June is already here and despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, my team is committed to safely providing as many programs, events and services as possible this summer season. For departmental information go to: www.pasadenatx.gov/coronavirus

City of Pasadena parks completely reopened June 1. As you enjoy our playground equipment and parks, we ask that you continue to follow CDC guidelines that include social distancing, small groups and personal hygiene. For more information on the status of our parks amenities, please visit our COVID-19 page.

Hurricane Season is officially here and according to the National Weather Service, there are several major storms predicted. Our Office of Emergency Management has done a fantastic job of making sure Pasadena is ready with updated disaster response equipment and supplies. Go to our City’s Hurricane Safety Webpage for safety tips, evacuation routes and more. 

In closing, I’d like to wish our Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department a Happy 90th Birthday! These brave volunteers have been helping keep our community safe for close to a century and I am so proud of their never-ending dedication to this city. 

City News

Strawberry Festival & Fireworks

Despite COVID cancellation challenges during the month of May, the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is still happening in 2020! The event will now be held on the weekend of July 3rd through 5th at the Pasadena Convention Center with tickets discounted to $5/person. Live musical entertainment includes Glen Templeton and Rick Trevino. As an extra treat, the City of Pasadena is sponsoring an Independence Day fireworks display the evening of July 4th. For more information, go to www.strawberryfest.org

Virtual Court Appearances

If you have a scheduled Pasadena Municipal Court appearance, you might be able to get it handled online through ZOOM. All virtual hearings will be livestreamed on YouTube and are subject to the same standards of conduct and attire that would apply to an in-person appearance before the court. For details, go to: www.pasadenatx.gov/virtualcourt

New COVID-19 Testing Site in Pasadena

Harris County Public Health is now offering a drive-through testing facility at San Jacinto College Central Campus. Residents should register and use the self-assessment tool available at readyharris.org or by calling 832-927-7575. Free testing is also still available through the Pasadena Health Center and the Walgreens on Southmore @ Shaver. For more details go to: www.pasadenatx.gov/coronavirus

Pasadena Public Library Gets Creative

Just in time for their summer reading program, the Pasadena Public Library has launched a contactless Curbside Pickup Service! Both the Central and Fairmont branch offer this new service in response to COVID-19 precautions. For more information, visit the Library’s Facebook Page.

Pasadena Pet Shelter Food Distribution

During the last few months, our animal shelter has unfortunately seen an increase in pets being surrendered to the shelter because owners can no longer afford to take care of them due to COVID-19 economic hardships. In an effort to help families keep their beloved pets, our shelter staff solicited donations from our community and then organized a pet food distribution at Pasadena’s Memorial Park. The amazing results were documented by The Pasadena Channel in this heartwarming video.

After the Gavel

Mobile App Coming to Pasadena: On June 2, 2020, city council approved a contract with Red River Technologies to develop a mobile phone app for residents. In addition to emergency alert information, the app will be interactive and allow residents to report certain information to the city in real time.

Voting recorded as follows:

Micro Transit Pilot Program: Council authorized and approved a grant application by the City of Pasadena Office of Emergency Management under the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Commuter and Transit Pilot Projects Grant to fund the Pasadena Micro Transit Initiative. If awarded, the pilot program would last 3 years with a 20% match.

Voting recorded as follows: