NOVEMBER 2008

Drop, Cover and Hold On!

First comes the familiar rumble, then the unsettling jolts and finally the violent shaking. We have been fortunate that there has not been a major earthquake with substantial damage since the Northridge quake of 1993.

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) predicts that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault is likely in our lifetime and could cause massive destruction to the greater Los Angeles area.

The Great Southern California ShakeOut (www.shakeout.org) on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. is one opportunity to practice your earthquake survival skills.

 These kinds of drills train us to act quickly – to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” immediately to minimize injury. The Pasadena Fire Department continually spreads the word to Pasadena residents, neighborhoods, schools, the faith community, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the community, and emergency crews review preparedness plans to make sure they’re as complete as possible.

Here are the steps you should take whenever you train for an earthquake:

1. Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a magnitude 7.8 earthquake were happening. Stay down for at least 60 seconds. Practice now so you can protect yourself immediately during a real earthquake.

2. While still under the table or desk, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake when shaking may last for one to two minutes. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like in the immediate moments after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and recover quickly?

3. Practice what you will do after the shaking stops.

4. Complete your disaster plan and emergency preparedness kit as soon as possible. For vital tips, a video and to sign up for Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster or call 744-7276.

Protect Yourself Properly

A local newspaper as well as several email chains have described a “Triangle of Life” position to be taken during major earthquakes, under the assumption that most Americans will have their homes and workplaces collapse around them.

Don’t believe it! The fact is that there is no research to suggest that the “Triangle of Life” position works. However, it has been proven time and time again, during documented scientific research, that the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique is the best method for survival in the U.S. If you’re not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against an inside wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not go outside and do not go under a doorway!

If you’re in bed, stay there and hold on, protecting your head with a pillow. In a multistory building, do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate. If you’re outdoors when an earthquake strikes, move to a clear area if you can do so safely. Stay away from power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles and other hazards.

Pasadena’s General Plan: We Want to Hear from You!

Influence Pasadena’s future with a few clicks of your mouse. The Planning and Development Department is working with the community to update two of the seven main elements of Pasadena’s General Plan.

The Housing Element projects Pasadena’s housing needs, analyzes current resources, and sets policies and programs that promote quality housing for all Pasadenans; the Open Space and Conservation Element sets goals and priorities for preserving public access to Pasadena’s open space and conserving energy, water, trees and other natural resources.

The Mobility Element and Land Use elements of the General Plan will be updated in the near future.

To review and comment on the draft documents, call 744-4009 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/planningcomments. We welcome your opinions!

Help Shape Neighborhood Design Guidelines

Take a look at the first draft of updates to Pasadena’s design guidelines for neighborhood commercial areas and multifamily residential districts. Comments are encouraged during a meeting of the Design Commission on Monday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m. at Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St.

We want to hear from you! If you can’t make it to the meeting, watch for the draft guidelines at www.cityofpasadena.net/guidelines, where you’ll view maps of affected areas, browse through important documents, and submit your comments and suggestions.

You can also email kevinjohnson@cityofpasadena.net, call 744-7806 or mail comments to Pasadena Planning and Development Department, 175 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena CA 91101-1704. A final draft will be unveiled to the community next month and the guidelines will be presented for final approval from the city council in January.

Take a Holiday from Parking Restrictions

More than 1,200 parking meters in Pasadena’s busiest business/shopping districts help ensure that you’ll get a convenient spot when you need one. The meters are enforced in Old Pasadena and the West Gateway area seven days a week, and Monday through Saturday near the Civic Center and on South Lake Avenue. (Read nearby signs and the meters themselves for specific operating hours.)

Everybody gets a break on nine meter holidays when parking enforcement officers are off-duty. Park free on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Presidents’ Day

• Memorial Day

• Fourth of July

• Labor Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

Overnight parking restrictions are in full effect during many of these holidays, so be sure you and your guests have your permits in place! However, overnight parking is allowed without a permit from 2 a.m. Dec. 20 to 6 a.m. Jan. 2 to accommodate guests.

Call 744-6470 for more information.

Your Vote is Your Voice!

During the March 10, 2009, consolidated City of Pasadena and Pasadena Unified School District election, voters will choose representatives for City Council Districts 3, 5 and 7, and Board of Education Seats 1, 3, 5 and 7. If necessary, a runoff election will be scheduled on April 21.

You may participate if you’re registered to vote. You must be at least 18 years old by the date of the election and a United States citizen. You should re-register if you have moved and/or changed your name.

Registration information and forms are available at www.sos.ca.gov/elections or pick up a registration form from the City Clerk’s Office at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Room S228.

If you would like to run for City Council or Board of Education this spring, complete and file nominating papers with the City Clerk’s Office from Nov. 17 to Dec. 12.

For complete election details including nomination procedures, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/cityclerk/election or call 744-4124.