Newsletters

24 March 2024

Hi Everyone,

  We had a week of highs and lows here at South Pas Active, so we wanted to email an update to you all.

  A week ago, we had an amazing community ride and event at the South Pasadena Nature Park. Over 80 people joined the fun, including local officials, friends from neighboring cities, other community groups, and most importantly over 40 school-aged children. You can find a description and some photos of the event at https://www.coloradoboulevard.net/seven-local-organizations-create-south-pasadena-park-to-park-bike-ride/.

  We were full of hope just a few days later, on Wednesday night, when we presented a petition in support of its Slow Street program to the City Council. Unfortunately, instead of supporting safe, healthy spaces for all users and all abilities, our Council overrode the unanimous decision of its transportation commission to largely remove the treatments along Grand Ave and Hermosa St, including a bike lane used by children in the bike bus. A vocal group of Grand Ave residents were there in person and were able to convince the Council that their aesthetic opinion is more important than the safety of all street users.

  A silver lining: some treatments on Oak St will be kept and improved. The Council also supported the idea of studying a road diet and improved safety features on Mission Street. Our group was represented by several in-person/zoom comments and two dozen emailed letters with compelling personal messages. Thank you to those who commented! Emailed comments in favor outnumbered those opposed.

  We're frustrated that South Pasadena granted veto power to a group who repeatedly vandalized the city's property, harassed staff working on installations, and demanded personal meetings with the city. The bike lane connects us to Pasadena and comprises roughly 25% of the city's comfortable bike mileage. Now, we'll have to spend city funds during a budget crisis to scrub the lane off the road and remove the intersection treatments.

  What can we do in the face of this decision?

1. Email your council member and let them know how you feel! The decision is done, but this won't be the last time they evaluate the state of our streets and they need to know that our residents support safety and comfort for walking and biking. Council member info is at https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/government/city-council.

2. Join us at the Farmer's Market next Thursday after 5pm to talk about what happened and how you'd like to move forward with advocacy. Look for our sign at a booth or near the walking man (details TBD; check https://www.instagram.com/southpasactive for updates).

Casey Law, on behalf of South Pas Active Streets