We are living in extraordinary times, and the state of Black Pasadena is unique and unprecedented. Over the past few years, as with many years in our history as a people, the perpetual strength of our collective spirit has endured a global pandemic, loss of family, friends, and employment. There have been protests, at both the national and local levels, about deaths of African Americans at the hands of police as well as those who have taken the law into their own hands.
Rightfully there are high expectations regarding addressing systemic problems that have been part of our experiences for far too long now. There are a range of issues that prompt us to dial into weekly city council meetings as we seek justice and more favorable outcomes for our people. As a result of these diligent and ongoing calls, we have seen progress. Local businesses in need of support received it. A call to create community police oversight has been realized, through the establishment of a city commission. Our churches continue to foster that connection in our community. We have organized efforts related to mask wearing and vaccination as measures of helping to keep one another safe. We have helped uplift small business owners and workers during this time of economic insecurity. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together and the work we will continue to do collaboratively. I continue to dedicate myself to being responsive to my neighbors in the First District and throughout Pasadena as a whole as issues are addressed. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this platform and to be a resource as we address several concerns that continue to affect our community. Some the key concerns and information for your consideration are as follows: Mental Health Navigating the pandemic has been difficult, but in some ways we are emerging from it stronger. At the same time, many of the traumas that we have faced cannot be dealt with alone. The City of Pasadena offers an array of mental health services within our Public Health Department with a financial advisor. Accessory Dwelling Unit may be an option for you. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) The City of Pasadena permits the construction of an ADU and/or a junior ADU on your property. This is a great way to earn rental income, provide housing for family and friends, and add value to your home. One (1) ADU or one (1) junior ADU is permitted per lot; or one (1) junior ADU may be combined with one (1) detached ADU. For more information, please visit: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/community-planning/accessory-dwelling-units/#additional-regulations Pre-approved ADU plans are in the works, so please keep an eye out for details. Local Preference and Priority Guidelines Under the revised guidelines, the City has prioritized setting aside, up to 20% of affordable housing units, for our family and friends who can prove they sustained primary residency in Pasadena within 5 years of their application. Households with longer tenure will receive priority over those with a shorter tenure. Those that have been priced out of our community or lost their homes during the recession due to predatory lending might benefit from these revised guidelines. 710 Freeway Land The plans for the 710 Freeway displaced primarily Black and Japanese families from their homes in this area. The city will receive the land back in this area from Caltrans. I am calling on you and/or anyone you know that was affected by this aspect of Pasadena history to call into/submit comments to the city council so that we can repatriate this land back to the families whose homes were taken by eminent domain. As long as we continue to work together, we will continue to accomplish great things. We still have a lot of work to do, and I’m excited about all the great opportunities we have in front of us. Sending love and God’s blessings to you and yours. |
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