In an informal community poll addressing a wide range of local concerns, hundreds of South Pasadena residents responded on the most pressing issues facing the city.
The “Important Issues Poll” was open to the public, anonymous, and ran live for 28 days. Conducted by The South Pasadenan, the plan is to provide feedback to South Pasadena residents and City Council.
The South Pasadenan staff has analyzed the poll results and will use the aggregated data to formulate questions for interviews with 2024 City Council candidates and sitting councilmembers, giving them a chance to address the concerns of an engaged community.
From city finances and housing to the future of local businesses, the results offer an honest, candid insight into what locals are thinking, and what should be done to improve their beloved city.
This poll, with a strong response rate compared to typical city-conducted surveys, demonstrates a community eager for a change of leadership processes, honest representation, transparency, and thoughtful growth that protects the small-town neighborhood family lifestyle of South Pasadena.
Here are the key findings from this important civic engagement exercise.
City Finance Operations: A Serious Priority for Residents
One of the most pressing concerns for respondents was the state of the city’s finances. When asked how important they consider financial issues, residents delivered a strong message:
- 74% rated city finance issues as a 5 (very important).
- 15% rated it a 4.
- The overall average rating was 4.6 out of 5, underscoring how crucial residents view the need for fiscal responsibility.
Residents want to see the City Council focus on cleaning up financial issues and making certain of professional stewardship of taxpayer dollars. A key takeaway from open responses was the demand for greater financial transparency and accountability. One respondent emphasized the need to “hold officials accountable for mistakes and make city governance more transparent.”
CalTrans Homes: Frustration Over Process, Delays and Transparency
The fate of the CalTrans homes, a long-debated problem, was another major issue in the poll. Residents were asked if they feel the City Council is doing a good job in transitioning these homes back to private ownership, and their responses showed significant concern:
- 32.1% felt the City Council has not represented the issue well.
- 43.5% admitted they don’t fully understand what is happening with the CalTrans homes.
- 24.4% expressed interest in buying a CalTrans property in any condition.
- 55.4% strongly opposed the idea of outside investors buying up these homes.
Open-ended responses revealed a range of opinions, with some residents advocating for the homes to be used for affordable housing, while others voiced frustration with the slow progress in resolving the issue. One resident put it plainly: “The City Council needs to move faster. Why is it taking so long to return these homes to private ownership? There are many of us ready to buy right now.”
City Council Decision-Making: A Call for Honest and Accurate Representation
When asked whether they feel represented by their City Council members, the results were less than favorable:
- Only 7% felt fully represented by their councilmember (5).
- 10% gave a rating of 4.
- A significant 30% chose 3, indicating a middle-ground level of satisfaction.
- 27% gave a 2, and another 27% chose 1, indicating they do not feel represented at all.
The average rating for this question was 2.4, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the level of representation. Many residents feel that their voices are not being heard, especially when it comes to issues like housing, traffic safety, and financial oversight.
One responder voiced, “It’s encouraging to see A new interim City Manager that seems like he knows what he’s doing so far…. Also: how come they can’t fix the roads? On the one hand council says the budget is fine and then the next hand there’s no money to do anything. It sounds like a bunch of backpedaling and manipulation but for what reason?”
Another response voiced: “Decaying infrastructure, basic administration and governance, routine operational competence. No more resolutions on Ukraine, Gaza, and the global climate. Run the damn city.”
Another response reflects hundreds of residents’ will regarding the historical museum lease situation: “The museum at the farmers market is a real gem. I hope the city keeps it going with that group that is running it.”
City Manager Hiring Process: A Strong Call for Transparency
The hiring of South Pasadena’s next city manager is a major issue for residents, with many wanting more transparency in the process. Here’s how they responded:
- 65.5% want to know what happened with the previous city manager, Arminé Chaparyan.
- 49.4% want input on the new hire’s credentials and selection.
- Only 7.1% feel the City Council is doing fine with the process.
- 39.3% noticed that city services could improve but weren’t sure what’s happening behind the scenes.
In open responses, several residents voiced concerns about the competence and stability of the city manager position. One respondent expressed, “We need someone who will stay for more than two or three years and truly serve the city.” Another noted, “The City Council must hire the most qualified person and avoid political pressures.”
Housing and Zoning: A Town Confused Why Growth and Preservation Can’t Happen Mutually, With Smart Planning
South Pasadena residents were asked whether they favor keeping neighborhoods “as-is” or are in favor of significant growth. On the ballot this November is ‘Measure SP’, a ballot measure, if passed, would breach one of the strongest defenses from over-development: ‘the 45′ building height limit’. The responses indicated a cautious approach to development:
- 35% selected 1 (don’t build too much).
- 26% chose 3, indicating a middle-ground stance.
- Only 9% were in favor of substantial development (5).
The average rating of 2.5 reflects a community that is generally in favor of preserving the character of South Pasadena. One resident said, “I don’t want big buildings. Let’s preserve the feel of this beautiful town, not turn it into Alhambra or Pasadena.”
Infrastructure and Public Spaces: Room for Improvement
When asked about the City Council’s performance on maintaining infrastructure and public spaces like parks and streets, the responses were less than enthusiastic:
- 35% gave the lowest rating of 1, indicating dissatisfaction.
- 29% chose 3, showing moderate approval.
- Only 4% rated the council’s performance as 5, indicating complete satisfaction.
With an average rating of 2.3, the results suggest that residents are frustrated with the condition of streets and public spaces. One resident summed it up: “The budget and the streets need to be improved.”
City Hall Services: Residents Want Five-Day Accessibility
When asked if City Hall should be open five days a week (it currently operates on a four-day schedule), the majority of respondents were in favor of restoring five-day access:
- 52% selected 5 (yes, open five days).
- 19% said it didn’t matter to them (1).
- The average rating was 3.6, indicating that while the majority favor extended hours, a notable portion of residents are indifferent.
Economic Development: Focusing on Local Charm
Economic development remains a critical issue for South Pasadena residents, with many favoring a focus on small, local businesses over large chains:
- 14.3% are in favor of more big brands in town.
- 64.3% want more specialty shops and services.
- 67.3% say the city should focus on cleaning up the streets and sidewalks.
Open-ended responses revealed a deep attachment to the city’s unique character, with many residents calling for the protection of mom-and-pop businesses. One respondent stated, “We have chains in Old Town Pasadena. We don’t need them here.” Another echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of local charm: “We have to stop losing our indie shops.”
Several comments were critical of the city funding the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce: “The Chamber of Commerce is receiving way too much of our tax funding for the result. Only a few businesses benefit, and mission street by the tracks is shabby.”
Better Planning for Bike Lanes
Bike lanes continue to be a hot topic in the city, with most residents supporting a balanced approach:
- 55% selected 5, indicating they want a balanced plan that considers the needs of all.
- 16% were neutral (3), while 22% felt bike lanes were of little importance (2 and 1).
The average rating of 3.9 reflects a community that largely supports improved bike infrastructure, though concerns remain about the impact on traffic and parking in residential areas.
Community Tenure and Ownership: A Town with Deep Roots
When asked how long they have lived in South Pasadena, the results showed a town with a mix of long-time and newer residents:
- 39.5% have lived in the city for over 20 years.
- 13.2% have lived in South Pasadena for 1-5 years.
- 26.3% have been residents for 6-10 years.
In terms of ownership:
- 14.7% own their home, while 9.0% lease.
- A small portion (1%) are commercial property owners.
South Pasadena Residents: A Community Ready for Leadership Change
The message from residents is clear: they want thoughtful, transparent governance that respects the city’s history while preparing it for a brighter, more inclusive future. By addressing these concerns, South Pasadena can continue to thrive as the charming, engaged community that so many call home.
Below is a random, unedited, cross-section of some of the many hundreds of written, ‘open responses’
“What is the most important issue for city council right now?”
Unknown contact said:
“You need to remember that you represent the entire city, not just one part of it. You neglect us when we say we need more stop signs, more crosswalks, speed bumps, etc. You keep saying “we need to do traffic studies.” Funny how the rich side of town gets everything they want. Marengo wants stop signs? They get them immediately. My neighbor was hit by a car a few years ago and we still don’t have extra stop signs. Instead of “traffic studies,” actually listen to the people who live on these streets. It isn’t that hard. ”
Unknown contact said:
“The most important thing is to hire talented management and staff to run the city and have city council set out clear goals for management. We as a community need to stop bashing the city just because they aren’t doing what we want on individual basis. There’s 26,000 people that live in this town and because a few want their way doesn’t mean it’s the best way for the entire community. ”
Unknown contact said:
“It’s encouraging to see A new City Manager that seems like he knows what he’s doing so far. Why is City Council being so weird? Especially Michael C. Also: how come they can’t fix the roads? On the one hand council says the budget is fine and then the next hand there’s no money to do anything. It sounds like a bunch of backpedaling and manipulation but for what reason?”
Unknown contact said:
“I don’t want 8 story buildings to accommodate affordable housing, nor building on people’s properties. Maybe building near the arroyo would accomplish this and/or using a small amount in many of the current buildings as affordable housing units.
Another idea would be that maybe apartment building owners are interested in having their current buildings used for affordable housing.
Otherwise if the fabric of the town is destroyed it’s not such as desirable place to live. Let’s preserve the feel of this beautiful town and not urn it into a megalopolis.
Personally I liked Armine a lot. She was very interested in doing what was best for our city and not overbuilding. She was interested in preserving the character here. ”
Unknown contact said:
“The museum at the farmers market is a real gem. I hope the city keeps it going with that group that is running it.”
Unknown contact said:
“Hiring a competent new city manager who has some staying power. ”
Unknown contact said:
“1. Pedestrian and bike friendly infrastructure improvements. 2. Promote businesses and fast track approvals for developers. ”
Unknown contact said:
“Housing affordability developing CalTrans properties, fixing the finance department, hiring city manager, dical management, streets and infrastructure”
Unknown contact said:
“City hall has become a place of embarrassment. Sad and not necessary. ”
Unknown contact said:
“There are a lot of buildings that seem vacant, and many building are for sale. Do not sell off south pasadena.”
Unknown contact said:
“Acting like they know how to run a government ”
Unknown contact said:
“Number one issues is getting the city’s finances under control. Runner up issues are figuring out how to grow appropriately within the restrictions of our aging infrastructure and reducing the city’s exposure to lawsuits thought better management. ”
Unknown contact said:
“Better support for small businesses, renters, and pedestrians over cars”
Unknown contact said:
“Finance issues resolution and improve street conditions especially southern section of Fair Oaks and Huntington Dr.”
Unknown contact said:
“get finances in order, hire staff, push hard for grants and funding, codify changes that make it much easier to realize the Master Plan”
Unknown contact said:
“Safety and security ”
Unknown contact said:
“Well, it’s apparently finances. For me it is the mess resulting from no extention of the 710. The City Council apparently wants no one to turn right in this town. The bullouts are awful. The mess at Monterey and Fair Oaks, taking three lanes to basically one. The unsightly sticks on Oak Street, particulalry at Marengo and Oak. What a mess. South Pasadena used to be a lovely small town. Now it is a slow freeway, with impedments added to the problem. Makes you drive to other towns to shop.”
Unknown contact said:
“Planning to spend about the one-time windfall of $100 million (Measure M and R) transportation dollars wisely. We need to invest in safety for people who choose to walk or bike around town, instead of building faster roads for people to speed through town.”
Unknown contact said:
“Preserving our existing naturally occurring affordable housing and preventing displacement, approving a no frills budget, dealing with our crappy streets and sidewalks. They shouldn’t be doing anything else ”
Unknown contact said:
“Wasting more than half our city budget on policing and not acknowledging the percentage of residents who are renters. ”
Unknown contact said:
“To adopt stronger protections for tenants, to allocate more funds to goods and services instead of the police department, to build aesthetically consistent affordable housing, to live up to promises made in the Sundown Town Resolution, to work with the SPUSD in providing free after school childcare and kindercare, and to adopt a ceasefire resolution for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
Unknown contact said:
“The question before this question answer is I live in my parents house. Please pass a dam city budget. The city council and finance commission have become a complete joke. Those the finance commission and city council want to be lecture on how to pass a budget by some of the top Democrats who know how to pass a budget. Both the finance commission and city council remind me of how the Donald Trump Republicans work which is do nothing.”
Unknown contact said:
“We need more affordable housing and rent control so that families with children in our city that has a 10out of 10 school district can actually afford to live and thrive here. If we cant afford housing to just rent let alone buy, allow families to have their child attend schools with an interdistrict transfer and allow families to attend South Pasadena Unified without having to show so much documentation to live in the city. ”
Unknown contact said:
“Decaying infrastructure, basic administration and governance, routine operational competence. No more resolutions on Ukraine, Gaza, and the global climate. Run the damn city.”
Unknown contact said:
“I also rent a property in South Pass. The city Council needs to enact a rent increase moratorium immediately.”
“Economic Development: Should we encourage more businesses, or are we happy with our current mix of local haunts and big chains? Check all that apply”
Unknown contact said:
“Stop allowing chains to push out our local mom and pop businesses. We’ve lost so many lovely indie shops. We have chains in Old Town Pasadena, we don’t need them here too. I have friends who used to love coming here who now prefer other places because South Pasadena “doesn’t feel as charming.” That’s lost revenue and the city council needs to understand that.”
Unknown contact said:
“The types of business we have is fine. ”
Unknown contact said:
“The thing they call a flea market could actually be pretty good but it’s not a flea market it’s a craft fair or like a “Saturday market” kind of thing. That end of mission has really become rundown. It’s sad. Why is the Chamber of Commerce pushing a private business? they get so much money from the city but they only work on a few businesses. It’s maddening to see the lopsided mismanagement. Why does the city rely on the chamber of commerce so much? It seems like they’re just in it for their own people and connections. ”
Unknown contact said:
“I think we are fine. ”
Unknown contact said:
“Why does the city give our tax money to the chamber of commerce? Also, the lady is rude and dismissive. It is sad to see that end of Mission Street look so trashy down by the metro tracks. ”
Unknown contact said:
“I think processes need to be shortened for people who are interested in starting and opening businesses in South Pasadena – large or small. ”
Unknown contact said:
“Make the city as business friendly as possible. Help the proposed developments to get moving on their projects. Continue making the city more walkable, bike friendly and covered in street trees. ”
Unknown contact said:
“City doesn’t need more services, needs more sales tax revenue generating businesses.”
Unknown contact said:
“The city is giving far to much revenue to the chamber of commerce. The chamber is not a nonprofit. It is a private organization that has vastly abused it privileges in town, despite doing a good job on two events. Most businesses in town are afraid to speak up due to the way they treat people who are not in their small clique. Defund the chamber. They behave like stuck up spoiled brats. Entitled to the end. They have every opportunity to fund themselves. Stop funding them now.”
Unknown contact said:
“Our chamber of commerce is weird. They only take care of about 4 blocks on Mission, and only a few businesses seem to benefit. Get rid of the concrete barriers on the sidewalks. Covid is over.”
Unknown contact said:
“There’s nothing to buy in our business districts that I need and the restaurant selection is bad”
Unknown contact said:
“City should develop plans for making it easier for small businesses to open in our city. ”
Unknown contact said:
“We need to be focussing less on big chains and more on smaller businesses. The development on Mission with The Habit, Starbucks, and Rice and Nori is just one example of big brans being prioritized over small businesses ”
Unknown contact said:
“Get rid of the k-rails and promote Route 66.”
Unknown contact said:
“We are incredibly lucky to have a train stop on our Main Street, and sandwiched between high travel centers of Pasadena and City of LA – YET, our Main Street is a husk, business cannot survive – even our own residents go outside of our town to shop and eat. We should be catering to the desires of our family population, be open to creative re-use of buildings, temp pop-ups and street closures.”
Unknown contact said:
“Happy with current mix. No more big box stores. ”
Unknown contact said:
“We have a lot of vacant stores. Encourage landlords to get businesses started. Too many massage and nail business. Tacky.”
Unknown contact said:
“Slow traffic and the number of cut-through drivers on our main streets. This will encourage more people to visit on foot to support local businesses of all kinds.”
Unknown contact said:
“What businesses?”
Unknown contact said:
“I think we have about the amount of businesses a town our size can support. ”
Unknown contact said:
“I prefer small businesses over big brands. It builds better community. We need better restaurants, and more entertainment. Get the Rialto back and reopen it as a proper movie theater. This would be a great way to keep our kids and teens safe.”
Unknown contact said:
“Add business that the resident want and not what the city wants.”
Unknown contact said:
“Keep the current mix of businesses. We do not want big box companies coming in and closing out the mom and pop businesses. That is what makes our city so great! ”
Unknown contact said:
“Reverse business losses and preserve existing businesses, especially locally owned businesses. Find out why so many local businesses are closing or relocating outside the city, and work to end the losses.”
Unknown contact said:
“Improve streets and appearance. Overall, add more small specialty businesses, develop Huntington Drive inappropriate mid range.”
“City Manager Position: How crucial is a transparent hiring process for the next city manager to you?”
Unknown contact said:
“It is the City Council’s job to hire a qualified City Manager. We elect City Council to make that decision. If you don’t like their decisions then you should elect someone else. ”
Unknown contact said:
“DeWolfe and Chaparyan were terrible City Managers! Each in their own unique way. I am worried about hiring another city manager that is more worried about their position, power, and benefits they can get, than doing what is best for the city. ”
Unknown contact said:
“The last three councils have done a subpar job of managing the city managers. At some point, maybe it’s them and not the city managers. ”
Unknown contact said:
“I think the cc should establish a former Mayor committee to help with the process, they definitely need people with more experience to help get it right this time. The last 6 years with the last two city managers have been very chaotic and non productive to get anything done for our city. The current cc has not shown the people that they can be trusted to represent the collective voice of the residents.”
Unknown contact said:
“The hiring process for this small town is flawed. Citizens through taxes are overpaying for value received. Paying severance to an incompetent fired manager is insane.”
