Dear neighbors,

The Garfield Heights Neighborhood Association Board of Directors has just learned that the City has decided to cut funding for the Pasadena Neighborhood Connections office and all of their activities effective Dec. 4, 2016. Brian Biery, the acting director of Neighborhood Connections, was informed of this startling and disappointing news just a few days ago.

Here is the current situation as far as we know: apparently every department in the City of Pasadena has been asked by City Manager Steve Mermell to cut 5% from their budget ASAP. Yes, this is indeed an unfortunate outcome of the recent embezzlement scandal. The Neighborhood Connections office is part of the Human Services and Recreation Department overseen by Horace Wormely. We don’t know if cutting NC is a fait accompli, but if there is an outpouring of support from across the City by individuals and neighborhood associations that have been positively impacted by the NC office over the nearly 30 years of its existence, perhaps we can save it from the chopping block.

The Garfield Heights Neighborhood Association has interacted with and relied upon Neighborhood Connections since its inception in 1998 as a Landmark District. We would be sad and devastated by the loss of this vital office and we are planning to draft a letter immediately to the above parties. If you feel strongly about the office as we do, the GHNA urges you to rally to its assistance, to phone and write the powers that be. Time is of the utmost essence.

To list a few of things that Neighborhood Connections does/has done in the past:

—In 1998, worked closely with neighbors to assist in the creation of the GHNA, including guidance on the bylaws, meetings etc.
—Serves as a neutral liaison and resource for City services and personnel, as well as providing a connection and neutral facilitator to all other Pasadena NAs
—Created and maintains a map of NAs and provides a NA Directory.
—Operates the Safe Streets Now program for residents who live near problem properties to take legal action against negligent property owners, and can coordinate with appropriate City departments, including the Police and Code Enforcement.
—Runs the Pasadena Neighborhood Leadership Institute which helps and encourages people to become leaders in their communities.
—Maintains a current list of speakers on different topics that are available to come and speak at meetings.
—Provides free copying services for NA flyers and can provide Spanish translation of flyers

Did you know that Pasadena’s very own Neighborhood Connections has won national awards for it’s stellar neighborhood services and has served as a model for cities across the country?

As you can see, NC is a vital lifeline for the City’s neighborhoods, whether trying to form a new NA or searching for resources and advice, copying services, Safe Streets Now action, or the means to becoming a community leader. Perhaps you have personally worked with the office on a Safe Streets Now action or maybe you’ve been through the Leadership Institute or gained assistance forming a neighborhood association? If you have personal connections to anyone at the City including Steve Mermell, the Mayor, Horace Wormely, please reach out to them to voice your support for Neighborhood Connections and Brian Biery ASAP!

George Korzen, from WD Edson NA, sent this letter to his fellow Pasadena Neighborhood Leadership Institute (PNLI) students (a program run by Neighborhood Connections by the way) and asked me to share it with you: