City Hall Scoop

Parks are Open but Some Amenities are Not

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April 17, 2020

Take a stroll, walk or even a jog through South Pasadena’s beautiful park but please be aware that all tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, trails and gazebos are not available for use at this time, as such they have been fenced off to prohibit group gatherings which promote the spread of viruses and may cause illness. The Skate Park, Dog Park, Arroyo Seco Golf Course, Arroyo Seco Racquet Club, All Star Batting Cages and San Pascual Stables are also closed to the public, for the same reason. The City is taking every precaution to protect residents and need your help and cooperation to ensure the health and safety of the community.

We have tons of open space for playing catch, kicking around a soccer ball, tossing a frisbee, a small picnic with those who live in your household or find a bench and read a good book..

There are signs and staff reminding everyone to use social distancing when in the parks.

If we can all remember to use social distancing when using parks and wear a mask when possible, we as a community can do our part to flatten the curve on the COVID – 19 virus.

Need other ideas to stay active, click the following link to our Virtual Recreation Page for online classes and ideas. Taking a bike ride around town is a good way to exercise especially with less cars on the street. Just don’t forget your helmet. Walk your neighborhood and wave to your neighbors. Check on elderly neighbors on your block to make sure they are doing ok. Walk Mission street and window shop or pick up a lunch at a local restaurant. It’s a great time to get outdoors and get moving. It’s not only good for our bodies but for our overall mental health. Just remember to be responsible, wear a face mask and keep your distance.

Shelia Pautsch
Community Services Director

4/17/2020

Can Pets Get Covid-19?

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April 16, 2020

The love between a human and their pet is unlike any other. If you are a pet owner, you know this well. In an effort to keep LA County residents and their pets healthy, we bring you the latest on what we know about COVID-19 and its effect on pets:

There is no current evidence indicating that pets can transmit COVID-19 to humans or other pets. However, we urge you to treat your pet as you would another member of your family. If you are feeling sick, keep them away. See if another family member or friend can care for your pet while you’re healing. And if you’re not sick, keep your pet away from non-household humans and animals, as a precaution.

It is possible (but rare) for dogs to be infected by COVID-19. Studies show that if they are infected, COVID-19 does not cause them to get sick.

Cats are more easily infected by COVID-19, than dogs, and they seem to get mildly sick. The virus which causes COVID-19 enters a human’s “ACE2” receptor cells. Thus far, studies have shown that a cat’s ACE2 receptor cells are similar to that of humans – while a dog’s ACE2 cells are only about 70% similar.

If you are not sick, practice good hygiene by washing your hands before & after handling your pet. Do not let your pet lick your face and hands, kiss them on the face or share food with them.Owners of service animals., wear a face mask/covering and avoid hugging & kissing your pet.

4/16/2020

Adaptability is the Key to Our Success

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April 16, 2020

As our efforts continue to “flatten the curve,” the Finance operations has moved offsite. As necessity is the mother of innovation we have moved processes that were formerly paper-based to an electronic format. If it reduces our dependency on paper, and simultaneously increases our internal controls we’re doing it. Now more than ever we’re seeing the benefits of real time information, not only through the audit process but also as a tool to improve customer service. The ability to pick up the phone and immediately update someone’s utility billing information is essential when most people are at home and need access to their utilities. We all probably know someone who has been affected by the Coronavirus and see the importance of staying at home. We are doing our part by continuing to provide the highest level of customer service and adapting to the changing environment and community needs.

Karen Aceves
Finance Director

4/16/2020

Virtual Inspections, Coming Soon

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April 15, 2020

The Planning & Community Development Department is fully operational and testing the boundaries of new technologies to continue to serve South Pasadenans. After implementing E-Plan submittal for online construction permits, the City’s Building Division team at Transtech turned their focus toward virtual building inspections. Consistent with LA County Covid-19 guidelines, the City is currently conducting building inspections on non-occupied structures only and requiring masks, gloves, and social distancing practices.

Transtech has been testing new technologies for virtual real-time inspections using Skype to be able to video transmit images of construction details and workmanship in occupied structures as well. Transtech is also using drones to test virtual real-time inspections on roofing and solar panels. We hope to be able to implement these creative strategies soon!

Joanna Hankamer
Planning and Community Development Director

4/15/2020

LA County Update on Face Coverings

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April 15, 2020

Whenever you are leaving your home to procure or provide essential services, either in public or in private settings, LA County is asking residents to please wear a clean cloth face covering at all times. Face coverings are not a substitute for our most powerful tools to slow the spread of COVID-19: staying home and practicing physical distancing – staying six feet away from all people – at all times. However, face coverings can: help prevent you from infecting others; and help save medical masks for healthcare workers or other essential workers that take care of people who are sick – or may be in contact with people who may be sick. If you are already using cloth face coverings while out and about, thank you for taking this step to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you aren’t, help us save lives by doing so.

For tips on how to make your own cloth face covering, click here. Or watch a video by Dr. Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General, for DIY instructions.

Read more about LA County’s Cloth Face Covering Guidance here.

4/15/2020

No Late Fees On Water Bills or Business Licenses

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April 14, 2020

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all, personally and professionally. Shelter-in-place orders have restricted our movements and kept us from going about our business as usual. For some, this pandemic has interrupted the ability to get to City hall and pay a bill, or to make their payment in a timely manner. In this difficult and uncertain time, the City Finance Department is here to support you. In response to the pandemic, we are offering temporary relief of late fees on your water bills and business licenses. We continue to be available to answer your questions through our email financedepartment@southpasadenaca.gov and by phone at (626) 403-7250.

Karen Aceves
Finance Director

4/14/2020

Community Services Staff Bring Eggstravaganza to the Residents!

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April 14, 2020

Emi (9), Mia (7), and Joy (3) Yumori’s mom was nice enough to send the City a great picture of her girls who were very happy about their surprises.

Even though Eggstravaganza was not held last weekend, Community Services staff still took the opportunity to spread a little cheer! Staff posted an online egg decorating activity where residents could print and decorate paper eggs and hang them in their windows for residents to find while on a walk in their neighborhood. On Saturday and Sunday staff drove through South Pasadena neighborhoods in search of a decorated egg in a window. If an egg or a very decorated house was located a bag of plastic eggs filled with candy and toys were left on the porch for that family to enjoy! Thanks to all those who participated.

Shelia Pautsch
Director of Community Services

4/14/2020

Message from Fire Chief Paul Riddle

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April 13, 2020

Citizens of South Pasadena, during this very difficult time, I want you to know that the members of your Fire Department remain poised and ready to answer the call and continue to provide uncompromised service to the community! I also want to personally thank all of our citizens for adhering to the ‘safer at home orders’ and helping us flatten the curve and beat this virus. For those that have been personally affected with sick loved ones due to Covid-19, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Your Fire Department remains fully staffed and well equipped with Personal Protection Equipment. Currently there are no members out sick due to the virus and we are taking every precaution necessary to ensure we fulfill our mission of protecting life and property in South Pasadena during the COVID pandemic. I have never been more proud to be the Chief of your Fire Department and I have no doubt that we will get through this difficult time together and be a stronger community through the recovery.

Paul Riddle, Fire Chief

4/13/2020

Message from Police Chief Ortiz

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April 13, 2020

In our efforts to provide our community with the safest possible environment, please know the men and women of the South Pasadena Police Department are here, 24/7-365. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe community and a strong partnership with our residents. The key to that partnership is open communication. For this reason, during this pandemic and temporary set-back, I want to encourage you to call the police department if we can help. While managing changing crime patterns and ensuring compliance with social distancing, we are staying healthy on the front lines. In addition to the resources your police department can provide, we can reach out, locally, county, or even state-wide, to obtain support to ensure we receive resources if needed.

Your police department is only minutes away. Our top priority is the health and safety of our community as the situation around the coronavirus continues to evolve. We want you to be aware of the current challenges (as we partner with you) to ensure the safety of this community. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

4/13/2020

Welcome

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April 13, 2020

Welcome to the City Hall Scoop, a blog from South Pasadena City Hall. Our intention is to provide short daily bursts on hyper-local topics of interest to our residents! Please send suggestions for articles to: SocialMedia@southpasadenaca.gov.

3/28/2022