City Hall Scoop

Domestic violence is a serious violent crime that includes both physical and emotional abuse. It is frequently hidden from public view. Many victims suffer in silence because they are afraid to seek help or do not know where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members and communities. While families are sheltered and confined in close quarters with one another, the added emotional and financial stress can often create tense and toxic atmospheres. Catalysts such as these could further lead to domestic abuse, making home an unsafe option. 

Nationally, domestic violence and mental health related calls have been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Pasadena remains significantly lower in these types of calls for service than surrounding agencies. We have not seen the increases others have with only two additional assaults reported. However, mental health related calls are up 37%.

The South Pasadena Police recognizes the stress many are facing during these uncertain times. We want to ensure the safety and well-being of all those in our community. The Police Department will be launching a public awareness campaign to stop the cycle of domestic violence.

 To increase awareness and prevention, the Police Department is implementing the following steps:

1. The Police Department is working with the Chamber to post domestic violence flyers at all open essential business. The flyers encourage domestic violence reporting and provide resources.
2. The Police Department website and social media accounts will display messages to raise awareness for both domestic violence and mental health.
3. The Police Department’s E-Newsletter will contain information on both domestic violence and mental health reporting.
4. Employees will observe Denim Day on April 29, 2020, as part of the Peace over Violence movement.
5. Resources have been placed at the Police Department’s front counter and in patrol cars.

Calling 911 is the best way to reach out for help in an emergency situation, but if you can’t call or talk, you might be able to text. Whether you can’t make any noise because you don’t want to be discovered by an intruder, have a disability that prevents communicating with the operator or have poor cell reception and can’t get a voice call out, Text-to-911 is an important tool to keep in mind. It is simple to use, you just need to create a new text message in your phone’s messaging app, enter 911 as the recipient, type your message and press send. 

Joe Ortiz
Police Chief

4/22/2020

The Finance Commission will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m., to receive an informational presentation on the City’s current fiscal position. As a result of the current health crisis the City is facing significant financial implications. The Finance Commission will review budget impacts and recovery efforts which will need to be considered for the financial sustainability of the City. The Commission will also be presented with an updated budget outreach schedule to help gather feedback regarding the Fiscal Year 2021 budget.     

Watch

• All meetings will continue to be broadcast live on Spectrum/TWC Channel 19 and AT&T Channel 99 for cable customers who reside in the City.
• Meetings are also live streamed and available on the City’s website.

Public Comment by Email
Finance Commission Meeting

• Finance Commission Meeting Public Comments are accepted via email:
  FCPublicComment@southpasadenaca.gov: 
  • Public Comments will be accepted for the special Finance Commission Meeting from the time the agenda is posted to 5 p.m. the day before the meeting, April 21, to allow staff time to compile comments prior to the meeting.
  • Comments will be distributed to the Commission for consideration and will be posted on the City’s website for public review.
  • Please indicate whether you would like to have your comment read during the meeting, limited to 150 words.
  • Comments Guidelines:
    • Subject Line: Indicate Meeting Date and Agenda Item or indicate if it is a General Public Comment (4/13/2020, Agenda Item #10)
    • Include your name and address
    • Public Comment in the body of the email
    • Comments should be in accordance with the City’s Council Statement of Civility: We treat each other, members of the public and city employees with patience, civility and courtesy as a model of the same behavior we wish to reflect in South Pasadena for the conduct of all city business and community participation.

Karen Aceves
Finance Director

4/20/2020