USEFUL INFORMATION ON POSSIBLE GRANTS: DEADLINE EXTENDED for the City of Pasadena's Economic Development Division has established the Microenterprise Recovery Grant Program to assist local, low- to moderate-income microenterprises —businesses with five or fewer employees —impacted by the 2025 Eaton wildfire and windstorm. Applications open Thursday, March 19, 2026, and close Thursday, April 30, 2026. Eligible businesses may apply for reimbursement-based grants of up to $5,000 to support stabilization and recovery efforts. To qualify, businesses must operate a brick-and-mortar location within Pasadena city limits, hold a current City business license, employ no more than a total of five employees, and have an owner with income below 80% of the area median income who has experienced economic hardship due to the fires or windstorms. For program guidelines, application details, and more information, visit: CityOfPasadena.net/EconomicDevelopment/Microenterprise-Recovery-Grant/ ------------------------------------- MASSIVE ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE APPROVED: The Pasadena Water and Power proposal to raise electric rates by more than 22% was approved by the Pasadena City Council with little discussion and no objections. The Pasadena Chamber objected to the increases as too much, too fast and very poorly timed. Many of our members voiced objections via email. Thank you for Board member John Leano of Bryan's Cleaners for joining me at the very lengthy meeting to personally voice his objections. Thank you again to all the Chamber members who commented on the item and to representatives from Caltech who suggested to the City Council (very reasonably) that they approve the increases but phase them in over three years, not the one year proposed. -------------------------------------