June 2025

June 2025

Hello South Pas Active friends,

While national politics continue to create uncertainty and stress for many of us here in South Pasadena and throughout LA County, we believe that positive change starts in our own community. By working together on local issues that directly impact our daily lives—like safer streets and more walkable neighborhoods—we can build the stronger, more connected community we all deserve.

This newsletter includes:

• A call to action for Wednesday's Council meeting,

• A note about Mission at Twilight, and 

• An invitation to the South Pas Bike Pub Crawl.

🏛️ Your Voice Matters: City Council Action Needed

The South Pasadena City Council meets this Wednesday, and we need your voice! Public comments must be submitted to ccpubliccomment@southpasadenaca.gov before Wednesday at noon. Be sure to refer to the agenda item in the email subject line.

Agenda Item #12: Preserve Fair Oaks Bulbouts for Safety

We're asking the council to preserve the street safety features known as "bulbouts" along Fair Oaks Avenue. Back in November 2022 and May 2023, dozens of community members wrote comments and attended information sessions about changes to Fair Oaks. At the time, the city suggested removing bulbouts—even though they are a proven safety feature that shortens crossing distances and helps people cross safely, especially those with mobility challenges.

After a long delay, the most recent city council agenda once again proposes removing the bulbouts. We don't know why the removal has appeared on this council agenda, but we do know that we need to tell the city that our community values pedestrian safety over driving convenience. 

Sample comment template: "I am writing to ask the City Council to preserve the bulbouts along Fair Oaks Avenue. These proven safety features reduce crossing distances and help pedestrians—especially seniors, families with children, and people with mobility challenges—cross the street more safely. The community has repeatedly voiced support for keeping these safety improvements. Please prioritize pedestrian safety and preserve the Fair Oaks bulbouts."

Agenda Item #24: Fast-Track Mission Slow Street for 2028 Olympics

The city has a plan to create the Mission Slow Street—a redesign that slows drivers to improve safety and quality of life along our main street. This plan has been in development for years, but funding to complete it is still only scheduled for 2027-2028.

However, this timeline would be too late for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. These "transit-first" Olympics present a wonderful opportunity for South Pasadena to demonstrate that it prioritizes walking, biking, and transit over car-centric transportation.

We're asking the city council to prioritize the construction phase of the Mission Slow Street so it can be completed in time for the Summer of 2028.

Sample comment template: "I support prioritizing Mission Slow Street construction to be completed before the 2028 Olympics, showcasing South Pasadena's commitment to sustainable transportation."

🌅 Mission at Twilight: Join Us for a Car-Free Celebration!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 22nd! The "Mission at Twilight" event will transform the streets of Alhambra, San Gabriel, and South Pasadena into a vibrant public playground for walking, biking, skating, and more! The event is organized by Active SGV and more information can be found at https://www.activestreets.org/

During the event, South Pas Active is partnering with Marengo Matters and other neighborhood groups to run an information station near the intersection of Marengo and Alhambra Road. Come say hi, take a selfie, and learn about advocacy efforts to improve safety on our city's streets.

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience what our streets could be like when designed for people instead of just cars. Whether you're walking, rolling, or biking, we can't wait to see you there!

🚴‍♀️ Get Ready to Roll: South Pas Bike Pub Crawl is Back!

Join us on Sunday, June 29th starting at 12:30pm as we take a leisurely ride through South Pasadena to support 3 local businesses while having a few drinks along the way!

We start at Burden of Proof, our local non-alcoholic bottle shop and market, who will be presenting a free tasting from Best Day Brewing. From there we ride to Charlie's Trio for snacks and beers, with our final stop at Lost Parrot before we make our way back to the train station.

Important Details:

• Limited to 30 riders!

• Must be 21+

• Sign up at www.southpasactive.org/projects/community-events

• Keep an eye on our Instagram for updates

This is the perfect opportunity to explore South Pas by bike, support local businesses, and connect with fellow advocates for active transportation. Don't miss out on this fun community event!

Stay Connected

• Website: www.southpasactive.org

• Follow us on Instagram for event updates and advocacy news