May 13 2025
Gravity 500kW DC Fast Charging Stations Coming to Southern California including East Pasadena in 2025

Gravity 500kW DC Fast Charging Stations Coming to Southern California including East Pasadena in 2025

Gravity is expanding in the Los Angeles area with several locations coming online in 2025.

The differentiator is the charging level of 500kW which is significantly higher than the majority of chargers available including Tesla which offers 250kW at the vast majority of their Superchargers.

May 12 2025
PWP Pasadena State of Charge DC Fast Charging May 11, 2025

Not much has changed since the last update.  Actually maybe worse.

We are going to focus on this update with what is happening at Victory Park and Robinson Park as those are indicative of what is happening at the dozens of other DC Fast chargers around the city of Pasadena owned and operated by Pasadena.

At Victory Park, only one of three DC Fast chargers was working, although all three are powered on, two of the three either return errors or do nothing, and when you attempt to use the app, they show as not available, some have reported that using a credit card sometimes works, but even the card readers are either damaged covered or show connection failure.

Over at Robinson Park the situation is similar. Two of Five DC Fast chargers work, the PowerFlex app shows that five chargers are available at this location, but only three have power. One of the three does not work. Two work, this has not changed in weeks or months, although some have reported that technicians have been to the location and have done some work.

What has been done appears to be some marking of the power conduit from the street.   Also, the parking spots have been painted with the Charge Up logo, but still there are no signs that these spots are reserved for EV Charging ONLY, and a time limit. And the city fails to acknowledge that there should be a time limit, perhaps 30 minutes and that overstay fees should be substantial to encourage people to let others charge. These are basics when it comes to operating EV Charging. Why Pasadena doesn’t follow is a mystery.

In addition the city has one of the lowest charges for EV Charging, many comment on this, to the point that for many it is less expensive to charge at the PWP EV chargers than at home… that should not be happening.

Also, by having rates so low, it discourages others from either installing chargers, and those with for instance a Tesla will go to the PWP chargers and tie up spaces where the can go and use the Tesla chargers and non-Tesla may not be able to.

These are some serious concerns in addition to the issues with most of the DC Fast chargers not working. It leaves PWP DC Fast charging in a failure state.  We hope the leadership at PWP and Pasadena City government will realize that what is happening is unacceptable and that things have to change.

We will report an update later this week.

If you are a resident of Pasadena or nearby or work in Pasadena, and have tried to use PWP DC Fast chargers and have been frustrated please let the city know.

 

Fed up with the dismal state of
EV charging in Pasadena.

 

Demand Change!

Most PWP DC Fast chargers

DO NOT WORK

and have NOT worked for A LONG TIME

(While Tesla chargers WORK!)

Millions of your tax $$$ have been spent!

                              SCAN:  

Call and Email :

David Reyes, PWP Manager

(626) 744-7598 davidreyes@cityofpasadena.net

Susana Castro, PWP Senior Executive Assistant

626-744-7029 scastro@cityofPasadena.net

Victor Gordo Mayor

(626) 744-4111  vgordo@cityofpasadena.net

Vannia de la Cuba, vdelacuba@cityofpasadena.net

Miguel Márquez, City Manager

(626) 744-4333 miguelmarquez@cityofpasadena.net

Call the City Service Center and report (626) 744-7311

Call and email your local councilmembers and email city council correspondence@cityofpasadena.net

May 5 2025
New PWP General Manager David Reyes May 5, 2025

City Of Pasadena Announces New PWP General Manager

PASADENA, Calif. — After a rigorous recruitment process, City Manager Miguel Márquez has appointed David Reyes as the new General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), effective May 5, 2025. Reyes will oversee a department with an annual operating and capital budget of approximately $450 million and approximately 430 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

Reyes brings over two decades of public sector leadership experience, including the last 12 years serving the City of Pasadena in several key executive roles. Most recently, Reyes served as Interim General Manager of PWP since February 2024, and previously as Assistant City Manager and Director of Planning and Community Development. During his interim tenure at PWP, he successfully led the department through major initiatives and emergency events such as the Eaton Fire, while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and operational excellence.

The City of Pasadena welcomes Reyes to his new permanent role and looks forward to his continued leadership in advancing the department’s mission of delivering reliable, sustainable utility services to the community.

Reyes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies and Planning from California State University, Northridge. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, and deep commitment to public service. “I’m humbled and excited to continue to serve the city of Pasadena in this new role and to strive to uphold the community’s expectations of excellence. I would like to thank City Manager Marquez for this opportunity, my family for their continued support, and the talented team of professionals at PWP, without whom, the Utility could not function,” said Reyes.

“David has consistently demonstrated resilience, strategic foresight, and a strong commitment to both the technical and community service aspects critical to Pasadena Water and Power’s success. His proven leadership during complex events and his investment in building a high-performing team have laid a very strong foundation for his continued success,” said City Manager Miguel Márquez.

In his spare time, he finds balance and fulfillment through two of his greatest passions—boxing and family. Whether he’s throwing punches in the gym or shadowboxing in the garage, the discipline and strength he builds in the ring mirrors the dedication he brings to his home life. David lives in Northridge, has been married for 25 years, and cherishes the deep bond he shares with his wife and her unwavering support. His greatest pride, however, comes from being a father to three wonderful children, each of whom brings joy and purpose to his everyday life.

May 1 2025
Pasadena PWP State of DC Fast Charging May 1, 2025 Update

As of May 1, 2025

We are going to focus on chargers with Chademo for this update.

First the good news:

It does appear that the DC Fast chargers are now showing on the PowerFlex app.  The questions remains do they work.

The bad news after visiting the Robinson Park location, the same chargers are broken with old signs, nothing has changed.  We assume the same is true for other locations, but we could charge on one DC Fast Charger at Robinson Park. So one out of 5, 20% is not good.  Maybe a second one worked but the charger was being used by another vehicle and the signs on the chargers are inaccurate that charging is possible on both ports, and it is not.

Del Mar – 1 DCFC – on app

Robinson Park – 5 DCFC – on app – update – only 2 working. Which is NO change from from what has been the case for many weeks.

Victory Park – 3 DCFC – on app

Glenarm(Arroyo Electric Vehicle) –  2 DCFC on app

Marengo Plaza – 20 DCFC on app

This would mean that if all these chargers are working the total available 50Kw chargers available in Pasadena is 31 that support Chademo and CCS.   The number would be higher for just CCS.

I am leaving off Shopper’s Lane as none of the chargers at this site support Chademo.

Apr 28 2025
Pasadena PWP DC Fast Charging Status April 28, 2025

As many of you know the current state of DC Fast Charging in Pasadena with PWP chargers is not good, with the majority of the DC Fast Chargers NOT WORKING.

As of April 28, 2025

Del Mar – 2 DCFC – both appear with CCS only one works with Chademo, not usable simultaneously

Robinson Park – 5 DCFC – Two appear to work CCS and Chademo, A third is on but not working. Two others are off. Credit card readers are mostly broken.

Victory Park – 3 DCFC – None appear be working

Glenarm(Arroyo Electric Vehicle) –  6 DCFC none working, all DCFC OFF

Shoppers Lane –  11  – these are all CCS no Chademo available, Hard to know what’s working, reports are maybe a couple are working.

Marengo Plaza – 19 DCFC – a couple appear to be working, I have only seen one car charging on the end unit, all other units appear to be display errors or not on, several others are on, 16 are either off or blocked by barricade, cones

City of Pasadena PowerFlex app, is only showing DC Fast Chargers at Del Mar(1) and Victory Park (3)  so basically according to the app that City of Pasadena relies on and tells users to use, there are four DCFC,  Of those four maybe one is working.  If there are 46 DCFC and half are supposed to be fixed and working by the end of the month, the we should expect to see at least 23 working DC Fast Chargers.  That’s total, not taking into account those the city claims had been previously working. If we take all as not working.  If the city is now deciding to rip and replace chargers that would certainly be a new development and a request will be made when we see signs of that, as there are other operators with the same chargers that are having no problem with the chargers.  EVCS is one local company that is able to display the Tritium chargers and maintain the connection on those chargers. The mess with PowerFlex and Tritium has reached a new level and the cost to users attempting to use them and financial cost to the city will have to be revealed.

The city has stated there are 49 DC Fast Chargers but from what we can tell there are 46, where are the other three?  Are they in a private city lot?

The city of Pasadena Interim PWP manager has stated that half of the “broken” chargers would be repaired and operational by the end of April, which is two days.  We will report on May 1 to see what the status is.

Apr 25 2025
New Slate Auto Pickup Truck SUV from Amazon Backed Company

*Slate Truck is currently in preproduction; vehicle specifications and pricing are subject to change. Projected range estimates are based
upon an approximation of the EPA test cycle and are not oBicial EPA estimated range values. Review IRS website to determine eligibility
for potential incentives. Target pricing excludes taxes and fees.
press@slate.auto
Radically Customizable and A4ordable, Beautifully Simplified:
The Slate Truck Redefines Personalized Transportation
• Slate serves the consumer good. Slate is a new American company founded on a disruptive
business model of simplifying the manufacturing process and removing unnecessary content to
reduce cost and increase reliability.
o “The definition of what’s a9ordable is broken,” said Slate CEO Chris Barman. “Slate
exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto
industry. Slate is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-
seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.”
• The Slate Truck is a beautifully simplified EV 2-seat pickup, produced in a single configuration
from the factory. Approachable and timeless. Steel wheels outside. Crank windows and HVAC
knobs inside. Large Frunk along with a spacious cargo area with 1400-lb. payload.
• Unlimited personalization, powered by DIY. Slate vehicles are about accessible personalization.
Select from over 100 accessories, available individually or bundled, to make a Blank Slate yours – at
time of purchase or as your needs change over time.
• The truck can be anything – even an SUV. The flat-pack accessory SUV Kit turns the truck into a 5-
seat SUV, with a roll cage, airbags, rear seat. Do it yourself or have it done for you.
• Designed to be wrapped. By you or a pro. Three levels of vehicle wrapping make personalization
far more aRordable. Wrap, unwrap, rewrap for diRerent, inventive looks.
• Bring your own tech. Rather than learn a new interface, use the one you love. Slate introduces the
universal phone mount and USB power. Add a dedicated tablet if you want to.
• An EV for everyone. 52.7-kWh battery pack, 150 kW, rear-wheel drive, range target of 150 miles.*
An accessory 84.3-kWh pack has a target of 240 miles.* Using the NACS port, charge overnight for
your commute on a household outlet, or fast-charge to 80% at 120-kW in under 30 minutes.
• Top occupant safety. Designed to achieve the highest safety ratings. Active Emergency Braking,
Forward Collision Warning, and up to 8 airbags.
• Transparent pricing. Expected price of under $20,000 after federal incentives, making it among the
most aRordable new vehicles.*
• Made in America. Slate will manufacture the truck at a reindustrialized factory in the U.S.,
alongside a Customer Experience Center.
• Direct-to-consumer sales and a nationwide service network. Order your truck online, take
delivery near your home, and find service locations in your neighborhood.
• Refundable vehicle reservations open now at $50. Visit slate.auto to secure yours.
press@slate.auto
Specifications
Vehicle specifications are subject to change. Projected range estimates are based upon internal testing
and an approximation of the EPA test cycle.
Dimensions
Length 174.6 in.
Wheelbase 108.9 in.
Width (w/o mirrors) 70.6 in.
Height 69.3 in.
Interior volume, pickup/SUV 55.0 ft3 / 80.5 ft3
Cargo volume, frunk/bed/SUV behind seats 7.0 ft3 / 37.0 ft3 / 34.0 ft3
Weights, etc.
Curb weight 3602 lb.
Max payload 1433 lb.
Max towing 1000 lb.
Power, propulsion
Motor, drive wheels* Single motor, RWD
Pack size 52.7 kWh (std.), 84.3 kWh (accessory)
Power 150 kW (201 hp)
Torque 264 Nm (195 lb-ft)
0-60 mph, est. 8.0 sec.
Top speed 90 mph
Charging, range
Onboard charger 11kW
Level 1 AC, 3.6kW, 20-100% 11 hr.
Level 2 AC, 11kW, 20-100% Under 5 hr.
Level 3 DC, 120kW, 20-80% Under 30 min.
Charging NACS
Range, standard/accessory (est.) 150 mi., 240 mi.
Combined city/highway (est.) 96 MPGe
Chassis
Front suspension MacPherson strut
Rear suspension De Dion axle, coil spring
Wheel, tire 17” x 7” steel wheel, 29.5” 245/65R17 tire
Bed
Bed width btw. wheel wells 42.9 in.
Bed width min./max. 50.0 in./54.9 in.
Bed length/tailgate down 60.0 in./81.6 in.
*Permanent-magnet synchronous with hairpin winding, combined water and oil cooling. Gearbox: single speed
w/12.44 gear ratio, open diAerential, w/ integrated park lock

Apr 20 2025
Pasadena PWP State of Charging April 20, 2025 – Fast Charging in Pasadena, CA

As many have experienced the charging of EV’s in Pasadena has been disappointing, and when it comes to DCFC fast charging it has been horrible.

With most DCFC not working.  Well over 80% do not work.

This has been the case for a long time, even before Shell and the City of Pasadena parted ways, and after millions had been spent.

Greenlots failed on many levels and other cities experienced this well before Shell acquired them, and switched to other providers like Chargepoint, ripping out chargers from Greenlots.

Shell now is attempting again but again failing to deploy a network of chargers.   Buying other companies along the way, basically attempting to eliminate the competition.

This leaves Pasadena with approx 50 DC Fast Chargers, at several locations around the city, most notable is the Marengo plaza parking 5th floor top floor with 20 DCFC with most of them not working.  As of April 19, there was one that appeared to work with a vehicle charging.

Most have the old Shell labels or nothing, others have no signage or QR codes.  The city needs to be clear about what is being doing here, and has failed to do that.

The current status is that we are being told that half of the non functioning chargers will be repaired, whatever that number is we don’t know, since what is defined as not working.

The other half will be repaired within three months.  So in three months we should have working approx 50 DCFC in Pasadena. All with CCS and a good amount with Chademo connections at 50kw charging capability.

Current Status:

DC Fast Charging in Pasadena

Del Mar – 2 DCFC – both appear to with with CCS only one works with Chademo

Robinson Park – 5 DCFC – 2 working, both on CCS and Chademo

Victory Park – 3 DCFC – 1 working – only CCS.  2 others are on, but either QR code is incorrect or units are broken, even though city claims all units are operations.

Glenarm(Arroyo Electric Vehicle) –  6 DCFC none working, all DCFC OFF

Shoppers Lane –  possibly 2 are working  only CCS  chargers

Marengo Plaza – 20 DCFC – 1 appears to be working, several others are on, 16 are either off or blocked by barricade, cones

City of Pasadena PowerFlex app, is only showing DCFC at Del Mar(1) and Victory Park (3)  so basically according to the app that City of Pasadena relies on and tells users to use, there are four DCFC,  Of those four two work from what we can tell.

With less than two weeks for the city to repair the broken DCFC we certainly hope the city can deliver on the repairs of these chargers.

One continued comment we hear is that the rate for charging on Pasadena PWP chargers is one of the lowest.  I don’t think that is a good thing.  The city needs to figure out a competitive rate, and perhaps seriously revise rates, but also one thing that needs to be done is offer residents a preferred rate.  Also, the limit on DCFC should be 30minutes max.  There’s no reason anyone should be there longer, if they do, there needs to be surcharges.  If a charger is still available after 30minutes you can either restart a session, or move to another charger or move and allow someone else 30minutes of charge. When there are multiple vehicles attempting to charge like is common at Robinson Park, there needs to be a way to que vehicles and allowing others to charge.

Right now it seems that Robinson Park needs the most attention to chargers.  With 5 chargers and only two working, if the city could double that quickly it would really help the users.

As many Altadena residents who lost their homes have told me firsthand, they rely on fast charging, to get back and forth, many live far away and fast charging is the only viable way to get back and forth from their current housing.

 

The city sends people to this page:

Find an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Then sends them to Plugshare.  Notice that Robinson Park is not listed on the city website. Why?

 

Apr 18 2025
Public Health Issues Guidance for Parks and Outdoor Youth Sports to Prevent Lead Exposure

Public Health Issues Guidance for Parks and Outdoor Youth Sports to Prevent Lead Exposure

PASADENA, Calif.— On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported that soil sampling in two Pasadena neighborhoods revealed elevated lead levels above the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening threshold of 80 parts per million (ppm). Screening levels above 80 ppm do not imply the need for cleanup or remediation, but instead indicate the need for further evaluation. One neighborhood is generally bounded by Lincoln Avenue, Washington Boulevard, North Altadena Drive, and the city limit. The other neighborhood is generally bounded by North Altadena Drive, Orange Grove Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and Eaton Drive.

Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing, prolonged skin contact, or breathing in lead-contaminated soil. Lead particles from contaminated soil can also be tracked indoors on shoes or clothing, becoming lead dust. Young children under six years old are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or even eat soil. Due to these behaviors, extra precautions are necessary to protect children’s health. Soil testing at sites is needed in areas where children are more likely to play in or play on exposed soil. Until soil testing can be completed at these sites, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is implementing strategies to reduce potential exposure for youth at sensitive sites by prohibiting access to areas with exposed soil.

The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department is closing the baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park until results are available. Community members who use the infields will be notified about the closures and redirected to turf fields. Robinson ParkHamilton Park, and Alice’s Dog Park are outside the identified neighborhoods but, out of an abundance of caution, exposed soil will be tested at these three locations. All three of these parks will remain open during testing.

“We are taking proactive steps to help ensure that our parks are safe for all visitors, especially young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure,” said Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “Our community’s health and safety remain our top priority as we work closely with public health officials to help keep our parks a healthy and welcoming place for families to gather, play, and connect.”

For parks and youth sports fields with exposed soil, including but not limited to baseballdiamonds, soccer, track, and football fields within the Pasadena communities defined above, PPHD strongly recommends they:

1) Consult a qualified professional to conduct soil testing for heavy metals and if needed, complete remediation; and

2) Take immediate steps to implement the following within a reasonable timeframe and maintain these practices until testing results are available (or remediation is completed, when needed),

• Close all areas of fields with exposed soil using signs, fencing, or other barriers to prevent children and youth sports leagues from playing in or walking in the area.

o Areas with improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as well as areas with ground covers such as grass, rocks, mulch, or wood chips may remain open and available for use.

• Suspend all youth sports activities, including practices and games, that occur on exposed soil or relocate practices and games to improved surfaces or an area outside of the Pasadena communities defined above.

• Ensure access to handwashing stations with soap and water in temporary or permanent facilities.

• Build in time for youth sports league participants to wash their hands after outdoor activities.

These recommendations may be beneficial to all parks and youth sports activities within Pasadena, including those outside the neighborhoods defined above.

Individuals who are concerned about potential exposure to lead from wildfire can obtain blood lead testing for themselves, and their children, in one of three ways:

  1. Visit Your Medical Provider

    • Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.

    • Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.

  2. Go to a Quest Lab for a Free Blood Lead Test

    • Dial 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through Quest Labs.

    • Simple, convenient, and confidential.

  3. In-Person Mobile Blood Lead Testing

    • For a limited time, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will offer FREE mobile blood lead testing. Upcoming events are listed below. Additional events will be added in the months to come. More information can be found at the Fire Safety and Health information website.

Date: Sunday, April 27

Time: Noon – 5 p.m.

Location: Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104

Apr 17 2025
AC/DC Concert at the Rose Bowl 4/18

AC/DC Concert at the Rose Bowl 4/18

An AC/DC concert will be held at the Rose Bowl tomorrow, Friday, April 18.

Event hours:

  • 3 p.m.: Parking Lots Open
  • 3-6 p.m.: Happy Hour at Brookside Clubhouse
  • 3 p.m.: Shuttle Operation Begins
  • 5:30 p.m.: Stadium Gates Open
  • 6-11 p.m.: Concert (timing is approximate)
Estimated Attendance: 55,000+

The Recreational Loop will be closed from 10 a.m. on Friday, April 18, until 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. The Equestrian Loop will remain open at all times.

Lighting Hours: Due to the event, including load-in, preparation and load-out, stadium lights will remain on for most of the evening into the early morning hours beginning Wednesday, April 16, to Sunday, April 20, for safety and security purposes. They will be turned off at the earliest possible time.

Noise Levels and Sound: This event will bring the usual impacts on the nearby neighborhoods such as traffic and noise. The noise level for this event will be high and residents can anticipate hearing noise associated with this concert. There will be sound checks sporadically on Thursday, April 17, from 12-8 p.m. and on event day from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please note that there will be pyrotechnics associated with the concert on Friday evening. Pyrotechnics will be heard between the hours of 8:30-11 p.m. The firework displays will last for a few minutes at a time. All times are approximate and are subject to change slightly.

Traffic: Residents can anticipate heaviest traffic on Friday, April 18, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and again from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19.

For any resident questions or concerns on event days please contact the Rose Bowl Event Day Resident Hotline between the hours of 10-12 a.m. at (626) 397-4141. Click here to read more.

Apr 16 2025
Pasadena Officer Involved Shooting – Dog Killed by Pasadena Police Officer Video

Pasadena Officer Involved Shooting – Dog Killed by Pasadena Police Officer

Details are still a little sketchy but there is video on the Citizen app,

See link here

Police Shoot Unleashed Dog That “Suddenly Charged” at Officers @CitizenApp

809 E California Blvd Yesterday 9:18:46 PM PDT

The incident occurred on the evening of April 15, 2025 near California Ave and Hudson. 809 E. California Ave was the location on the Citizen app.

You can see in the video several Pasadena PD vehicles, police officers, Pasadena Fire, and Pasadena Humane Society vehicle pull up.

With a few minutes after hearing a woman yelling, apparently the dog charges officers and an officer shoots the dog, what appears to be two shots fired.

Why a taser or stun gun or other method was not an option will surely be investigated. Officer involved shootings are a serious matter.  Whatever happened the community deserves a transparent investigation.

After the dog is shot and killed the woman could be heard screaming over what just happened.  The original call for service was related to an incoherent woman in need of medical attention. Apparently the dog was unleashed. Which may have been the result of the woman needing medical assistance and incoherent.  The dog appeared to be a pit breed.

So far there has been no statement from Pasadena Police Dept.  spokesperson or from the chief. We hope that there will be a report soon.

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