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City of South Pasadena                                                                                                                                               January   2018 
 
In This Issue
Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Event
February 3, 2018
Environmental Fun Fact 
of the Month
 
 
Aluminum is one of the most recycled -- and most recyclable -- materials on the market today. Nearly 75 percent of all aluminum produced in the U.S. is still in use today. Aluminum can be recycled directly back into itself over and over again in a true closed loop.

 
If you would like to submit an environmental fun fact for n ext month's newsletter, please email 
e-neighbors@southpasadenaca.gov
Holiday Closures
New Year's Day  
Monday, January 1, 2018  
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day  
Monday, January 15, 2018
 
Clic k here   for holiday closures  
throughout the year.
Calendar of City Events
Clic k here t o view a list of  
upcoming meetings of interest.
                      
 
City Council Meeting  
Agendas & Minutes
Clic k here  to view a list of upcoming
meetings of interest.
                      
     
City Council Meeting Video
Clic k here to view the live streaming
of City Council meetings.
Receive information when you need it most 
Connect South Pasadena - the City's emergency notification system  
Click here to register for Connect South Pasadena, the City's emergency alert system and ensure that you & your loved ones receive the information you need to stay safe!  
Community Services Classes & Programs Guide

The Winter 2018 issue of the Community Services Classes & Programs Guide
is
available here . 
Job Opportunities
Link to City Employment Opportunities
  
A bulletin board with postings of all current City employment opportunities (pictured) is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall
Sign Up for Library Youth Programs
Icon to Sign up for Library Youth Programs
The City of South Pasadena Public Library Children's online program registration and notification signup features are available here. For more information, please contact the Library Children's Services at (626) 403-7258.
Senior Center Events
 
Give the gift of membership at the
South Pasadena Senior Center!  
(South Pasadena non-residents are welcome).  
More information is available here. 
The HRC is a nonprofit civil-rights organization that has identified and addressed the challenges of housing discrimination since 1968. The HRC provides assistance to residents with discrimination complaints and landlord-tenant disputes. The HRC also provides outreach and public education, landlord-tenant counseling, housing discrimination investigation, mediation and legal services.

Contact the Housing Rights Center at (800) 477-5977 or (213) 201-0867 for TTY Users.

                     
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Snow Day
Saturday, January 20, 2018
        
Let it snow! The Community Services Department will host the 3rd annual "Snow Day" event. Join us on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Garfield Park. We will have sled runs, snow play, crafts, and our Tot Land area for younger children will also be available.
    
Subject to availability, wristbands will be sold for $15 day of the event. Children under 2 years are free with one paid adult. Each wristband is good for 45 minutes of access to snow play and sled runs, there will be four 45 minute sessions. You can select your session on-line, www.southpasadenaca.gov/events. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Recreation office, (626) 403-7380. We look forward to seeing you all there; remember to bring your scarves and mittens!
Water & Sewage Rate Change
City of South Pasadena residents did an exceptional  job in  meeting the  water  conservation requirements mandated by the State of California. However, the prolonged drought in southern California has seriously impacted the water supply. This is especially true of ground water from where South Pasadena obtains the majority of its water. These sources are at historically low levels. The City is proposing to increase the water and sewer rates to generate sufficient revenues to ensure reliable water and sewer services.
 
At a Public Hearing on November 1, 2017, the City Council approved establishing new water and sewer rates.  These new rates will be effective January 1, 2018.  Global Water will continue to bill customers on a bi-monthly basis for water and sewer services.  Residents will see the new water and sewer rates for January 2018 service on their bills around March 2018.  While the water rates for the residential customers are increasing, the sewer rates will be slightly lower than the what the current residential customers are currently paying.  The sewer bills for the commercial customers will be based on actual water consumption instead of a fixed monthly charge.  Small businesses using less water will see a slight decrease in their sewer bills, however businesses  using more water will see an increase in their sewer bills.    
 
The proposed water rates will still include an Efficiency Fee for water conservation projects throughout the City as well as Water Conservation Rebates for South Pasadena residents. Click here for information on the City Water Conservation Programs and Rebates.
 
If you have any questions regarding the proposed rates please contact the Finance Department at (626) 403-7250.  More information on the proposed rates can also be found here on the City's website.
Residential Rubbish Billing Changes Will Result in Multiple Bills During January and February
As of January 1, 2018, the City of South Pasadena (City) transferred billing of residential rubbish services (solid waste) directly to Athens Services. Athens Services has an exclusive franchise as the City's rubbish services provider and currently provides all of the City's rubbish services. This transfer of residential rubbish billing will create greater statement transparency, facilitate enhanced customer relationships, and streamline utility billing processes.
 
We kindly ask that residents bear with us during the transition which will result in multiple utility billing statements to residential customers during the first two months of 2018. Effective January 1, 2018 Athens services will directly bill customers in advance of service and on a quarterly basis. Your next regular utility bill from the City will include water, sewer, and your final rubbish billing for two months of prior service. Please note that you will NOT be double billed for rubbish services.
 
Athens Services uses a billing system that sends utility billing statements quarterly and in advance of the service. Conversely, the City has always sent utility billing statements bi-monthly for two months of prior service. You should expect to receive your regular utility bill from the City during the months of January and February for the November and December rubbish services. However, you will also receive a utility billing statement from Athens Services in late January for rubbish services covering January, February, and March of 2018. Again, please note that there will be NO overlap of service periods and you will NOT be double billed for rubbish services. Athens will send the next quarterly billing statement for rubbish services in April for services in April, May, and June of 2018. Your water and sewer bills will continue to be billed on a bi-monthly basis. Below is a graphic comparison of the two billing cycles for easier explanation.
 
For more information, Please visit the City of South Pasadena's website at: www.southpasadenaca.gov/utilities where you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the transfer of residential rubbish services billing to Athens Services. You may also contact the City via e-mail: utilities@southpasadenaca.gov. In addition, you may call the City of South Pasadena Finance Department at (626) 403-7250 or Athens Services directly at (888) 336-6100.
Holiday Tree Collection Schedule 2017-2018 
For single family residents will start the day after Christmas and continue for two weeks. Residents should place their tree at the curb on their regular trash day.

Apartment building and condo residents should place their tree at the curb for collection on Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For those who would prefer to drop off their tree, there will be a larger dumpster located on the 900 block of Arroyo Drive from December 26, 2017 until January 6, 2018.

Please remove all ornaments, decorations, lights, tinsel and tree stands.
For more information, please visit our website, call Athens Services at 888-336-6100.
City's Business License Tax Program and FAQs Update
In an effort to assist our residents with the Business License Tax Amnesty Program, we have extended the Business Tax Amnesty period from December 31, 2017 to March 1, 2018.  In October, the City sent out a letter requesting residents contact the City regarding possible business ownership or business activity in the City. 
 
If you received this letter and still have questions or concerns, please  review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and available forms at   www.southpasadenca.gov/businesslicense . We are also available to assist you by email at businesslicense@southpasadenaca.gov  and by phone at (626) 403-7257 or (626) 403-7259. If you have already discussed your situation with City representatives and/or submitted your application or some form of exemption, we thank you for your attention to this matter and you do not need to do anything further. Staff continues to work through the application materials already submitted and will be following up with applicants as quickly as possible.
Get Involved With Your Community
The City Council seeks qualified applicants for its various Boards, Committees, and Commissions on an ongoing basis.
 
Applications are available at:
For more information contact the City Clerk's Division at (626) 403-7230.
Tree Drive Hosted by South Pasadena Beautiful
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." 
-Chinese Proverb
 
In order to preserve our urban forest, it is important to act now! South Pasadena Beautiful is hosting a tree planting drive with the goal to plant 75 trees by Arbor Day, March 2018.  You can help by funding the planting of a tree through the South Pasadena Tree Dedication Program. Donors can work with the City Arborist to pick a location and specie of tree close to their business, residence, or where the need is the greatest.
 
Each tree dedication is $350.  All tree donations made through South Pasadena Beautiful are tax deductible. For more information, visit the South Pasadena Beautiful website at  www.southpasbeautiful.org
Check it Out! SAT Prep Workshops for Teens  in January!
It isn't too early to start preparing for the spring SAT test dates. The Library is partnering with IvyMax, a leading education service provider, to offer two free SAT prep workshops in January.
 
SAT STRATEGY SESSION:  
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Learn test-prep and test-taking strategies and understand the new SAT format, including scoring methods and sections. Plus, get a brief introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) research competitions and an overview of the college application process, from deadlines and essays, to the different application platforms.
 
SAT PRACTICE TEST SESSION:  
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Experience the real thing but in a no-pressure, practice environment. IvyMax instructors will administer the practice SAT, evaluate tests, and follow up with personalized feedback.
 
Reservations are required. Please sign up here:  www.southpasadenaca.gov/register.
Check it Out! The Library has a Wealth of Resources to Help with Your New Year's Resolutions   






The South Pasadena Public Library wishes you good health and happiness in 2018! The holiday season is the perfect time to gather some tools to get through all the belly stuffing meals and dive into the new year with a commitment to a healthy body and mind.
 
Some of our favorite new books include Real Food Heals (2017), a nourishing cookbook by the award-winning chef, Seamus Mullen, who shares his story on how changing the way he ate saved his life. Another is Cassandra Bodzak's Eat With Intention (2016), which offers enticing recipes interwoven with easy mood-boosting meditations.
 
Movement and getting outdoors are also key to a healthy lifestyle. In Waking Energy (2017), Jennifer Kries shares ancient practices which are designed to reboot the body through yoga, qigong, meditation, and more. For some motivation, read The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative (2017), by Florence Williams. If you just need a little January jumpstart, check out The Badass Life: 30 Amazing Days to a Lifetime of Great Habits-Body, Mind, and Spirit (2017).
 
Visit the South Pasadena Public Library website for information about library services and programs and to access ebooks and online resources, or come see us in person, 7 days a week!
DUI Doesn't Just Mean Booze 
DUI DOESN'T JUST MEAN BOOZE - The Orange County District Attorney's Office (OCDA) is bringing public awareness to the dangers of drug-impaired driving through new informative videos.   
The OCDA collaborated with film students from California State University Long Beach's Surfside Productions and filmmakers at Colorblind Studios to develop four Public Service Announcement videos on the topic of marijuana and prescription drug impaired driving.  The content, style, and dissemination plans for the videos were developed through several months of active engagement with stakeholders comprised of educators, college students, public health care professionals, criminalists, cannabis industry representatives, and law enforcement officers.  The PSA videos can be found on the OCDA Facebook page.  
The Young Transition Navigator Program
The City of South Pasadena's Teen Center in collaboration with Cal State LA will offer a free sixteen-week program, January 22-May 18, geared towards teens ages 13-18. The Program is led by a Cal State LA Rehabilitation Education Professor, along with graduate and undergraduate students who will facilitate the workshops. Class meetings are Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.
 
The objective of this free program is to integrate the youth into the workforce or post-secondary education upon graduation. The training program will contain five modules:
  • Self-exploration
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Counseling
  • Employment preparedness
  • Person-center planning 
The program includes workshops on the following: Self-care and goal setting, stress management, self-advocacy skills, intrapersonal relationships, financial literacy, vocational assessment, career exploration, job search, resume, professional etiquette, just to name a few. At the end of the program, participants will prepare a portfolio and participate in a certificate graduation ceremony at Cal State LA.
The Young Transition Navigator Program will offer an evidence-based roadmap for students to obtain desirable life skills; as well as support the Teen Center as a fieldwork site for rehabilitating adolescence seeking support in transitional services.
A Special Meet & Greet is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the Orange Grove Recreation Building-Mid Level (815 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030). For more information please contact the Recreation Division at (626) 403-7380.
Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program  
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program will be in your community and we are asking you to help us spread the word about homeowner registration, which will be open from January 23 through February 23, 2018. EBB provides up to $3,000 toward a code-compliant seismic retrofit to make houses more resistant to earthquake damage.  
 
We developed this Community Outreach Kit with free materials that make it easy to promote the EBB program.  
 
The Community Outreach Kit includes the following tools:
-Postcard that can be customized with your logo and return address.  
-One-page overview handout about the EBB program.  
-Press Release template that provides EBB information and quotes.  
-PowerPoint presentation for your community meetings.  
-Suggest copy for social media posts, social networks (like Nextdoor), newsletter articles and outreach emails.  
 
To access the full Community Outreach Kit go to EBBTools.com. Click here for more information.  
Utility Management After an Earthquake 
GAS:
1. Turn gas off ONLY if you smell gas.
2.    If you do smell gas, open the windows and leave the house. DO NOT use the phone. DO NOT turn OFF any electrical switches, or anything that will cause a spark.
3.    Turn OFF the main gas shut-off valve. This valve is located next to your gas meter outside the house. Use a crescent wrench to turn the valve one quarter-turn, in either direction, to the "OFF" position (vertical is "ON" (!); horizontal is "OFF" (--) 
4.   For safety purposes, only the gas company should turn the meter back on. Only turn the gas off when absolutely necessary. DO NOT experiment with the valve to see if it is "working." To have it checked, call the utility company for assistance.
ELECTRICITY:
1.    Turn "OFF" ONLY if you see sparks or a fallen wire, or have reason to believe there is an electrical system malfunction.
2.    Locate the main circuit box. It may be outside the house (often near gas meter), in the garage toward the outside wall, or in the hall in one of the rooms (primarily apartments).
3.    Locate the "Main" circuit breaker or fuse. Turn the circuit breaker to the "OFF" position/or pull the fuse out . 
4. To restore electrical service call your power company. 
WATER:
1.  Turn off water service of the house. It is usually located in the front of the house near the hose bib. If there is damage to the piping in this area, or you are unable to locate the shut off, turn off at the water meter.
2.  Locate the main shut-off valve outside the house. It is usually in a concrete box at ground level next to the sidewalk with cover that says "Water Meter". You will need a screw driver/knife/stick to open the metal cover.
3.   Turn the valve clockwise to turn "OFF". Replace the cover.
4.   Turn each valve counterclockwise (to the left) to restore water flow.
5.  For any concerns regarding your water, contact your local water company.
The Water Conservation Rebate Program Has Grown Again
If you have been looking for ways to save more water around your property there are several new rebates being offered to help you do just that: 
 
1) High efficiency toilets (1.28 gallons per flush or less)
$100/toilet + up to $100 for installation ($50 for additional toilets)
2) Drought tolerant plants maximum $400
3) Drip conversion maximum $150
4) Shower heads (2.5 gallons per minute or less) $25 each (3 max)
 
In addition to all these great rebates, the City now offers a Turf Removal Rebate program ($1 per square foot up to 1,500 square feet). Pre-inspection is required so download the application from the City's website for full details.
 
Not sure where to start? Contact us today to schedule a free water audit to help determine where improvements can be made.
 
All other rebates are still being offered. For more information on these and other rebate devices, visit the City website or SoCalWaterSmart.com, or contact the Environmental Division at (626) 403-7311 or  jshimmin@southpasadenaca.gov .
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Did you know:
  • You can dispose of couches and other large items by calling Athens to schedule a bulky item pickup at 888-336-6100.
  • If you have any old cell phones that you need to get rid of you can contact the City of South Pasadena's Police Department at (626) 403-7270.
  • Bottles and cans can be recycled at NexCycle in the Pavilions parking lot, or you can call (909) 796-2210 to find other locations.
  • If you have furniture or working electronics you would like to recycle, the ACTS Thrift Store in Pasadena can help.  Contact them to schedule a pickup or call (626) 577-4477.
For more information on recycling, please visit the City's website or Calrecyle.
Protect Your Citrus Trees 
A plant disease that kills trees, called Huanglongbing (or citrus greening disease), has been found in California.  While the disease is not harmful to humans it is fatal for citrus trees, and currently has no cure.  A pest called the Asian citrus psyllid feeds on citrus tree leaves and can spread the disease.  
 
We must work together to save our community's citrus trees. Visit www.CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org to learn how you can protect local citrus trees.
Winter Break Specialty Camps 
During the Winter Break, the Recreation Division will offer half-day specialty camps. Morning camps are held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and afternoon camps will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Chem Kidz
Chemistry is amazing! Conduct physical and chemical experiments and learn what makes them work. Make your own desiccators and Elephant Toothpaste, grow copper sulfate crystals, and get ready for an instant snowstorm! All reactions are done outdoors and students wear protective goggles.  Ages: 5-13

Creative Sculpture
Students learn how to make figurines, mosaics, multi-media sculptures and more while they learn about famous sculptors like Jeffrey Koons, Kenneth Price and Walter Furlan! We teach the principles of sculpture, and allow students to explore with various media. Come join the fun! Ages: 5-13

Each camp is $145 for the week.  If you are interested in enrolling your child in both morning and afternoon camps, staff will be onsite to supervise the children between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.  

You can register on our website, www.southpasadenaca.gov/classes or by  calling The Recreation office 626-403-7380.
Winter Leisure Classes 
 
2018 Winter Recreation Class Online Registration - Now Open!  Classes for all ages and interests are available, giving unique opportunities to discover a new skill, passion, or experience! Click here for more information.
Upcoming Events
Winter Arts Crawl
Friday, February 2  - Sunday, February 4, 2018
SAVE THE DATE: The Winter Arts Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, February 2 - 4, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m! This very popular "Neighborhood-Night-On-The-Town" features something for everyone! Shops and boutiques will be open late with special exhibits, trunk shows, open houses and sales! Stop in at the local restaurants and cafes for a snack or dinner, or grab a bite from one of the food trucks. There will be an interactive art activity so that the entire family can get creative.
 
For merchant and artist participation, please contact Hope Perello, Director of SPACE, at hopeperello@sbcglobal.net. The quarterly Arts Crawls are organized by the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and produced by SPACE, to highlight the city's unique business district and provide a showcase for artists and musicians. More information and details can be found at www.southpasadena.net , or by calling (626) 441-2339.