Message from Dan Beal, WPRA President, Summer 2020
We are stronger together
Pasadena has nearly 60 neighborhood associations. Astounding! Some associations have thousands of residents within their borders, as does WPRA; some represent much smaller neighborhoods. Some focus mostly on individual situations; some get involved in larger issues of public policy. Some focus locally; others take on citywide as well as local issues. Some work alone; others collaborate.
WPRA does all of those, but lately we’ve emphasized collaboration with neighboring associations. Under the banner of “Stronger Together,” WPRA has joined with the Linda Vista / Annandale Association (LVAA) and the Madison Heights Neighborhood Association (MHNA) in several recent land-use public policy initiatives, including the issue of development concessions and timely reporting and process transparency.
Some of the advantages of collaboration include merging our best thinking, research and intelligence and speaking with a stronger and more effective voice to city government. Most recently, LVAA, MHNA and WPRA jointly sent a letter to the city’s Planning and Community Development Department and the Planning Commission. You can read this letter on page 6, and you can find other letters at wpra.net/letters-at-a-glance/.
Some of the advantages of collaboration include merging our best thinking, research and intelligence and speaking with a stronger and more effective voice to city government. Most recently, LVAA, MHNA and WPRA jointly sent a letter to the city’s Planning and Community Development Department and the Planning Commission. You can read this letter on page 6, and you can find other letters at wpra.net/letters-at-a-glance/.
Thank you, Pasadena!
As I write this, the nation – indeed the world – is in its third week of massive protests over the killing of George Floyd, and the treatment of people of color by law enforcement, and racism in general. These protests are constitutional, righteous and necessary. Anyone with a heart and a soul should hope that justice and real change emerge from them. But violence, injury, destruction and theft demean and sully the cause.
Pasadena has emerged as a shining star in this maelstrom. We had several numerous vehement protests, but with virtually no injuries, destruction or looting, and with cautious, voices, but without diluting the message with irresponsible opportunism or provocation. Is this a facet of the oft-mentioned “Pasadena Way?” I hope so. In any case, thank you, Pasadena.
Helping hands
Many people and organizations have stepped up during the COVID-19 crisis to help those in need. WPRA contributed to two very effective local organizations: Friends in Deed and the Pasadena Senior Center. We thank our members whose contributions to WPRA allowed us to help our community, and for their own contributions as well.
We’ll continue to look for ways to support our caring organizations, and we rely on your financial contributions to do so. You can donate to and join WPRA on line at wpra.net/donations/donate/.
