City Hall Scoop

Residents can now upgrade their existing dishwasher with a water-efficient, Energy Star-certified dishwasher by applying for the Water Efficient Dishwasher Rebate. Receive up to $500 for replacing a non-certified dishwasher with an Energy Star-certified dishwasher from the City’s qualifying list of over 750 dishwashers. Although it may seem more efficient to wash by hand, we actually waste more water while the tap is running. Dishwashers are designed to recirculate water in order to use less water! When hand-washing dishes, you can use up to 27 gallons of water per load, in comparison to about 3 gallons with an Energy Star-certified dishwasher. An older, non-Energy Star dishwasher uses 10 to 15 gallons of water per cycle, while Energy Star-certified dishwashers use less than 4 gallons of water per cycle!

Water use varies by dishwasher type and can be found on the Water Efficient Dishwasher Rebate Qualifying Products List.

With worsening drought conditions, it is essential to take steps to reduce personal water usage. The City has a series of rebates available to assist residents with their water conservation goals and to ensure the resilience of the City of South Pasadena. Visit the City Website to learn more about the rebates provided for residents and commercial businesses!

The City is preparing to revise the 2nd Public Review Draft Housing Element and staff wants to bring more information to you.

Join us at two upcoming community events where our Community Development Department will be soliciting input and providing more information to you!

To learn more about participating in these events please click here. To learn more about the Housing Element, visit our website by clicking here.

8/11/22

Los Angeles Metro will begin conducting emergency work on the Gold Line between the Highland Park Station and the South Pasadena/Mission Station on Saturday, August 13, 2022. The area of repair is close to residential areas, and some noise my be present during the time of this emergency work. This work is being conducted due to Metro finding a few defects in the running rails, requiring repairs as soon as possible. The initial noise will begin around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 13. Metro will then continue to make repairs and noise may continue between 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. We thank you for your understanding as we work with Metro Los Angeles to ensure the safety of our Gold Line. For any questions, please contact our Public Works Department by calling (626) 403-7210.

8/10/22

On Saturday, August 20th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Community Room, join local artist Tim Carey and sculptor Christopher Slatoff for an evening celebrating author Ray Bradbury and his influence on visual artists. Carey will give an illustrated talk about his stunning fused glass triptych Live Forever! which was installed in the Library’s Ray Bradbury Conference Room in 2020. Following Carey’s talk, filmmaker John Sasser’s short documentary Father Electrico: Ray Bradbury Lives Forever! will be screened. The documentary captures sculptor Slatoff’s work with Ray Bradbury to create an autobiographical monumental work. The presentations will be followed by a lively Q&A with Carey, Slatoff, and Sasser. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library.

8/9/22

Join the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and public health experts on Wednesday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m. for a Virtual Town Hall on Back to School Safety. The town hall could be viewed live on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter. Learn about staying safe as our students head back to school!

8/9/22

The 2022 Summer Reading Program was a big success! Together, South Pasadenans read for 16,500 hours – 7,700 more hours than last year. The Library gave out more than 3,000 books to participants and over 1,700 prizes. Forty-six teen volunteers assisted with the Summer Reading Program, logging 1,384 hours of service. The Library hosted 45 programs with 2,235 people attending. Summer programming included weekly storytimes, as well as new programs, such as the Newbery Book Club and the Cranes for a Change Origami Club. In-person Wonderful Wednesday programs returned, which highlighted magic, music, science, and storytelling, and a craft program celebrating the Fourth of July. The Library also hosted two adult programs; a program spotlighting graphic novelist Hazel Newlevant and a librarian-led book discussion of The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream.

Additionally, the Library hosted a teen book club called Everybody Talks focusing on the theme of Pride. Storytime will be on hiatus through August, resuming on September 13. In August, the Newbery Book Club will take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m., and the Cranes for a Change Origami Club, on the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. Many thanks to the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library for sponsoring the 2022 Summer Reading Program!

8/8/22

Do you find yourself with items that are unable to go into your trash cans, such as furniture, old electronics, eyeglasses, or paint? Look no further! South Pasadena has a Reuse and Recycle guide that allows you to easily determine where to donate or recycle items. The updated guide includes plastic bag recycling, inkjet & toner cartridge recycling, and used motor oil collection sites. Recycling saves resources, creates jobs, and reduces waste sent to landfills!

This guide can be found here. Feel free to download our printable version of the directory.

8/8/22

As the City begins the transition to Stage 2 watering restrictions, trees will need additional support to ensure they thrive during the drought. Although all South Pasadena residents are limited to two (2) watering days per week, hand watering is allowed by means of a bucket or a hose with a shut-off nozzle. If you have trees in your parkway, you are responsible for watering them!

Branch Out and try these tips to keep your trees healthy while conserving water:

• Water slowly to allow absorption- watering too fast can result in runoff and water waste. DO NOT overwater in anticipation of dry days because soil cannot retain extra water.
• Try utilizing mulch around the roots of your trees to reduce water evaporation, lower garden soil temperature, and limit the growth of weeds.
• Most mature trees need deep watering once or twice a month. Deep watering helps promote deep root growth. If you have a drip irrigation system, you can water any day.

Visit this link to learn how to keep trees alive and view our Watering Do’s and Don’ts.

To learn more about outdoor water conservation or how to care for your trees, visit Outdoor Water Conservation Education | South Pasadena, CA (southpasadenaca.gov) and review the Terrific Trees & Pleasant Plants dropdown for detailed information. 

8/3/22

Did you know that there are scams specifically targeting businesses? And, unfortunately, they are often successful; costing the business time and money.

Join the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, August 2, 8:00 am on Zoom. Detective Richard Lee, with the South Pasadena Police Department will join to share some of the more common and newer scams that target businesses. He will also share ways to help keep YOUR business safe!

To RSVP, email info@southpasadena.net.

The Zoom link for this event is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82392370390?pwd=em5vbHdpQ1RFS09wWTdFMmgvWlFrdz09

Meeting ID: 823 9237 0390 Password: 853849

8/1/22

Join us on August 9 at 7:00 pm for a virtual Community Forum on Coexisting with Wildlife! This virtual forum will consist of the Pasadena Humane Society presenting on wildlife and peafowl interactions. The South Pasadena Police Department will then conduct a presentation on an upcoming ordinance for Council consideration regarding peafowl feeding restriction. The forum will conclude with public comment. For any questions, contact our Community Services Department by calling (626) 403-7360.

8/1/22