JULY/AUGUST 2004

Building a Great City

Overhead to Underground

Protect Yourself before Your Big Trip

Free Summer Concerts

Another National Tree Award

Cutting the Water Bills at Vista Nova

Clearing the Air with Hybrid Vehicles

Increases in Fees Fund Systems and Services

Etcetera...Etcetera

Noticias en Breve

Building a Great City

E'RE ON OUR WAY TO BUILDING A TRULY GREAT CITY. As one of the last steps in updating vital parts of the General Plan, you're invited to a two-part community workshop this month.

“Building Blocks of a Great City” will focus on the Central District Specific Plan, Pasadena Zoning Code and the Mobility Element and Land Use Element of the General Plan.

On Friday, July 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Central Library’s Donald R. Wright Auditorium, nationally known speakers will discuss what makes a great city. Panelists will include experts in transportation, urban economics and urban design and density.

Then on Saturday, July 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., you can participate in a full day of discussion that will include an overview of the new documents, small group and panel discussions and a question-and-answer session, plus free lunch and parking. Reserve free child care for ages 2 to 10 by calling 398-0011. Both events will be translated in Spanish.

The new and updated plans will go to the City Council in August. The documents are available at Pasadena Central Library and all branches, the Permit Center and 
www.cityofpasadena.net (click on General Plan Update). For dates of other related events, including public hearings, email ldahl@cityofpasadena.net or call 744-4009.

Overhead to Underground

OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL YEARS, about 39 miles of overhead utility lines have been removed and placed underground. At this rate, it could take up to 150 years to underground the remaining 181 miles of lines!

On Tuesday, August 10, the Utility Advisory Commission will conduct a community meeting to educate residents about procedures for establishing benefit assessment districts at the request of property owners in specific boundary areas who agree to pay assessments in exchange for particular benefits. If approved, benefit assessment districts for undergrounding would accelerate the remaining projects at a more rapid pace through the cost-sharing contributions of property owners in neighborhoods where utility lines remain overhead.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. City staff from the Public Works Department, Pasadena Water and Power and other public utilities will be on hand to answer questions and address concerns. If you would like to attend this meeting, call 744-4717 no later than Thursday, August 5.

For more information, call 744-7401.

Protect Yourself before Your Big Trip

OVERSEAS VACATIONS make for great summer adventures, but in some developing countries you may find poor sanitation and hygiene, contaminated water and inadequate medical care that could pose a serious risk to your health. Your age, gender, health status, destination and length of stay could increase the risk.

Vaccinations are an easy way to avoid a number of dangerous infections. Stop by the Pasadena Public Health Department's Travel Immunization Clinic at 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. four to six weeks before your trip for helpful advice, malaria prevention medication and a full array of immunizations.

You can also ward off infection and disease during your trip with the following tips:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  

• Drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Stay away from tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes, even when brushing your teeth.
  

• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself. Remember: “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.”
  

• Cooked food that has been sitting out for several hours is probably covered with bacteria. Reheat it thoroughly before serving!
  

• If you're visiting an area where there is a risk for malaria, take preventive medication before, during and after your trip, as directed. Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, usually between dusk and dawn. Stay safe by staying indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period. If you go outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat.
  

• Rub insect repellent containing up to 50% DEET on any skin not covered by clothing.

For more information or an appointment, call 744-6128.

Free Summer Concerts

ENJOY FREE CONCERTS all summer long at Memorial Park's Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and enjoy concerts six evenings every week through Sept. 12. The Metro Gold Line stops just steps away! 

Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
July 13: INCA, The Peruvian Ensemble
July 20: Pasadena City College Community Concert Band
July 27: Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra
August 3: Fort Worth West (country western)
August 10: Alan Chapman and Karen Benjamin in Concert
August 17: All American Dixieland Jazz Band
August 24: "That's Vegas" with Jim Ballestero
August 31: The Great American Swing Band

Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Children's Night
July 14: Mussukeba Sane (West African music and dancing)
July 21: Joanie Bartels (musical magic)
July 28: Diane Ferlatte and David Prather (storytellers)
August 4: Ashley Maher (Africa meets the Caribbean)
August 11: Parachute Express 
August 25: Cuauhtemoc (Aztec dancers)
Sept. 1: The Karavan Dance Group
Sept. 8: Bob Baker Marionettes

Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Eclectic Blends
July 15: Opera Noir (multicultural celebration of classical music)
July 22: New Town (music with video imagery)
July 29: One World (Latin, Brazilian, Caribbean)
August 5: Hot August Night! (Tribute to Neil Diamond)
August 12: Rococco String Quartet (classical music with a twist)

Fridays at 8 p.m.
World Beat
July 16: Bonnie Musique Zydeco
July 23: Francis Awe & the Nigerian Talking Drum Ensemble
July 30: Blay Ambolley (Afrikan jazz)
August 6: Acida (Latin pop)
August 13: Lisa Haley and the Zydecats
August 20: Upstream (rock influenced by reggae)
Sept. 3: Irie (Caribbean)

Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Música Latina
July 17: Caravana (R&B/rock)
July 31: L.A. Mambo Combo 
August 7: Louie Cruz Beltran (contemporary with traditional roots)
August 14: Los Alacranes (Mexicano-Chicano)
August 21: Alessa & MC (Salsa, waltzes, jazz)
August 28: Rolando Morales (jazz/Afro-Cuban)
Sept. 4: Tango Night 
Sept. 11: Special Guest (to be announced)

Sundays at 7 p.m.
Jazz, Blues & Fusion
July 18: Barbara Morrison is Back! (jazz vocals)
July 25: Juke Logan and Doug MacLeod (blues harmonica and guitar)
August 1: Donovan and the Muradian Quintet (classic, original jazz)
August 8: Gary Primich (wailing blues)
August 22: Doc Powell (guitarist/composer)
August 29: Pat Kelley (jazz and blues guitar)
Sept. 5: Chris Korblein (jazz guitar)
Sept. 12: Steve Copland & Raging Sea (Chicago blues and west coast swing)

For more information, visit www.levittpavilionpasadena.org or call 683-3230.