Pasadena · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasadena public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Brookside Park stormwater capture project
Adopting the water management plan, Cole warned that climate change threatens the imported water Pasadena depends on for 40-60% of supply, and pushed for more Raymond Basin recharge, conservation, and recycling — which could also lower rates.
Arroyo Seco tree removals
Residents protested the planned removal of 17 mature, healthy trees in the Arroyo while dead and dying trees — including 13 city-planted oaks — remain standing, calling it backwards fire-risk priorities.
Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project
The council approved a stormwater capture project adding 3.5 acres of park space, over objections about tree removal, truck traffic, and whether more water could be captured.
Tree protection ordinance and PUSD tree removal
Multiple speakers thanked the council for enforcing the tree protection ordinance against the school district's tree removals, urging full penalties, updated soil testing and a meeting between the city, school board and community.
PUSD removal of 193 trees
Residents, including a 17-year-old who sat in an oak tree for eight hours, urged the council to stop PUSD's removal of 193 healthy trees for soil remediation, arguing the city's tree protection ordinance requires permits. Hampton and Cole promised to press the school district and city staff on jurisdiction.
Arroyo Seco Water Reuse Project DEIR
Several speakers, including members of the Kizh Nation and LA neighborhood groups, demanded the 45-day comment period on the project's draft EIR be extended to 90 days, citing a sacred burial site at San Pasqual, mature trees, and flawed infiltration analysis. The council took no action on the non-agenda comments.