: dations for the area. Meeting June 2, 3-5 p.m. http://www.nps.gov/pwro/ rimofthevalley. Thank you for your interest in the Rim of the Valley Corridor study! We Would Like to Hear From You! Thanks to those of you who were able Mail: National Park Service, Rim of to participate in one of the four public There will be several opportunities for the Valley Corridor Special Resource meetings last month for the National providing comments in addition to our Study, 570 W. Avenue 26, #175, Los Park Service's (NPS) Rim of the Val- remaining public meetings. Written Angeles, CA 90065 ley Draft Special Resource Study and comments can be submitted via the Website: www.nps.gov/pwro/ Environmental Assessment. For NPS online public comment system, rimofthevalley those you who were not able to at- email, or by sending your comments tend, the final public meeting will be: to our physical mailing address Email: [email protected] (please see below for contact infor- Phone: Anne Dove, Project Manag- Tuesday, June 2, 2015: 3 pm-5 pm mation). er (323) 441-9307 El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Hellman/Quon Building Margie Steigerwald, Planner (805) 130 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, Comments on the draft study report 370-2373 CA 90012* must be submitted by June 30, 2015! City of Pasadena information may be  This meeting location is convenient to obtained by contacting: public transit and is near Los Angeles Rosa Laveaga Union Station. Paid parking is also Comments on the draft study report available. Please visit the website for must be submitted by June 30, 2015. HWP Advisory Committee Staff Liai- El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical son at 626.744.3883 or via email: Monument for more infor- Your continued involvement will assist mation: http://elpueblo.lacity.org/ the National Park Service in finalizing [email protected].  * Habrá un traductor disponible para this report, and in determining the final study recommendations. The ésta reunión pública. The Hahamongna Watershed Park final outcome of the study will be the Information about the study, including Advisory Committee meets the 4th the executive summary newsletter, full transmittal of the final report from the Tuesday of odd-numbered months. Secretary of the Interior to Congress, draft report, maps, and link to the Northwest Commission Newsletter, June 2015 Page 3

College Access Plan and John Muir High School Student Wins Prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship

CAP is proud to announce cause now I am a finalist!” students to succeed in college. that Kimberly Mejia has offi- Through partnerships with cially been named a Gates Now an official Gates Scholar, PUSD, Pasadena LEARNs, Scholar! Kimberly, who has also won and other local agencies, CAP scholarships from the Nation- provides no-cost drop-in col- Kimberly, who attends John al Elks Foundation and was lege readiness advisement Muir High School, first came named an Edison Scholar, is and topic-specific workshops to CAP as a freshman partici- deciding between UC Berke- on site at four PUSD high pant in CAP’s Footsteps to ley, UC schools as well as at Washing- College leadership program, San Die- ton Middle School. CAP’s pro- which encourages students to go, and I can’t believe that grams are open to all students be leaders around the issue of Cal Poly I almost did not who aspire to Dream Bigger college attendance at their San Luis submit the about their futures. school and provides partici- Obispo as application because pants with college readiness her top now I am a finalist! resources and individualized schools to -Kimberly Mejia staff support. a t t e n d next year. Logan is deciding The Gates application process between UCLA, UC Berkeley, includes writing eight person- and UC Davis, and Cecilia al essays and submitting tran- will attend Cal Poly Pomona scripts and multiple recom- as an Electrical Engineering mendation letters, and all major this fall. three students worked dili- gently through this challenge College Access Plan is an in- with support and cheering-on dependent 501c3 nonprofit from CAP’s staff, their teach- that prepares underserved ers, and their counselors.

When she was named a final- 51 DEAD OAK TREES TO BE REMOVED IN ist, Kimberly told CAP, “In OAK GROVE AREA OF HAHAMONGNA December, I was on the verge Despite efforts to abate factors impacting the health of trees in of deciding not to finish the this area, the Dept. of Public Works informed the HWPAC [Gates Millennium] applica- that 51 dead oak trees in the upper and lower Oak Grove are- tion. It was a very intimidat- as pose a threat to reads, trails, restrooms, picnic areas and ing application, but I received benches. Tree removals will begin in June. Improving the so much support from CAP. I health of the trees and public education efforts are part of the can’t believe that I almost did Oak Grove Area Improvement project. For further infor- not submit the application be- mation please contact Charles Peretz, 626.744.3883. Page 4 Northwest - The Heart and Soul of Pasadena

Northwest Neighborhood Awarded National Neighborhood of The Year by Tarek Shawkey

Recently Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) held it’s annual conference in Houston Texas. The national non-profit organization works to build and strengthen neighborhood associations around the country. At this year’s conference Pasadena’s Sunset Avenue was one of four neighborhoods to receive the prestigious Neighborhood of the Year Award! Sunset was specifi- cally recognized for Social Revi- talization, improvements on the block made possible through the dedication and commitment of neighbors working together for the greater good. work of neighbors and the work Last year Sunset Ave. hosted an of our neighborhood association architectural walking tour where members whose dedication and we learned that one of Pasa- commitment changed the look dena’s former mayors once lived and feel of our street. in the home on the East side of From our annual block party to Sunset at Orange Grove. Since our community beautification that time the Mayor’s home and project, to our neighborhood li- many others were converted to brary, the street has trans- inside connection, just dedicated multi-unit residential units. formed like clay in the hands of neighbors who organize and Those familiar with more recent an artist. When our neighbor- work together for the greater history of our block know that hood was at its worst there were good. It all starts with the vision our street struggled with vio- pioneers who began organizing of one woman or one man. I lence and drugs. Northwest com- and soon others followed. To- know that one young Latino cou- munities face similar issues in- gether we made real changes on ple sparked Sunset Avenue’s cluding economics and resources Sunset that have attracted na- transformation. They rallied the issues. The good news is that tional recognition and we hope to neighbors, started a neighbor- Sunset has proven that these continue this work and inspire hood association and the rest is challenges can be overcome and other northwest communities to history. I hope and pray that that neighborhoods can change. do the same. Our challenges ours is the first of many such should drive community organiz- success stories in the North- While our elected officials, police west. chief, fire department and city ing and neighborhood improve- organizations have all supported ment instead of just serving as obstacles that hold us back. Tarek Shawky is a former Northwest the transformation of our block, Commissioner and local criminal de- we won Neighborhood of the Neighborhood improvement does fense attorney in Northwest Pasadena. Year because of their tireless not require any secret recipe or Northwest Commission Newsletter, June 2015 Page 5

YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED On June 27, 2015 the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual will hold a FREE football clinic for boys and girls ages 5-14. The clinic will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Robinson Park, and includes lunch for all participants. Only 250 registrations will be accepted so click this link to REGISTER now. If you have questions, contact [email protected].

JUNE 19 GRADUATION FOR PASADENA YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM Eighteen Pasadena YouthBuild program participants will receive their high school diplomas at graduation ceremonies to be held June 19 at 10 am at the Jackie Robinson Center. “This is the largest class we have had in the four years of our program,” said Executive Di- rector Sheryl Turner, President of Piercy Charitable Foundation, a national YouthBuild af- filiate. “Fifty-eight percent of our graduates are current or former foster youth, which is one of the highest percentages in the national program.” The PYB program is 50% academics, 40% vocational education and 10% counseling and resources. Students receive a WASC- accredited diploma, jobs training and leadership skills necessary to be successful members of the Pasadena community. Summer session for the PYB program begins July 6 and runs through August 7. Information is available by calling 626.437.3509 or visiting the PYB office at the Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 North Fair Oaks, Pasadena, CA 91103. Page 6 Northwest - The Heart and Soul of Pasadena

MEET YOUR NORTHWEST COMMISSIONERS: MICHELLE RICHARDSON-BAILEY, MAYORAL APPOINTEE

served on the committee to select the develop- er for the Heritage Square Senior Housing Project and on the design review subcommittee, which gave birth to the current design for the project. She is Vice Chair of the Robinson Park subcommittee and served on the committee to select the Architect on that project. Michelle has served on the boards of the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center as Parliamentari- an; MLK Community Coalition, Crown City Community Development Corporation as Sec- retary, the Pasadena Alliance of African American School Educators (PAAASE) as an At Large member and on the Bylaws Commit- tee. She is a current member and former Ex- ecutive Board member of the Pasadena NAACP and is a Regional PAC, past 1st VP, on the Bylaws Committee and local chapter PAC of the Classified School Employees Association (CSEA). Michelle served on the Trustee Board, currently on the Executive Board, is Michelle Richardson Bailey grew up in Pas- Church Parliamentarian, Chair of the Bylaws adena. She resides in her childhood home Committee and serves on the Media and Mu- with her husband of 23 years, Eric, Sr and sic ministries at Friendship Baptist Church. their three children Ericka , Eric, Jr. and Aunisha. She and her children are prod- She began singing in church at the age of five; ucts of PUSD. She is the Secretary, former learned to play the piano at six and the violin Cheerleading Coach and a member of the at age nine. PTSA at Blair High School. Michelle was recently elected to the State Central Committee and was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in May. Know- At 17 Michelle volunteered with the YWCA ing an educated community is a successful, and with the Fair Housing Council of the thriving community; she plans to continue San Gabriel Valley in her 20’s. In 2004 she contributing to the educational and economic was appointed to the Human Relations success of the NW Community through her Commission where she served as Chair and service. advisor to the Junior Human Relations Committee. She was appointed to the Northwest Commission in 2010 where she is Parliamentarian and former Chair. She Northwest Commission Newsletter, June 2015 Page 7 Northwest Commission Mission Statement: Advocate to the City Council on Behalf of the

Craig L. Washington, Chair, District 3 Needs of the Northwest Community Fernando Serrano, District 1 Steve Darden, District 1 Sheryl Turner, District 2 Hilda Delgado, District 3 The City of Pasadena is dedicated to delivering exem- Allen Shay, Vice Chair, District 4 plary municipal services, responsive to our entire com- Cindy Schnuelle, District 5 Jose Noel Toro, District 5 munity and consistent with our history, culture and Justin Chapman, District 6 unique character. Northwest Commission meetings are Yuan Chen, District 7 Michelle Richardson-Bailey, Mayoral Appointee held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Center Auditorium, 1020 North CITY OF PASADENA STAFF Lola Osborne, Northwest Manager Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, 91103. Bilingual transla- tion will be provided upon request within 24 hours of the meeting: call (626) 744-4371 (TDD) at least 24 DO YOU HAVE A GREAT hours in advance. NORTHWEST STORY? Newsletter submissions (photos and A petición se proporcionará traducción bilingüe dentro editorial) may be sent to the newsletter de 24 horas después de la reunión: llame al (626) 744- editor, Sheryl Turner, 4371 (TDD) al 24 horas por adelantado. Email: [email protected] or to the NWC STAY CONNECTED office: [email protected]. Back Issues of the newsletter are Neighborhood Connections fosters com- available online at munication between residents and city http://cityofpasadena.net/Northwest/ne government and works to create partner- wsletters/ ships between the city and its neighborhoods. It  supports neighborhood associations CONGRATULATIONS AMBASSADORS  Trains neighborhood leaders through CLASS OF 2015 the Pasadena Neighborhood Leadership Institute (PNLI)  Helps residents get rid of nuisance Thirty high school seniors Jessie- Pasadena City College properties graduating from PUSD Charles – CSU Bakersfield  Provides weekly updates about events Schools participated in the Christina- Mesa City College and resources via email Ambassadors Program. The Kimberly- UC Berkeley majority of them live in the Gohar- Pasadena City College  Has a community resource library Northwest and are going on Helen – Humboldt State Univ. where residents can host meetings, create to college. Johanna- Pasadena City Coll. newsletters, and print flyers for their neighborhoods Bethany- San Francisco Univ. Carlos- San Jose University Victoria- UC Irvine Evelyn- Azusa Pacific Univ.  Houses the City of Pasadena Graciela- Pasadena City Coll. Edward- Cal Poly San Luis Human Relations Commission Brandon-Pasadena City Coll. Obispo  Provides support to the Alexis- Howard University Kitzia – CSU Northridge School/City/Community Work plan Denisse- Pasadena City College Logan- UCLA  Serves as the liaison to the Julissa- Azusa Pacific Univ. Raven- CSU Monterey Bay Pasadena Vision 20/20 Coalition Ariana- CSU Northridge Michaela - UC Santa Barbara For more information on Neighborhood Kate- Cal State Los Angeles Cheyenne- CSU Monterey Bay Connections please contact William Syms Bryson- Pasadena City College Cameren- CSU Bakersfield at (626) 744 - 7 2 9 5 o r Pablo – UC Davis Erica- Veterinary Assistant [email protected] Amber - Azusa Pacific Univ. Jake- Pasadena City College