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Last Day to Register to Vote is Monday, October 19th
The voter registration deadline is Monday, October 19—just a few days away!
Visit the Secretary of State’s Voter Status website to check your registration, find voting locations and track the status of your mail-in ballot.
Not registered yet? You’ve still got time! Online registration is quick and easy! Have the following information ready:
- Your California driver license or California identification card number,
- The last four digits of your social security number and
- Your date of birth.
Second Phase of Pasadena Council-Approved Electric Rates Takes Effect
David M. Reyes, General Manager of Water and Power, announced the second phase of the department’s (“PWP”) three-phase electric rate plan, approved by the City Council in March 2026, took effect on October 1. As a publicly owned, not-for-profit utility, PWP sets rates to recover only the cost of service, including maintaining aging infrastructure and investing in a cleaner, more reliable grid.
PWP offers a variety of programs and incentives to support customers, including flexible payment plans, bill assistance options, and bill credits for income‑qualifying households. PWP also provides several programs designed to promote energy efficiency.
More information about available programs and assistance can be found at PWPweb.com/Assistance or by calling Customer Service at (626) 744‑4005. To estimate the change to your own bill, visit the bill estimator at PWPweb.com/RateAdjustment where customers who need extra support can also find PWP’s bill assistance, rebate, and energy-efficiency programs.
Pasadena Chamber Board of Directors Announces Recommended Positions Ballot Initiatives
The Board of Directors of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce deliberated state and local ballot measures over the course of several meetings. The Board hopes its reflection, deliberations and reasoning help voters decide how to vote on the measures on November 3rd.
After discussion, debate, analysis and input from Chamber staff the Board took the following positions:
Statewide measures the Pasadena Chamber Board voted:
- Support for Proposition 1 authorizes issuance of $11.25 billion in bonds to fund construction of multifamily housing, fund the CalVet Home Loan Program and support housing for youth.
- Oppose Proposition 2 that would allow the state legislature to increase the California reserve funds to 20% of the annual budget without those funds being subject to voter imposed spending limits. The Board determined the funds could become another way for the state legislature to circumvent voter mandated spending limits. The Pasadena Chamber Board is clearly distrustful of elected officials when it comes to taxation and spending. “n this instance it is too easy for the Legislature or Governor to declare an emergency to access reserve funds to spend on programs that would normally require Legislative approval and be subject to Gann Limit spending restrictions.
- Oppose Proposition 3 which would extend the millionaire’s tax to fun education programs. The initial tax was to sunset, per the voters who approved it. Extending the tax circumvents the expectations of voters at that time and further risks losing more high income residents to other states.
- Support for Proposition 37 which would establish a program to assist first-time homebuyers by providing downpayment assistance funds via a second mortgage program. The funds would be paid back and replenished through repayment by borrowers so would not be a burden on taxpayers.
- Oppose Proposition 40 (the Billionaire Tax) citing the imposition of added taxes on the wealthy and fears that could create a further exodus of large taxpayers and their companies from California. The Board indicated this measure could drive more high earning individuals and families from California, and quite possibly their companies as well,. Tax reform is necessary and would be very timely, but that needs to come from the federal government so as to be universal nationwide.
- Support Proposition 42 that prohibits imposition of taxes on forms of income not already taxed, such as retirement accounts.
- Support Proposition 43 that would reimpose supermajority requirements for local governments to impose new taxes.
- Oppose Proposition 44 that would impose spending restrictions on healthcare providers.
- Support Proposition 45 that would ease California Environmental Quality Act requirements for projects such as infrastructure, housing and other by imposing time limits on appeals processes and more.
Locally, the Chamber Board voted to support Pasadena City College measure UP, in large part because the bond measure to support modernization and construction on the Pasadena campus replaces an expiring measure so would not add costs to taxpayers or property owners.
Kaiser Permanente Building for Impact Community Engagement Tour | Southern California
We’re excited to announce that the Kaiser Permanente Building for Impact Community Engagement Tour is coming to Southern California!
This dynamic experience will bring together local businesses, industry leaders, and community partners to create space for connection, collaboration, and opportunities focused on strengthening partnerships and advancing economic, social, and environmental impact in the communities we serve.
Where: Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine - 98 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
When: Thursday, October 29, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
New Initiative: Verizon AI Skills for America
Verizon recently announced a $70 million investment in Verizon AI Skills for America—a initiative designed to empower job seekers, small businesses, educators, and local workforces with critical AI skills.
- No-Cost Access: Consolidates high-value training content from top industry leaders, including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Coursera, and OpenAI.
- Who It Supports: Early career professionals, displaced workers, small business owners, and
- local educators.
- Learn More & Register: Visit https://bit.ly/4xO8JbB to access these free resources or share them with your networks.
Pasadena Public Health Department to Host Living with Coyotes Community Discussion on October 24
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) will host Living with Coyotes: Reducing Conflicts with Our Wildlife Neighbors on Saturday, October 24, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Memorial Park Pavilion. The free community event will feature a panel of wildlife experts, a resource fair, and an opportunity for residents to ask questions about coyotes and learn practical ways to reduce human-coyote conflicts.
From Assembly Member John Harabedian
Construction is set to begin Saturday on the rebuilding of Charles White Park, nearly 21 months after the Eaton Fire destroyed the Altadena park. The project is being funded with $5.5 million from the State of California, secured by Assemblymember Harabedian, and $5 million from The Walt Disney Company, bringing the total project investment to $10.5 million.
The Eaton Fire reached Altadena on January 7, 2025, destroying homes, businesses and public facilities throughout the community. Charles White Park was among the sites hit by the fire; its playground and other recreational facilities were destroyed.
The state funding for Charles White Park is part of a larger $21.7 million state investment in Altadena parks and open spaces secured by Harabedian following the Eaton Fire.
City of Pasadena Department of Transportation Launches Community Engagement Effort for a Citywide Active Transportation Plan
The City of Pasadena Department of Transportation is launching a comprehensive citywide community outreach and engagement effort to guide the development of the City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP will create a community-informed, long-term vision for a safer, more connected transportation network for walking, biking, and connecting to transit. Engagement events will occur throughout the City to ensure that all residents, businesses, and stakeholders have an opportunity to participate in the development of the ATP.
The ATP will gather community input, conduct data analysis, and evaluate projects, programs, and policies to create a plan to advance key transportation improvements, such as:
- Safer and more accessible sidewalks and pedestrian crossings
- Improved bicycle and micromobility infrastructure
- Better walking and biking connections to public transit, schools, parks, and other community destinations
- Traffic safety improvements that reduce serious injuries and fatalities for all road users
- More accessible streets and pathways for people of all ages and abilities
- Improved lighting, shade, and other amenities that make walking and biking more comfortable
- Projects and programs that encourage walking, biking, rolling, and transit use
- Identification of priority projects and funding opportunities for future active transportation improvements
The City invites the community to respond to a survey for this program as an early opportunity to share feedback. Residents and stakeholders interested in providing input can complete the survey on the project web page: bit.ly/PasadenaATP.
For more information on the Active Transportation Plan and upcoming outreach opportunities, please visit bit.ly/PasadenaATP or contact the City ATP Project Team at ATP@cityofpasadena.net.
IT IS ALSO PERFECTLY APPROPRIATE TO TALK ABOUT THOSE THINGS THAT MAY MATTER TO YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS: EASY ACCESS BY CAR\. MAKING SURE OUR STREETS ARE EASY TO NAVIGATE. PARKING.
Interested in Doing Business With the City of Pasadena?
You can find all the information necessary to be considered by CLICKING HERE.
SouthCoast Air Quality Management District
The SCAQMD released October RFP opportunities.
Download the list and submission info here:
Scam of the Week
They are trying to get me to click again, these nefarious scammers. We do not have a finance department...
Community News and Information
City of Pasadena Department of Transportation Launches Community Engagement Effort for a Citywide Active Transportation Plan
The City of Pasadena Department of Transportation is launching a comprehensive citywide community outreach and engagement effort to guide the development of the City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP will create a community-informed, long-term vision for a safer, more connected transportation network for walking, biking, and connecting to transit. Engagement events will occur throughout the City to ensure that all residents, businesses, and stakeholders have an opportunity to participate in the development of the ATP.
The ATP will gather community input, conduct data analysis, and evaluate projects, programs, and policies to create a plan to advance key transportation improvements, such as:
- Safer and more accessible sidewalks and pedestrian crossings
- Improved bicycle and micromobility infrastructure
- Better walking and biking connections to public transit, schools, parks, and other community destinations
- Traffic safety improvements that reduce serious injuries and fatalities for all road users
- More accessible streets and pathways for people of all ages and abilities
- Improved lighting, shade, and other amenities that make walking and biking more comfortable
- Projects and programs that encourage walking, biking, rolling, and transit use
- Identification of priority projects and funding opportunities for future active transportation improvements
The City invites the community to respond to a survey for this program as an early opportunity to share feedback. Residents and stakeholders interested in providing input can complete the survey on the project web page: bit.ly/PasadenaATP.
For more information on the Active Transportation Plan and upcoming outreach opportunities, please visit bit.ly/PasadenaATP or contact the City ATP Project Team at ATP@cityofpasadena.net.
IT IS ALSO PERFECTLY APPROPRIATE TO TALK ABOUT THOSE THINGS THAT MAY MATTER TO YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS: EASY ACCESS BY CAR? MAKING SURE OUR STREETS ARE EASY TO NAVIGATE. PARKING?
Utility Trades Scholarship Now Open
PWP is seeking eligible students to apply for a $1,000 Utility Trades Scholarship toward their technical/vocational school or community college education. PWP customers who are full-time students and are studying to work within a utility trade such a water operations, power supply, machinist and more are invited to submit a video application by December 31, 2026. View eligibility and application requirements at PWPweb.com/Trades.
Save 20–30% on Solar & Battery Upfront Costs with PWP Rebates
Did you know PWP offers rebates to help residential and commercial electric customers make solar and battery storage more affordable? Residential customers can receive $0.60 per Watt for installing a new rooftop solar system or $1.00 per watt if enrolled in one of PWP’s bill assistance programs. Residential battery storage rebates are $350 per kiloWatt-hour (kWh), with an additional $200 per kWh for income-qualified and Medical Assistance Program participants.
These incentives typically cover 20–30% of system costs, making it easier to invest in clean, reliable home energy. If you're considering solar or storage, now is an excellent time to explore your options. For more information, visit PWP’s website, where both residential and commercial program details, eligibility, and next steps are available.
Pasadena Public Health Encourages Residents To Stay up to Date On COVID-19 Vaccinations as 2026-2027 COVID-19 Vaccine Becomes Available
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) encourages everyone 6 months of age and older to stay up to date with the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccination as California sees an increase in COVID-19 activity this season. While hospitalizations remain low, the percent of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached a moderate level and wastewater concentration is at higher levels in several parts of the state.
Although the number of cases is less than last year, the biggest increase is seen in ages 0-4 years and 5-17 years. Staying up to date on the COVID-19 vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Individuals at higher risk for severe illness—such as adults aged 65 and older and immunocompromised persons—should receive two doses of the 2026-2027 COVID‑19 vaccine, spaced six months apart.
Be part of the solution - Make Real Change - help prevent homelessness in our community
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation is reviving the community effort to alleviate homelessness in our community. Working with Friends in Deed, we are raising money to support the effort to prevent homelessness in the greater Pasadena area.
100% of funds raised will be donated to Friends in Deed to support their efforts to keep people housed.
You can find more information here: https://pasadenachamberfoundation.org/about
You can donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=T3OFLZ9DlmE5hEbtta6MaXXq6DzGFbOoyNkTSNBT4n84jiggy4Lbqu31h9n1rANT1uxXfg2wp7IKdtR_
We hope to engage the business community in our efforts. You can put a poster in your window, inform your customers about the initiative and donate to make areal difference in the lives of families at risk of homelessness.
LA28 Informational Webinars Open to Anyone Seeking Information on Vending, Tickets, Volunteering and More
You are invited to join LA28's Community Relations team for "First Friday's" webinars. Please use this link to register: LA28 Community Relations “First Fridays” Webinar Series.
As a reminder, these webinars provide high level updates on progress towards the 2028 Games. These are easy ways to listen in and hear the latest from our community relations team. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions.
You are encouraged to share the information about the webinar widely. All registered guests will receive the Microsoft teams link the Thursday evening prior to the webinar.