By Destiny Torres
As the number of cases of COVID-19 surge, a special Pasadena City Council meeting was held Tuesday, March 17; the council ratified a local state of emergency and implement stricter health and safety measures.
With the shutdown of bars, gyms, and dine-in restaurant services, several employers have ceased operation and let employees go. With the city staff’s recommendation, the council decided to suspend all late fees and penalties on city provided services (water and power), suspend all utility shut offs for non-payment and modify various parking policies, like the suspension of metered parking and impounds of cars with five or more parking citations or expired registration, in order to reduce any financial burdens on residents and local businesses.
Along with this, the city council established a moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent for residential and commercial tenants impacted by the global pandemic. Unpaid rent must be paid within six months after the state of emergency has been lifted.
City manager Steve Mermell will move forward with $150,000 budget to create a plan that will feed Pasadena residents in need for a week.
The local state of emergency will continue to be in place until terminated by the Pasadena City Council.
In response to the novel coronavirus, several public facilities will be closed tot he public.
Pasadena’s Human Resources Department will be closed for in-person meetings but will continue to help customers via phone at (626) 744-4366 or via email at HR@cityofpasadena.net.
Recreational and community enters are closed tot he public until further notice.
Effective Tuesday, March 17, the central Library and nine branch libraries in the city will be closed. Due dates for borrowed materials have been automatically extended until June 1. Librarians are available via telephone at (626) 744-4066. Digital services, like audiobooks and streaming TV, will still be available at the library website.
The parking Division is closed tot he public, however if you wish to pay for parking citations/permits or contest a citation, may do so online.
Beginning March 17, Pasadena Transit and Pasadena Dial-A-Ride will be free to customers.
As a reminder, residents are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing (at least six feet of distance between one another) when visiting facilities that remain open, including grocery stores, food banks and pharmacies.
