Pasadena, California

Celebrating 59 years of community service

Summer 2021

Land use/pLannIng wpra In motIon wpra 2021 annuaL meetIng neIgHBorHood safety BreakIng news communIty 2021 WPRA annual meeting tackles housing crisis Members elect board; board presents awards

n the evening of May 27, the West Pasadena Residents’ Association Oconvened its 2021 annual membership meeting, online for the second year. Th e theme of the Zoom meeting was “Th e Housing Crisis: How do we build our way out of the aff ordable housing shortage?” Program director and moderator Avram Gold, WPRA vice president/ Communications, assembled a team of experts comprising elected offi cials, a member of city staff , and two nonprofi t developers to examine the topic from a number of critical angles. Special awards: Th e WPRA, when moved by exceptional service to the community WPRA presents Community Service Award to Rose Laveaga. WPRA director Joan Hearst, and city, bestows a special commendation left, presents Rosa Laveaga with a WPRA Community Service Award during its annual to deserving individuals and/or meeting on May 27. She was honored for her more than 25 years of dedication to our parks organizations. and the Arroyo Seco. For the full story turn to page 10. (Photo by Avram Gold) Th is year the WPRA presented Community Service Awards to Rosa For the full story and additional coverage of the annual meeting, see pages 8-10 Laveaga, our city’s former Arroyo Seco project supervisor, and to Priscilla Taylor, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo who recently retired from the WPRA board of directors aft er 26 years. “Aff ordable housing enriches diversity in Pasadena, and the recent pandemic drove home how important it is to have workforce housing nearby. We don’t want Board election: During the meeting, fi refi ghters, teachers and police offi cers living 90 miles away.” members also elected its board of directors. Directors for the 2021-2022 fi scal year are (alphabetically): District 6 Councilmember Steve Madison “Every [legislative] session we see scores of bills that are intended to control how ■ Geoff rey Baum ■ Mic Hansen local jurisdictions, like Pasadena, balance historic preservation and neighborhood ■ Dan Beal ■ Kenyon Harbison compatibility with the demands for more and more housing.” ■ Dave Bise ■ Joan Hearst ■ Blaine Cavena ■ Susan Kinney ■ Evan Davis ■ Mark Mastromatteo Miss our annual meeting? ■ Pete Ewing ■ Nancy Walker ■ Avram Gold ■ Linda Zinn Visit wpra.net/topic/events for a description of the meeting and links to You Tube recordings. — By Chuck Hudson, editor wpra In motion

Bringing down the house

By Dan Beal where we live. Most of us agree that more of the mayor- President, WPRA housing is desperately needed for the homeless, appointed low-income workers and many mid-income Housing Task earners. Force will assist in hanks to all of you who joined us for our the October 2021 on-line annual meeting on May 27, and We’ve seen home-grown Pasadena-compatible adoption of a new special thanks to participants Mayor solutions, like the ingenious proposal to T Housing Element Victor Gordo, Councilmember Steve Madison, repurpose more than 500 apartments for the of the General County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, State “missing middle” — those whose incomes are too Plan (more Assemblymember , State Senator high for assistance, but too low for market-rate wonkishness, I Anthony Portantino, Pasadena’s Planning rental or purchase. [See page 4 for more on the know, but lurking and Development Director David Reyes, and “missing middle”] in there are state noted developers of non-profit housing Charles On the other hand, we’ve seen proposals in mandates for Loveman Jr. and Robin Hughes. Sacramento to allow 4, 6, 8 or even 10 market- over 9,400 new Dan Beal WPRA’s annual meetings traditionally have rate units on former single-family lots, largely housing units). included programs addressing major issues. by for-profit developers, without being required And, of course, there’s the state legislature’s In recent years, we tackled the fate of the 710 to consider city or neighbor opposition, zoning continuing machinations. We’ll stay engaged Freeway, homelessness, the future of the Arroyo codes, environmental impact, voter-approved and keep you informed. Seco, and preparation and response to severe limitations, infrastructure capacity (overloaded On the brighter side emergencies, to mention just a few. sewers, anyone?) or most anything else. WPRA is able from time to time to use some This year’s program, however, took issue Whether or not you were able to hear the savings in our budget to make small grants or engagement to new heights (I can praise the discussion at our annual meeting, please take a contributions to worthy causes. Recently we program since I had little to do with producing look at the summary starting on page 8. If you donated $2,000 to both it). We examined the housing shortage, which missed the meeting and would like to see it, it’s Fund’s recognition efforts for its front-line affects the entire city of Pasadena, our county, available on You Tube. I believe you’ll find it well workers and to San Rafael Elementary School. the state (and much of urban America, for that worth your time. Simply visit wpra.net/topic/ With many of us getting ready to bust out of matter) and how we might solve this important events for a description of the meeting and links the COVID cave after so many months and challenge. to You Tube recordings. spend money, please remember your favorite This is a critical subject, and though it seems There will be more housing-related action in the worthy organizations. They’ve struggled to a bit wonky, it really hits many of us, literally, next few months, so stay tuned. The workings stay afloat, too. About us 2021 – 2022 officers 2021 – 2022 board of directors President: Dan Beal ■■ Geoffrey Baum, & Central [email protected] Arroyo Seco Vice President/Administration: Evan Davis ■■ Dave Bise, Public services [email protected] ■■ Pete Ewing, Land use & transportation The News is mailed each quarter to ■■ Mic Hansen Vice President/Communications: Avram Gold nearly 8,000 homes and businesses [email protected] ■■ Joan Hearst in the 91105 and 91103 ZIP codes Treasurer: Blaine Cavena ■■ Susan Kinney and beyond. [email protected] ■■ Mark Mastromatteo Secretary: Kenyon Harbison ■■ Nancy Walker, Public safety & traffic Editor: Chuck Hudson [email protected] ■■ Linda Zinn ([email protected]) [email protected] Membership, Open Space & Conservation Mission: Founded in 1962, the West Pasadena Residents’ Association is dedicated 2021 – 2022 WPRA Advisory Board P. O. Box 50252 to maintaining the character of our ■■ Justin Chapman Pasadena, CA 91115-0252 community and enhancing the quality of life ______in west Pasadena. ■■ Vince Farhat ■■ Tom Seifert Service area: The WPRA service area Visit our website at wpra.net is bounded on the north by Colorado ■■ Catherine Stringer Boulevard, on the east by Fair Oaks Avenue ■■ Fred Zepeda Visit our Facebook page at and on the south and west by the city limits. facebook.com/westpasadena

All WPRA activities are funded through membership dues and contributions. The WPRA receives no public funding and has no paid employees. The WPRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation. Contributions and donations are fully deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The News 2 Summer 2021 Breaking News On passing: Becky Wheeler Remembering Becky Wheeler

By center for inducting new soldiers into Former Pasadena mayor service from all of the southwest United and WPRA president States. To Becky and Marge, that didn’t he passing of Becky Wheeler seem like the right fit, and they launched prompted many memories of my a neighborhood battle in opposition, Tearly experiences with WPRA and highly unusual at the time. A year later, its commitment to maintain and enhance the Pasadena Star-News reported the final southwest Pasadena’s unique quality of life. chapter of that battle under the headline, Today that commitment to quality of life is “ARMY DEFEATED.” shared throughout the city. A couple years later, the City Board In the early 1970s, soon after Claire and I (today’s City Council) announced that moved to Pasadena, I received a call from it supported a developer’s proposal to Becky Wheeler Bud Clary, then president of the WPRA, build two 14-story towers on the Elks Lodge parking at W. Colorado and S. orothy Beck (“Becky”) Wheeler, inviting me to a neighborhood meeting. I former Pasadena resident and self- forget what the issue was, but I was a new Orange Grove. The City Board approved Dstyled citizen activist, died in her sleep lawyer in Bud’s Los Angeles law firm, so it the project, notwithstanding vigorous on Friday, April 9, 2021, one month shy of her did not take long for me to respond, “Sure, opposition led by Becky, Marge and the 94th birthday. I’ll be there.” neighbors representing what had become the West Pasadena Residents’ Association. Becky was born to Dorothy and Bill Beck, Soon afterwards, I found myself serving as But that approval was temporary. The raised in the Sacramento Delta, and attended WPRA president, with a close and frequent neighbors reversed the decision through a the University of California (Berkeley), where working relationship with Becky Wheeler. referendum, with the city-wide campaign she studied English and was a member of My first impression that Bud Clary was opposing the project based in southwest the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After “running the organization” had long been graduating, she was the society editor of Pasadena. Becky was a driving force. dispelled by the reality that Becky, Marge the San Francisco News and one of the first Over ensuing years, the culture and television reporters in the Bay area. Weller and a few of their friends provided the drive and the daring of WPRA’s commitment of WPRA to our quality In 1953 she married Willard (Bill) Wall commitment to protect the neighborhood. of life became a guiding principle in Wheeler Jr., of Carmel, California. They southwest Pasadena and throughout enjoyed 51 years together before Bill died Early on I had learned the urban legends the city. Becky Wheeler, a person of in 2004. In Pasadena, Bill and Becky raised that established WPRA’s credibility. First, many accomplishments, was a pioneer three daughters. A committed local activist, Becky and Marge’s original organization in promoting Pasadena’s neighborhood Becky (along with Marge Weller and others) defeated the U.S. Army in its attempt to associations. We all owe her and her friends worked to protect the community and local occupy the Vista del Arroyo Hotel — now a huge debt of gratitude. environment. She and Marge are also credited the U.S. Court of Appeals — as a military in 1962 with co-founding the West Pasadena Residents’ Association (WPRA), which will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.

After Bill’s retirement, the family returned to Becky’s family home in Walnut Grove where she again immersed herself in local activities and civic engagement. An engaged conversationalist, she did not hesitate to ask: “So what are you doing with your life?” What she really meant was: “What are you reading?” “Where are you volunteering?” “What shared friend did you last see?”

Becky Wheeler is survived by her three daughters, Sarah Cobb, Kate Rock and Caroline Perkins; their husbands; and six grandchildren.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Dr. Paul Barnes Community Park, PO Box 1122, 1956 in Pasadena: Marge Weller, left, with daughter Sarah (King); and Becky Wheeler, right, Walnut Grove, CA 95690. with daughter Sarah (Cobb)

The News 3 Summer 2021 deep dive

Briefly Pasadena is preparing welcome mats ity selects citizens to serve on three new panels Pasadena City for middle-income workforce renters CCouncil has selected citizens to serve on two new task forces and a permanent new commission, all charged with providing By Jim Wong, senior project manager recommendations about three very important City of Pasadena Housing Department city issues. ‘While most government- Police Oversight Commission. After he city of Pasadena is poised to add subsidized housing passing an ordinance establishing the over 500 rental units to its affordable framework of a police oversight citizen Thousing stock … without turning projects target families commission last October, City Council in a shovel. early June unanimously appointed 11 residents at low income or below, to this citizen commission. City Council The California Statewide Communities also appointed Brian Maxey as independent few programs address the police auditor. Commission members are Development Authority (CSCDA), a (alphabetically): joint-powers authority with a membership affordable housing needs ■■ Alexis Abernethy, ■■ Patricia Kinaga of over 530 public agencies, including ■■ Florence Annang ■■ Lawrence Lurvey Pasadena, is set to acquire two “Class A” of the middle-income ■■ Phillip J. Argento ■■ Donald R. multifamily communities totaling 513 workforce.’ ■■ Noemi Emeric-Ford Matthews units: The Hudson (173 units) at 678 E. ■■ Raul Ibanez ■■ Juliana Serrano ■■ Esprit Jones ■■ Barbara Stacy Walnut St., and portions of the Westgate Apartments (340 units) at 231 S. DeLacey This ensures that rents remain below Redistricting Task Force. City Council Ave. The two projects, built in 2016 and market for the long term. Current tenants has selected 12 residents to serve on this 2010, respectively, will be converted to at The Hudson and Westgate Apartments new task force. Its charge is to recommend provide long-term, affordable “missing who are not income-eligible (80% to changes to City Council district boundaries, middle” housing. As of this writing, closing as prompted by 2020 census data. Every 10 120% AMI) will not be displaced; they years district lines may have to be redrawn on the two properties was scheduled will continue to pay the market-rate rent so that each district is substantially equal in for mid-June. until they choose to vacate their unit. As population. Task force members are: units become available, they will be leased ■■ Vince Farhat, ■■ Patrice Marshall While most government-subsidized to qualified tenants. CSCDA estimates chair (mayor’s McKenzie (at large) housing projects target families at low that one-third of the current tenants at appointment) ■■ Margaret McAustin income or below, few programs address the the Hudson and Westgate are income- ■■ Rita Moreno, vice (District 2) affordable housing needs of the middle- eligible, and they would see immediate chair (at large) ■■ Donald C. Nanney ■■ Geoffrey Baum (District 4) income workforce. rent reductions. The conversion of all 513 (District 6) ■■ units under program restrictions will take ■■ David Coher (District 3) This segment of the community includes approximately three years. (District 1) ■■ Jordan Vannini nurses, teachers, construction tradespeople, ■■ Francis Chen (District 5) (District 7) ■■ Delano Yarbrough and young professionals; people who earn Program funding comes from the ■■ Adriana Lim (at large) too much to qualify for traditional “low- CSCDA’s issuance of tax-exempt bonds (at large) income” housing but not enough income to to finance the acquisition of select afford market-rate rents. multifamily properties for operation as Housing Task Force. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo has appointed Rick Cole, middle-income housing. Public capital former Pasadena city manager and mayor, Under the CSCDA program, the maximum or rent subsidies are not involved. The as special housing advisor, and a 17-member qualifying income for a three-person city, as the host local agency, must forgo Housing Task Force. Initially, the group will household ranges from $81,120 to $121,680, property tax revenues during the 30-year be focused on housing policies, programs which is 80% to 120% of the county’s area period that the bond debt is outstanding. and funding strategy recommendations for median income (AMI). However, the city stands to receive all net the Planning Commission and City Council. proceeds should the properties be resold, Task force members are: Affordable rents for a two-bedroom or hold control of the properties upon ■■ Bill Bogaard, chair ■■ Sarah Letts unit, for example, would start at $2,366 bond repayment. ■■ Leslie Barnes (CBO ■■ Anne Miskey (CEO compared to the current average of PUSD) of Union Station) ■■ Joel Bryant ■■ Rita Moreno market rent of $3,350. Ultimately, the city benefits from the (former District 3 ■■ Phyllis Mueller immediate availability of much needed Councilmember) ■■ Andrew Oliver Annual increases in the CSCDA affordable middle-income housing placed within ■■ Philip Burns ■■ Phlunte’ Riddle rents would be capped at the lower of: ■■ Julianna Delgado ■■ Stan Rushing existing multifamily properties in a ■■ Megan Foker ■■ Barry Storch 1. 4%, fraction of the four- to five-year timeframe ■■ Akila Gibbs ■■ J. Noel Toro 2. % change in the county AMI, or typically required to finance and construct ■■ Allison Henry 3. % change in market rate rents. a new affordable housing project.

The News 4 Summer 2021 Land use / planning

Briefly Pasadena Avenue on National Register Pasadena Police Chief John Perez has announced that he will retire in 2022, ending By Sue Mossman a 36-year career at the department. Source: Executive Director Pasadena Star-News Ara Maloyan, who helped lead the e are delighted to announce that city’s Public Works Department the Pasadena Avenue Historic effective barrier with the original design of out of an embezzlement scandal, WDistrict, part of the 710 corridor, the landmark bridge. has retired after nearly six years on the job. has been officially listed on the National Kris Markarian has been appointed acting Register of Historic Places, nominated Save the date for a celebration director of the department. At the time of by Pasadena Heritage. This listing not Pasadena Heritage has acquired the 1905 this writing, City Manager Steve Mermell only recognizes the neighborhood as an Blinn House, former home of the Women’s hopes to have a permanent replacement for City Club for 75 years, located at 160 Maloyan by September. important historic place, but will also N. Oakland Ave. After some significant Source: Pasadena Now provide extra protections and benefits for the nearly 100 historic homes within the district rehabilitation and restoration projects are The city of Pasadena Planning & now and when they are eventually sold. completed, the organization looks forward Community Development Department to holding a grand-opening celebration on was recently recognized as a statewide The newly approved district, between Sunday, October 10. Invitations will be sent leader in customer service, innovation Bellefontaine to Columbia, is immediately and excellence by the California Building in August for the house-warming party, south of the already designated Markham Officials and the Structural Engineers which will spread out over the Blinn House Association of Southern California. Place Historic District that covers the grounds and into the Ford Place Historic northern part of the original 710 corridor. District and Fuller Seminary campus Senate Bill 15, a measure authored by state Together they encompass scores of historic Sen. Anthony J. Portantino (D-Pasadena) which surrounds the house. Please save the homes that were acquired by Caltrans in to offer incentives to cities that convert date and join us to begin a new chapter for abandoned retail sites into affordable and the days when a surface freeway, and then the 44-year-old preservation organization. workforce housing, would let cities rezone a tunnel, were proposed to extend the 710 idle commercial properties for affordable freeway north through some of Pasadena’s Rose Bowl financial housing, and collect 7 years of estimated oldest established neighborhoods. challenges must be met sales tax the vacant stores might otherwise The Rose Bowl Operating Company and have generated. Source: Pasadena Now Pasadena Heritage will host a tour of the stadium management recently presented a district in July for its Heritage Associates challenging financial picture for the nearly Former Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole has members. After that event, a series of talks been chosen as the next executive director of 100-year-old stadium to City Council and about the 710 corridor — past, present and the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), other stakeholders. The economic impact of the organization announced on Tuesday. future — is in the planning stages, co-hosted the pandemic has hit the Rose Bowl hard, Cole was recently named special housing by Arlington Garden and Pasadena Heritage with lost revenue from previously profitable adviser to Mayor Victor Gordo. Source: in late July and August. A self-guided tour, sports, events and concerts, which together Pasadena Now highlighting a number of the significant were paying the debt service for the Utah-based Ivory Innovations has homes will be part of both events. Rose Bowl improvement projects already selected the city of Pasadena’s Accessory City agrees to reconsider completed and still planned. The city is Dwelling Unit (ADU) program as a Top 10 Colorado Street Bridge fencing looking to find sources of revenue to pick finalist for the 2021 Ivory Prize for Housing After seeing full-scale mock-ups of potential up the tab on that debt service. But a short- Affordability, a national award recognizing ambitious, feasible, and scalable solutions to suicide deterrent fencing installed on the term deficit should not drive changes that housing affordability. iconic Colorado Street Bridge, Pasadena detract from the essence of this legendary Heritage, WPRA [See related WPRA letter historic place. After suspending the collection of late fees and service shutoffs on page 7.] and others urged the city to take Pasadena Heritage is particularly for nonpayment for more than a year, the another look at potential solutions while concerned that the Rose Bowl’s National Pasadena Water and Power Department protecting the architectural integrity of Historic Landmark designation be fully plans to resume collecting late fees in July the bridge. The Public Works Department considered at every turn. Creative solutions and cutting off service for nonpayment in posted an online survey for the public to will be needed, but new construction that September. respond after looking at the options, and the would impact the historic stadium should City Council will resume the results were largely negative. be off the table. One of Pasadena’s most collection of parking and transit- As a result, Public Works has indicated it is recognized and storied historic places, the related fees and fines, as well as willing to discuss what other options might Rose Bowl must be honored and celebrated late fees and payments for other city services, including refuse collection, sewer be feasible. That process is just beginning, as we collectively plan for a financially maintenance, and the Utility Underground and we look forward to exploring what successful future. Surtax and utility user’s tax. might be a better solution to marrying an

The News 5 Summer 2021 Land use / pLannIng California’s housing goals for Pasadena defy logic

n 1969 California mandated that all cities, towns and counties must plan for Ithe housing needs of their population Pasadena’s RHNA Housing Allocation at all income levels. Th is state mandate is called the Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA. To be able to fulfi ll this requirement, each 9,409 municipality or county must develop a Housing Element as part of its General Plan that explicitly shows how it will meet its housing needs. Th ere are many laws and processes that govern how this is done, and collectively they are known as Housing Element Law.

State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD, the California agency that oversees the process) assigns mandated numbers regionally: in Pasadena’s case, to the 1,332 Southern California Association of 2013-2021 2021-2029 Governments (SCAG), which comprises six counties and, in turn, assigns specifi c For the six-year 2014-2019 cycle, Pasadena’s total allocation was 1,332 housing units, but the numbers to its counties and cities. upcoming nine-year cycle requirement is 9,409 — a 600% increase.

Th e current cycle was from October California. And yet to test a third time, “the 15, 2013 to October 15, 2021. Th e average household size” model was used, To meet the RHNA requirement upcoming RHNA allocation cycle covers and this alternative yielded the need as 1.3 87 new housing units would have the planning period of October 2021 million. through October 2029. For the cycle just to be built in Pasadena every expiring, Pasadena’s total allocation was Pasadena’s population increase has month, without fail, for the next 1,332 units, but the upcoming nine-year been gradual. In fact, between 2017 and 108 months (nine years) cycle requirement is 9,409, which is a 2021, Pasadena lost approximately 3,000 600% increase. [See accompanying chart] residents, and has a current population Pasadena appealed this high number to of approximately 140,000. Th e projected 617, AB 1258, and SB 477. AB 215 is the SCAG, but the appeal was rejected. population of Pasadena for the year 2040 is most onerous in that it creates policing 150,000. In other words, RHNA numbers for compliance and imposes fi nes from For the state, the California legislature project Pasadena will add 250% more $10,000 to $600,000 for cities that do is demanding the construction of 3.5 population in eight years than it has in the not meet the thresholds, regardless of million new housing units by 2025, using last 30 years. Given these numbers, the the size of the municipality. Essentially, as its foundation a study based on New HCD/SCAG mandated number of 9,409 this would create an additional tax for York data. Some believe that Texas data units between this year and 2029 clearly property owners. SB 477 also establishes would yield a more suitable benchmark for appears excessive. a housing police and imposes a costly and California. burdensome reporting requirement on To meet the RHNA requirement 87 new cities. Th e Embarcadero Institute’s recent study, housing units would have to be built in using Texas as a benchmark, puts the Pasadena every month, without fail, for the Unrealistic and excessive RHNA number needed for new California housing next 108 months (nine years), according to a requirements, coupled with one-size- units at 1.5 million, NOT 3.5 million. To Pasadena Now article. Note also, developers fi ts-all legislative mandates that usurp test its model, the institute conducted a build; the city can facilitate, but not build. local management of land-use and second study employing the “housing per- Th e California Legislature, as of this housing decisions and create a punitive capita” model, which included all 50 states. writing, has yet four more bills in this cycle environment, does NOT help alleviate Th is second method yielded a projection of that directly address cities not meeting the perceived housing shortage — nor 1.4 million new housing units needed for their RHNA requirements: AB 215, AB eff ectively mitigate the lack of aff ordability.

Th e News 6 Summer 2021 Land use / planning

WPRA provides feedback on bridge options, SB 9

Bridge options are ‘myopic’ SB 9 is ‘excessive ... and fatally flawed’ [Editor’s note: The WPRA board of directors on June 4, [Editor’s note: The WPRA board of directors on June 8, 2021 sent this letter regarding Senate Bill 9 to the Local 2021 sent this letter to Pasadena City Council regarding the Government Committee of the California State Assembly.] city’s most recent attempts to discourage suicide attempts from the Colorado Street Bridge.] he WPRA strongly opposes SB 9 as an excessive, misguided and fatally flawed attempt to pre- he West Pasadena Residents’ Association shares Tempt local land use decisions, with the outcome the city’s concerns about reducing suicides at the of promoting market rate housing at the expense of Colorado Street Bridge, both for the benefit of the T homeowners, renters, neighborhoods and the critical goal persons contemplating suicide as well as the residents near of producing very low-, low- and moderate-income housing. and below the bridge. However, the WPRA is concerned that the city’s consultants viewed their role myopically, SB 9 is not an equity bill. It is the exact opposite. Its ignored aesthetics, and failed to fully consider effective emphasis on expensive market-rate construction would solutions that would not ruin one of the City’s most- constitute an unprecedented and destabilizing attack on beautiful historic landmarks. 7 million California single-family households with 20 million residents — white, Black, Latino and Asian — at all As a result, the WPRA requests that the city delay income levels. implementation of the current options for suicide- deterring vertical barrier enhancements to the Colorado NONE of the units constructed under SB 9 will be required Street Bridge, and continue to conduct an in-depth review to be affordable. Any benefit to low- and moderate-income of alternatives, including any technologies that could families is purported to be through the thoroughly- replace the physical barriers, or enhance a reduced height discredited “trickle-down” theory, an economic failure of of those barriers. no more benefit in housing as in any other endeavor. After more than four years of research and outreach, the SB 9 is deceptively misrepresented as a minimally- Department of Public Works and the consultants have impactful “duplex” bill, but in fact between lot splits, presented three options for vertical barrier enhancements duplexing on the split lots, and allowing accessory to the bridge. However, there appear to be several flaws to dwelling units, as many as six or even eight units — four those options. full homes and four accessory units — could be built on one former lot. The goal of the vertical barrier was to eliminate suicides from the bridge. Both Public Works and the consultants While promoted as housing relief, in fact neighborhoods of have stated that the barriers will not be 100% effective. all income levels are threatened with excessive development They estimate 90% effectiveness, but understandably and in many cases, gentrification as well. Street parking, cannot be sure. Further, one of the options is the “picket” fire safety and our beautiful trees would also be at risk. option, which the consultants have said can be scaled. It is Fanciful justifications based on transit and car sharing unclear, then, why this option was submitted. will not make up for the loss of vehicle use that so many working people and families depend upon. All options are vertical only, with some flawed assumptions. The heights presented (8, 9 or 10 feet) were SB 9 would not benefit the hard-working people of essentially assumptions. The consultants assumed that California but instead profits developers and foreign and a 6’ person could jump 2’ and grab a horizontal surface. domestic investment entities. Plenty can jump higher than 24 inches, particularly with a running start that is possible on a bridge. WPRA urges you to oppose this attempt to promote unacceptable and destructive concepts. WPRA understands Whatever is done to the bridge is most likely a 50+ year and supports the critical need for additional affordable decision. The options are described as “reversible,” but housing in California, but not through mass bulldozing of given the reported cost estimates in the millions of dollars, neighborhoods. There are better solutions than statewide, there may be no practical way to reverse the barrier cookie-cutter giveaways to developers. installation.

The News 7 Summer 2021 WPRA 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

Elected officials comment on housing challenges

By Chuck Hudson Editor

rogram moderator Avram Gold opened this first portion of the Pbusiness program by identifying the theme: “The housing crisis. How can we build our way out of the housing inventory shortage? And how do we respond to the affordable housing challenge?” Gold invited four elected officials to comment on the city’s current Victor Gordo Steve Madison Kathryn Barger Chris Holden housing position and challenges. [Editor’s note: Their responses are paraphrased to related to local control of zoning decisions has many moving parts. We can’t rely on a meet newsletter space limitations; however, and, in particular, the legislature’s one-size-fits-all solution. Every strategy to direct citations are indicated by quotation emphasis on transit-oriented housing combat this crisis must be tailored to meet marks.] development and affordable housing. the local need.” The state’s efforts to drive Every [legislative] session “we see scores new housing construction “may be well- Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo: of bills that are intended to control how intentioned, but are completely misguided. “Affordable housing enriches our local jurisdictions, like Pasadena, balance Sacramento will not solve this from 500 diversity in Pasadena,” and the pandemic the quality of life, historic preservation miles away. We’ll solve it here, together.” “drove home how important it is to have and neighborhood compatibility with the workforce housing nearby. We don’t demands of the region and of the state for Chris Holden, State Assemblymember want our firefighters, teachers and police more and more housing. This state trend, (D-41): Solutions to this problem will not officers living 90 miles away and having “no matter how well intentioned, threatens come from just one area of government. It’ll to commute in emergency. Restaurants local control, and to many of us, this feels come from state, county, and local cities. and other retail businesses also want a like the state is attempting to change the “We must try to address the issue with workforce that’s close by.” quality of life in our neighborhoods.” equity, fairness and balance to preserve the integrity of our communities, while Within the city of Pasadena about 3,044 Kathryn Barger, LA County District 5 increasing affordable housing production. units have been built since 2012. Of those, Supervisor: “There is no question that this We’re working closely with members of the 2,756 were rental units, 288 were owned housing crisis is permeating every corner of LA County delegation, focusing not just on units. By income, 264 were low-income the county.” That’s why “collaboration must affordable housing, but also those who are units, 524 were moderate-income units, be at the state and other levels. The issue on the bubble and could end up homeless.” and about 980 were Section 8 (government subsidized) units. “But what we’ve seen is that walls and a roof “are not always enough.” Some of who need housing assistance also require additional support — “all of the things that can help a family or an individual become successful.

“I don’t think we can build our way out of this crisis, nor frankly do we want to build our way out. That would have a tremendous impact in other ways for the community.” It’s possible, however, that the city may be able to help “rehabilitate and reinvigorate properties when the property owners don’t have resources to invest.” Additionally, “another opportunity is to repurpose commercial and retail spaces into housing where appropriate.” WPRA honors Priscilla Taylor for her 26 years of community service. During the May 27 annual District 6 Councilmember Steve meeting, WPRA President Dan Beal, in above photo, honored Priscilla Taylor with a Community Service Award. Priscilla joined the WPRA board in 1994, a position she maintained until her retirement Madison: Today’s “dominant issue is last year. She worked on a number of important WPRA and city initiatives. (Photo by Avram Gold)

The News 8 Summer 2021 WPRA 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

Experts panel discusses path forward for more affordable housing

By Chuck Hudson Editor

vram Gold also formed a panel comprising four housing and Alegislative experts. The format for this portion of the program took on more of a Q&A format, with Avram Gold asking (in italics) and (surprise!) panelists answering.

Avram Gold: Each of our panelists is Anthony Portantino David Reyes Robin Hughes Charles Loveman Jr. actively engaged in finding ways to reverse the housing shortage for both the low- to The problem with this is that the state non-linear and can take anywhere from moderate-income tenants or owners. Sen. has both good and bad actors. Pasadena 24 to 36 months just to get through the Portantino, please share with us your “is a pro-housing city. We were the first site financing, acquisition, entitlement, observations, from a legislative point of to have inclusionary housing.” Pasadena design, and permitting phases, and then view, about the housing situation? has “built in and around our commercial construction and leasing.” corridors and central district and has tried State Senator Anthony Portantino to protect and preserve our single-family Avram Gold: What we haven’t yet (D-25): “Frankly, one of my frustrations, neighborhoods. We’ve adopted many local discussed is the so-called “missing middle” when it comes to the housing legislation solutions that, in our opinion, offer a [see article on page 4]: those who earn coming from Sacramento, is that the state better approach.” too much for subsidized housing, but not doesn’t recognize cities, such as Pasadena, enough to afford market-rate housing. that do things well.” Rather than reward these unique This group could, for example, include approaches that work, the legislature is firefighters, teachers, nurses, police officers, Also, many of the housing issues we’re imposing a one-size-fits-all approach teachers and delivery drivers. Charles dealing with now were triggered a decade throughout the state. “This erodes many Luckman serves those who wish to own ago, when the legislature dismantled and local efforts and requires us “to develop homes in this segment. Charles, how do you defunded local redevelopment agencies. projects that may not be consistent with do what you do? “This move took $12-$15 billion off the community values.” table — money that could have been spent Charles Loveman Jr., Executive Director, on affordable housing. And here we are, Avram Gold: Robin, can you articulate the Heritage Housing Partners: “We are a bit over a decade later, and we still haven’t steps and time it takes from the conception of unique in the world of affordable housing, created a viable alternative.” a project to the final opening? because we’re a homeownership developer.”

Avram Gold: We’ve seen a lot of new Robin Hughes, President and CEO, We hit a bump in the road about 10 housing bills from Sacramento, many of Abode Communities: “I’m very split. It’s years ago “when the state shut down the which challenge our own zoning laws. wonderful to hear how committed the 400 local, state-funded redevelopment David, how does your department deal elected officials representing the Pasadena agencies. In other words, over the past with this? area, but, as a developer of affordable 10 years, about $12 billion has not been housing, I do value the tools that have come spent on housing by local agencies that David Reyes, Director, Pasadena out of the state to get housing produced. would otherwise have funded housing Planning and Community Development: This is a statewide and a regional issue. It construction that made sense for their The state auditor last November wrote: requires thinking about how we can ensure respective city. So, for us, it’s become ‘California is failing to build enough that every community builds its fair share harder and harder to find financial support affordable homes for lower income of affordable housing and addresses the for what we do.” And much of what we do residents, in part, because the state lacks range of housing needs.” is for mixed-income from the missing- an effective approach to planning and middle. financing for development of affordable My firm’s “mission is to address the housing in both the state and local level affordable housing needs of low-income “We used to build about 200,000 housing levels.’ Somehow this insight has been working individuals in our region, and that units a year in California. Now we’re down overlooked. “What the state’s tried to do, is is typically in the form of multifamily, low- to have this solved on the backs of to-mid income rental housing. A typical local government.” affordable-housing development is complex, Continued on page 10

The News 9 Summer 2021 WPRA 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

Continued from page 9 state requirements, will put the affordable be exempted from some of these bills.” housing only in one neighborhood. Or we’re Sen. Portantino: “I agree. I haven’t been about 100,000 since the Great Recession afraid it won’t be done fairly. I’d also have to able to get agreement on the carve-outs in 2008-2009. That’s a million units that say that the legislature lacks a fundamental because there’s an aversion to doing that. didn’t get built in California over the past understanding about how each California And so, you’re 100% correct, we’re just not 10 years. And no one’s building enough city is unique,” and an unwillingness for there intellectually, because the mindset in for homeownership. “In the past many legislators to make waivers for cities that the capital is that a carve-out is a reward. programs were available for both rental meet the state-set objectives. And they’re so much into the punishment and homeownership. No longer. mode. They haven’t gotten to the point Robin Hughes: “The point that the of the reward mode for people doing the “I’ve calculated that for every $5 of senator just made around legislation right thing.” affordable homeownership money, there’s that incentivizes and rewards cities about $100 for affordable rental. This for producing affordable housing is as “In the post-pandemic world we have lots state has a strong preference for rental important as accountability and regulating of unoccupied commercial space that’s properties. Let’s not forget that every time the cities that are not producing housing. perfect for affordable and workforce we transform a renter into an owner, that So, how do we create legislative balance, not housing.” In fact, I’ve recently introduced leaves a vacant rental unit behind.” only in the streamlining and production a bill that provides cities with the bills, but also in the funding that comes equivalent of “seven years of sales tax Avram Gold: How can we put common down from Sacramento?” that would have been generated from that sense back into the housing conversation in retail establishment, if it is converted into California? David Reyes: “I like the idea of legislation workforce and affordable housing.” that rewards the good actors, but I think Sen. Portantino: “I’m frustrated, too. what we need goes beyond that. Some bills David Reyes: “From where I sit there’s no The challenge is that some cities are should have carve-outs for cities that meet silver bullet.” As for my department, “our resistant, and we tend to legislate for the standards by planning and zoning way forward is to get the revised housing the resistant cities, and then apply that for multifamily housing and by reserving element adopted. If we don’t complete legislation across the board. Legislators a certain percentage of their growth for that, we stand to lose local control” and are also concerned that a city, to meet multifamily housing. They actually need to funding. WPRA honors Rosa Laveaga for service, dedication

By Tom Seifert enhancing the environment and creating a … always looking for better and more Former WPRA president, riparian habitat. efficient ways to improve the environment. Current WPRA Advisory Board member Some of her other noteworthy From the beginning, Rosa recognized that accomplishments include: he WPRA, during its 2021 annual there are many stakeholders in the arroyo, ■■ Restoring trails and streams in the meeting on May 27, honored Rosa both the permanent user groups and the Hahamongna area following a Caltrans TLaveaga, the city of Pasadena’s more casual visitors who frequent the accident during the construction of former Arroyo Seco project supervisor, for arroyo on a regular basis. She was able to the 210 overpass. Rosa arranged for her 25+ years of service and dedication to deal with them all. debris removal and charted stream Pasadena and to our community. improvement below the Devil’s Gate Another of her major accomplishments Dam. Rosa started her tenure at the city of (actually five accomplishments) was to ■■ Securing the funding and developing Pasadena on a sunny day in June, 1995. author and oversee the adoption of the three the conceptual design for Berkshire She came to us wide-eyed and enthusiastic, Arroyo Seco master plans, the Arroyo Seco Creek, which was used as the template equipped with a bachelor’s degree in design guidelines as well as creation of a for the project’s final construction. urban and environmental planning and a “Guide to the Trails of the Lower Arroyo.” ■■ Obtaining six different grants for master’s degree in landscape architecture, the Flint Wash Bridge and serving both from Cal-Poly Pomona. Her daily workload was varied and included as its project manager during design such areas as park maintenance supervision, development. Her first primary assignment: managing grant writing, planning and design, the Browning-Ferris Industries major construction oversight, budget management Rosa’s vision and contributions will be mitigation project with the creation of and supervising and training the Arroyo incorporated into the future work of the three low-flow streams and native Seco maintenance crews. Rosa brought both both the city of Pasadena and to the One plantings in the lower arroyo, significantly enthusiasm as well as curiosity to her work Arroyo Foundation.

The News 10 Summer 2021 community

Briefly

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy recently acquired a 3.5 acre preserve in a critical wildlife passage connecting the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills. Located just above Verdugo Park in Glendale, the Sunshine Preserve represents hope for both wildlife and local residents. This recent acquisition – a donation from Fredrick Danelian, a long-time Glendale resident – brings to 79 acres across 13 properties that the conservancy oversees in our region. The steady decline of the groundwater level beneath Pasadena is unmistakable and It has also acquired 40 acres in the jeopardizes the viability of the Raymond Basin as a water resource for the future. Antelope Valley and has helped support other conservation organizations’ acquisitions of an additional 125 acres in our region. What went wrong with the Raymond Basin?

The LA County Flood Control By Tim Brick documented a consistent drawdown of the District’s Devil’s Gate Dam Executive Director, Arroyo Seco Foundation basin since the turn of the past century. sediment removal project (“The Big Groundwater levels had fallen more than Dig”) is expected to be completed in ne of Pasadena’s most important 100 feet. November, a year ahead of the original milestones in the last century was schedule, according to the LA County the Raymond Basin adjudication. A Public Works Department. Source: O In 1937 Pasadena initiated a discussion and Pasadena Now. major advance in the science and governance then a lawsuit to establish a “safe yield” of groundwater basins, it was widely praised from the basin that would match pumping The South Coast Air Quality as an exemplary model of cooperative self- rights with natural replenishment from Management District (AQMD) government. It has determined the production rainfall and stream water. The Raymond has approved a landmark rule that of local groundwater for Pasadena and the Basin Adjudication that resulted from City of would require warehouses and, by western San Gabriel for eight decades. The Pasadena v. City of Alhambra et al. was the extension, the diesel-fueled trucks Raymond Basin, our region’s most valuable first groundwater adjudication or division of serving them, to cut chronic air liquid asset, provides about half the water water rights in California. pollution linked to asthma, cancer and consumed locally. deaths in Southern California. Some describe the rule as a milestone in The process began with a study that the fight for clean air. Source: Press- But now the long-term health of the Raymond determined that local pumpers were drawing Enterprise Basin is in peril. out 29,000 acre feet per year from the basin but that the safe yield was only 21,000 acre The California Department of The first water wells in Pasadena were drilled feet. While the approach was groundbreaking Water Resources has reduced its in 1881 at the southern end of the city near and there were lawsuits, the process was State Water Project (SWP) allocation where the Raymond Hotel, a renowned resort, largely cooperative and culminated in local to the Metropolitan Water District of was located. Early residents saw ancient pumpers agreeing to cut back their pumping Southern California (MWD) by 5% for springs and water gushing to the surface in by about one-third. the coming year. Pasadena gets about artesian wells, but they did not understand the 61% of its water supply from MWD, relationship between those phenomena and the Eleven years later, however, in 1955 after 36% from groundwater from the Raymond Dyke or earthquake fault that lined Raymond Groundwater Basin, which several years of abundant rainfall, Pasadena is pumped out of 16 deep wells located the lower limits of the city. Limited by the and the 14 other local pumpers re-adjusted throughout the city. The city purchases science of that era, they had only a primitive the decreed safe yield to 30,622 acre-feet per the remaining 3% from neighboring understanding of the nature of the Raymond year, more than the historic use before the water agencies. Basin, the 40-square-mile groundwater basin adjudication. or aquifer beneath Pasadena and surrounding Pasadena Water and Power communities. Even though the 1955 decree anticipated (PWP) has launched its “Shape-Up that there would be further adjustments Summer” campaign to encourage a The first full description of Raymond Basin’s in the future based on actual conditions in 10% reduction in water use. geology and underground water storage the Raymond Basin, there has not been any characteristics was not completed until 1934, and the findings were ominous. They Continued on page 13

The News 11 Summer 2021 community

ACR-39, which declared every third week of May in California as “Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children.” ■■ The foundation recently released a seven-part online series of informative, entertaining episodes featuring US Reps. Adam Schiff, Judy Chu and Debbie Wasserman Schultz; LA Mayor Eric Garcetti; LA County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Kathryn Barger; nine Olympians; an Academy-Award- winning musician; and 100+ other stakeholders nationwide. ■■ We also introduced AB 768 (Holden), which affords a formal drowning prevention policy and related resources to 6+ million California students through the Department of Education. Note: We encourage you to send a letter in support of this bill to our foundation Roxie Mirabelle Forbes: a remarkable girl with a future as bright as the sun … until it went dark or to Naima Ford, Assemblymember Holden’s legislative director, at naima. Daughter’s death prompts parents [email protected]. Does your pool meet current standards? to advocate for drowning prevention Many pools in Pasadena were built before the 2007 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act became a federal law. This By Doug Forbes and Elena Matyas received requisite American Red Cross law requires all pools to have the proper lifeguard training or any testing. However, anti-entrapment grates (ANSI/APSP-16) t 9 a.m. on June 28, 2019, we the owner and Red Cross instructor and at least two circulation suction outlets dropped off our 6-year-old certified them as lifeguards nonetheless. per pump. Also, the 1996 California Pool Adaughter Roxie at an Altadena The same goes for CPR and rescue Safety Act (amended in 2018) requires at facility called Summerkids. By 10 a.m. we training. least two of seven safety barriers, such as were standing over her blue, bloated body an isolation fence and alarms. at Huntington Hospital. A remarkable girl Advocacy has ruled our days ever since. with a future as bright as the sun abruptly ■■ We launched a nonprofit to eliminate These laws save lives. And so do other became nothing more than a lifeless preventable childhood drowning and simple steps. (See accompanying article) vessel. named it Meow Meow Foundation in honor of Roxie’s favorite feline comfort Roxie died from a wholly preventable doll who was there for her through thick For more information, visit the drowning in the small Summerkids pool. and thin. Meow Meow Foundation website at All Summerkids staffers at the small pool ■■ The foundation teamed with MeowMeowFoundation.org or call (323) admitted under oath that they had not Assemblymember Chris Holden to pass 333-0384.

It’s time to face facts about preventable drownings

alifornia has the nation’s largest ■■ For every fatal drowning, at least five ■■ Never swim alone. number of pools, let alone miles more children suffer nonfatal drownings, Cand miles of open-water coastline. many of which lead to brain damage. ■■ Keep non-swimmers or learning Water is fun, but it can also be deadly. A swimmers within an arm’s length. healthy respect is a must. ■■ 88% of childhood drownings occur under nearby adult supervision. ■■ Use a Water Watcher at all times. ■■ Preventable drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children 1-4 ■■ Yet, only 1% of surveyed parents consider ■■ Lifeguards are not child care providers. and second for those under 14. drowning to be a home safety concern. You are.

The News 12 Summer 2021 community

Continued from page 11 What went wrong ...

change in the formula since then, except to approve several mechanisms such as storage programs and spreading credits that allow pumpers to augment their take.

Buoyed by the pride of accomplishment and the false promise of a “safe-yield” adjudication, local officials and residents have been blinded to the actual results of the adjudication. The steady decline of the groundwater level beneath Pasadena, now 250 feet lower than pre-adjudication, is unmistakable and jeopardizes the viability of the Raymond Basin as a water Pasadena Senior Center’s free Scenic Walks Club gathers every Wednesday at 9 a.m. The leisurely strolls through picturesque local sites are among the many exercise and fitness resource for the future. activities designed to get everyone up and moving.

The initial draft of Pasadena’s current Water System and Resources Program, now being considered, relies heavily on Are you ready to get up and get moving? a series of programs that would increase groundwater pumping without providing tudies have shown that older adults for any systematic approach to stabilizing who exercise on a regular basis can the groundwater level and protecting the Simprove their flexibility, strength, Raymond Basin. That’s a historic mistake. balance, mind/body coordination, mood and more. And now that we’re easing out course generally ranges from $40 to $85 for Pasadena needs to again take the lead of COVID-19 lockdowns and into summer, Pasadena Senior Center members and $50 and work with the other local pumpers if you’re 50 or older, it’s time to sign up for to $95 for non-members. Classes are still in the Raymond Basin Management some summer activities to get you up and offered on Zoom, so when you register, tell Board to make healing the Raymond moving, and begin planning for autumn your friends near and far to sign up for the Basin the first priority of local water fun as well. classes too, because everything is more fun planning. They need to work together to with the buddy system! stabilize and replenish the groundwater Members of the Pasadena Senior Center level. It will be expensive, but the era can join the Sy Graff Fitness Center, which The Pasadena Senior Games planned for of cheap water is over. An effective features all-new equipment. Membership this summer had to be canceled due to the groundwater management program will is only $90 per year. Work out on your own pandemic, but expect their celebratory also include an increased emphasis on under general supervision or sign up with return in 2022. conservation, water recycling, stormwater a volunteer certified personal trainer to capture, stream restoration, native plant help you achieve your fitness goals in a safe, There also are plenty of free activities in landscaping, storage programs and new nurturing environment. Beginning June person plus via Zoom and online videos. sources to replenish the basin. This is the 15, the fitness center will be open five days The Scenic Walks Club, Arthritis Exercise resilient way to meet our region’s future a week. Class, Chair Yoga, plus lectures and water needs. discussions about healthy eating, nutrition, Fee-based autumn classes will begin Oct. heart health, balance, living well with Most important, pumping rights in the 11. From Acting to Zumba Gold, there’s certain medical issues and more are all free Raymond Basin need to be adjusted something for everyone – more than 25 to members as well as nonmembers of PSC, based on 21st century conditions and classes, most lasting 10 weeks – in the regardless of city of residency. probable climate-change impacts to general categories of dance (tap, BollyX achieve the actual safe and sustainable and more), exercise/fitness (strength Now, what are you waiting for? Get up and yield for the future. It makes no sense in training, chair aerobics and more) and get moving! the era of climate change to manage local hobbies/special interests (foreign languages, water resources with a failed formula watercolors and more). All are taught by For more information about any or all of from 1955. experienced instructors who are certified in these activities, visit pasadenaseniorcenter. their respective fields. The total cost of each org or call (626) 795-4331.

The News 13 Summer 2021 community

A civil (housing) war in the city of homes

By Kirk Myers Assistant Archivist

riginally laid out in 1874 with the founding of the settlement that Owas named Pasadena in 1875, Orange Grove Avenue later became nationally known as Pasadena’s version of “Millionaires’ Row.” The 1 ¼ mile stretch from Colorado to Columbia was called the “Mile of Millionaires” and was said to be one of the most beautiful residential streets in America.

But after the Depression began, there was a growing sense that the heyday of the street was over, and some kind of transition would be inevitable. A packed public hearing at the council chamber of the on January 15, 1942. The Pasadena Post reported on April 6, The Pasadena Planning Commission was presented with a ‘civil war’ over the future of Orange Grove Avenue (now boulevard, in Pasadena) that would not be resolved for another six years. 1936 that a new organization had been formed. “Confronted by the prospect Planning Commission. The apartment avenue don’t want them jammed in. I left of the invasion by income property house proponents assert that their petition Chicago because there were too many construction, including apartments and carries the names of some of the oldest and people there. Let’s not kid ourselves that courts, on Orange Grove Avenue, one of wealthiest families, representing more than putting in apartment houses is going to the most widely publicized avenues in 50 per cent of the frontage involved. But beautify Orange Grove avenue or take us America, taxpayers last night formed the the opposition is none the less pronounced. back to the good old days.” South Orange Grove Avenue Protective Re-zoning of Orange Grove avenue has Association and moved to prevent efforts to been blocked before and numerous mansion The Pasadena Planning Commission commercialize the street.” owners are rallying to try to block it again.” denied the rezoning petition on February 24, 1942, but on March 3, City Directors On September 3, 1941, the Pasadena A public hearing was held in the City Hall reopened the “Orange Grove Zoning Independent had a banner headline – on January 15, 1942. “The council room was Fight.” It was described by the Pasadena “FAMOUS AVENUE FACES CHANGE.” filled with wealthy residents divided into Independent as “one of the toughest The article noted that “Opening South two distinct factions, one for and one against problems which has even been plumped Orange Grove avenue to apartment changing the district into an apartment into the laps of city directors, it has them dwellers will be one of the most radical house zone.” (Pasadena Independent, completely stymied. Since last summer it changes and biggest developments in the February 25, 1942) has been harassing them.” city’s history. It marks the beginning of a new era in this city which has always had The Pasadena Star-News stated that “every To the Independent, this signaled that “the the reputation of being a place of home seat in the City Hall council chamber was dignified but determined contest between lovers. occupied at the meeting as residents of the two factions of residents in this area is streets adjacent to Orange Grove Avenue far from settled.” And it was. On September 22, 1941 the Los Angeles also attended the session and participated in Evening Herald and Express observed that the discussion.” The fight would go on for years, interrupted a “civil war” was on “in one of the nation’s by World War II. The zoning study that was most famous plutocrat colonies” over The tension at that meeting was evident. undertaken – R-R (Restricted-Residential) petitions to re-zone Orange Grove avenue The Los Angeles Evening Herald and – was pronounced by the Property Owners’ to permit the erection of apartment houses. Express observed on January 15, 1942 that Committee of Southwest Pasadena to be homeowners “applauded briskly” and that “probably the longest and most costly “The first skirmish between the there were “discreet murmurs of ‘bravo’” zoning study in the history of the United millionaires who are fighting for the when Eugene Rouse, “advertising man and States.” mansions and the millionaires battling for president of Town Hall discussion group” apartment house modernization on the addressed the commission: “This is a city of At a public hearing in City Hall six years avenue is scheduled for late this month homes,” Rouse exclaimed, his voice rising later on February 5, 1948, “Leet Bissell, at a hearing before the Pasadena City emotionally. “We who live on Orange Grove speaking for the South Orange Grove

The News 14 Summer 2021 community

Avenue Association, said that any poll avenue of boarding houses unless the new where any owner may rent three rooms to would reveal that the majority of property zoning plan is adopted.” four paying guests in his house.” owners living on the street opposed any The opposing faction was not persuaded. change in zoning which would permit what The controversy was finally settled a month he terms ‘three-story monstrosities for the “Henry Braun, president of the South later in May, 1948 when the City Planning benefit of greedy developers.’” Pasadena( Orange Grove Avenue Association, which Commission approved a restricted Star-News, February 5, 1948) for many years has successfully fought off residential zone for South Orange Grove. all attempts to disturb the single-family On April 6, 1948 the Pasadena Star-News atmosphere of Orange Grove Avenue and The Pasadena Star-News reported on the noted that the sentiment among property Caryl Sheldon, attorney for the association, first new apartments on March 27, 1949: owners was still divided about 50-50 over carried the brunt of the opposition to the the proposed R-R Zone. R-R zone. “ “Pasadena’s famed South Orange Grove avenue, the West’s most famous residential “Edward W. Burns, 1250 South Orange “Mr. Sheldon reviewed numerous attempts thoroughfare, gets the ‘new look’ next Grove Avenue, chairman of a property- made to change residential use of Orange month when construction starts on owner committee favoring the R-R zone, Grove avenue and said ‘thus we see a Lionel V. Mayell’s cooperative restricted testified that only 14 per cent of those who systematic, carefully developed plan of residences to be known as ‘Orange Grove oppose the change of zone do so for the study whereby non-residents on the avenue Manor.’ Approval was given to plans for purpose of preserving their homes. ‘I am are acquiring land, signing petitions for five multiple-unit buildings to be erected convinced that the others who have signed variances, zone changes and generally on a 205x280-foot site on ‘Millionaire Row,’ did so with other purposes in mind, such stirring up unrest in order that they might 160-184 South Orange Grove avenue, two as the maintenance of boarding houses,’ capitalize of the fine name of South Orange blocks south of Colorado Street, Tuesday, Mr. Burns said.” Grove avenue to financially feather their March 22, following public hearings before own nests. I do not mean to condemn good the Pasadena City Planning Commission.” “Arvin B. Shaw, 315 South Orange Grove old American enterprise nor deny anyone Avenue, stated that the avenue had the right to earn an honest dollar but I do Today South Orange Grove Boulevard deteriorated over the years and it now not believe that an organized handful of remains a beautiful residential street, needs a shot of new life. He said that the property speculators should be permitted with only a few of the original millionaire R-R zone would provide this.” to sabotage the homes of the single-family mansions left among the apartments property owners in this area.” constructed since 1948. The controversial “Gene Burton, 1066 South Orange Grove, battle for its redefinition was a colorful declared that the large homes on the “Mr. Sheldon denied the assertion that chapter in a story that began in 1874. avenue cannot be economically maintained Orange Grove Avenue is a boarding house as single family residences and he predicted district. He said that it was no different than Pasadena Museum of History | that the entire street would become an any other residential street in Pasadena pasadenahistory.org

In its heyday, South Orange Grove made quite an impression on visitors. “... awe-struck tourists have gazed at its palatial homes, sniffed its orange blossoms, speculated on the aristocratic life within the mansions of ‘millionaires’ row.’” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express

The News 15 Summer 2021 WEST PASADENA Non-Profit Org. RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION U.S. Postage Post Office Box 50252 paid Pasadena, CA 91115-0252 pasadena, ca Visit our website @ wpra.net permit #1105

Pasadena: city on call Make your own motion! Police Department Pasadena Los Angeles County

Emergency ...... 9-1-1 Mayor Victor Gordo LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Pasadena Crime Stoppers . . . (800) 222-8477 [email protected] (District 5): (213) 974-5555 Non-emergency ...... (626) 744-4241 City Manager Steve Mermell [email protected] California City services Full listing of city phone numbers: Police Chief John E. Perez Governor Gavin Newsom cityofpasadena.net/directory [email protected] (916) 445-2841 Fire Chief Chad Augustin [email protected] Senator Anthony Portantino (D-25): (916) 651-4025 City Clerk Mark Jomsky [email protected] Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-41): (916) 319-2041 Tyron Hampton, Council District 1 [email protected] United States One Call to City Hall Felicia Williams, Council District 2 [email protected] President Joseph R. Biden Jr. (202) 456-1111 626.744.7311 John Kennedy, Council District 3 [email protected] Vice President Kamala Harris (202) 456-7549 Gene Masuda, Council District 4 Submit service requests — Get answers [email protected] Senator Dianne Feinstein Call center hours of operation: Jessica Rivas, Council District 5 (202) 224-3841 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. [email protected] Senator Alex Padilla Steve Madison, Council District 6 (202) 224-3553 Download the CSC App! [email protected] Representative Judy Chu (D-27): Andy Wilson, Council District 7 (202) 225-5464 Vice Mayor [email protected] Representative Adam Schiff (D-28): (202) 225-4176

The West Pasadena Residents’ Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation.

The News 16 Summer 2021