The South Pasadena City Council meeting on March 19, 2025, was busy with important adjustments, changes, and long needed city operation fixes. While kept to an efficient 2-1/2 hrs, the City Council leadership made ample room for meaningful public comment, significant planning code changes, spirited debate over the future of the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show, and recognition of Women’s History Month.
Of note: District 2 Councilmember Sheila Rossi was absent due to a short family-related leave. Councilmember Jon Primuth recused himself from Items 13 and 14, which involved the proposed elimination of the Design Review Board and significant changes to the Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) processes. Both items pertain to city approval and permitting procedures related to housing and buildings in South Pasadena. Primuth stepped away out of an abundance of caution, citing a potential for conflicts of interest.
This session offered a window into the city’s evolving priorities—from financial sustainability and housing improvements streamlining, to public safety and community advocacy on a variety of South Pasadena concerns.
Public Comments Spotlight Public Safety, City Services, and Civic Participation
The meeting opened with a robust general public comment period, which included meaningful testimony on climate change from Commissioner and scientist Casey Law. Law called on the city to take stronger action toward climate mitigation, particularly advocating for safer and more inclusive transportation infrastructure.
Josh Betta, a longtime civic watchdog and municipal finance expert, commended Mayor Janet Braun for her in-depth engagement with the Finance Commission, which he said is finally operating at a high level of fiscal discipline and independence. Betta warned of an impending structural deficit and called on the city to adopt long-term budget solutions, including transparency around the city’s total number of authorized staff positions—a figure Betta argued remains elusive and financially significant.
South Pasadena Skate Park advocate Patrick Cruz returned to report that the park’s bathrooms continue to go uncleaned despite contractor obligations. He offered firsthand documentation of inconsistent service and called for action, saying the skate park needs more “love, not duct tape.”
Lori Wheeler of the Chamber of Commerce promoted two community events: a job fair at the War Memorial Building on March 21, and the return of the 15th annual Eclectic Music Festival on April 26.
Yvonne LaRose delivered an extensive Women’s History Month address and noted the absence of South Pasadena representation at a recent state economic development expo featuring State Treasurer Fiona Ma. LaRose offered to share grant and funding resources with the city.
Proclamation and Recognition: Women’s History Month and “The Hive”
Mayor Braun issued an official proclamation designating March as Women’s History Month. The city also celebrated “Merchant Minute” with a spotlight on The Hive, a local arts and crafts studio led by Emily Klein, which is relocating to a new storefront at 1118 Mission Street. Klein spoke of the business’s emphasis on creative wellness and inclusive community space, receiving an enthusiastic reception from the council and chamber.
Streamlining Development: Major Zoning Code Overhaul Passed
The council approved sweeping updates to South Pasadena’s zoning code, dissolving the Design Review Board and redistributing its functions to the Planning Commission, city staff, and a new chair-level review process. The aim: streamline small-scale development approvals and reduce long waits for applicants.
Acting Planning Manager Dean Flores explained that the changes align city processes with state laws, simplify review thresholds, and allow for faster processing of minor residential and commercial projects. Councilmember Omari Ferguson emphasized the importance of tracking the effectiveness of the changes over time. Councilmembers expressed confidence in the Planning Commission’s new role, applauding its recent leadership and expertise.
In a related move, the council passed an ordinance temporarily expanding the Planning Commission from five to seven members to include the remaining two Design Review Board members through December 2025. The goal is to retain institutional knowledge during the transition.
Cultural Heritage Commission Updates
In a second planning-related vote, the council approved amendments affecting the Cultural Heritage Commission, including extending certificates of appropriateness from 18 to 24 months and simplifying minor project reviews. These updates also require clearer public noticing and grant greater discretion to city staff and the Community Development Director.
Former Mayor Harry Knapp had submitted public comment suggesting a more conservative threshold for minor additions to historic properties. Staff explained that aligning thresholds across departments improves clarity for homeowners.
Fireworks vs. Drones: South Pasadena’s Fourth of July Show Sparks Debate
Perhaps the most passionate debate of the night centered around whether South Pasadena should move away from traditional fireworks in favor of a drone light show for its July 4th celebration.
Several students from South Pasadena Middle School had previously made a carefully presented case for retiring fireworks due to their environmental impact, risks to wildlife, and negative effects on veterans and pets.
Community Services Director Lucy Hakobian presented cost comparisons between fireworks and drone shows, with drone pricing ranging from $27,000 to over $70,000 depending on scope. She noted logistical constraints and vendor availability as time-sensitive.
Public comment was split—some residents pushed hard for an all-drone show as a statement of sustainability and inclusivity. Others favored maintaining fireworks as a patriotic tradition, with a public comment from Steven Lawrence advocating for keeping the fireworks show, but with a hybrid approach combining both formats.
Councilmember Michael Cacciotti, also a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, made an impassioned plea to transition to a drone-based show due to environmental and health concerns. He proposed a compromise hybrid model and offered to contribute discretionary funds to support it.
Despite his efforts, the Council voted 3-1 to retain a traditional fireworks show for 2025, with Cacciotti dissenting. However, the Council left the door open to future change, asking staff and relevant commissions to explore hybrid or drone-only options in time for 2026.
Parking Enforcement Resumes
The Council voted to resume overnight parking enforcement citywide on April 7, 2025. Residents impacted by January’s Eaton Fire evacuations may apply for temporary exemptions through May 5. Police Chief Brian Solinsky presented the phased reimplementation plan, which mirrors actions taken in nearby cities post-disaster.
Tesla Police Fleet: Level 3 EV Charging Approved Amid Budget Scrutiny
Two electrification-related contracts drew scrutiny, especially from Councilmember Ferguson, who questioned whether a Level 3 EV charger for the city’s police fleet was necessary given existing Level 2 infrastructure. Public Works Director Ted Gerber and Interim City Manager Sean Joyce defended the expenditure, citing public safety and grant funding benefits.
The item passed 3-1, with Ferguson voting no.
It should be noted that the location of the Level 3 EV charging station could be strategically located – possibly at South Pasadena High School, or other high-traffic, high-profile public safety sensitive locales. Councilmember Omari Ferguson points out the highly practical planning opportunity to have SP Police Vehicles sitting in high-profile areas since they must sit and charge-up for extended periods anyway. Mr. Ferguson stated to the South Pasadenan: “It just makes sense to have our PD Units visible, to help deter crime – instead of hidden away behind the City Hall building while changing”
Main Take-aways: Enforcement, Events, & Future Planning
Councilmembers closed the meeting with updates on Little League season (reminders about leash laws), pedestrian safety near schools, and suggestions for targeted data collection on dangerous intersections.
Mayor Janet Braun adjourned after a well-paced two-hours and twenty minutes of deliberation, having tackled immediate issues and long-term structural reforms alike—while engaging a diverse group of passionate residents eager to shape the future of South Pasadena.
