City Hall Scoop

The City of South Pasadena conducted an online survey to gather input regarding priorities for the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget. Additional opportunities for public input are available as the budget progresses through the approval process. 

The community survey, which ran through April 30, 2021, allowed residents to provide input on specific City services and programs. A summary of responses have been posted to the City’s website along with clarifying notes on the budget from the City. The input received allows the City to better understand community priorities for future spending.

A draft operational budget will be presented to the Finance Commission for review at its next regular meeting schedule on Thursday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. The public meeting will be conducted via zoom webinar and the community can participate live. A link to the meeting will be posted with the agenda at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

Input received throughout the budget process will be provided to both the Finance Commission and the City Council. Following the Finance Commission meeting, a draft budget will be presented to the City Council in June for review, with adoption of a final budget required by June 30, 2021.

The Budget serves as a “blueprint” for providing City services and as a working financial plan for the fiscal year.  The budget process has evolved with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the economy. As the City transitions  to providing full in-person services, the draft budget was developed as a baseline to maintain pre-Covid service levels. While there are many uncertainties and changes that will inevitably dictate the City’s financial future we will be proposing a budget to serve as a reference point.  The City is also preparing to renew the Strategic Plan in the coming months. In addition to forming a renewed community vision, the strategic plan will seek public input to establish priorities, develop clear goals and provide an overall plan for allocating City resources to a variety of programs and services.  The discussion of the use of one-time federal funds and one-time lease for cell tower sites will be integral to the strategic planning process as we seek to align the goals identified in the strategic plan with the appropriate funding sources, the capital improvement plan, important policy decisions and initiatives.

If you would like to participate in the budget process, please visit our website or submit your comment to: budget@southpasadenaca.gov or via voicemail (626) 403-7309.

5/24/21

As Memorial Day and the summer season comes near, many are planning travel, gatherings and parties to celebrate with the people we love. Just imagine how much more enjoyable those gatherings will be if you and your loved ones are vaccinated – you will be able to have fun without worry about spreading COVID-19. So as you’re making plans for food, drink, and decorations, make a plan to get vaccinated, too.

Depending on which vaccine you get, it is important to remember the time it takes to go from your first shot to fully vaccinated. For all of the vaccines, you are only considered fully protected two weeks after all doses are complete. For the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, that means you’re considered fully protected two weeks after your one shot. But for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which both involve two shots several weeks apart, that means you’re only considered fully protected two weeks after your second shot.

Which you choose is up to you – but for a fun-filled and carefree summer together, it’s best to pick one and make a plan. It makes a lot of sense to think ahead about how to get the most out of your summer fun by making sure you are fully vaccinated in advance.

5/21/21

Are you or your community members feeling stressed and overwhelmed about finances? Help is available through the LA County Financial Navigators program. 

Financial Navigators are here to help prioritize your financial concerns, identify immediate action steps, and make referrals to other social services and resources that may offer long-term assistance. A Navigator can guide through some of the following concerns:

• Paying for daily expenses
• Supplementing income
• Paying back debt
• Locating food and housing resources
• Finding special services or resources for you and your family
• How to stay well and plan ahead

Community members who live in L.A. County and are facing financial difficulties can get started with a Financial Navigator by completing a short online interest form. You can also call (800) 593-8222 for assistance in completing the form. Sign up today to get a free session!

5/21/21

As vaccines roll out, testing is key to avoiding new COVID-19 surges. For your social media channels, the LA County Department of Health Services has made available fresh new posts encouraging COVID-19 testing.

5/20/21

Please note that the LA County Health Officer Order remains in effect across LA County, and masks are still required in settings as described in the orders and protocols, posted here: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/reopening-la.htm#orders.

Masks are still required for everyone at:

–          Large events, public transportation, retail, and business establishments.

–          Workplaces (under Cal/OSHA masking and distancing requirements)

Masks are still required for all unvaccinated people:

–          Outdoors anytime distancing cannot be maintained

Masks are still not required for fully vaccinated people:

–          Outdoors unless attending crowded events

–          Indoor and outdoor visits with other fully vaccinated people and with unvaccinated people from one household without high risk people

Please see our website  for additional information and resources.  

Thank you for your ongoing efforts to protect and promote the health and well-being of Los Angeles County residents.

5/19/21

5/19/21

Join May 18th at 6:00 pm for the vaccine virtual town hall for parents! Learn the latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccine, including information for children.

Have questions about vaccine eligibility for those 12-15 years old? Submit your questions at tinyurl.com/vaxtownhall4parents. 

Watch on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube @LAPublicHealth.

5/18/21

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidance indicating that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume activities that were done prior to the pandemic.

The State will be keeping current masking guidance as it is until June 15, and  LA County will do the same. This means that our guidance remains in alignment with the Health Officer Order of May 3.

It is important to note that the CDC announcement last week was not meant to eliminate current safety modifications at local and state levels, and as we have now heard from CDC, they are acknowledging the importance of maintaining local protections and recommending that there be no changes at schools, many worksites, and public transit.  To prevent increased circulation of variants or virus mutations that result in new variants of concern, it remains important to do everything we know how to do to prevent transmission. 

This guidance includes following sensible masking requirements that will remain in place in LA County until we increase vaccination rates.  Knowing that at indoor settings and crowded outdoor places where many may still be unvaccinated can result in easy virus transmission, LA County will be aligning with the state to continue masking requirements for everyone at large indoor and outdoor events, on public transportation, and at all retail and business establishments that are open to the public until June 15.  Workplaces remain under Cal/OSHA masking and distancing requirements, which have not yet changed. And for unvaccinated people, masks are still required outdoors any time distancing cannot be maintained.

For the latest updates from the Department of Public Health, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov and follow @LAPublicHealth on Twitter and Facebook.

5/18/21

To receive important public safety messages from the City, we urge you to sign up for ConnectSouthPas: https://connectsouthpasadena.bbcportal.com/? 

The notification system allows you to create a profile and select how you would like officials to contact you in an emergency – options include email, voice or text message. You can register multiple phone numbers, email addresses, and can even register locations in South Pasadena of interest to you, such as your home, a relative’s home or your child’s school.

5/17/21

Here’s what you need to know to show up prepared and leave protected!

5/17/21