City Hall Scoop

South Pasadena News and Updates

The South Pasadena City Council is considering changing the default Clean Power Alliance energy produce for commercial customers, from the current Clean rate (50% renewable energy) to the Green rate (100% renewable energy). If this is approved, the new rates will become effective in October, 2022.  As before, all customers have the choice to change their rate selection, they will be transitioned to the default rate unless they contact Clean Power Alliance to opt into another tier.

A bit of background: The default for residential customers is the Green rate; and more than 95% of residential customers are at that default rate. Most cities that are CPA member agencies have the Green rate for both their commercial and residential customers. South Pasadena is committed to becoming more sustainable and ‘green’, and this is a convenient way for businesses to join this effort. 

More information is available at CleanPowerAlliance.org/rate-options . Customers can compare the rate differential for the different energy products for their own business, learn how to opt in or out of an energy product, and get other information and details. CPA indicates that the average increase in cost for small commercial businesses to change from the Clean to the Green product is about $5 per month. We also welcome input from our businesses at our 2/16/22 Council Meeting that could be accessed through the City’s website.

1/25/22

Do you want to learn more about protecting your business? Check out the Police Department’s Business Watch Program and Handbook. By participating in the Business Watch program, you are taking the initiative in seeking safety for your business, employees, and customers. Click here to learn more about how you could participate, or contact Detective Richard Lee from our Crime Prevention Unit by calling (626) 403-7285 or emailing RLee@southpasadenaca.gov.

1/25/22

The City of South Pasadena Office of the City Manager is conducting an analysis on all current Commissions, which will be presented to the City Council for further discussion in the coming months. In order to ensure continued effectiveness and impact of these valuable advisory boards, the City welcomes community input on this topic.

Don’t forget to participate in our Community Input Discussion on Commissions tomorrow at 6 pm! If you have not already, please also participate in our survey that will be closing on January 28, 2022 at 5 pm.

1/25/22

Cleanup at 2040 Marengo Ave.

Updates provided by our team regarding the high winds this weekend:

  1. WCA and Police Department have confirmed that Pasadena Ave. at Arroyo Verde has been cleared and open to motorists.
  2. WCA is addressing a tree down on hillside across from 1884 Peterson Ave.
  3. Arroyo Seco Driving is closed until further notice.

Thank you to all of our residents for trusting our wonderful team!

1/23/22

Due to the high winds, another tree is down at 2040 Marengo. WCA has been notified, and our team will continue to keep our residents updated. Thank you to our team for their timely response to these incidents, and we hope everyone is staying safe.

1/22/23


Due to the high winds, there are several downed palm fronds, small branches, and debris throughout the City. Fallen Trees reported at Fremont & Oxley and Pasadena Ave & Arroyo Verde. City crews are in the city picking debris and clearing roads. West Coast Arborists(WCA) team are also in the city addressing the downed trees. 

1/22/22

The federal government recently announced that every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free and can be now ordered at covidtests.gov. Orders typically ship in 7-12 days.

Insurance companies are also now required to reimburse you for 8 tests per month for each individual on the plan up to $12 per individual test.

Your health plan may cover the cost of your test if they have a network of pharmacies or retailers already setup. Alternatively, they may provide you reimbursement for the cost of over-the-counter tests regardless of the price if they have yet to set up a network of pharmacies or retailers.

The best way to find out is to contact your health plan or insurer to determine if they provide direct coverage or if you might need to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Residents can visit covidtests.gov for more information on reimbursements.

We also encourage all LA County residents to visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing if you’re in need of finding a convenient testing location near you.

1/20/22

Every 10 years, local governments use new data from the Census to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. State law requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and doing public outreach. The City of South Pasadena is asking for your help to plan, draw, and re-divide new City districts. Scan the QR code to learn more about getting involved!

1/20/22

It’s that time of year again, when kids get to vote for the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) book nominees! The CYRM program, established in 1974, introduces young readers in California to a variety of book genres and formats, gives them an opportunity to honor their favorite books and authors, and develops and cultivates a love of reading. Children and teens are invited to read the nominated books and vote for their favorite. Copies of all the 2022 nominated books are available in physical and ebook formats for check out. Visit the CYRM book display in the Children’s Room at the Library.  The last day to vote is Wednesday, March 30 and voting forms are available at the Children’s Reference Desk.

1/20/22