Pasadena · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasadena public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police drone-as-first-responder expansion
The police department got $39,196 to train more drone operators. Councilmember Lyon pressed for public clarity, and Lt. Russo confirmed the money is for SWAT tactical drone training — not a drones-as-first-responder program, which the council will debate separately.
EPA grant for Sunset Complex Groundwater Treatment Plant
The city accepted $959,752 in federal grant money to help build the Sunset Complex Groundwater Treatment Plant, supporting local drinking water supplies. Some residents asked for clarity on the project's total cost and ratepayer impact.
North Fair Oaks Black Legacy District funding
Organizers previewed the February 21 Black History Festival at 10-3, marking one year since the Eaton Fire, plus a February 27 breakfast. The council also honored the late Sonia Amos and photographer Peter Reed Miller.
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.
Flock surveillance technology
Multiple speakers raised concerns about the city's Flock license plate readers, data sharing with federal agencies, and a proposed $3.6 million real-time crime center in the budget, urging a moratorium and a comprehensive privacy program. The Flock discussion continues at the April 15 Public Safety Committee meeting.
Motorola Radio Contract and Vendor Lock-In
Speakers urged the council to reject a $3.53 million Motorola radio contract because the company sells surveillance and data services used by ICE. The council tabled it and wants a full report on alternatives, costs, and whether the city can escape Motorola's regional monopoly.
Rose Bowl Riders eviction from Hahamonga Park
Several young riders and volunteers urged the council to preserve the RBR equestrian facility and the Myrtle Hill Farm programs that serve Girl Scouts, schoolchildren, and therapeutic riding participants.
Police acquisition of military-surplus armored personnel carrier
The council approved the annual military equipment report and a new drone policy, but only after a long debate about privacy, the surveillance vendor Flock, and whether drones should fly first-responder missions beyond SWAT. Any testing will happen off-site, and any purchase must come back through CPOC, Public Safety and the full council.
Motel voucher shortage and homelessness enforcement data
The point-in-time count was received and filed but referred to the Homeless and Housing Planning Committee. A housing advocate reported over 300 unsheltered residents, fully subscribed motel vouchers, and asked for monthly public dashboards and more funding.
Artificial turf vs. natural grass at Villa and Robinson Park
The council put $1.125 million toward field replacement but stayed neutral on turf type, sending the question to committee — possibly meeting at the park itself. Coaches credit the current turf with keeping kids playing soccer safely; opponents cite PFAS, heat, and microplastic risks.
Rose Bowl lease dispute
Speakers urged the council to pause eviction proceedings against the 80-year-old Rose Bowl Riders equestrian group and meet with its leadership, saying communication has broken down.
Eaton Fire repair construction tax exemption
A resident urged the council to press the governor for a property insurance emergency declaration, warning neighbors are losing coverage and being squeezed on vegetation clearance.
Rent stabilization fair-return delays
The Rental Housing Board's first annual report shows 25 evictions rescinded and district data revealing Districts 6 and 7 lead in at-risk housing indicators. Councilmembers pressed for performance metrics and acknowledgment of the rocky rollout.
Local hiring goals on city construction contracts
Councilmembers pressed for real local hiring on the library project and Lyon said he'll bring a community benefits agreement policy forward. The city manager agreed to monthly reports and real-time payroll tracking.
New Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility
The council is putting roughly $150 million (mostly state and county funds) into buses, a new yard, and a hydrogen fueling station. Councilmember Cole said the bigger problem is frequency — buses don't run often enough — and the new short-range transit plan aims to fix that.
Street safety and unfunded transportation projects
Councilmembers pressed staff on the $163 million backlog of unfunded safety projects — only $630,000 is allocated this year. Residents asked for speed humps, safer routes to school, and faster action; staff promised a long-term funding approach in the coming months.
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.