City Hall Scoop

South Pasadena News and Updates

Friendly reminder to move your cars off your street on your street sweeping day – one parked car can block up to three car lengths of curb! Move your car to ensure proper and thorough sweeping. Street sweeping occurs every other week. To find out when your sweeping day is, visit AthensServices.com/Street-Sweeping.

Are you a homeowner or renter that wants to decrease your utility bills and increase energy efficiency in your home? The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments’ Efficient San Gabriel Valley (eSGV) program offers free home energy evaluations to help you identify ways to save energy and money. Our appointments include a 30 to 45 minute discussion with SGVCOG staff utilizing a “whole house approach” to determine eligibility for potential rebates and potential behavioral changes that is then developed into a free personalized report for the homeowner or renter.

Book online now for free in-person or online evaluations! To learn more about our eSGV programs, please check out our website at www.sgvcog.org/esgv

Have you been hanging on to those old paint cans and dead batteries forever because you know you can’t just throw them away in the trash?? Thank you, good citizen! Now, gather up all your hazardous and electronic waste and head down to the LA County Too Toxic to Trash event happening close by in San Gabriel on July 19. The Drive Thru format allows you to stay in your vehicle while trained staff remove the waste from your trunk for you. Here are a few rules to keep in mind:

  • Carefully secure items in your trunk/pick-up bed. Hazardous waste must be in your trunk/pick-up bed with no other items.
  • Waste should be in a sturdy box, preferably in their original containers. Be prepared to leave containers.
  • No explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials controlled substances, trash, tires, or large appliances (like refrigerators, stoves and washing machines).
  • Sharps disposal will require exiting your vehicle in a designated location to deposit them in a bin.
  • Open to Los Angeles County residents. No business waste accepted.
  • Limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per trip.

For a complete list of what is accepted, visit https://pw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/.

🏙️ Have your voice heard! The City Council is holding a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to height limits, density, and development standards in South Pasadena. Your input matters—help shape the future of housing in our community.

📅 Wednesday, July 16, 2025
🕒 7:00 p.m.
📍 City Council Chambers | 1424 Mission St., South Pasadena

As of 10:30 p.m. water service has been restored to the 1200 block of Oak Hill Avenue.

If you are experiencing any dirty water and/or air in the water that makes it look milky, please use the hose bib to flush it out.

If you require further assistance, please contact the South Pasadena Police Department Dispatch after hours non-emergency number (626) 403-7297.

The Water Division is responding to a water leak at the 1200 block of Oak Hill Avenue.

Oak Hill Avenue will be closed to traffic from Monterey Road to Short Way.

Please use an alternate route or follow detour signs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., a fire broke out in the rear carport/garage area of the 600 block of Grand Avenue. The flames spread to a nearby power pole, causing a transformer to arc and resulting in local power outages.

While the fire was quickly contained to the property, damage to the pole and lines will require Southern California Edison (SCE) to make repairs overnight.

Power outages are expected throughout the evening of July 2 and into the morning of July 3. The affected area is estimated to include the square between Grand Avenue, Magnolia Street, Sterling Street, Forrest Street, and possibly the 600 block of Arroyo. SCE is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

As of 12:45 a.m. water service has been restored to the 2000 block of Fremont Avenue. If you are experiencing any dirty water and/or air in the water that makes it look milky, please use the hose bib to flush it out. If you require further assistance, please contact the South Pasadena Police Department Dispatch after hours non-emergency number (626) 403-7297.

The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee is thrilled to unveil the design for its 2026 Rose Parade® float entry, “The Great Picnic Heist.” The playful concept brings this year’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” to life.

Chosen months before January’s devastating wildfires, the 2026 theme honors the spirit of collaboration among the organizations, agencies, and community members that make the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® New Year Celebration possible.

“The magic in teamwork is more than just a concept—it’s a reality we, and every self-built community, experience each year. It’s truly magical to bring a float rendering to life,” said longtime Decorating Chairperson Janet Benjamin.

Illustrated by local artist Renee Hoss-Johnson, “The Great Picnic Heist” depicts a whimsical tale of collaboration: a drowsy bear naps beside a picnic basket brimming with goodies as a team of cartoonish black ants cheekily work together to pull off a coordinated food heist. With its rich colors and charming storytelling, the float captures the imagination—and the spirit of collective effort.

Before transforming the float’s chassis—affectionately nicknamed “the beast”—into a floral masterpiece, members of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses committee will ride down Mission Street on the float’s steel chassis during the Festival of Balloons Parade on July 4th. The Independence Day tradition celebrates the volunteers behind this 112-year-old tradition and gives the community a look at the massive transformation required.

Float construction ramps up in mid-July, with volunteer opportunities available for both the construction and decoration phases. To join the build crew, email construction@sptor.org. “Deco” squad sign-ups begin September 15th at www.sptor.org.