Rent Stabilization Department Releases Inaugural Annual Report

Helen Morales, Director of Rent Stabilization, and the department (“RSD”) have released their first Annual Report, documenting the department’s work from its inception in 2023 through the end of Fiscal Year 2025. The report covers key milestones in implementing Article XVIII of the Pasadena City Charter, including program development, community outreach, and the work of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board in overseeing rent stabilization policies and tenant protections.

The Annual Report is also featured in RSD’s March Newsletter, which includes additional updates on department programs, resources, and upcoming Rent Stabilization Monthly Workshops. Residents are encouraged to explore both and stay informed about the department’s ongoing work.

With locations in Silverlake, Sherman Oaks and , now Bacari is in the works of opening a location in Pasadena.

According to reports from the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, the type 47 license is being applied to by Bacari Operations LLC, the parent company. As New License.

The location at One Colorado in the Hugus Aly,  41 Hugus Aly S-41, Pasadena, CA 91103,

The location next to the recently opened Javiers was most recently occupied by Sage Bistro, a vegan restaurant.   The space has been vacant for some time.

It is good to see new business attempting to make a run at Old(Town) Pasadena.

A location is also in the works for San Diego. , Carlsbad.

Bacari is owned by brothers Danny and Robert Kronfli (also referred to as Bobby) and their business partner, Chef Lior Hillel

Hallmark Media Moves to Burbank’s Media District 

Burbank, CA (February 23, 2026) – The City of Burbank is excited to welcome Hallmark Media as the company establishes operations in the Media District at 3300 W. Olive Avenue. The company’s new office space spans approximately 60,000 square feet and adds more than 200 employees to the City’s robust workforce of 166,000, further strengthening Burbank’s position as the Media and Creative Capital of the World.

Hallmark Media is a leading global entertainment company known for its portfolio of television networks and streaming platforms that deliver original movies, scripted series, and year-round programming. Its expansion into Burbank reflects the continued growth of the entertainment industry within the City and the demand for a business-friendly, production-ready environment.

“We are excited to welcome Hallmark Media to our community,” said Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi. “Hallmark’s decision to establish operations in Burbank reinforces our city’s position as the Media and Creative Capital of the World. This move brings new jobs, strengthens our local entertainment economy, and further demonstrates that companies continue to choose Burbank as the place to grow, produce, and create.”

“We are proud to establish our new operations in Burbank, a city of legacy built on the creative economy,” said Rob DeCagna, Hallmark Media’s VP of Administration. “Burbank’s strong industry infrastructure, talented workforce, and welcoming business environment make it the perfect home for our growing organization. We look forward to being part of this dynamic community.”

Hallmark Media joins more than 1,000 media and creative companies that call Burbank home. Its arrival further reinforces the City’s ongoing efforts to support growth in the creative industry through initiatives like Film Burbank, which promotes streamlined permitting, a skilled workforce, and the infrastructure that allows entertainment companies to thrive.

For more information about Hallmark Media, visit https://corporate.hallmarkmedia.com.

Pasadena’s “City Manager-Council” form of government is a delicate dance of power. While the Mayor is the public face, the City Manager is the CEO, holding the keys to the $1 billion budget and the city’s 2,000+ employees.

This relationship has often been fraught. While mayors like Chris Holden and Victor Gordo have sought to steer the city toward grand visions, the success or failure of those visions often rested on the temperament and accessibility of the person in the City Manager’s office.

The Lineage of Leadership: A Decade of Directors

Over the past decade (and spanning back to the transition into the modern era), Pasadena has seen a mix of steady hands, controversial exits, and academic administrators.

The Chris Holden Era: A Different Dynamic

To understand the current friction, one must look back at Chris Holden’s tenure as Mayor (1997–1999) and his long stint on the Council. Holden operated in a “stronger” mayoral style despite the city’s charter. His relationship with managers like Cynthia Kurtz was one of collaboration but clear political direction. Holden was a “neighborhoods first” advocate who expected the City Manager to be a bridge to the community—a standard that many residents feel has since eroded.

The Miguel Marquez Era: The “Closed Door” Critique

When Miguel Marquez was hired in 2022, expectations were high. Coming from a judicial and high-level administrative background in Santa Clara County, he was seen as the “professional’s professional.”

However, as his tenure nears its end in 2026, a critical narrative has taken hold among Pasadena residents: The Lack of Response.

1. The Eaton Fire and the “Information Vacuum”

While Marquez’s final reports frame the Eaton Fire response as a success, many West Altadena and Pasadena residents felt abandoned during the crisis. Complaints about the “Information Vacuum” and a 125% surge in unanswered calls to the City Service Center highlighted a breakdown in the manager’s primary duty: communication.

2. Fiscal Clouds vs. Public Outreach

Under Marquez, the city has faced declining property tax growth and flat sales tax revenue. Instead of aggressive public engagement to discuss these “fiscal clouds,” critics argue that Marquez has retreated into the bureaucracy.

• The Criticism: Residents feel that meetings are increasingly “performative,” with the City Manager’s office providing “out-of-town solutions” rather than listening to local stakeholders.

• The Mayor’s Shield: Mayor Victor Gordo has remained a staunch supporter of Marquez, often acting as a buffer between the manager and a frustrated public. This “united front” has led some to feel that the City Manager is more accountable to the Mayor than to the residents.

3. The “Humility” Paradox

Marquez entered office promising to “listen with humility.” Yet, his departure announcement—cited as a move to focus on family—comes at a time when the Attorney General is probing the Eaton Fire response. For many, his tenure represents a shift toward a more corporate, insulated City Hall that prioritizes “business environment” over “community accessibility.”

Conclusion: What Comes Next?

As Pasadena looks for its next manager, the ghost of the “Holden Era” looms large. Residents are no longer looking for just a budget expert; they are looking for a communicator who understands that in a city like Pasadena, silence is seen as a policy.

The next manager will inherit a city that is fiscally stable but civically restless. If they follow the Marquez model of administrative insulation, the divide between 100 North Garfield and the neighborhoods will only widen.

A Community in Shock: Pasadena Fire Captain Faces Child Abuse Charges

In a city known for its historic charm and prestigious institutions, the community of Pasadena is currently grappling with a disturbing story involving one of its own first responders. This week, the Los Angeles Police Department announced the arrest of Christopher Ramstead, a long-serving captain with the Pasadena Fire Department (PFD).

The news has sent shockwaves through the department and the wider San Gabriel Valley. Captain Ramstead, 47, was taken into custody by the LAPD’s Juvenile Division on Wednesday night while off-duty. He is facing multiple allegations related to child sexual abuse—charges that are as harrowing as they are unexpected for a public servant in a leadership position.

The Arrest and Legal Fallout

Details surrounding the specific allegations remain limited as investigators continue their work. However, court records indicate the severity of the case: Ramstead was initially released after posting a $550,000 bond, only to be reportedly re-arrested shortly thereafter as the investigation deepened.

For a city that prides itself on its “Class 1” fire department—a designation reserved for only the top-tier agencies in the nation—this incident is a jarring blow. Fire captains are not just supervisors; they are community mentors, instructors, and the primary figures responsible for the safety of both their crews and the residents they serve.

The Department’s Response

The City of Pasadena and the PFD leadership have expressed deep concern regarding the allegations. While the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty” remains the bedrock of the justice system, the department is moving to ensure public trust is maintained. Ramstead has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure during such criminal investigations.

The road ahead for the Pasadena Fire Department will likely involve a period of internal reflection. When a leader is accused of such grave misconduct, it inevitably raises questions about oversight and the culture within public safety organizations.

Looking Forward

As this case moves through the court system, the priority remains the protection and privacy of the alleged victims. For the residents of Pasadena, the hope is for a transparent process that yields the truth. While the actions of one individual do not define the hundreds of dedicated men and women who serve in the PFD, the shadow cast by these charges will certainly be felt for some time to come.

How many Captains does Pasadena Fire have?

The Pasadena Fire Department (PFD) operates with a specific organizational structure to cover the city’s eight fire stations across three separate shifts (A, B, and C platoons).

Based on current staffing data:

• Daily Staffing: On any given day, there are 10 Fire Captains on duty.

• Total Captains: Because the department operates on a rotating 24-hour shift schedule (3 platoons), the total number of sworn Captains in the department is approximately 30 to 35. This includes captains assigned to the 8 engine companies, 2 truck companies, and those in administrative or training roles (like the Fire Academy).

The department as a whole consists of roughly 180 to 190 full-time employees, with about 51 to 54 personnel on duty during any 24-hour period.

Would you like me to look into more details about the legal proceedings or the department’s official statements on this case?

Move over, Hass—there’s some new green on the block. While the Hass avocado has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the produce aisle for decades, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the “Alternative Avo.”

Between climate shifts and the hunt for the perfect guacamole-to-pit ratio, scientists and gardeners have been busy. If you’re tired of playing the “is it ripe or is it rotten?” game with the same old fruit, here are the new varieties you need to know about.

🌕 The Luna: The “Space-Saver” (UCR)

Developed by the geniuses at UC Riverside, the Luna UCR™ (officially known as BL516) is being hailed as the future of commercial farming. But why should you care?

• The Vibe: It’s a “B-type” pollinator, meaning it helps other trees (like the Hass) produce more fruit. Think of it as the ultimate wingman of the avocado grove.

• The Look: Like the Hass, it turns a satisfying glossy black when ripe, so you don’t have to guess.

• The Taste: It’s described as having a smooth, nutty flavor with a slightly sweeter finish than its predecessors.

• The Grower’s Dream: The trees are about half the size of standard trees, meaning farmers can plant them closer together and harvest them without a 20-foot ladder. More trees = more toast.

🇦🇺 The Jala: The “Australian Giant”

If the Luna is about efficiency, the Jala is about pure, unadulterated excess. Emerging from Queensland, Australia, this variety is currently the “holy grail” for home gardeners and boutique growers.

• The Size: This isn’t just an avocado; it’s a meal prep. A single Jala can weigh over 1kg (2.2 lbs)—roughly three to four times the size of a standard Hass.

• The Secret Weapon: Its most impressive trait is oxidation resistance. While a normal avocado turns brown the second you look at it, the Jala’s creamy, buttery flesh stays green significantly longer after being cut.

• The Texture: Fans describe it as incredibly rich and “buttery,” similar to the beloved Reed variety but on a massive scale.

🥑 Honorable Mentions & The “Orchard of the Future”

While Luna and Jala are stealing the headlines, the Westfalia Fruit “Orchard of the Future” project in South Africa is currently testing over 140 varieties. We’re starting to see whispers of:

• Vibrant Skin Colors: Think deep purples and potentially even reds.

• GEM Avocados: While not brand new, they are hitting peak popularity in 2026 for their gold-flecked skin and ability to stay fresh on the tree longer.

The Verdict

The “Hass-pocalypse” isn’t here yet, but the diversity of our favorite fat-source is finally expanding. Whether you want a tree that fits in a small backyard (Luna) or a fruit that can feed a whole brunch party (Jala), the future is looking very green.

Also  Reed, Jan Boyce, Nabal, Nimlioh