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?

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.

FoodieLand Event at Rose Bowl 4th of July 2025 Drone Show

Parking is $15 on Friday the 4th.  Other days Saturday and Sunday 5-6 parking is free.

There is also a drone show apparently scheduled although details are sketchy and the Rose Bowl Operating Company(RBOC) has not released any details. Several media outlets and community  members have obtained varied details.  At this point we don’t know who will be putting on the drone show. There’s a few possible vendors.

Recently local drone shows have taken place at Crypto for the Video Game Awards, as well as AGT in Pasadena at the Civic.

One concern with drones is that when they malfunction and fall out of the sky they could cause bodily harm.  Those in charge should pay special attention to not have any spectators under where the drones are flying.   A drone show is certainly quitter and cleaner than a fireworks show, and many would argue safer.

Some of the top drone show companies:

• Lumasky: Known for large-scale performances with a high number of drones.
• Sky Elements: A major player in the US, known for record-breaking shows and work at high-profile events. – performed on AGT in Pasadena
• Verge Aero: Offers turnkey solutions and software that simplifies show creation.
• Dronisos: A significant presence in Europe, the US, and the Middle East, often featured at major events.
• High Great: A Chinese company that manufactures drones and performs shows, known for large-scale displays.
• Pixis Drones: A US-based company that does shows for big brands.
• Nova Sky Stories: Company that acquired the Intel drone fleet.
• Celestial: Focuses on storytelling through drone light shows.

Don’t miss our upcoming events! May is Water Awareness Month, and this is a great time to learn how you can become a local water steward. Join PWP for events and tours where you can learn about water resources, conservation, infrastructure, and more.

Whole-System Gardens and Fire-Wise Plants
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery, 4550 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
Please join Pasadena Water and Power, in partnership with the Arroyo Seco Foundation for an event featuring discussions on whole-system gardens and fire-wise plants. Noted speakers will cover topics such as building healthy soil, harvesting water for resiliency, and native plants relationship to fire.

Garden Show and Tell
Monday, April 28 through Friday, June 13
Share your drought-tolerant garden transformations! This is your chance to be our Garden of the Week, featured on PWP’s social media and website. Must be a PWP customer to enter. Participants will receive a free native plant, while supplies last. To participate, click the link above for entry details.

Pop-In to Win at Pasadena Farmers Markets
Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Victory Park Farmers Market, 2900 Block of North Sierra Madre Blvd

Tuesday, May 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Villa Parke Farmers Market, 363 E Villa Street

Water Town Hall (virtual)
Wednesday, May 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
Learn about your water: where it comes from, what it takes to deliver it, and how we ensure sustainable and reliable delivery of safe, high-quality water into the future. This is a virtual event. Visit PWPweb.com/Events for more information.

Monk Hill Water Facility Tour 
Saturday, May 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
Address provided upon RSVP
Join PWP for a tour of the Monk Hill Water Facility. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the history of Monk Hill and its role in Pasadena’s water supply. PWP staff will provide a guided tour of the facility, giving the community an opportunity to learn about water treatment, storage, and delivery. RSVP is required for this event.

Preschool Storytime with a Water Treatment Operator
Tuesday, May 13, 10 – 11 a.m.
Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E Villa St 
Join us for a water-themed story time filled with stories, songs, crafts, and fun with our PWP crew! For ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. See a water distribution demonstration and enjoy a water wise craft.

Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore Pasadena’s drought-tolerant gardens at your own pace with our map available on our website.

Public Health Releases Preliminary Soil Testing Results With Unanticipated Elevated Lead Levels in Parcels Downwind from Eaton Fire

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released preliminary findings from representative soil sample testing in and around the Eaton and Palisades fire areas, revealing a higher percentage of soil samples with lead levels above health-based screening thresholds from parcels with intact homes downwind of the Eaton Fire.

The preliminary findings also indicate localized chemical impacts to soil above health-based screening thresholds are present in the Palisades fire area, but there is no evidence of widespread contamination from fire-related chemicals.

The County’s soil sampling and analysis, conducted by Roux Inc., measured levels of harmful substances that may be present after a wildfire—such as heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxins—on representative soil samples from various parcels in different areas and with different property conditions in and around the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. Over four weeks from mid-February to mid-March, soil samples were collected from destroyed, damaged, and intact properties within the burn areas, as well as from properties just outside, and compared to current residential soil screening level thresholds. A final report and analysis will be available in May.

Levels below the screening thresholds are considered protective over a lifetime of exposure, even for the most vulnerable people. If levels exceed the screening thresholds, it does not automatically mean cleanup is required, but it suggests the need to consider additional evaluation.

Representative soil sampling involves collecting soil samples from different areas affected by the fire to assess contamination levels, such as ash or chemicals, and understand the overall impact on the environment. The preliminary findings and accompanying analysis can be found on the Public Health Post-Fire Assessment page under sections titled Outdoor Soil – Yards and Outdoor Soil – Ash/Soot.

The identification of high frequent lead exceedances in soil samples from downwind of the Eaton fire are consistent with reports of elevated lead in air samples collected in the days immediately following the fire. The source of lead in the fire is reasonably expected to be from the burning of homes with lead-based paint, which was common prior to 1979. CalTech reported that more than 90 percent of the houses in Altadena were built before 1975.

However, because there are many potential sources of lead in soil in the Los Angeles area, additional assessments will help understanding how much of the lead found in the samples came from the 2025 wildfires versus other sources.

Testing identified isolated areas of heavy metal and PAH soil sample exceedances above screening thresholds in the Palisades fire area. The source is unknown at this time, but these are not consistent with communitywide impacts from fire-related smoke plumes.

This assessment provides a representative analysis of the soil in areas and under different conditions impacted by the fires. Individual parcels may have unique factors that result in differences compared to these representative samples. The reported results are not intended to imply cleanup or specific remediation is necessary; rather, the results identify areas potentially requiring additional evaluation.

Those with concerns about their specific property may want to consult an environmental professional about evaluating their property.  In all areas with on-going fire debris, residents are reminded to take precautions to not inhale, ingest or come into contact with ash, soot, and/or fire debris by using appropriate personal protective equipment. Additionally, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and consider taking appropriate precautions if your home is in one of the areas where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded. Residents can refer to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s FAQs for best practices to minimize exposure to these potential hazards.

In response to potential health risks from wildfire-related smoke, ash, and debris, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering free blood lead testing for individuals concerned about exposure to lead. Testing is available through three easy options: by visiting a medical provider (with costs covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal), scheduling a free appointment at a Quest Lab by calling 1-800-LA-4-LEAD, or accessing walk-in mobile testing offered at select community events. Testing is fast, free, confidential, and does not require insurance. Lead exposure can be especially harmful to children and pregnant individuals, and early detection is key. For more information or to find testing locations, visit ph.lacounty.gov/wildfires or call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323).

To have residential soil tested, some examples of resources for soil testing and analysis are listed here. This list is not exhaustive nor an endorsement of any particular group or entity; nor is criticism implied of similar groups or entities not listed.

Academic Institutions:

• Colorado State University, College of Agriculture Sciences https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/
• UC Davis Analytical Laboratory https://anlab.ucdavis.edu/

Private Laboratories:

• CLS Labs (Soil, Water, Environmental)

         Rancho Cordova

         800-638-7301

         http://www.californialab.com / info@californialab.com

• Eurofins Environmental Testing Calscience

         Garden Grove

         714-895-5494

          Eurofins Environmental Testing Calscience

Environmental Consultants:

• GeoSoils Inc http://www.geosoilsinc.com/
• American Technologies Inc https://atirestoration.com/
• National Construction and Remediation Inc http://www.ncrdemo.com/
• Brunsing Associates http://www.brunsing.com/
• Unlimited Environmental Inc http://www.ueiteam.com/

Although we can find no official news release or Rose Bowl Operating Company agenda item, multiple media outlets are reporting that fireworks for the 4th of July for 2025 will be replaced by drones.  Citing air quality concerns as one reason.

Well I can say that there are several reason that there should be NO FIREWORKS at the Rose Bowl.

After the 2024 4th of July fiasco, all fireworks should be banned from the Rose Bowl as they are supposed to be in Pasadena.

We have yet to hear what the City of Pasadena is doing to enforce fireworks that as of a few weeks ago have already started.  In one instance a couple of weeks ago the fireworks went on for well over five minutes.

The reasons for not setting of fireworks for outweigh any benefit.

1. The noise pollution and trauma to vets, people and animals.
2. Risk of Fire, with the recent Eaton fire catastrophe it is irresponsible of the Rose Bowl and the City of Pasadena to set of fireworks in area traumatized by fires. The area is where the Rose Bowl is located is considered by CalFire an extremely high risk of fire.
3. Cost, while we don’t know the exact cost, the cost of fireworks has to be well over $100,000. Perhaps closer to $200,000.
4. Air pollution, although there will most likely be other fireworks shows and many illegal fireworks being set off, the Rose Bowl contributing to the air pollution from fireworks is irresponsible.

California cities and counties are required by law to use a “.gov” or “.ca.gov” domain for their public-facing websites and employee email addresses by January 1, 2029, as outlined in Assembly Bill (AB) 1637 signed by Governor Newsom

While there are still cities that have not transitioned their city websites and emails to .gov a few notables stand out, in particular the city of Pasadena using .net.

Comparable sized cities as municipalities are using .gov such as Glendale and Burbank.   And even cities like Arcadia and La Canada Flintridge are following the mandate.

La Canada https://lcf.ca.gov/

Burbank https://www.burbankca.gov/

Glendale – https://www.glendaleca.gov/

Monrovia – https://www.monroviaca.gov/

Irwindale – https://www.irwindaleca.gov/

San Marino -https://sanmarinoca.gov/

Monterey Park https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/

Cities that have still NOT implemented/migrated to the state mandate:

Pasadena – https://www.cityofpasadena.net/ – the only city using .net that I could find as their primarily public facing domain and emails.  Very odd and unusual. Although the city apparently has .gov it is not using it and starting to make the migration for some reason.

Temple City https://www.ci.temple-city.ca.us/

Rosemead https://www.cityofrosemead.org/

San Gabriel https://www.sangabrielcity.com/

El Monte https://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/

Duarte – https://www.accessduarte.com/

Alhambra – https://www.cityofalhambra.org/

We will reach out to a few of these cities and see what the reasons are for not making the migration/transition.  Perhaps they think they have plenty of time.  The bill was signed in 2023. and we are two years into the period.  There’s no reason that cities should not be making the move now.