City Hall Scoop

LA County has launched Stay Housed L.A. County, a new program which connects tenants facing eviction with legal assistance, and virtual educational workshops, to help keep county residents in their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program is a partnership between the County of LA, legal aid groups, and community-based organizations to provide emergency support to tenants in need.

Today’s launch included the release of the StayHousedLA.org website, which offers tenants with:

• useful information about their rights
• workshops for residents who need legal assistance
• as well as other support, including case management support

Stay Housed L.A. County serves as an important resource for tenants who are facing housing uncertainty — including bilingual residents and those with undocumented status — about their rights and who need legal support navigating their interactions with their landlord and the legal system. When tenants have legal representation, a family’s chance of avoiding homelessness due to eviction increases by over 70 percent. Learn more about Stay Housed L.A. County, by watching this short video or visiting StayHousedLA.org.

9/15/2020

Summer might be over, but the fun has just begun! The City, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, has successfully installed concrete barricades to implement the Al Fresco Dining and Retail Pilot Program along Mission Street. The use of the parking lanes in these locations will provide businesses with an additional opportunity to expand their operations outdoors to provide patrons with a safe dining and shopping experience during the pandemic. Please note public parking is available at the City parking lots located at the parking garage on Meridian Avenue and Mission Street and the corner of Mound Avenue and Hope Street. The concrete barricades and Al Fresco Program will continue to be in place until 90-days after the City Council declares the end of the local emergency. Businesses interested in participating in the Al Fresco Program can submit an application to the City; applications are available on the City’s Economic Development webpage: https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/government/departments/management-services/economic-development

Joanna Hankamer
Planning and Community Development Director

9/14/20

SoCalGas announced the company is increasing rebates by an additional 50% on all energy efficient appliances offered through its rebate program now through December 31, 2020. This means customers can get an additional 50% cash back on energy efficient products that will help them conserve energy and reduce their SoCalGas bill.

SoCalGas offers rebates on hundreds of home appliances and products that help conserve energy and reduce costs. Customers can apply for rebates quickly and easily from a mobile device by visiting socalgas.com/rebates.

9/14/20

The Housing Element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures to guide the development of housing in South Pasadena. Please join one of the virtual community workshops to help plan for housing needs in the city through 2029. Send written input or questions ahead of the workshops to: HousingElement@SouthPasadenaCA.gov

• Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-south-pasadena-2021-housing-element-update-community-workshops-tickets-119384920511
• Survey: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5832664/South-Pasadena-Housing-Element-Update-Pre-Workshops-3-and-4-Community-Survey

9/14/20

Here in Southern California, we need to be ready for threats such as wildfires, windstorms, mudslides and earthquakes. Just this weekend, our neighbors in Arcadia and Sierra Madre were forced to evacuate their homes due to the Bobcat Fire. The thought of preparing for so many possible emergencies can feel overwhelming. Where to begin? The South Pasadena Amateur Radio Club invites you to find answers by exploring their resources during National Preparedness Month. 

SPARC hosts a “Preparing for Emergencies” page at SouthPasRadio.org/prepare. The content, selected by SPARC members, includes links to comprehensive guides, earthquake early warning apps, survival kit suggestions, and more. 

National Preparedness Month, organized each September by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the ideal time to get ready. SPARC encourages everyone to spend September taking steps now that will help our families, neighbors and community later. And after getting organized in September, you can practice your plans during the annual Great Shakeout event in October. This year, the Great Shakeout takes place at 10:15 am on Thursday, October 15. Full details are available at Shakeout.org. 

There’s no one “right way” to prepare, so SPARC is committed to promoting a range of advice and tips. If you know of a preparedness resource you’d like to share, feel free to contact SPARC through the “Contact Us” form on its website. 

About SPARC: The South Pasadena Amateur Radio Club connects local ham radio operators and provides opportunities to enjoy the radio hobby.  Members conduct weekly on-air exercises and discuss technology, communications and emergency preparedness at monthly meetings. Find out more at SouthPasRadio.org. 

Contacts:

Rick Besocke, President 

president@southpasradio.org

John Aboud, Vice-President

vp@southpasradio.org

  
Bob Vanderwall, Treasurer

treasurer@southpasradio.org 

9/14/20

City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe has announced that she will retire from her position as City Manager, effective September 12, 2020.   Effective immediately Fire Chief Paul Riddle will assume the role of Acting City Manager. At Council’s direction Acting City Manager, Chief Riddle, will continue to lead the remaining COVID‐19 response and begin taking the action necessary to safely move our community forward. Stephanie DeWolfe served the City as its City Manager from November 6, 2017 until her separation and retirement date of September 12, 2020 (her last day of service was September 11, 2020).  “The City Council  wishes her the best in the next chapter of her life,” said Mayor Bob Joe. The City will begin the recruitment process, which usually takes several months, for a new City Manager, and will likely appoint an interim city manager during the recruitment process so that the Fire Chief can return his full attention to his critically important duties.  

9/14/2020

Wondering what to expect from South Pasadena Community Services classes during COVID-19? Any questions or concerns? Let us know by emailing: recreation@southpasadenaca.gov

Shelia Pautsch
Community Services Director

9/11/2020

All Los Angeles County Voters are encouraged to vote by mail to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The last day to register to vote is October 19. Unsure if you’re registered, you can always check your registration status with registration status tool! This election the County will mail all registered voters a ballot.

Before you drop off your Vote by Mail ballot make sure:  
Place your voted ballot card(s) inside the Official Return Envelope
Securely seal the Official Return Envelope
Sign and date the back of the Official Return Envelope  

9/11/2020

As fall approaches, many families are starting to plan for the upcoming holiday season -beginning with Halloween. LA County and the Department of Public Health (DPH) want to help you take part in this holiday, while reducing your risk of developing COVID-19, and have prepared guidance to help make this year’s Halloween celebrations as safe as can be.  Ready to celebrate? Check out our Halloween Guidance, which includes suggestions and recommendations for you, your friends, and family.

9/11/2020

If you’re feeling under the weather and think you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your primary care provider. COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and/or new loss of taste or smell.

Wherever possible, you should consult with your healthcare provider to ensure continuity of care & optimal follow-up. If you do not have insurance & need help connecting to a healthcare provider, dial 2-1-1.

To view a full list of testing sites, find the most up-to-date information on availability, or to make an appointment, visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing. Testing availability is subject to change and testing is by appointment only.

9/11/2020