[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6004186,"mediaKeyId","5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f","parentId",5833985,"title","Ad hoc committee narrows library/community center site options after extensive public input; three scaled strategies set for review","audioSeconds",209,"startMs",1722920,"endMs",1932440,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f&start=1722&end=1932","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f/thumbnail_1722920.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6004186/South-Pasadena-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Ad-hoc-committee-narrows-librarycommunity-center-site-options-after-extensive-public-input-three-scaled-strategies-set-for-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004186-12bae09f66916a22cbc936ca924fa014/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985832&Signature=Am1BVyJUOFVuEZXg4MYU-xNesp3GFfBgxX87ijwv4C9SVvqy389OK04b1RAvtt5rMGrPDpvUhyH~16gk7sFub4N1mZZJZ7kIqTpJwVfMyS5pgOeGqsjI5zfhXyulqeQqZGIANgU~YUFHLmbrdU3-Y8j4CF5Xp8DHbQfmSge1c82zSds4AZss1CxsEOcT2C1vI9zoSQqTtYWeYP6ezz0psJjQyLcQ7cZd0ThkEFwFwSiGevdEjekO4gYyb3XtxHVUM3RO9wTOW58wPXBdqtLBM5Obmh75RhgUTyGDBvPNGDQFL6dO~7nT2lEcTaBpTC0lzEINbHi3f-iGkBmOQ-CsqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of South Pasadena, California","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","City staff updated commissioners Sept. 8 on the library and community center site plan process and three revised site strategies that reflect community input and direction from city leadership.
Melissa Snyder said Phase 1 of the project — assessing community needs — concluded with more than 600 survey responses and over 2,000 interactions at engagement kiosks. The ad hoc committee and consultants narrowed the options to three high-level strategies: renovation of the existing buildings; renovation of a historic 1930s building plus a new 24,500-square-foot building; or renovation of the 1930s building plus a new 40,780-square-foot building. Snyder emphasized the options are scalable and not limited to the three discrete choices.
Staff outlined next steps: the consultants will present the assessment to the Library Board of Trustees on Oct. 9, the Community Services Commission on Oct. 13 and then to city council on Nov. 5. Commissioners and staff discussed budget sizing: during committee remarks commissioners summarized consultant planning-level estimates that ranged from an approximate $20–25 million refurbishment to roughly $30–35 million for an intermediate option and a larger option up to about $60 million. Commissioners stressed the importance of matching any chosen option to realistic funding strategies; staff noted potential upcoming bond discussions related to street work and capital improvement priorities could influence available funding in 2026 and beyond.
Why it matters: The site plan will guide future capital investments and grant applications. The ad hoc committee framed the assessment to support grant eligibility and to create a fundable plan rather than a fully engineered design. The commission will review the consultants’ assessment at its Oct. 13 meeting and forward a recommendation to council.
Next steps: Consultants will present detailed findings in October and staff will schedule follow-up items for commission and council consideration, including budget scenarios and funding strategy discussions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","South Pasadena Community Services Commission 09 08 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff and the project ad hoc committee presented three scalable site strategies Sept. 8 for the library/community center project after outreach that yielded over 600 survey responses and more than 2,000 kiosk interactions.","taxTitle","South Pasadena City, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",70853,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004191,"City outlines pocket-park construction timeline; projects funded by Prop 68 and Measure A",193,1517340,1710380,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f&start=1517&end=1710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f/thumbnail_1517340.jpg","/articles/6004191/South-Pasadena-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/City-outlines-pocket-park-construction-timeline-projects-funded-by-Prop-68-and-Measure-A","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004191-4050f344f1fcbe33f0ce7cffe3280fcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985832&Signature=Dlwsfip~Vzxe1twxxze7J8Zm22jCzXgDkdLABYD37JMKHUjPY3uLEqpJKrFQZk~0L9Pvdn1XztA7fdXRHuygFz8yxJ~urKCqya8bu1uF~I8hGgJJEgXhcv7lJY3xGGG4o1FzM6q~a99ZOX5e5rClBWeIxnOKT8QQivwRRGVMvE9nNpP2nTxQ4enjHjfqbLarPHNi5DaghnM3zsFetN4TRCtY1wpgsLBp24hs0gFPmtcInQeqCQ2SIK8N95aZ1TqNNqdE08k5PWJetYXKofIoRmS7uqg4zcQVrbRFFT6fdnTCjjej~g9vNyJFTLdUM93TsB~FaqYyGhExiyhxPpTF7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Community Services Commission Sept. 8 that construction of two pocket parks — Grevillea Pocket Park and the Beatrice Solis Memorial Park (formerly Berkshire Pocket Park) — is underway and expected to finish this fall.
Deputy Director Melissa Snyder said major work completed to date includes grading, underground utility installs, storm drains, fencing, concrete walls and decorative benches. Remaining tasks include sidewalks, decomposed granite or rubberized play surfaces, installation of park features (furniture, lighting, irrigation) and landscaping. Staff said the parks aim to be completed this fall and that a ribbon-cutting is tentatively planned for November; exact dates were not yet finalized.
Snyder said the land for the pocket parks was originally Caltrans property that the city purchased. Financing for construction includes a Prop 68 state grant of $193,000 and $550,000 from Measure A (Regional Park and Open Space District) toward both pocket parks. Staff said those funding partners are expected to attend a future groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting.
Why it matters: The projects convert previously underused property into public green space and are funded through state and regional park grant programs. The work advances community access to small neighborhood parks and illustrates a mix of grant and local park funds used for capital improvements.
Discussion and next steps: Commissioners asked about schedule details, whether additional pocket parks were planned and which funds were used; staff said additional Caltrans parcels are under consideration but no specific pocket-park conversions are planned beyond these two. Staff will return with exact ribbon-cutting dates and any technical follow-up from Public Works.
","City staff updated the Community Services Commission on two pocket parks under construction — Grevillea Pocket Park and the Beatrice Solis Memorial Park — and reported the sites were purchased from Caltrans and financed with state Prop 68 and Measure A funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004196,"Commission clears draft RFP seeking fireworks, drone and hybrid shows for 2026 'Sky Show'; public urged no balloons or fireworks",5700,1047070,6747860,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f&start=1047&end=6747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f/thumbnail_1047070.jpg","/articles/6004196/South-Pasadena-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Commission-clears-draft-RFP-seeking-fireworks-drone-and-hybrid-shows-for-2026-Sky-Show-public-urged-no-balloons-or-fireworks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004196-11a796727ed1e6d93284676034607ac0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985832&Signature=eobs86kwCVetN5c9vJDrb9SxV~543Seisb73h3nXTLcIVAsGVwmHd0~P3M6tRp7bAQji2~kXJ6AlPsR43c1Z3-07iuJLGbSsjA2-EhxVQVaJGJ4RoT5ccc5r9mihH953iXqz8ULQGKsrxxKehe7KTqxGw9-aChf0MaHYGxPGPDFHf~q7CZpNn5nrSySb54R-v4uQKiZlLGfZByMUx0K2lcACu5-omtSqvTDxnhfdx~rFBIUdfhnr-nvhmmguPHQz~WOcv6LnJtCMnBV~xp4C2yyujZHM7g1ue-IJxsTi1P37pKm4O4ARhc2k3MVxUsEJT14-iQNvbcm7sIMQTiKM8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Services Commission voted Sept. 8 to release a draft request for proposals (RFP) to solicit vendors for the city’s 2026 July 4 “Sky Show,” asking firms to propose one of three formats: a traditional fireworks display, a hybrid fireworks-and-drone show, or a fully drone-based aerial display.
Staff said the broader RFP will give the city flexibility to compare safety, cost and community impacts among different formats before recommending a final option to city council. Melissa Snyder, deputy director of community services, told commissioners staff will solicit proposals, present them to the Natural Resources and Public Safety commissions for review, and then return recommendations to the Community Services Commission prior to a council decision.
At the start of the meeting a public commenter, Tucker Nelson, urged the city to eliminate balloons and fireworks from celebration planning on environmental and wildlife-protection grounds and suggested substitutes such as bunting, pinwheels and tissue-paper decorations. Nelson also raised concerns about noise and air pollution from fireworks and urged the commission to consider drone-only options or other non-pyrotechnic displays.
Commission discussion addressed technical and budget questions, including drone counts and show length. Commissioners and staff noted that drone shows require different logistics — including FAA and site safety clearances — and that higher-drone-count shows are more expensive. Staff said the department requested additional budget flexibility to cover higher-cost show options and that vendors are booking early for the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026. Commissioners asked staff to make music and synchronization requirements explicit in the RFP after hearing that earlier regional drone shows had suffered from poor audio synchronization.
A motion to approve release of the RFP, subject to edits requested by the commission (including clarifying technical language and making synchronization and duration requirements explicit), passed unanimously. Staff will publish the RFP and return with proposals and recommendations later in the fall; staff said an ideal schedule would allow a council contract award early next year so vendors can lock dates for 2026.
Why it matters: The vote allows the city to evaluate non-pyrotechnic alternatives alongside traditional fireworks and sets up further public and interagency review, including Natural Resources and Public Safety commissions and city council. Public comment at the meeting signaled local concern about environmental and animal impacts from both balloons and fireworks.
Next steps: Staff will edit and post the RFP, receive proposals, and bring recommendations to the Natural Resources and Public Safety commissions and the Community Services Commission before a council decision. The commission also discussed forming a subcommittee to assist with 250th-anniversary planning and to help ensure the event budget supports a broader slate of activities beyond the Sky Show.
","The commission approved release of a request for proposals for a 2026 July 4 \"Sky Show\" that solicits traditional fireworks, hybrid fireworks-and-drone and fully drone-based displays. A public commenter urged the city to drop balloons and fireworks for environmental and wildlife reasons.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004201,"Community Services Commission amends minutes to reflect disagreement, votes to revisit item",587,318710,906070,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f&start=318&end=906","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f/thumbnail_318710.jpg","/articles/6004201/South-Pasadena-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Community-Services-Commission-amends-minutes-to-reflect-disagreement-votes-to-revisit-item","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004201-3795337822695266a7d53b6bde946438/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985832&Signature=UTRw1YtdfUkqBMFLs6dqbC8OeRUI-f~VvyFkB4YPjoS0JwGpjKcSx7sFy4~O9Fq3c5nzSmVDxXHVfV8CY5xsxk~tDVRoKexJhTMB-QJjjzlOzKaN0CthFAtmcTtnhbX4PHkywdajr4YM6kygYPbwtrpRlF4o1pH5lf~4w2BjyCAUwi15RJmObLf-gwuoErlFXhwolXsB4KDjuUqLDCdiKJVTDwpIP6nC1zPtdt-v1K2iDGr8BoOkvPLbF1GmcOV6u3hbD2JdqTmqGFSbTnvi4uregTfV2oikXAm5aeQoFYG3mMy2-YfXweUKVIc7j~fp90mwPIj5jaaOkfINmKLRow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community Services Commission members voted Sept. 8 to amend previously approved action minutes to record that the commission “discussed item number 4, but did not take action or make a recommendation at this time due to disagreement,” and to bring the item back to the commission’s Aug. 11, 2025, regular meeting schedule.
The amendment was proposed during a lengthy exchange over what belongs in “action minutes,” with some commissioners saying minutes should simply record votes and others urging a more descriptive record. Melissa Snyder, Community Services deputy director, explained the city’s practice that action minutes typically record votes rather than the tone of discussion, and noted the video recording is posted online for public review. Commissioner Lai said the minutes did not truthfully reflect the prior meeting and asked the record be amended to note a “heated discussion.” Chair Samuels and others said the established practice limits minutes to actions and votes.
The commission debated a compromise phrasing that would record a disagreement rather than label the exchange “heated.” After public comment from visitor Josh Beata urging staff not to be placed “in the middle” by adding adjectives to minutes, Commissioner Lai moved to amend the minutes as proposed; Commissioner Weinberger seconded. The roll-call vote recorded Samuels, Vice Chair Plotkin, Commissioner Bagasau and Commissioner Weinberger as voting yes; Commissioners Field and Lai voted no. The motion to amend was approved.
Why it matters: The vote clarifies what future minutes will say about the earlier item and directs staff to return the underlying agenda item for further commission consideration. The decision also highlighted differing views on minutes practices and the role of staff in preparing records for public consumption.
Discussion: Commissioners repeatedly distinguished between the public video record and the written action minutes, with staff pointing to the video posting as a supplement. Several commissioners pushed to have the minutes reflect their stronger concerns about how the 2025 work plan was prepared. The commission instructed staff to return the related agenda item for reconsideration at the Aug. 11, 2025 meeting.
Outcome and next steps: The commission approved the amended text for the minutes and set a return date for the underlying issue. No new staff directives were adopted beyond scheduling the item for reconsideration.
","The Community Services Commission voted to amend prior action minutes to note that commissioners disagreed on an item and to return the matter to the Aug. 11, 2025 regular meeting after debate over whether minutes should record tone or only votes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004181,"Commission adopts revised 2025 work plan, assigns 'Adopt a Park' liaisons and approves youth field permits",2639,2372060,5011950,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f&start=2372&end=5011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833985-b13f19efaf395690d7a9c27f4da9326f/thumbnail_2372060.jpg","/articles/6004181/South-Pasadena-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Commission-adopts-revised-2025-work-plan-assigns-Adopt-a-Park-liaisons-and-approves-youth-field-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004181-3a4ab62ec22b0348c805a175783ddde5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985832&Signature=iLrMhlCd4RkhZQW7e4Sj9~WQSixqh7BlGWkr6IyBGvUwipAT6SwmQHBl6UFtk8w48lm~qDd1zW0OitugiwLOog6bWrarMxHpS2qcefDM-gb4yJEu~A1KfXGR1lWa8ybIcwEpdx0Lv3~ykdsUeM4i92oTfOUAbR6Ov8iAfiAc8VX2n7xtgCZo1krJzoxYjvlg6we89KYc-cAgOkrP5BSXXRx5dua18bBd6V5x-yhVXGBLYwFeJLQOIOaZ-fENjUMP4YkDGGcA3KNpk--dLrZCWS-g3Os6Dp5XKdPljAMISp1mebSuAy3oOrv3dYY4oTse9i~1ubuSQ~KR2w2vQBJa3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Services Commission approved the third revised version of its 2025 work plan Sept. 8, finalized park assignments under the Adopt-a-Park program, established a quarterly schedule for recurring updates, and approved field-use permits for youth organizations AYSO and Holy Family.
Staff presented the revised work plan as a compromise between an earlier draft and city leadership priorities. Commissioners discussed the difference between making recommendations to staff and directing action; Melissa Snyder said many items will be recommendations for staff to consider and that some tasks (for example, “adopt a park”) ask commissioners to serve as community liaisons, visit assigned parks periodically and report maintenance or safety issues to staff.
A motion to adopt the revised work plan passed unanimously. Commissioners then reviewed adopt-a-park assignments. Several parks — including Garfield Park and Arroyo Park — were assigned to multiple commissioners to provide broader coverage. Commissioners were encouraged to send photos and immediate maintenance reports to staff rather than wait for meeting discussion.
Field use requests from AYSO and Holy Family for fall (Sept.–Nov.) and winter (Dec.–Feb.) seasons were presented. The AYSO request proposed weekday evening and weekend use of Arroyo North, Arroyo South and Orange Grove fields with a later weekday start (5 p.m.) at Orange Grove to accommodate a Holy Family scheduling need; staff noted Orange Grove would be closed for a city event on Friday, Oct. 24 and that a tentative Arroyo Park closure is planned for a January date. Staff also noted the city council has approved fee waivers for these organizations in recognition of their youth recreation services. The commission voted to approve the permits as presented.
Quarterly updates: The commission approved a framework to receive periodic (quarterly) updates on topics such as parks, youth and senior services, permitting and other regular items; staff will prepare a proposed quarterly schedule for commission review.
Why it matters: The adopted work plan and adopt-a-park assignments set commissioners’ priorities for the year and clarify how commissioners will assist staff with community outreach and oversight. Approval of field permits and fee waivers preserves youth recreational programming while staff coordinates scheduling and maintenance windows.
Next steps: Staff will return with a proposed quarterly schedule, confirm adopt-a-park logistics, and publish permit schedules. Commissioners were asked to report park issues to staff directly with photos for faster maintenance responses.
","The Community Services Commission approved a revised 2025 work plan, established quarterly topic updates and finalized adopt-a-park assignments; commissioners also approved field use permits for AYSO and Holy Family with fee waivers and scheduling considerations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ad hoc committee narrows library/community center site options after extensive public input; three scaled strategies set for review

City outlines pocket-park construction timeline; projects funded by Prop 68 and Measure A

Commission clears draft RFP seeking fireworks, drone and hybrid shows for 2026 'Sky Show'; public urged no balloons or fireworks

Community Services Commission amends minutes to reflect disagreement, votes to revisit item

Commission adopts revised 2025 work plan, assigns 'Adopt a Park' liaisons and approves youth field permits