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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.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Open House
Hollywood Burbank Airport is hosting a FREE Community Day preview event Thursday, October 8th.
Explore the new terminal, admire the modern design, enjoy upgraded amenities and celebrate this exciting milestone for our community.
Participants will also score some limited-edition BUR swag!
Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hollywood-burbank-airport-community-day-thursday-october-8-2026-tickets-1998286635118 or scan the QR code below.
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.
City of Pasadena Celebrates Latino Culture, Heritage and Community
The City of Pasadena celebrates National Latino Heritage Month with free events, crafts, story times, book discussions, and activities for all ages, recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Spain. Celebrating Latino Heritage Month reinforces Pasadena’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive city while recognizing and honoring the diversity of its community. The City of Pasadena continues to offer a variety of events and programs throughout the city that celebrate Latino culture and heritage.
Latino Heritage Parade & Festival - Saturday, October 10 • 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. • Pasadena City Hall, 100 Garfield Ave. The parade will begin at 4 p.m. on Los Robles Avenue and Buckeye Street, and the festival will begin at 5 p.m. in front of Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.
Library programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.
- Baking Workshop - Saturday, October 3 • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
- Ofrenda Nicho Box and Flower Making - Saturday, October 10 • noon • Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
- Movie Night (Coco) - Thursday, October 15 • 6 p.m. • Madison Elementary School, 515 E. Ashtabula St.
- Community Ofrenda - Saturday, October 17 – Saturday, November 7 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), 1 – 5 p.m. (Sunday) & 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) -Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.- Saturday, October 17- Saturday, November 7 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. ; aturday, October 17- Saturday, November 7 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
- The Californios: Voices from Early California - Saturday, October 24 • 2 p.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
Dia De Los Muertos - Friday, October 30 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
Interested in Doing Business With the City of Pasadena?
You can find all the information necessary to be considered by CLICKING HERE.
Scam of the Week
Got this one this week. From the California Department of Housing (oh! NOT REALLY)
The return email address is not a State of California address. (They are all .ca.gov)
If you get something like this, please ignore it.
Always be wary of unsolicited emails (even from your own company.(
As AI gets more prevalent and its use more widespread, it is becoming the go-to tool for schemers, scammers and thieves.
From Foothill Transit: Student Programs, Safety and More
College is Better With Class Pass.
Students at University of La Verne, the Claremont Colleges, Azusa Pacific University, and Cal Poly Pomona: the Class Pass is your ticket to unlimited adventures and free rides! The Class Pass is a program that gives current students unlimited rides on Foothill Transit buses all school year long.
So, whether you're heading to class, work, shopping, or exploring the region, the Class Pass makes getting around easy, convenient, and cost-free. Even better, every ride helps reduce traffic and parking congestion around campus, creating a more sustainable and connected community.
Your Class Pass is accepted on all Foothill Transit local and Silver Streak buses, giving you access to 22 cities throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, as well as downtown Los Angeles. From campus to countless destinations, your next trip is just a bus ride away. Please note that the Class Pass is not valid on Commuter Express Lines 490, 493, 495, 498, 499, and 699.
If your school offers you the Metro GoPass or U-Pass, we accept those on all of our local and Silver Streak buses, too! Visit metro.net/gopass or metro.net/u-pass to learn more.
Smart Savings for K-12 Students.
Heading back to school? Students can save on their rides with a K-12 Student Discount TAP card.
Who qualifies?
Students under age 21 who are enrolled in an accredited elementary, middle, or high school in Los Angeles County may apply.
Ready to apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the school year. Students can:
- Apply online: taptogo.net/reduced_fare
Apply in person: Visit a Foothill Transit Store
Please note - student discount TAP cards expire after a student completes 8th grade and again after 12th grade.
Your School May Offer GoPass, Too!
Some schools participate in Metro’s GoPass program, which may provide additional transit benefits for students. Check whether your school participates at metro.net/gopass.
Ride Smart: Stay Alert.
School is back and that means busier streets, stops, and buses. As you return to class and daily routines pick up, a few smart habits can help make your ride safer and smoother.
Stay Alert at Stops and Crossings: Keep your attention on your surroundings when walking to your stop, waiting for the bus, or crossing the street. Put your phone away near traffic, keep headphone volume low, use crosswalks when available, and stand a safe distance from the curb.
Board and Ride Safely": Wait until the bus has completely stopped before approaching, and give exiting riders room before boarding. Once aboard, keep aisles and doorways clear, keep noise at a reasonable level, and hold on securely if standing.
Exit with Care: Have your belongings ready before your stop and move away from the doors after exiting. If you need to cross the street, wait until you have a clear view of approaching traffic rather than crossing directly in front of the bus.
With more people on the move this back-to-school season, a little awareness and courtesy can go a long way toward a safer, smoother ride for everyone. Read more about our safety standards.
Community News and Information
Child Passenger Safety Week is This Week.
During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Pasadena Police Department encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 21-27 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of car seat safety and proper installation.
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?
Pasadena Water and Power Recognized with 2026 Green Power Leadership Award
PWP has received the 2026 Green Power Leadership Award from the Center for Resource Solutions, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and climate solutions. PWP earned the award in the “Impactful Procurement” category, which recognizes the utility’s leadership in advancing a progressive municipal clean-energy transition toward 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030.
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.
City of Pasadena Planning Department Invites Residents to Participate in Planning for Environmental Justice
The City of Pasadena Planning Department’s comprehensive community outreach and engagement effort to support the development of the City’s first Environmental Justice (EJ) Element is underway. The EJ Element will identify and address environmental burdens and inequities in Pasadena while elevating community priorities related to health, air quality, safe and accessible neighborhoods, climate resilience, and equitable access to parks, mobility, and public services.
Save the date and join us at upcoming community events and share your experiences, ideas, and priorities for creating healthier, more equitable neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Walk and Roll Tuesday, September 15 | 9–11 a.m.at Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. Register: bit.ly/EJwalkshop1
Neighborhood Walk and Roll Saturday, October 3 | 9–11 a.m. at Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Register: bit.ly/EJwalkshop2
Open House / Resource Fair Thursday, October 15 | 6–8 p.m. at Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Register: bit.ly/EJ_OH
Virtual Community Meeting: Wednesday, October 21 | 6–7 p.m. Join online: bit.ly/EJ_Virtual
For more information on the Environmental Justice Element and upcoming outreach opportunities, please visit https://bit.ly/PasadenaEJelement or contact the EJ Element Administrator at EJElement@cityofpasadena.net.
For accessibility information or to request an accommodation, please contact CSC@CityOfPasadena.net or call (626) 744-7311.
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.
Local Ballot Measures in November
- City of Pasadena Parcel Tax – Assessment of $0.19 per square foot on developed properties within the City of Pasadena to raise $22 million per year to support modernization and replacement of fire stations, equipment and systems. This needs 2/3 vote to pass.
- Pasadena City College Bond Measure UP – Extend expiring bond measure to raise funds for building modernization, repairs and expansion.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Here are the ballot measures on the November ballot with a very brief synopsis.
- Statewide Ballot Measures
- Proposition 1: Housing Bonds - Issue $11.25 billion in bonds to fund Multifamily Housing Program, CalVet Home Loan Program, and youth housing
- Proposition 2:- Budget stabilization - Increase the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) cap from 10% of general fund revenue to 20% and excluding deposits into the BSA from the Gann Limit
- Proposition 3: Higher education funding; Public education funding; Income taxes - Renew the additional income taxes enacted with the approval of Proposition 38 in 2012 that fund education and early childhood programs.
- Proposition 4 Election administration; Campaign finance - Allow the state and local governments to create programs that provide candidates with public funds under spending limits and eligibility rules.
- Proposition 5 State executive structure; Recall - Eliminate the successor election when a state officer is recalled, thereby leaving the office vacant until it is filled according to state law.
- Proposition 37: Housing - Establish a second mortgage homebuyer program for qualified homebuyers on qualifying homes and issue $25 billion in bonds to fund the program
- Proposition 38: Healthcare facility; Healthcare governance; Bonds; Vaccinations and disease - Issue $8.4 billion in general obligation bonds to fund immunology and immunotherapy research \
- Proposition 39: Election administration; Voter ID - Require voters to present government-issued identification when casting ballots and require election officials to use government data to confirm voter citizenship and report verification rates
- Proposition 40: Billionaire’s Tax – Levy tax on Billionaires to backfill healthcare funding lost due to Federal budget cuts.
- Proposition 41: Tax administration; Revenue and spending limits - Require state laws or ballot initiatives levying a new special tax enacted after January 1, 2026 to require the government entities or departments receiving revenue from the new tax to eliminate their lowest-performing programs and reinvest those savings in higher-performing programs
- Proposition 42: Income taxes - Prohibit the enactment of new taxes after January 1, 2026 on ownership or accumulation of retirement holdings, individually-owned assets, and other forms of personal savings
- Proposition 43: Supermajority; Local government – Reinstates some protections related to Proposition 13.
- Proposition 44: Business; Healthcare governance - Prohibit healthcare clinics, specifically federally-qualified health centers and related organizations, from spending less than 90% of their annual revenue on mission-related purposes
- Proposition 45: Administrative powers; Land use - Establish timelines for local and state agencies to review plans and solicit public comment for essential projects, such as housing, improvements to water supply, transportation, energy, and facilities for health and public safety
The Pasadena Chamber Board will consider taking positions on these items at its August meeting.
If you have feedback on any 9or all) of these, please mail paul@pasadena-chamber.org.
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.