Message from Councilmember Chris Holden
After a short break, I’m pleased to present our June/July newsletter.
During the last month, the city council managed through another tough fiscal year by balancing another budget that reflected cuts to the operation of the city. And yet, notwithstanding the pinch city government is feeling, we still celebrate!
The city’s 125th anniversary provided opportunity to reflect on Pasadena’s rich and diverse history, celebrating the contributions of its people, events and struggles.
We set the stage for revising the General Plan, with community workshops and surveys designed to measure how residents feel about growth and development in our fair city. Jobs, housing, traffic, parks and open space are a few areas where the community shared their vision.
Celebrations continue throughout the summer with block parties (Villa Esperanza’s 50th Anniversary and District 3—Jackson Street), Levitt Pavilion’s free summer concerts and a variety of outdoor events in the Playhouse and Old Pasadena districts.
On a personal note, as some of you have heard, I have decided to run for the State Assembly. Anthony Portantino is termed-out and we await the new district line configurations.
Yet I am encouraged that the district will retain a significant clustering of cities that have shared interest with Pasadena and I look forward to the opportunity this presents to serve you in Sacramento. Since the election cycle would be in 2012, there is time to visit and engage on topics that matter to you.
Also, Melanie and I had two high school graduates this year with Nicholas and Noah finishing at Pasadena High School. They are on their way to University of Puget Sound and University of Pittsburg respectively.
Wow! Time flies. Our vacation this summer will be shuttling the boys to college. I’ll share the experience with you in the next newsletter. Finally, for the first time I will insert a vintage Chris Holden photo section, for no other reason than it’s kind of cool and I can reminisce about having hair on my head.
Blog your comments and enjoy the summer!
