Our Future Is In Good Hands: Knowledge Is Power

Pasadena, CA - On Saturday, May 25, 2013, before a crowd of over 900, the Quality of Life Center, Inc. "Bright Future Scholars" Leadership Development Program held its Graduation and Awards Luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center. The processional was graciously led by Dean of Scholars, Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, assisted by Honorary Dean of Scholars, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Attending mentors who have been of unimaginable assistance and support included: Congresswoman Judy Chu, California State Senator Carol Liu, Former California Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Mayor of Pasadena Bill Bogaard, Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez, Altadena Sheriff Captain John Benedict, Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Ron Larriva, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Jon Gundry, Pasadena City Attorney Michele Bagneris, Pasadena Superior Court Judge Philip Soto, Superior Court Judge Lia Martin, and two retired Altadena Sheriffs Captains, Roosevelt Blow and Steve McLean.

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Summer Meal Program for Pasadena Area Children & Youth

For the 33rd consecutive year, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will offer free breakfasts and lunches for children and youth 18 years old or younger this summer through the 2013 Summer Food Program.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and PUSD's food services division and operated by PUSD, the city of Pasadena and other organizations, the free meals will be served at schools, parks and other sites throughout Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. Children do not need to pre-register to receive a meal.

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Safety Urged During Fourth of July Activities in Pasadena

The Pasadena Fire and Police Departments remind all residents and visitors that the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with family and friends is by attending professional fireworks shows such as Americafest at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

The sale or possession of all fireworks is illegal in Pasadena. Violators are subject to confiscation and impound of vehicles; up to one year in jail and fines up to $50,000. Call Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 to report illegal fireworks.

Due to the high potential for fire hazards and injuries, Pasadena police and fire personnel will staff checkpoints around the Rose Bowl Stadium to seize all fireworks and arrest offenders. In addition, the Pasadena Fire Department will begin applying Phos-Chek on Tuesday, June 25, to brush areas surrounding the Rose Bowl Stadium. The main ingredients of this annual, preventative application of fire retardant are phosphates and fertilizers that help prevent trees and grasslands from burning and to re-vegetate any burned wild land areas.

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The “Mayor of Northwest Pasadena” Ralph Poole Passes Away

It is a sad day for the Northwest community. The "Mayor of Northwest Pasadena," Ralph Poole, died early the morning of June 17, 2013, at 3:30 a.m. On Friday he had a massive heart attack and lived long enough to spend time with some of his friends and family.

Mr. Poole was a beloved and influential community leader, a tireless advocate for those in need, and a warrior of local justice.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked at various schools throughout the community as an educator, mentor and writer. He worked with young people between the ages of four to 15 in a program known as Project Safetime, which operated in Kings Villages Apartments.

Mr. Poole was one of the original Board members of the Fair Oaks Project Area Committee (PAC), where he served as Chairman. He also served as an organizational representative on that committee since its inception in 1985, while simultaneously serving on the City of Pasadena's Northwest Commission since 1990.

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