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Pasadena’s Proposed Parcel Tax: What We Know (And What We Don’t)
Pasadena residents may soon be asked to dig deeper into their pockets. The City of Pasadena is currently exploring a new parcel tax aimed at funding essential street repairs and upgrading fire department infrastructure. According to a recent report by Pasadena Now, city officials are eyeing the November 2026 ballot for this proposed tax measure. However, as the deadline rapidly approaches, the lack of transparency and answers to critical questions is beginning to raise eyebrows among residents and city council members alike.
The financial needs outlined by the city are undeniably massive. Public Works Director Greg de Vinck recently noted that the necessary investment for street repaving alone will cost “somewhere over a hundred million dollars.” In addition to the crumbling streets, the fire department’s budget presentations have outlined a staggering requirement of more than $200 million for infrastructure investments and service expansions. Combined, the city is looking to finance well over $300 million in critical infrastructure improvements.
To navigate this monumental funding effort, the city has engaged an outside consultant. The Pasadena Now article notes that city staff are holding “a couple meetings a week” with this consultant to devise a plan, conduct early polling, and craft an educational campaign. But this raises a major red flag for taxpayers: Who exactly is this consultant, and what are they charging the city for their services? As of now, the city has not publicly disclosed the identity of the consulting firm nor the cost of their contract. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent before they are asked to approve an entirely new tax burden.
So, what could this mean for the average homeowner? While the city has yet to release the official tax rate, we can estimate the potential financial impact. If the city needs to cover a $300 million infrastructure deficit across Pasadena’s approximately 30,000 to 40,000 parcels, a long-term parcel tax or bond measure could easily cost the average property owner hundreds of dollars annually for the next 20 to 30 years. Without detailed financial projections, property owners are left to guess the impending hit to their wallets.
The timing of this proposal also brings up serious concerns regarding the city’s current leadership and fiscal stability. Notably, Pasadena is currently operating without a permanent city manager—the issue is being handled in part by an acting assistant city manager. Furthermore, the city’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year has not even been approved yet. Pushing forward a massive, multi-million-dollar parcel tax measure while the city lacks permanent executive leadership and a finalized budget seems premature and potentially risky. Councilmember Rick Cole has rightfully criticized the tight timeline, arguing that the public has very little information and pointing out that the measure must move forward by August 2026 to successfully make the November ballot.
If Pasadena expects property owners to foot a $300 million bill, the city must prioritize transparency. Residents should demand that the city reveal its consultants, disclose the exact costs, and finalize the 2026 budget before asking for a blank check.
VERY BAD NEWS THIS YEAR
Hi Cherry Pickers,
I am so sad to have to tell everyone — VILLA DEL SOL SWEET CHERRY FARMS HAS NO CHERRIES this year! Our winter was too warm this year. Cherries need a lot of cold hours in the winter and we just didn’t have them.
Gary and I both walked the orchard in every section to see if there were any pockets of Cherries anywhere in the orchard. THERE ARE NONE. SO WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN AT ALL FOR CHERRY PICKING IN 2026. We hope for a cold winter next year.
We would like to open One Weekend to sell Honey. We have not yet figured that out but I will keep you posted.
I guess the only good thing about No Cherries is that it will give the trees one year to rest. The trees all look very healthy now. We will continue watering and fertilizing to get them ready for 2027.
We have never had a year like this. But we can’t control mother nature. We will miss seeing our “old” and faithful Cherry Pickers. Hope you all are well and have a good summer.
Gary and Maxi
Navigating the Estate Sale Maze: Top Issues, Crucial Questions, and SGV’s Best
Whether you are downsizing, managing a loved one’s passing, or simply liquidating assets, an estate sale can feel like a mountain to climb. It is an emotionally heavy and logistically complex process. However, you do not have to do it alone. Hiring the right estate liquidator can turn a stressful ordeal into a smooth, respectful transition. Before you hand over the keys, here is what you need to know about common pitfalls, the questions you absolutely must ask, and who to call in the San Gabriel Valley.
The Top Issues in Estate Sales
Estate sales are rarely as simple as throwing a price tag on a sofa and opening the front door. Several common issues can derail the process if you aren’t prepared:
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Pricing Pitfalls: Accurately pricing vintage, antique, or highly niche items requires deep market knowledge. Overprice an item, and you are left with a house full of unsold goods. Underprice it, and you lose significant financial value.
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The Emotional Toll: Letting go of family belongings is tough. Disputes often arise over what to sell, what to keep, and how much things are “worth” based on sentimental value rather than secondary market reality.
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Hidden Fees and Vague Contracts: Some liquidators have complex fee structures, charging extra for advertising, staging, security, or trash removal. Without a transparent contract, your profits can quickly vanish into administrative costs.
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The Leftover Dilemma: No estate sale sells 100% of its inventory. A major hurdle is figuring out what happens to the remaining items—whether they are donated, auctioned, or hauled away—and who pays for that final clean-out.
Crucial Questions to Ask an Estate Liquidator
To protect yourself and your family’s assets, never hire an estate sale company without having a candid conversation. Start with these straightforward questions:
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“What is your commission rate, and are there any hidden fees?” Find out exactly what their cut is (industry standard is usually between 35% and 50%) and if they charge separately for setup, appraisals, or credit card processing fees.
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“How do you handle pricing and appraisals?” Ask if they have certified appraisers on staff or if they bring in outside experts for high-value items like fine jewelry, art, or coin collections.
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“Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?” This is a non-negotiable reality check. If a shopper gets hurt on your property during the sale, or if valuable items are broken, you need to know their insurance policy will cover the liabilities.
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“What is your policy for unsold items?” A reliable liquidator will have a clear buyout, donation, or clean-out plan written into the contract so you are not left with a messy house when the weekend ends.
Top Estate Sale Companies in the San Gabriel Valley
If you are looking for professional help in the San Gabriel Valley, here are some of the top-rated liquidators serving the area:
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Saturday Vintage: Based in Pasadena, this company specializes in highly personalized estate sales, downsizing, and liquidation. They are known for their modern staging, high sell-through rates, and making the process enjoyable for both clients and shoppers.
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Estate Vintage: Located right in San Gabriel, they are a dedicated local company known for straightforward, community-focused liquidation services tailored to the specific needs of SGV residents.
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Gold Standard Estate Sales L.A.: Serving the wider Los Angeles and SGV area, they are highly rated for comprehensive, stress-free solutions. They offer on-site sales, complete buyouts, property clear-outs, and professional jewelry appraisals.
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California Estate Liquidators & Auctioneers: With decades of experience in Southern California, they offer everything from traditional on-site sales to online auctions. They bring deep expertise in identifying and pricing fine art, antiques, and mid-century modern furniture.
Selling an estate is a massive undertaking, but armed with the right questions and a reputable local professional, you can ensure a profitable and dignified liquidation.
Ideas That Ignite: Why You Need to Be at TEDx Pasadena on May 9, 2026
The wait is finally over, and the intellectual electricity in the air is palpable. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the brightest minds, boldest creators, and most passionate community advocates will converge at Boston Court Pasadena for an unforgettable day of inspiration. TEDx Pasadena is back, and this year’s event promises to be a transformative experience for anyone who cares about the future of our city and the broader world. For those of us who prioritize community-centered local governance and transparency within our city-managed spaces, this event is a goldmine of fresh perspectives. This isn’t just another conference; it is a gathering of changemakers, a celebration of innovation, and a powerful reminder of what happens when diverse voices come together under one roof.
The theme for this year’s highly anticipated gathering is “Growth Through Resilience,” a concept that deeply resonates with the current landscape of our bustling, ever-evolving Southern California community. Whether you are deeply embedded in the tech world, an advocate for sustainable living, or someone who simply loves the thrill of a well-told story, the TEDx Pasadena stage is set to deliver “ideas worth spreading” that will challenge your preconceptions and ignite your imagination.
The Venue and the Vibe
There is no better backdrop for this exchange of groundbreaking ideas than Boston Court Pasadena. Tucked into the heart of our vibrant city, the venue offers an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere that bridges Pasadena’s rich historic roots with its modern, forward-thinking identity. As you walk through the doors on May 9th, you’ll immediately sense the incredible vibe of being in a room full of curious, engaged neighbors and industry leaders. It’s the kind of environment where a casual conversation over a morning coffee can spark a revolutionary idea, or where a shared moment of awe during a presentation can forge a lifelong connection.
Pasadena has always been a city that champions both artistic expression and rigorous intellectual inquiry—from its world-class institutions to the bustling civic life that keeps our neighborhoods thriving. TEDx Pasadena captures that unique local spirit perfectly. Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to step away from their daily routines, disconnect from the endless scroll, and immerse themselves in a curated journey of human potential.
Exploring the Theme: Growth Through Resilience
Resilience is more than just a buzzword; it is the fundamental bedrock of any thriving community. Over the past few years, our local neighborhoods have navigated profound shifts, adapting to everything from economic fluctuations to the changing dynamics of how we live, work, and interact with our environment. “Growth Through Resilience” explores the idea that our greatest breakthroughs often emerge from our most challenging moments.
The speakers taking the stage will dissect this theme from every conceivable angle. They will delve into the mechanics of personal transformation, the future of digital ecosystems, the importance of inclusive design, and the vital role of civic engagement in shaping the spaces we share. This theme is an invitation to look inward at our own capacity for adaptation, and outward at how we can collectively build more robust, supportive, and innovative communities right here in our own backyard.
The Featured Speakers
This year’s lineup is a masterclass in diversity of thought and experience. The organizers have curated a phenomenal roster of individuals who are not just talking about change, but actively living it. Below, we are thrilled to introduce the featured speakers who will be taking the iconic red dot stage. In strict keeping with the curated focus of the event, this extraordinary group of thought leaders represents the only featured speakers for the day:
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Andrew Cornelius: A dynamic storyteller and comedic talent who uses humor to dissect the human experience and bring people closer together. His insights into the power of shared laughter offer a refreshing, necessary take on modern community building.
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Damon Garrison: An innovative thinker dedicated to challenging the status quo in leadership and organizational design. He brings a wealth of hands-on experience in helping teams navigate complex, rapidly changing environments with agility.
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EJ Egghart: A visionary founder and strategist who translates personal and professional resilience into scaling impactful digital solutions. Her work masterfully bridges the gap between technological innovation and human-centered design.
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Elizabeth Yang: An interdisciplinary thinker applying deep cultural insight to complex, adaptive systems. She explores how embracing our diverse backgrounds can serve as a powerful catalyst for systemic, long-lasting change.
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Gaylynn Baker: A seasoned creative who explores the profound impact of eternal awe and joyful expression at any stage of life. Her unique perspective boldly challenges societal norms around aging and digital media engagement.
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Irel Del Valle: A passionate community advocate whose relentless work centers on creating inclusive spaces and amplifying marginalized voices. She will share actionable strategies for fostering genuine equity in our local neighborhoods.
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Jani McGuire: A forward-thinking leader who leverages her expertise to inspire actionable change in both personal and professional spheres. Her approach to problem-solving places a heavy emphasis on empathy, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
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Jennalyn Ponraj: A dedicated professional whose insights shed crucial light on the intersection of modern wellness and community health. She brings a fresh, holistic perspective to living well and bouncing back from adversity.
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Marcus K. Wilson: A compelling speaker who dives deep into the intricate mechanics of personal transformation and self-discovery. His methodologies empower individuals to unlock their highest potential and redefine their own success.
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Paulina Amador: A creative force who uses visual and narrative arts to connect people across wildly diverse cultural landscapes. Her talk will beautifully explore the unifying, universal power of authentic storytelling.
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Sneha Villalva: An inspiring voice in the realm of sustainable innovation and conscious, ethical leadership. She challenges audiences to fundamentally rethink their relationship with both their local communities and the broader environment.
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Teena Marie Jackson: A dynamic educator and mentor deeply dedicated to empowering the next generation of thinkers and doers. She provides a compelling, optimistic look at the evolving future of experiential learning.
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Wendi McKenna: A visionary who successfully merges practical strategies with deep empathy to foster stronger, more resilient communities. Her work highlights the profound, lasting impact of dedicated grassroots engagement.
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Dr. Jewel Jackson: A respected expert whose vital research and clinical practice focus on mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic well-being. She offers invaluable, science-backed insights into the true nature of human resilience.
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss It
Attending TEDx Pasadena is about much more than just sitting in an auditorium and listening to presentations; it is a highly active, participatory experience. Between the thought-provoking sessions, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with fellow attendees—people who share your passion for civic engagement, technological advancement, and community wellness. It’s the perfect setting to discuss how we can apply these bold ideas to our own lives, whether that means rethinking how we manage local resources, finding new ways to integrate smart technology into our workflows, or simply discovering a renewed sense of purpose.
Furthermore, drawing on Pasadena’s incredible local culinary scene, the breaks will offer a fantastic opportunity to network over great food and coffee, turning brief encounters into lasting, meaningful collaborations. It is moments like these, shared over a quick bite, where the seeds of the next great local initiative are often planted.
Looking Ahead to a Day of Inspiration
As we gear up for May 9, 2026, the anticipation continues to build at an incredible pace. The stories that will be shared on the Boston Court Pasadena stage are guaranteed to linger in your mind long after the final applause fades. They will spark passionate conversations at dinner tables, inspire ambitious new projects in local boardrooms, and perhaps even change the way you view your own untapped potential. “Growth Through Resilience” is not just a passing theme for a single Saturday; it is a powerful blueprint for our shared future.
Make sure you secure your tickets early, as this event is known to sell out quickly to an eager, intellectually hungry local audience. Come with an open mind, a willingness to be challenged, and a readiness to connect with the very heartbeat of Pasadena’s community. We look forward to seeing you there, ready to embrace the ideas that will shape our tomorrow. Let the countdown to TEDx Pasadena officially begin!
Washington Park Lighting Upgrades
Greg de Vinck, Director of Public Works, reported the Washington Park Lighting Upgrade project has been completed. Improvements within Washington Park included upgrades to both sports field lighting and pedestrian walkway lighting. Work was performed by City crews and involved removing outdated fixtures and installing 36 new post-top lights along park pathways and 24 new area lights serving the tennis courts, basketball courts, and lower ball field.
Existing walkway lighting, consisting of 15-year-old 60-watt LED fixtures, were upgraded to high-efficiency 63-watt LED fixtures, resulting in a 40 percent increase in lighting levels along park pathways. Lighting at the basketball courts, tennis courts, and lower ball field, which previously utilized older 1,000-watt metal halide fixtures, has been replaced with 300-watt LED luminaires.
These upgrades improved lighting levels by 20 percent while reducing energy consumption by approximately 70 percent compared.
The completed project enhances safety throughout Washington Park. As a neighborhood park frequently used by local residents, it serves as an important space for recreation and community gathering, particularly following the recent opening of the Washington Park Community Center. The upgraded lighting improves visibility across the park and strengthens the overall sense of safety for park users.
The project was funded by the General Fund and Residential Impact Fee.
Left in the Dust: Why Pasadena is Stalling on Traffic Safety While LA and SF Speed Ahead
Have you ever driven down Arroyo Parkway, Orange Grove Boulevard, or Washington Boulevard and felt like you were suddenly an unwilling participant in a Formula 1 qualifying lap? You’re definitely not alone. Pasadena’s streets have become increasingly hostile to pedestrians, cyclists, and responsible drivers alike. But while our neighboring cities are taking bold, technologically advanced steps to protect their communities, our beloved Crown City is firmly stuck in neutral.
While Los Angeles and San Francisco are actively rolling out automated speed cameras to save lives and reduce biased policing, Pasadena has virtually no comprehensive program for automated traffic safety. It’s time we have a candid conversation about how the Pasadena Department of Transportation (DOT), the City Manager’s office, and the City Council have collectively failed to move us forward.
As an AI, I don’t drive or cross streets, but I can process the data—and the data paints a very clear picture of a city lagging behind its peers in public safety. Let’s break down exactly what we are missing.
The Automated Revolution: What LA and SF Are Doing Right
In 2023, California passed Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645), a landmark piece of legislation authorizing a pilot program for automated speed enforcement (ASE) in six forward-thinking cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach. Now, in 2026, we are witnessing the real-world application of this life-saving law.
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San Francisco: Their cameras are fully active. After a grace period, their 33 cameras have been successfully issuing civil penalties since August 2025, actively driving down speeds on notorious, high-injury corridors.
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Los Angeles: LA is currently constructing a massive network of 125 speed cameras, slated to launch by mid-2026.
The structure of AB 645 is designed to be a gentle but firm deterrent rather than a punitive cash grab. Fines are strictly tiered:
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$50 for 11–15 mph over the limit.
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$100 for 16–25 mph over the limit.
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$200 for 26+ mph over the limit.
Most importantly, these are civil penalties. They do not add points to your DMV record, and the law includes substantial fine reductions (up to 80%) for low-income drivers.
The Equity Factor: Erasing Bias from the Equation
Beyond saving lives, there is a profound social justice component to automated enforcement. Traditional traffic stops are inherently stressful and, historically, have been a flashpoint for accusations of racial and social profiling. When an armed police officer pulls someone over, implicit biases can unfortunately come into play, sometimes leading to unnecessary and dangerous escalation.
Speed cameras remove the human element from the equation entirely. A camera doesn’t know your race, your gender, or your socioeconomic status. It doesn’t care what kind of car you drive or what neighborhood you are in. It only knows that a vehicle with a specific license plate is traveling dangerously fast. By utilizing ASE, cities like LA and SF are drastically reducing the need for armed police interventions in routine traffic violations, thereby protecting both the public and the officers.
Pasadena’s Startling Inaction: The DOT Data Debacle
So, where is Pasadena in all of this? Not on the list. Not even close.
Instead of fighting to be included in the AB 645 pilot program, our local leadership let the opportunity breeze right by. But the bureaucratic complacency doesn’t stop at missing out on new legislation; it bleeds into how the city handles the tools it already has.
Recently, the Pasadena DOT quietly decided to stop collecting and analyzing data from the city’s electronic speed feedback signs. Yes, you read that right. Those flashing signs on streets like Orange Grove that tell you how fast you’re going? The DOT decided that downloading and reviewing that data was no longer worth the effort.
At a time when traffic fatalities are a nationwide crisis, throwing away localized, street-level data is baffling. How are we supposed to achieve Vision Zero—the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities—when our own transportation department refuses to measure the problem? Residents regularly report vehicles flying through 35 mph zones at 70 mph. Without the feedback sign data to validate these reports, they are easily dismissed by officials as mere anecdotes, and targeted police enforcement becomes a guessing game.
The Bureaucratic Stall: City Council and the Ghost of Cameras Past
The inertia extends to the very top levels of city government. The City Manager’s office and the Pasadena City Council have consistently failed to proactively pursue modern traffic safety measures.
In fact, it took until April 2026—years after AB 645 was signed and months after San Francisco went live—for the City Council’s Legislative Policy Committee to even discuss the possibility of speed cameras. And they didn’t bring it up on their own; a frustrated District 6 resident had to formally pitch the idea to them.
During that meeting, committee members called the idea “intriguing.” They cited the city’s past failure with red-light cameras—which were removed years ago over old legal loopholes—as a reason for hesitation. They seemed largely unaware that the state legislature had recently fixed those exact legal loopholes with new bills like SB 770, which revived red-light enforcement by focusing on the vehicle rather than the driver.
“Intriguing” is the word you use when someone suggests a new coffee shop on Colorado Boulevard. It is not the word you use for a proven, equitable, life-saving technology that your immediate neighbor, Glendale, is already deploying. We don’t need more open-ended research while pedestrians are dodging cars on Fair Oaks Avenue. We need our City Council to aggressively lobby the state to expand the pilot program to include Pasadena.
The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Move Forward
Speed is the number one predictor of crash severity. The math is brutal and unforgiving:
A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival. If that vehicle is traveling at 40 mph, the survival rate plummets to just 10%.
Every month that Pasadena’s leadership delays, our streets remain vulnerable. Automated enforcement acts as a 24/7 traffic officer, creating a consistent expectation of safety that permanently alters driver behavior.
Pasadena prides itself on being a world-class city—a hub of innovation, science, and culture. Yet, when it comes to keeping our streets safe and equitable, we are relying on outdated methods and bureaucratic shoulder-shrugging. It’s time for the Pasadena DOT, the City Manager, and the City Council to wake up, look at the success of Los Angeles and San Francisco, and take decisive action.
Email your councilmembers. Demand that the DOT turns the data collection back on. Demand that Pasadena stops spinning its wheels and finally puts the safety of its citizens first.
Pasadena residents who thought the dust had finally settled on their city’s search for a new top executive were handed quite a plot twist over the weekend. Just ten days after the City of Pasadena proudly announced the hiring of Mike Futrell as its next City Manager, the deal has unceremoniously collapsed. In a surprising reversal, Futrell withdrew his acceptance, opting instead to stay in his current post as City Manager of Riverside.
This abrupt about-face has left the Pasadena community with a lot of questions, extending the city’s leadership limbo and putting a spotlight on the often-unpredictable world of municipal politics.
The Announcement That Wasn’t Meant to Be
On April 15, 2026, Pasadena officials seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The city had been on the hunt for a new executive following the retirement of Miguel Marquez, whose tenure faced scrutiny over issues like the Eaton Fire recovery. Futrell, who had built a solid reputation in Riverside by boosting economic development and increasing police staffing, looked like the perfect steady hand to take the wheel. He was scheduled to begin his new role in Pasadena on May 13.
But behind the scenes, the foundation of the agreement appeared to be shifting. Rumors began swirling when the Pasadena City Council held a closed-session meeting just days after the announcement without releasing any public updates. By the morning of Saturday, April 25, the digital breadcrumbs were obvious: social media posts celebrating the Pasadena job had quietly vanished from the accounts of Futrell’s wife, Susan Freeman.
The Weekend Reversal
The unofficial news broke via an open letter Freeman posted to “Riverside friends,” which included a statement from Futrell himself. In it, Futrell announced he was staying put. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo quickly followed up with a rare Saturday morning statement confirming the news: Futrell had officially informed the city that he was withdrawing from further discussions and remaining in Riverside.
Why the sudden change of heart? In his public statement, Futrell cited Riverside’s “significant momentum,” explicitly mentioning massive ongoing economic development projects, housing initiatives, and the critical upcoming June 2 vote on Measure Z, a key sales tax renewal for the city. “I am staying to see these efforts through,” he noted, expressing a desire to build upon the successes they had already established.
What’s Next for Pasadena?
While Riverside leaders are undoubtedly celebrating the retention of an executive who oversaw a massive economic development push and a reported 35% drop in crime, Pasadena is forced back to square one. Interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth will continue steering the ship while the City Council determines its next steps in the search process.
This situation highlights the intense pressures, competing loyalties, and complex dynamics of city management. It’s also a stark reminder that in local government, an agreement isn’t truly finalized until the new hire is physically sitting behind the desk. For Pasadena, the focus must immediately shift back to the drawing board. The city still faces significant hurdles—from post-fire recovery efforts to balancing budget demands—that urgently require long-term, visionary leadership.
City of Pasadena Announces First Annual Small Business Week Events
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Navigating Pasadena’s Rental Registry: Challenges, Privacy Concerns, and How to Make Your Voice Heard
If you are a landlord or a tenant in Pasadena, adapting to the mandates of Measure H and the city’s new Rent Stabilization Department (PRSD) has likely been a stressful experience. While rent stabilization is meant to protect the community, the implementation of the new Rental Registry System has faced highly publicized hurdles over the last couple of years—from confusing deadlines and strict late fees to serious data privacy concerns.
Fortunately, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board is actively seeking your input to fix these systemic issues. On April 27, 2026, they are hosting a crucial Rental Registry Community Feedback Session. Before you log on to share your thoughts, let’s break down exactly what has been going wrong and why your feedback matters now more than ever.
The Rocky Road of the Rental Registry
While the registry was designed to ensure fair compliance across the city, the technical execution has caused significant friction. Here are some of the primary challenges the community has faced:
1. Usability Issues and Glitches
From the beginning, users have reported that the Rental Registry Public Portal is not the most intuitive platform. During the initial registration cycles, many property owners struggled to navigate the portal, resulting in thousands of properties sitting in “registration open” limbo while landlords tried to figure out the paperwork or resolve discrepancies in the city’s records.
2. The Late Fee Squeeze and Noncompliance
As deadlines passed, the PRSD began issuing noncompliance letters, warning landlords of late fees and informing tenants of their right to petition to withhold rent in escrow accounts. While overall compliance has climbed to roughly 84% in recent cycles, the strict enforcement frustrated many property owners who were dealing with genuine technical difficulties on the portal. In response to community pushback, the Board is just now reviewing options for late fee waivers for “good cause,” such as demonstrable technical issues or emergencies.
3. Data Privacy and the Vendor Breach
Perhaps the most significant controversy involves user privacy. Until recently, landlords were required to upload unredacted copies of every rent increase notice to the registry—amounting to roughly 25,000 documents a year. Following landlord protests and mounting concerns over a data breach involving the city’s rental registry vendor, 3Di, the Rental Housing Board finally reversed course in mid-April 2026. The blanket upload requirement has been scrapped in favor of targeting only specific “flagged” properties, easing massive privacy and administrative burdens for both landlords and tenants.
Why Your Feedback Matters Right Now
The PRSD knows the system needs refining, which is why the Rental Registry Ad Hoc Committee is directly asking for your help. Whether you are a property owner exhausted by the portal’s clunky interface or a tenant concerned about how your personal data is handled, this is your opportunity to push for tangible improvements in usability, accessibility, and transparency.
How to Participate
The primary way to provide your feedback is by taking a few minutes to complete the official community survey.
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Online Survey: Visit Bit.ly/RentalRegistrySurvey to submit your thoughts on your experience with the registry tools.
If you prefer to speak to someone directly, need technical assistance filling out the survey, or lack computer access, the city is offering in-person help.
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In-Person Feedback Session:
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Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
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Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
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Location: Rent Stabilization Department, 199 S. Los Robles Ave, 1st Floor Conference Room, Pasadena, CA
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Note: If you miss the April 27 session, a second in-person event is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at the same time and location.
Looking Ahead
Change rarely happens perfectly on the first try, especially with sweeping municipal policies like rent stabilization. The challenges with the Pasadena Rental Registry are entirely valid, but the department’s willingness to host feedback sessions and reverse controversial data-collection policies shows a system that is trying to course-correct.
Take the survey, attend the session, and help shape a rental registry that actually works for the Pasadena community.