ear what others have defined as priorities and make sure your voice is included as we map out Pasadena’s future at the General Plan Community Open House Extravaganza!

The free public event Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. will be indoors and outdoors at 345 S. Lake Ave. (former Stein Mart). Whether you have 20 minutes or the entire afternoon, be sure to join us for a variety of activities.

Live entertainment, art projects, interactive exhibits, round table discussions, speaker sessions, a digital model of Pasadena, children’s activities, free child care, raffle prizes and more will mark the culmination of a months-long effort to gather input about the land use, mobility, and open space and conservation elements of Pasadena’s General Plan – the blueprint for our community’s future. Thousands of Pasadenans have been mobilized through community meetings, MoveAbout tours, a speaker series, council district workshops, an interactive website and much more.

During this final celebration, you’ll hear feedback from prior events and have one last chance – before the next phase of the update process begins – to voice your opinion on how Pasadena should grow and change over the next decade.

Look for free parking at the Corporate Center on the west side of South Lake Avenue between Cordova Street and Del Mar Boulevard; or take the Metro Gold Line to the Lake Avenue Station, then hop a Pasadena ARTS or Metro bus heading south.

The second phase of the General Plan update will begin next year when we’ll fine-tune priorities and discuss alternatives and tradeoffs for bringing the community’s ideas to life. Later, a draft General Plan will be prepared for presentation to the community, city advisory commissions and, finally, the city council.

Stay involved! For the latest news, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/generalplan or call
744-6807.

A Little Piece of Heaven

The General Plan calls for a healthy, walkable hometown with active residents and careful growth that preserves Pasadena’s charm.

If any area exemplifies these values it’s Bungalow Heaven, recently named one of the 10 Great Places in America by the American Planning Association.

Less than a half-mile square, the neighborhood features 800 bungalows built from 1905 to 1920. More than its architecture, the neighborhood showcases thoughtful planning and community involvement.

Homes were built with garages in back and porches in front, making it easy for neighbors to visit. A simple grid of narrow, tree-lined streets has slowed down traffic and invited walking and biking. At the center of it all, McDonald Park calls out for picnics and play.

When a bungalow was demolished in 1985 and replaced with a stucco-faced apartment building, neighbors rallied to create Pasadena’s first historic landmark district. An active association was formed that – to this day – plans events, builds community and preserves the neighborhood’s special qualities. A great place, indeed! For more information visit www.bungalowheaven.org.

To learn more about historic preservation in Pasadena, call (626) 744-4009 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/historicpreservation.

Celebrate ADA Progress

Help mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2010! The Accessibility and Disability Commission invites residents and community groups to plan activities throughout next year in celebration of this important legislation that ensures access for everyone.

Here in Pasadena, the commission has advised the city council about accessibility for 18 years, resulting in curb ramps and accessible crosswalk signals at intersections, improvements in taxi service, Dial-A-Ride and Pasadena ARTS Buses, and easier access to library materials for people with sensory impairments.

Pasadena has become a model for other communities, and there’s more work to do! For more information call 744-4782 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/Accessibility_Disability_FAQ.

Taking Stock of Historic Homes

Pasadena is a treasure trove of historic architecture. Thanks to a new state grant, we’re documenting some of the oldest buildings and you can help.

house The California Office of Historic Preservation recently awarded Pasadena a grant to study homes built between 1881 and 1904. For the next five months city staff will be driving through neighborhoods and carefully recording information, snapping photos and evaluating the historic significance of homes built during this pre-Craftsman era.
The properties will be added to a database of historic properties at www.cityofpasadena.net/chrid. As part of this project, Pasadena will nominate two historic districts and 10 individual homes for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The study should be completed by September 2010. To monitor progress or submit comments, questions or suggestions, or if you can provide copies of historical photos from this period, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/planningcomments. You can also call
744-7806, send a fax to 396-7259, email kevinjohnson@cityofpasadena.net or send submissions to 175 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena CA 91101-1704.

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