Hurricanes Remind Us to be Prepared

s hurricanes devastated the Gulf Coast this summer, the rest of the nation witnessed the devastation on television. While we don’t experience hurricanes in Pasadena, everyone should be prepared for earthquakes, wild fires, rain storms and other natural disasters.

A special disaster preparedness program is airing on 55 KPAS and via streaming video in real time at www.cityofpasadena.net (click on City News) Mondays at 6 p.m., Tuesdays at noon, Wednesdays at 9 p.m., Thursdays at 9:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:30 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 10 p.m. Videotapes are available for checkout at Pasadena Central Library and all branch libraries.

Talk with your family about the types of disasters that could happen. Choose two places to meet: right outside your home and somewhere outside your neighborhood in case you’re asked to evacuate. Drive your planned evacuation route twice a year and plot out options in case roads are closed or gridlocked.

Make a list of emergency contacts including at least one person out of town. Keep this list updated, tell family members where a copy is kept and make copies for everyone to carry at all times. On the list will be a person whom family members will call during a disaster to provide updates on your whereabouts, condition, etc. Each adult in your household should also learn how and when to turn off electricity, water and natural gas supply in case utilities go down.

Fill a heavy-duty backpack with at least three days worth of supplies: a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, first-aid kit, sturdy shoes and gloves, cash in small bills, emergency contact list, map, basic tools and garbage bags with ties. Keep the backpack where you can pick it up quickly and go!

Keeping in mind that you may be without help or utilities for several days, also include eyeglasses and/or contact lenses with solution, copies of important papers, medication and personal hygiene items plus basic supplies for children, seniors, people with disabilities and pets. Check supplies often and replace food and water every six months. Keep a smaller version of your emergency kit in your car.

For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net and click on Emergency Preparedness or call 744-7276.

Are You Trained and Ready to Help?

While the Pasadena Fire Department’s goal is to respond to emergencies within five minutes, the Gulf Coast hurricanes proved this could be out of the question after a major disaster. You and your family are your own first responders and may have to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.

Emergency plans and supply kits are a great first step but you’ll gain even more confidence and know-how through the Fire Department’s ongoing Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training classes.

Designed for neighborhood groups and community organizations, the sessions cover disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression and light search and rescue. At the conclusion of the course you’ll have the skills you need to help your family and neighbors and you will receive a certificate and official PERT safety hat.

To schedule a training session for 20 people or more, email lderderian@cityofpasadena.net or call 744-7276.

Lookin’ Good, Pasadena - Even on Weekends!

RECENTLY A FULL-TIME code compliance officer was hired to work weekends from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. With the goal of preserving the peace, safety and beauty of our neighborhoods, the officer will focus on issues including loud construction outside legal hours, vehicles parked on front yards and yard sales conducted without a permit. (Each residence can have up to two yard sales per year and a $13 permit must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance at the Permit Center, 175 N. Garfield Ave.)

The officer will also be on the lookout for neglected properties with piles of junk that
can be seen from the street, overgrown lawns and shrubs, inoperable vehicles, broken windows and other problems. Owners will be contacted and encouraged to clean up
the mess.

For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net and click on Lookin' Good Pasadena or call 744-4633.

ARTS Buses are a Perfect 10

1. It's Easy to Learn About - Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/trans and click on Transit Operations, call 744-4055 or pick up schedules and transit maps at locations throughout Pasadena.

2. You’ll Save Money - Pay 50¢ per ARTS ride rather than $3 per gallon of gas.

3. You Can Get There From Here - ARTS routes take you directly to the city's business districts, employment centers, colleges, museums, parks, major shopping areas and more.

4. Get Connected to Southern California - Travel throughout the region via direct service on ARTS buses to all six of Pasadena’s Gold Line stations and several other bus lines.

5. Be One Less Car on the Road - Ride a Pasadena ARTS bus and be a part of the traffic solution.

6. Don't Hassle with Parking - Use an ARTS bus so you don't have to find or pay for parking.

7. Go Green - Several of the ARTS buses are electric hybrids.

8. Finish That Book You’re Reading - Now you can do more than just watch the road – read your book, catch up with friends or answer
e-mail while getting to where you want to go.

9. Let Us Be the Ride - If you don’t want to be a taxi, let us be your bus.

10. Get a Little Healthier - With more than 400 stops, an ARTS route is usually within walking distance of where you are and where you want to go, allowing you to get a little fresh air and exercise.

It’s Happening at the Public Library

Expand Your Mind Without Spending a Dime

Hoping for a night of culture and excitement without draining your wallet? Look no further than the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. Grab a quick dinner and settle in for one of these free and fascinating programs.

Lockheed test pilot Robert Gilliand will touch down for the library’s Aviation Day celebration Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. Gilliand’s first flight of the SR-71 Blackbird on Dec. 22, 1964, made him an aviation icon and it’s still the flight to beat for speed and altitude. He will show video of the famous journey and tell tales of his 40-year career.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. the library’s Third Thursday Films series continues with Jose Henrique Fonesca’s “Man of the Year,” a Brazilian tale (with English subtitles) of brazen crime, heroes, outlaws and destiny; and on Thursday, Dec. 15, catch “Republic of Love” by Canada’s Deepa Mehta, a romantic comedy about the barriers lovers face in the 20th century.

Gear up for the biggest party in town with a talk by the Tournament of Roses’ Gordon Hamilton on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. A 14-year Tournament veteran, Hamilton will give you inside information on the queen and her court, float formations, parade operations, post-parade logistics and more.

For more information on these free events, call 744-4066, option 6.

Central Library Parking Made Easy

As frequent visitors to Pasadena Central Library know, parking is at a premium. Try these alternatives for a hassle-free trip.

The University of Phoenix lot at 299 N. Euclid Ave. offers free parking to library users on weekends only (enter from Garfield Avenue).

The Modern Parking Service lot at 221 E. Walnut St. is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a $1 charge for each 20 minutes ($6 maximum for library patrons).

The county parking lot at 240 Ramona St. is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. You’ll pay $2 for each 20 minutes with a $7 maximum, or a flat rate of $3 after 4 p.m.

The Parole Office parking lot at 333 E. Walnut St. is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a rate of $6. It’s $3 after 12:30 p.m. and free after 7 p.m.

Hop on a Pasadena ARTS bus! The fare is only 50¢ and you don’t have to worry about parking at all! With stops on both sides of Walnut Street directly in front of Central Library, it couldn’t be easier.

Log On for Free Homework Help

Is that triangle equilateral or isosceles? A little homework help is just a click away thanks to Pasadena Public Library. Through a special program, students in 4th through 12th grade or those taking introductory college courses can receive help from tutors via the Internet.

To participate, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/library and click on Live Homework Help. Then enter your library card number, your grade level and the subject you need help with and you’ll be connected instantly with an expert tutor. Help is available in math, science, social studies and English every day from 1 to 10 p.m. and is offered in Spanish every Sunday through Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m.

“This is a very great program. Thank you!” raved one 6th grader. “I got into my session at two minutes to 10 and the tutor stayed with me to check my work,” said a grateful 9th grader. “I finished my assignment!”

To learn more about the program, call 744-4045 or visit the website.

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