Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasadena public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues with medium priority
PUSD employee housing project design review
PUSD wants to build 110 below-market apartments for school employees at the old Roosevelt Elementary site, and the city is reviewing the design and a traffic study after neighbors raised concerns about congestion near Pasadena and Orange Grove. It’s a test of whether teacher housing can move forward without worsening local traffic.
Water waste prohibition ordinance update
The council updated the city's water waste rules and drought shortage plans. One resident asked for a landscape exemption district to protect the historic landscaping along Orange Grove Boulevard, the city's front door.
Urban Coyote Conflict Management
Pasadena is holding a free coyote workshop Saturday so wildlife experts can explain coyote behavior and how to keep them out of your yard. A new city-commissioned report also points to overflowing trash and litter as a big reason coyotes stick around. Translation: better trash habits may be part of the fix.
Infant and early childhood mental health funding
A $265,000 L.A. Care grant will fund a new infant and early childhood mental health program, including one limited-term staff position.
PUSD school board election endorsement
A Pasadena councilmember is endorsing Dennis McNamara for the PUSD District 7 school board seat, and it’s not just inside baseball: West Pasadena’s remaining school sites are heading into big development calls, including a $128 million San Rafael Elementary rebuild. So this endorsement could help decide who shapes those expensive, long-term school facilities decisions.
Senior affordable housing at 280 Ramona Street
The council approved $2.76 million in federal HOME funds for a 100-unit senior housing project, but a resident flagged that per-unit costs have climbed to $878,000 and completion isn't expected until late 2028.
Guanajuato sister city dispute
Residents pressed Mayor Gordo to respond to an invitation from Guanajuato, Mexico, saying the unanswered letter reflects a pattern of disrespect toward Pasadena's Latino community.