Message from Dan Beal, WPRA President, Winter 2021
Working on your behalf in a time of pandemic
On behalf of your WPRA board, I’d like to express heartfelt thanks to our city leaders and staff, our local medical and public health communities, and many other organizations and individuals who are helping us keep safe through this risky and challenging period.
In fact, the WPRA, like many other organizations, has had to adapt and find new ways to do our work. It has become more difficult to inform and interact, obtain vital information, and make decisions. Input and testimony to public governance processes has also changed — and not always for the better. Sometimes we feel there’s been less transparency and a slippage of the Pasadena Way. But your WPRA has been heavily engaged nonetheless. Some of the most important issues we’re tracking include:
- Preserving, restoring and protecting the Arroyo Seco and the Hahamongna watershed
- Controlling and limiting mansionization
- Preserving our single-family neighborhoods that are threatened by state initiatives to boost housing density and override local zoning
- Dialing back unrealistic regional housing allocations
- Mitigating or rejecting incompatible and oversized development
- Preserving the original vision for our historic Civic Center
- Protecting our trees and encouraging better forest maintenance
- Mitigating traffic on our streets
- Reducing fire hazards in the Arroyo
We continue to value and need your support
In short, the WPRA would be most grateful if you would renew or start your WPRA membership. And, since the WPRA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit public-benefit corporation, contributions and donations are tax deductible.
Housekeeping
- I’d like to welcome two new board members, Geoffrey Baum and Pete Ewing, who are former WPRA presidents.
- Also, we are saddened by the loss of board member Bill Christian, an esteemed colleague and friend and a stalwart defender of the environment. [See article on page 6.] He will be sorely missed.
And finally, the WPRA will continue to represent your interests by advocating to maintain the character of our community and enhance the quality of life in west Pasadena. Please be healthy and stay safe.
