Greetings Journal Readers! I am honored to serve with my friends and colleagues, Councilmembers Kennedy and Hampton. We often have different views, but we learn from each other with a genuine desire to serve all in our community. Some updates from District 2 . . .
First and foremost, I am excited to welcome the Central Library programs at Jefferson Elementary School in District 2, so mark your calendars for an open house this summer! On the housing front, I am working with the Planning and Housing Departments on 4 affordable housing projects in the District, including a potential motel conversion through Project Roomkey, the mixed-income 1880 Walnut project and acquisition of 6 existing units for PCC students by Heritage Housing Partners, and a bid for properties on the William Carey International University campus as they reduce their footprint. My goal is to have new development that serves the needs of Pasadena by providing community benefits like good paying jobs and housing at all income levels. I continue to be concerned that it has been a very slow and uneven recovery from COVID. So, I will continue to focus on supporting our small businesses, job training, local hiring, and expansion of our social services and programs. With Federal recovery funds the City has created a second PORT homeless outreach team to help more individuals in need. In February the Council formed a task force on early childhood development to advise us on future policies and programs. As we enter budget season, I see more opportunities to expand existing and fund new programs for youth, violence intervention and prevention, and housing assistance. Overall, I think we have a good path to travel together, and I am committed to continue our progress towards economic justice. |
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