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, emailconstruction@sptor.org. “Deco” squad sign-ups begin September 15thatwww.sptor.org.
The Water Division is responding to a water leak on the 1200 block of Via del Rey. Water service interruption is expected to impact customers on the 1200 block of Via del Rey and the 1200 and 1300 block of Orange Grove Avenue.
🚆In preparation for large-scale events like the 2026 World Cup Games and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Metro will be conducting exercises to test increased Metro A Line train frequencies. During these testing exercises, railroad crossing gates will be activated more frequently at at-grade crossing locations along the Metro A Line. Train service at all Metro A Line Stations will continue to operate during these test exercises.
Test exercises are anticipated to take place on the following dates and times:
A Special Planning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20, to continue their discussion for proposed amendments to the General Plan, Housing Element, Downtown Specific Plan, and Zoning Code/ Zoning Map for adjusting height limits and residential densities in certain areas of the City. Your input and presence are welcome! Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 1424 Mission Street.
In order to complete facility repairs and improvements, the Library will be closed to the public on the following days this week:
Tuesday, May 13
Wednesday, May 14
Thursday, May 15
On these days there will be no public access to the library building, including restrooms.
CURBSIDE BOOK DROPS WILL BE OPEN FOR RETURNS
EXPIRATION DATES FOR HELD ITEMS WILL BE EXTENDED
Cancelled Events:
Tuesday evening English Language Conversation Group – CANCELLED
Wednesday morning English Language Conversation Group – CANCELLED
Events that take place outside or in the Community Room will continue unless listed above. Access to events taking place in the Community Room will be via the Community Room entrance on El Centro Street.
The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee is excited to invite the community to its Annual Yard Sale, a beloved fundraising event that directly supports the creation of South Pasadena’s all-volunteer-built float in the 2026 Rose Parade.
Event Details: 🗓️ Friday, May 9 & Saturday, May 10 🕗 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 📍 War Memorial Building – 435 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena
This much-anticipated yard sale is more than just a chance to find unique treasures—it’s an opportunity to support a long-standing community tradition. Every dollar raised goes toward the design, construction, and decoration of the South Pasadena float, one of the only self-built entries in the iconic Rose Parade.
Want to Contribute? We’re accepting item donations today, May 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Clean out your closets and garages—your gently used goods can help bring our 2026 float to life!
Whether you’re shopping, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support keeps this tradition alive. Come out, find something special, and be a part of what makes South Pasadena shine every New Year’s Day on Colorado Boulevard.
Thank you for supporting our float and our community!
City Hall Scoop 