Arterials Speed Management Program FY 2021-2025 Construction Completion

Greg de Vinck, Director of Public Works, announced completion of the installation of six new Speed Feedback Signs (“SFBS”) at four locations as part of the Arterials Speed Management Program (FY 2021–2025). The project improvements include:

1. Two SFBS for northbound and southbound traffic on El Molino Avenue between Del Mar Boulevard and California Boulevard.
2. One SFBS for northbound traffic on Los Robles Avenue between California Boulevard and Fillmore Street.
3. Two SFBS for eastbound and westbound traffic on Del Mar Boulevard between Berkeley Avenue and Grand Oaks Avenue.
4. One SFBS for eastbound traffic on Green Street between Orange Grove Boulevard and Grace Terrace.

This effort is part of an ongoing, data-driven program to address speeding concerns on arterial roadways. With these installations, a total of 68 SFBS have now been deployed citywide. Speed feedback signs are a proven traffic-calming tool that encourage safer driving behavior by providing real-time speed awareness to motorists, supporting the City’s broader goals of improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

The locations selected for installation reflect observed speeding trends and community input. Installations will continue as part of the City’s long-term approach to managing vehicle speeds on key corridors.

Additional project information and construction updates are available on the City’s Public Works webpage: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-works/engineering-and-construction/construction/arterial-speed-management/

Police Department New Year’s Events Report
The following report is contributed by Eugene Harris, Chief of Police.

The Pasadena Police Department and the Tournament of Roses continue to improve security operations to ensure a safe Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game for spectators and employees alike. The Pasadena Police Department’s Counter-Terrorism Unit coordinated with Federal, State, County, and local assets to deploy specialized units to assist with the overall security of the 2026 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game operations. The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), who is responsible for providing Special Event Assessment Ratings (“SEAR”) for all major events throughout the United States, has classified Pasadena’s New Year’s events as a SEAR Level-1 operation.

The city benefited from DHS’s SEAR Level-1 designation. DHS continued to provide in-kind federal resources with personnel, equipment and technology. Such technology and equipment provided by federal partners included drone mitigation systems, Infrastructure Visualization Platforms (“IVP”) to conduct parade route mapping, X-Ray Image vehicles which were deployed at the Rose Bowl, and BioWatch, which is an early warning system that can detect trace amounts of biological agents.

Federal agencies that supported the operation included:
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Transportation Security Administration
• Department of Homeland Security
• US Customs and Border Protection
• United States Secret Service
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Department of Energy
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
• United States Army
• United States Marine Corps
• United States Coast Guard

Each of the federal agencies supported the event operations by providing uniformed and non-uniformed officers and/or explosive detection K9’s.

A Threat Assessment and Response Team (“TART”) was implemented during Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game related events as an onsite fusion center for intelligence. The mission of the TART was to ensure public safety by detecting and defeating any attempt to disrupt the Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game through comprehensive planning, accurate intelligence gathering, and careful coordination among all Law Enforcement components involved. The TART working in conjunction with the Multi-Agency Command Center (“MACC”). Components of the TART Included the following:

• Intelligence Gathering and Dissemination
• LASD HAZMAT / CBRN Detection Teams
• FBI, DOE WMD Detection Teams
• Explosive Detection Teams
• Bio Watch
• DHS Critical Infrastructure Imaging of the Parade Route

Components of the TART (listed above) were staged and were ready for deployment.

In addition to the assistance from federal resources, Pasadena Police Officers and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputies conducted foot and vehicle patrols along the entire parade route.

Archer 1200 Barriers were utilized to close the parade route to vehicle traffic. The Archer 1200’s contracted through Meridian Barriers and is currently the only anti-vehicle device rated by the Department of Homeland Security as effective in vehicle mitigation. Meridian began to deploy the barriers in the middle of December, staging them at the intersections where they would be deployed to close Colorado Blvd. Water barricades were utilized to secure commercial and private driveways that had access onto Colorado Blvd.

Rose Parade:
The Rose Parade began promptly at 8:00 a.m. despite the rain. Dayside parade operations are conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (“LASD”) with nearly 800 LASD personnel on the parade route. The first parade entry reached the conclusion point at approximately 10:00am. LASD personnel conducted the demobilization of the parade route before redeploying resources to Float Fest. Attendance is estimated to be 600,000.

Incidents/Arrests
• PC 245a- Assault with a deadly weapon (12:30 a.m.) Male adult in custody Suspect stuck victim with metal chair after an argument. Victim sustained minor injury, declined medical aid

• Several protest groups were along the parade during the parade and were proactively contacted by LASD response teams. None of the groups impacted the parade movement

• Rising Together Float- individuals riding on the float displayed a sign regarding Eaton Fire. Sign was removed by Tournament of Roses Officials who will handle the incident internally

Rose Bowl Game:
The Rose Bowl game reported 70,581 fans in attendance. The event ran smoothly with no major incidents. Parking lots were opened by 4 a.m. The golf lots were heavily impacted due to rain. Dodger Stadium was utilized as an additional shuttle depot/parking. Gates opened at 10:30 a.m. for general admission. Ingress traffic was steady and well managed by traffic personnel. “Plan B” parking operations were in effect and the neighborhoods were utilized for parking. The game began at 1:10 p.m. ending at approximately 4:40 p.m. Outbound traffic was completed at approximately 6:30 pm.

Incidents/Arrests
• PC 647f- Public Intoxication – Male adult arrest
• PC 211- Robbery -Male adult in custody. Suspect took hat from a female adult bandmembers head and fled. Victim gave chase. Suspect was apprehended by security and taken into custody. Victim was treated at scene with minor injury

Float Fest:
Float Fest viewing provides the opportunity for the public to see the floats up close. At the end of the Parade, the floats are parked on Sierra Madre Blvd. and Washington Blvd. next to Pasadena High School. This year, Float Fest occurred on January 1st through January 3rd. El Monte Police Department augmented our police efforts on January 2nd and 3rd.
Daily attendance:
Day 1 – 10,346
Day 2 – 21,343
Day 3 – 11,021

Date: January 9, 2025
District: District 7
Caltrans Contact: Colleen Park email: colleen.park@dot.ca.gov
Phone: (213) 831-8205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM CALTRANS:

55-Hour Extended Weekend Closure Scheduled on Northbound Interstate 5 in Burbank for Repaving Project: Jan. 23-26
First of six planned 55-hour extended weekend closures.

Burbank, CA — Caltrans announces an extended weekend closure on northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) between Empire Avenue and Buena Vista Street in the city of Burbank in Los Angeles County for pavement rehabilitation work. This is the first of a series of extended weekend closures on I-5 between Empire Avenue and Cohasset Street for this project.

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, January 23, through 5 a.m. Monday, January 26, crews will reduce northbound I-5 to two lanes between Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street. In addition, northbound I-5 will be fully closed overnight between the closure limits for restriping on Saturday, January 24 and Monday, January 26. The westbound State Route 134 (SR-134) connector to northbound I-5 will also be closed for the duration of the extended weekend closure.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes to reach their destinations during the extended weekend closure. Detour signs will be posted. All lanes and ramps will reopen to the public by 5 a.m. Monday, January 26.

The closures are subject to change and scheduled as follows:

10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 through 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26:

• Up to four right lanes will be closed on northbound I-5 between Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street
• Westbound SR-134 connector to northbound I-5 will be closed
• Closure of westbound SR-134 on-ramp at San Fernando Road/Fairmont Ave
• Closure of northbound I-5 on-ramp at Burbank Boulevard
• Closure of northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps at Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard
• Closure of northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps at Buena Vista Street

1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

• Full closure of northbound I-5 between Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street
• Westbound SR-134 connector to northbound I-5 will be closed
• Closure of westbound SR-134 on-ramp at San Fernando Road/Fairmont Ave
• Closure of northbound I-5 on-ramp at Burbank Boulevard
• Closure of northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps at Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard
• Closure of northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps Buena Vista Street

1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26

• Full closure of northbound I-5 between Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street
• Westbound SR-134 connector to northbound I-5 will be closed
• Closure of westbound SR-134 on-ramp at San Fernando Road/Fairmont Ave
• Closure of northbound I-5 on-ramp at Burbank Boulevard
• Closure of northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps at Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard
• Closure of northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps Buena Vista Street

Traffic will be detoured during the hours of full freeway closure.

Alternate Routes for Northbound I-5
Westbound SR-134

• Exit westbound SR-134 at Pacific Avenue off-ramp, travel north on Pacific Ave, west on Glenoaks Boulevard, south on Buena Vista Street to northbound I-5 on-ramp
• Exit westbound SR-134 at San Fernando Road/Fairmont Avenue, travel south on San Fernando Road, west on Colorado Boulevard to northbound I-5 on-ramp

SR-2
• Motorists on SR-2 will be directed to westbound SR-134 to northbound SR-170

Due to weather or operational reasons, the schedule is subject to change including the times and dates, the number of closures and other details. Residents and businesses located near construction may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with construction activities. Please visit the Caltrans Quickmap for the latest road conditions and closures.

This is the first of six 55-hour extended weekend closures scheduled through February 2026. Construction is expected to complete summer 2027. This work is part of a pavement rehabilitation project to replace damaged pavement on I-5 between Empire Avenue and Cohasset Street, to improve ride quality and safety. The work totals $23.2 million. The contractor is Security Paving Company, Inc.

Sign up for notifications about the project. For more information on the project visit Caltrans project webpage.

Caltrans reminds motorists to be “Work Zone Alert” and “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

###

Instagram: @BurbankCA, Facebook: @BurbankCA, X: @BurbankCA, Website: www.burbankca.gov

City of Burbank | Website

The successful mission to capture the president of Valenzuela comes with some complications that we may see develop as time passes.

With the raised level of confidence in US troops and capabilities other missions are most likely being move closed to execution including Greenland, Iran, Columbia, Cuba and Mexico and other countries we may not have on our radar yet.

At this point we have heard 40 people killed on the ground, but there are reports much higher that 80 or more people have been killed during the abduction mission.

Cuba, Russia and Iran and other countries have had military personnel presence in Valenzuela, but minor presence and minimal defenses.

With Iran the attack did not involve use boots on the ground, which takes a whole other meaning.  The billions and billions being spent on the IS military is now flexing its muscle.

Most of these countries are experiences internal challenges with leaders or coups or resistance.

Nigeria has resisted exploitation by the Chinese. So what does this mean for other super powers attempting to overtake other countries to exploit the resources and population of countries.

Russia/Putin is trying to do that with Ukraine for years and has been meet with formidable resistance, yet the battle continues.

Look at the top oil producing countries or those with the largest oil reserves.

Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Canada hold the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

The United States is the world’s largest oil producer, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia

City Of Pasadena Seeks Community Input for City Manager Recruitment

PASADENA, Calif.—Following the announcement of City Manager Miguel Márquez’s retirement, the Pasadena City Council has initiated a nationwide recruitment for the City’s next City Manager. To lead this executive recruitment, the Council has engaged WBCP Inc.

The City Council invites your input on the core attributes, leadership qualities, and technical strengths the City should prioritize to support our organization, community partnerships, and culture. Please use one of the links below to share your input. As a valued member of the community, your perspective is appreciated.

English survey: Bit.ly/CMEnglishSurvey

Spanish survey: Bit.ly/CMSpanishSurvey

Armenian survey: Bit.ly/CMArmenianSurvey

Chinese (Mandarin) survey: Bit.ly/CMChineseSurvey

Please respond by Monday, January 26, 2026. Responses will remain anonymous and will be used to develop interview questions and provide guidance to the City Council on the selection.

Applications for City Manager will be accepted through Thursday, January 29, 2026, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interviews in early March. For more information about the position, view the recruitment brochure.

If you have questions about the City Manager recruitment or would like to provide additional input beyond the survey, please contact recruiter Wendi Brown at Wendi@wbcpinc.com

Project Panther on Credit Card Billing Changes to Tidal

Anyone else seeing Project Panther showing when a credit card charging initial hits?

Then it changes to Tidal.

We are essentially a DoorDash for laundry service, rapidly expanding across the United States

How NoScrubs works

NoScrubs is a same-day wash and fold delivery service. Customers schedule a pickup, our team picks up within a two-hour window, and laundry is washed, folded, and delivered back the same day. Most users join through a monthly subscription with two to four pickups per month.

Current markets

We are live in Los Angeles CA, Austin TX, Houston TX, Dallas–Fort Worth TX, and Miami FL.

Launching next

San Francisco, Chicago, Phoenix, and Boston are coming in the next few months.

Is NoScrubs the Cure for the Common Chore? A Deep Dive into LA’s Newest Laundry Hack

In a city where we spend half our lives in traffic on the 405 and the other half trying to find a decent parking spot in Santa Monica, time is the ultimate Los Angeles luxury. Between career hustle and weekend escapes to Malibu, laundry is the one chore that consistently gets in the way.

Enter NoScrubs, the “DoorDash for laundry” that recently expanded into Los Angeles. After hearing the buzz about their 4-hour turnaround and AI-driven quality control, I decided to see if this service actually lives up to the hype—or if it’s just another app taking up space on my home screen.

What Exactly is NoScrubs?

NoScrubs is an app-based wash-and-fold service that picks up your dirty laundry from your doorstep and returns it—cleaned, dried, and meticulously folded—often in as little as four hours.

While there are plenty of laundry services in LA, NoScrubs differentiates itself with a few high-tech and high-speed features:

• Insane Turnaround: Most services boast “next-day” delivery. NoScrubs is aiming for “same-afternoon.”

• AI Quality Control: They use an AI system to itemize your clothes and check the quality of the fold before the bags are sealed.

• Gig-Economy Model: They partner with local “Scrubbers” (vetted independent contractors) and local laundromats to keep the process hyper-local and fast.

The Experience: From Dirty Hamper to “Dopamine Fold”

The onboarding process was seamless. I downloaded the app, set my preferences (hypoallergenic detergent is their standard, which is a huge win for sensitive skin), and scheduled a pickup window.

The Pickup: A friendly driver arrived at my apartment during the two-hour window I selected. I just handed over a kitchen trash bag full of mixed darks and lights.

The Wait: This is where NoScrubs shines. About three hours later, I received a notification that my laundry was finished. In the time it took me to grab lunch and finish a few emails, my entire week’s worth of laundry was done.

The Delivery: The clothes arrived in a reusable bag, and the folding was… honestly, better than mine. Everything was categorized—shirts with shirts, socks paired up, and even my hoodies were folded into perfect, stackable rectangles.

The Cost: Is it Worth It?

Pricing in Los Angeles is competitive. They offer subscription models that can bring the cost down to less than $1 per day for regular users, while one-time pickups usually start around $35–$40 for a standard 20lb load.

When you factor in the cost of high-end detergent, the electricity/water of an LA apartment, and the 3–4 hours of your life you get back, the value proposition is hard to argue with.

The Verdict: Who is this for?

NoScrubs isn’t just for people who hate folding. It’s a lifesaver for:

• Busy Parents: Especially those in the “mountain of baby clothes” phase.

• Professionals: Who would rather spend their Saturday at a Pilates class than at a laundromat.

• The “In-Between” Crowd: People whose apartment building’s laundry room is perpetually broken or occupied.

While no service is perfect (some users have noted that the speed can occasionally lead to minor folding inconsistencies), my experience was 5-star. It’s fast, the tech-integrated tracking is reassuring, and let’s be real—nothing beats the feeling of never having to touch a dryer sheet again.

Ready to reclaim your Sunday? You can check if NoScrubs is available in your LA zip code by visiting NoScrubs.com.

PASADENA HOUSING PROVIDERS – STATEMENT ON COURT OF APPEALS
RULING.
Pasadena, December 21, 2025
CALIFORNIA APPEALS COURT OVERTURNS KEY PROVISIONS OF
PASADENA’S MEASURE “H” RENT CONTROL CHARTER AMENDMENT

Pasadena Housing Providers applauds Friday’s decision by the Second
District, Division 7 Appellate Count to repeal key rent control provisions
added to the Pasadena city charter by Measure H. Specifically the Court
agreed that certain provisions of Measure H are pre-empted by state
housing law and Pasadena may not require relocation assistance
payments tied to rent increases on units exempt from local rent control;
and further that the city may not impose additional notice requirements
that modify the eviction process established under state statute.
This decision will also protect the private personal information of tenants
and property owners and prevent public access to that private
information.

Despite the statements during trial by Justice Segal, “that this is the most
unfair discriminatory rent stabilization board that I have ever seen” the
court did not rule on the constitutionality of the rent board’s structure.
However, in a similar case, the Superior Court of Orange County did find
that a board without equal representation was unconstitutional.
“Clearly the ballot measure attempted to overreach and circumvent state
law” said Pasadena Housing Providers member Blake Boyd. “Taken

together it is clear that Measure H needs to be amended to correct these
serious flaws. Creating a balanced board and an efficient housing
Department will restore fairness and accountability. It’s in everybody’s
best interests.”

Recent polling by FM3 indicates that Pasadena voters by a four-to-one
majority strongly favor a balanced rent board with equal representation
by tenants and landlords.
Pasadena Housing Providers has prepared a new charter amendment that
will comply with state law and:
1. Retain rent control and eviction protections for existing tenants.
2. Create a fair rent board with equal number of tenants and landlords.
3. Promote single-family rental housing left empty by Measure H
restrictions.
4. Merge the Rent Stabilization Department into the Housing
Department to reduce bureaucracy and improve accountability.
5. Fix the failed dispute resolution process and the unworkable rent
adjustment petition procedures.
6. Cap rent registration fees to halt unconstrained spending by an
unelected board.
The voters were misled by proponents of Measure H and it’s now time to
correct the flaws and illegal provisions of the charter amendment.

Subject: Urgent Request for a Permanent, Comprehensive Ban on All Leaf Blowers

Dear Mayor Gordo, City Council Members, and Director Carmona,

I am writing to express my grave concern regarding the ongoing health and environmental hazards posed by leaf blowers in our city. While I applaud the city’s existing ban on gas-powered leaf blowers and the recent temporary emergency prohibitions following the Eaton Fire, it has become increasingly clear that these measures are insufficient. To truly protect the respiratory health of Pasadena residents, the City Council must implement a permanent and complete ban on all leaf blowers—both gas and electric.

The primary danger lies not just in the engine emissions, but in the particulate matter (PM) these machines forcefully propel into our breathing zone. Leaf blowers generate wind speeds exceeding 150 mph, which aerosolize a toxic cocktail of heavy metals, animal feces, pesticides, mold, and—most critically in our current context—lingering wildfire ash and lead-contaminated soil.

The Critical Health Hazards

Scientific data from the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) confirms that:

• Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These microscopic particles bypass the body’s natural filters, entering the deep lung tissue and bloodstream. This triggers asthma attacks, increases the risk of heart attacks, and causes permanent lung damage in children.

• Aerosolized Contaminants: Unlike a rake or a vacuum, a blower suspends “re-entrained” road dust and pollutants in the air for up to a week. For a city still recovering from the Eaton Fire, allowing these devices to stir up potentially toxic ash is a direct threat to public safety.

• Worker Health: The landscapers operating these machines suffer the highest concentration of exposure, often without adequate respiratory protection, leading to long-term chronic illness.

The Failure of the Current Ban

Despite the gas-powered leaf blower ban enacted in 2023, gas-powered machines continue to be used daily throughout Pasadena neighborhoods. Residents frequently observe commercial crews operating gas blowers with total impunity. The current enforcement model—relying on resident complaints and a $100–$500 fine structure—is clearly failing to deter the practice.

Furthermore, simply switching to electric blowers does not solve the particulate matter crisis. An electric blower stirs up the same lead-laden dust and allergens as a gas model. The only health-conscious solution is to return to “low-impact” maintenance—rakes, brooms, and vacuums—which manage debris without turning our air into a respiratory hazard.

A Call to Action

I urge the City Council and the Department of Public Health to:

1. Expand the Ordinance: Transition the current gas-only ban into a total ban on all leaf-blowing devices within city limits.

2. Strict Enforcement: Increase the frequency of active Code Compliance patrols and hold property owners—not just the landscaping laborers—financially responsible for violations.

3. Public Health Mandate: Request a formal health impact assessment from Director Carmona specifically regarding the risks of aerosolized lead and ash from power blowing in post-fire Pasadena.

We are a city that prides itself on innovation and quality of life. It is time our municipal codes reflected the biological reality of the air we breathe. I look forward to seeing this issue placed on the Council’s immediate agenda.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Address/District] Pasadena Resident

Pasadena’s EV Charging Crossroads: A City Lagging in the Fast Lane

Pasadena, a city renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainability, finds itself at a critical juncture in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. While the Rose City has embraced the spirit of electrification, a closer look at its EV charging infrastructure reveals a concerning trend: when it comes to fast charging, Pasadena is falling significantly behind its neighboring municipalities, particularly concerning Tesla’s limited ultra-fast options and the ongoing struggles of Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) DC Fast Chargers. This lag threatens to hinder EV adoption and diminishes the city’s appeal for electric vehicle owners.

Tesla’s Supercharger Disparity: The 325 kW Conundrum

Tesla, a pioneer in the EV market, boasts one of the most extensive and reliable fast-charging networks globally: the Supercharger network. For Tesla owners, the Supercharger experience is often a major selling point. However, in Pasadena, the Supercharger landscape presents a notable discrepancy. While nearby cities like Glendale, Burbank, and even smaller communities are seeing the deployment of Tesla’s latest V3 and V4 Superchargers, capable of delivering up to 250 kW and, in some newer installations, even 325 kW, Pasadena’s offerings are comparatively stunted.

Currently, Tesla Supercharger stations within Pasadena city limits primarily offer a mix of 72 kW and 250 kW chargers. While 250 kW is certainly fast, capable of adding hundreds of miles of range in under 30 minutes for many Tesla models, the complete absence of the cutting-edge 325 kW chargers is a glaring omission. For owners of newer Tesla models like the refreshed Model S and X, or even the upcoming Cybertruck, which can fully utilize these higher speeds, the lack of 325 kW options in Pasadena means longer charging times and a less optimized experience. This isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about practical utility. In an era where every minute counts, especially on longer journeys, being able to charge at the absolute fastest rate available is a significant advantage that Pasadena currently denies its Tesla-driving residents and visitors.

The absence of these top-tier chargers suggests either a lack of investment or a slower rollout strategy from Tesla specifically for Pasadena. This oversight stands in stark contrast to the aggressive expansion seen in other regions, leaving Pasadena feeling like a forgotten outpost in the Supercharger map.

PWP’s DC Fast Charger Woes: A Promising Initiative Fails to Deliver

Beyond Tesla’s network, the broader public fast-charging infrastructure in Pasadena, particularly those offered by Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), has been a source of ongoing frustration for local EV drivers. PWP, as the city’s utility provider, has a crucial role to play in supporting EV adoption, and its efforts to install DC Fast Chargers were initially met with optimism. However, the reality has been far from ideal.

Reports from EV owners frequently highlight the unreliability of PWP’s DC Fast Chargers. Issues range from chargers being consistently out of service, displaying error messages, or failing to initiate a charge, to slower-than-advertised charging speeds. This inconsistency transforms what should be a convenient pit stop into a gamble, often forcing drivers to seek alternatives in neighboring cities or rely on slower Level 2 charging, which is ill-suited for quick top-ups.

The reasons for these failures are likely multifaceted, encompassing maintenance challenges, software glitches, and potentially insufficient power infrastructure at certain locations. Regardless of the root cause, the outcome is the same: a public charging network that is simply not dependable. In an emergency or when time is of the essence, the last thing an EV driver needs is to pull up to a broken charger. This unreliable experience not only frustrates current EV owners but also acts as a significant deterrent for prospective buyers who might be considering making the switch to electric.

The lack of functional and reliable public fast chargers from PWP creates a critical void, especially for non-Tesla EV owners who rely on the CCS or CHAdeMO standards. While third-party networks like Electrify America and EVgo have a presence in the wider Los Angeles area, their availability within Pasadena itself is still limited, making PWP’s shortcomings even more impactful.

Pasadena Falling Behind: A Regional Comparison

The charging challenges in Pasadena become even more apparent when compared to its immediate neighbors.

• Glendale: Just a stone’s throw away, Glendale boasts multiple Tesla Supercharger stations, including newer installations with higher power output. Furthermore, Glendale has seen a more robust deployment of third-party DC Fast Chargers, often with better reliability records.

• Burbank: Similarly, Burbank has a healthy mix of Tesla Superchargers and public DC Fast Chargers, providing more consistent and faster options for EV drivers.

• Arcadia/Monrovia: Even slightly further east, communities like Arcadia and Monrovia have made significant strides, with newer Supercharger V3 installations and expanding third-party networks.

This regional disparity is not merely a matter of convenience; it has tangible implications. EV drivers in Pasadena, when planning trips or even just running errands, are often compelled to factor in detours to neighboring cities just to access reliable fast charging. This not only adds travel time and inconvenience but also reduces the economic benefit for Pasadena businesses, as EV drivers are spending their charging time and potentially their money elsewhere.

The Path Forward: Recharging Pasadena’s EV Future

Pasadena’s commitment to a sustainable future is commendable, but for that vision to fully materialize, the city must urgently address its fast-charging infrastructure shortcomings. Several key actions are necessary:

1. Advocate for Tesla’s Latest Superchargers: The city should proactively engage with Tesla to encourage the deployment of 325 kW Superchargers within Pasadena. This would not only serve local residents but also make Pasadena a more attractive stop for Tesla drivers passing through.

2. Overhaul PWP’s DC Fast Charger Network: PWP must undertake a comprehensive review and rehabilitation of its DC Fast Charger network. This includes:

   • Proactive Maintenance: Implementing a rigorous preventative maintenance schedule and ensuring prompt repairs for out-of-service units.

   • Reliable Monitoring: Utilizing real-time monitoring systems to quickly identify and address charger malfunctions.

   • Improved Customer Support: Providing clear channels for reporting issues and offering transparent communication about charger status.

   • Strategic Expansion: Identifying new, high-demand locations for additional, reliable DC Fast Chargers.

3. Incentivize Third-Party Fast Chargers: Pasadena should explore incentives, streamlined permitting, and partnerships with private charging network providers (like Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint) to encourage them to build and maintain reliable DC Fast Chargers within city limits.

4. Community Engagement: Actively solicit feedback from local EV owners to understand their pain points and priorities, using this input to guide infrastructure development.

5. Benchmarking Against Neighbors: Regularly assess Pasadena’s charging infrastructure against neighboring cities and set clear, ambitious targets to close the existing gap.

Pasadena has the potential to be a leader in sustainable urban living. However, its current fast-charging infrastructure is a significant weak link. By prioritizing reliable, high-speed EV charging, the city can not only better serve its existing EV community but also accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, ensuring that Pasadena remains a forward-thinking and appealing destination in the electrified era. The time to act is now, before the city falls even further behind in the race towards an electric future.