JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008

Returning the Central Arroyo to Mother Nature
 

Measure D is on February Ballot

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Returning the Central Arroyo to Mother Nature

Pasadena’s central Arroyo Seco will soon be a model for cleaning up urban waterways as we kick off a $2.5 million restoration effort this winter. Nature lovers are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 3 p.m. on the Parker Mayberry Bridge under the Colorado Street Bridge. (Park at Desiderio Army Reserve at Arroyo Boulevard and Westminster Avenue and look for a crossing guard and free shuttles to the site.)

Sponsored by the city and the Arroyo Seco Foundation with funding from the California Water Resources Control Board, the project will restore 20 acres of streambed between Devil’s Gate Dam and the Colorado Street Bridge, create natural pools, remove non-native plants and clean up the storm water flowing into the arroyo. The equestrian trail through the area will be improved and native trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted in Brookside Park’s southern parking lot to catch runoff and litter. The stream’s natural habitat will be restored and the Arroyo Chub, a native fish that once called the Arroyo Seco home, will be reintroduced to the area. The project will also help educate other government agencies on best practices for cleaning up waterways in urban areas.

The entire effort is part of the Central Arroyo Master Plan, which is bringing new life to the area. Future plans include a new playground at Brookside Park, better security lighting, access for people with disabilities, rehabilitation of historic stone walls, new paths, an outdoor amphitheater and improvements to the recreational loop around the Rose Bowl Stadium. For more information call 304-3417.

Measure D is on February Ballot

Pasadena voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Feb. 5, to consider Measure D, which would update the local Utility Users Tax (UUT) by providing new definitions for telephone services and affirm the existing tax rate.

UUT is a tax on certain utility bills. In Pasadena, UUT was established in 1969 by an ordinance of the city council. Residents of Pasadena pay UUT on electricity, natural gas, water, cable television and telephone services.

Like many other California cities, Pasadena's UUT revenues go directly to the general fund, an unrestricted source that pays for public safety, youth recreation programs, park maintenance, community centers, libraries, and many other programs and services.

Eligible low-income seniors ages 62 and older and eligible disabled residents are exempt. There is a simple application process for exemptions.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision when you vote for or against Measure D.

Q. Why is Utility Users Tax suddenly such a big issue?

A. In Pasadena and dozens of other California cities, definitions of telephone services that can be taxed were written when hard-wiring was the only technology available, and UUT ordinances cross-referenced provisions of a federal telephone tax. Changes in the collection of the federal tax and in telephone technology have required all California cities with this type of UUT to seek voter approval to update their ordinances.

Q. What is the nature of the proposed change to Pasadena’s UUT?

A. The existing UUT text in the Pasadena Municipal Code was written long before anyone could have envisioned how technology related to telephone services would change. Over the past several years, telecommunications companies have introduced many new services and features such as voicemail, caller ID, text messaging, conference calls and more, which did not exist when Pasadena’s UUT was adopted in 1969.

Q. Would this change create a new Utility Users Tax?

A. No. Although Measure D would update Pasadena’s ordinance to address technological changes in the future and clarify its application to modern telephone services, it does not substantially change the telephone services subject to tax today.

Q. Would this change increase the UUT rate that is charged to residents?

A. No.

Q. Will UUT be charged on Internet access?

A. No. Federal law prohibits such a tax and the President has signed a law extending that ban for seven more years. The Pasadena City Council recently adopted an ordinance clarifying that Internet access will not be subject to UUT under Measure D.

Q. How can I get more information?

A. Please visit www.cityofpasadena.net/cityclerk/election for ballot information, including arguments for and against Measure D, or call (626) 744-6760 

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Just as dangerous as fire, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. If you’re not careful, this silent killer could flow from your furnace, wood burning or fuel-fired appliances, water heaters or vehicles. Stay safe and follow these tips from the Pasadena Fire Department:

• Have a qualified technician regularly tune up your furnace, water heater and fireplace.

• Have your chimney inspected annually for cracks, blockages or other problems.

• Make sure the chimney flue and outside openings of all exhaust vents are clear of insulation, leaves, bird nests or debris.

• Never leave your car running in the garage for even a minute. Once you start the car, pull it outside to warm up.

• Never light a barbeque indoors.

• Keep the area around any fuel-fired equipment clear. This ensures good airflow that will help the appliance work properly.

• Stop by the hardware store and buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home.

For more tips, contact lderderian@cityofpasadena.net or call 744-7276.