About This Blog

I created this as a way to place all news tips for the Citizen Journalism workshop at the Pasadena Community Network. We meet every Tuesday night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring these or other story ideas and learn the new exciting world of citizen based collaborative journalism. Visit http://pasadenan.com/ for more information.

Location: Pasadena Community Network - Studio G
Street: 2057 N. Los Robles Ave.
City/Town: Pasadena, CA
http://www.pasadenacommunitynetwork.com/

Thursday, April 28, 2011

open government advocate Rich McKee dies








Dear Friends,

It is with deep regret and a very heavy heart that I must report that our dear
friend and colleague, Rich McKee, suddenly passed away today, April 23, 2011.
I have no further details at this time, but I will share what I can as it becomes
known to me in the coming days and weeks.

Rich was one of our greatest champions throughout the years, and we truly could
not have done any of this without him. I hope you will join me in sending support and
prayers to his family and friends as they learn to cope with this incredible loss.

My deepest regrets,

CELEBRATE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, SATURDAY MAY 7

Pasadena Public Library will join with other libraries and comic book stores all over the United

States in celebrating Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While supplies

last, kids and teens can each get a free comic book at any of the following Pasadena Public Library

locations; Allendale Branch Library - 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Hastings Branch Library - 3325 E. Orange

Grove Blvd., Hill Avenue Branch Library – 55 S. Hill Ave., Lamanda Park Branch Library – 140 S.

Altadena Dr., La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Linda Vista Branch Library – 1281

Bryant St., Santa Catalina Branch Library – 999 E. Washington Blvd. and Central Library in the

Children’s Room, 285 E. Walnut St. 

      
This year is the 10th annual celebration of this event, which is timed to coincide with the May

release of superhero-themed movies. Central Library will also have video programs, a visit by popular

artist Kazu Kibuishi, and more, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.in the Children’s Story Room.  Hastings Branch

Library will be showing superhero videos including the very early Superman cartoons at 1 p.m. 


Why Free Comic Book Day? Aren’t things always free at the library? Yes, but this is a comic

book that is free to keep, with no due date.
  

Why comics in the library? The traditional form of the comic book is a thin, monthly magazine,

not very durable. Then, in the 1970s, the idea of book-length comics became more popular, reprinting

older works or printing new works for the first time as books filled with comic book content. These books

were called “graphic novels,” but in essence they were long comic books in better bindings, a better fit for

libraries. La Pintoresca Branch Library was an early experimenter with circulating comics and graphic

novels in a library setting.  Local writers and artists have made appearances at the library and this has

helped the collection and the readership to grow.


Comics, in the form of bound volumes, anthologies and graphic novels, are now among the most

popular items in the library, for kids, teens and adults. Superman, Batman and other icons of the

superhero side of comics have now been around for over seventy years, but newer comics creations from

all over the world have become part of our culture. Major authors, including Steven King, Dean Koontz,

Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, George R. R. Martin, Ray Bradbury, and others have seen their works

adapted into graphic novels. Maus won the Pulitzer Prize for its creator. Steven Spielberg is currently

 adapting the Belgian comic Tintin for the big screen.


Comic books are not a genre, like westerns or mysteries. Instead, they are a way of telling a story

with a combination of text and images, a form that appeals to readers who enjoy this blend. The library

has graphic novels and comics about superheroes, reporters, cowboys, aliens, elves, zombies, and almost

anything else you can imagine. Everything from the Civil War to the space program to the history of

instant noodles is contained within the non-fiction graphic works in our collection.  Stop by and discover

what comics and graphic novels you can find at the library! 

PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT ON A DRAFT ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD BAN PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAGS

The City of Pasadena encourages Pasadena residents and business representatives to provide input on a draft ordinance on plastic carryout bags.

At a special meeting Thursday, April 28, city staff will present a report on a draft ordinance to the Environmental Advisory Commission that would ban plastic carryout bags, impose a ten cent charge on paper carryout bags, and require affected stores to provide reusable bags to customers for sale or at no charge.

The stores that would be affected by the ordinance include supermarkets, grocers, retailers with at least 10,000 square feet of retail space and a licensed pharmacy, as well as farmer’s markets, drug stores, pharmacies, convenience food stores, food marts, and liquor stores.   

In partnership with the business community, Pasadena is committed to forging policies in support of increasedenvironmental stewardship. Pasadena ’s Green City Action Plan, adopted in 2006, identifies the development of a plastic bag reduction program to support its goal of achieving zero waste to landfills by 2040.

The special meeting of the Environmental Advisory Commission will be held at 6 p.m. in Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave., S-249.

PASADENA FIRE STATION 39 TO BE VACATED AS RESULT OF SEISMIC STABILITY STUDIES

Built in 1949, Pasadena Fire Station #39, located at 50 Avenue 64, will be vacated effective Wednesday, April 26, 2011.  This station currently houses four Fire Department safety members per shift (three shifts) and one Fire Engine.
As part of the Fire Department’s 2005-2010 Strategic Plan, an evaluation of Fire Department facilities was identified to anticipate the needs of a continuously growing population and to improve the Department’s existing aging infrastructure.
Analysis of all eight Fire Stations for building and site areas, services performed, functional efficiencies, structural integrity and aesthetic conditions were conducted.  The study prioritized categories as related to the life and safety of the crew, the buildings structural integrity and the operational needs of the Department.   
Of the Department’s eight Fire Stations, Station #39 was identified for potential structural failure if subjected to significant seismic loads.  Station #39’s construction consists of masonry bearing walls, wood frame floor and a wood framed roof.  The report states, in part, “There is significant risk of structural failure of the 2 ½” steel columns supporting the lintel in masonry opening.  This portion of the second floor is in danger of collapse when subjected to seismic loading.  Safety of the fire crew and protection of equipment is paramount and should be addressed without delay.”   In addition, the study found that there is no practical manner in which to resolve Station #39’s structural deficiencies.
“Firefighter safety is of utmost concern and this closure is of a critical, time sensitive nature so as to not jeopardize the crew and apparatus.  A large seismic event is imminent, even though we can’t predict when it will occur.  As first responders, our Firefighters need to get to an emergency in a timely manner.  According to this report, in the case of a significant earthquake the crew members assigned to Station #39 could very well need rescue themselves. We recognize that we cannot afford to wait to take action,” states Dennis J. Downs, Fire Chief.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) sites specific data that indicates probable seismic accelerations.  This data was utilized to determine design standards to withstand seismic loads, as outlined in the California Building Code as “Essential Service Facilities.”  All new Fire Stations built in California are required to be built to this Essential Service Facility standard.
“Pasadena Fire Stations #31 and #38 in combination with Aid Agreements with adjacent agencies, which include the City and County of Los Angeles , will help in maintaining response times in the area served by Station #39,” adds Downs .
Downs went on to state, “The City Manager has recommended allocating a $400,000 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request to initiate design and entitlements on the replacement facility.  This action helps to ensure that Fire Station #39 will be returned to service in the shortest amount of time possible.” 

NASA Technology Looks Inside Japan's Nuclear Reactor

This image shows the two PackBot This image shows Urbie, one of PackBot's "ancestors." This lightweight structure, which included some NASA technology, had rugged features that were useful in emergency response situations. age credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech



April 26, 2011
Design techniques honed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., for Mars rovers were used to create the rover currently examining the inside of Japan's nuclear reactors, in areas not yet deemed safe for human crews.

The iRobot PackBot employs technologies used previously in the design of "Rocky-7," which served as a terrestrial test bed at JPL for the current twin Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. PackBot's structural features are modeled after Rocky-7, including the lightweight, high-torque actuators that control the rover; and its strong, lightweight frame structure and sheet-metal chassis.

PackBot's other "ancestor," called Urbie, was an urban reconnaissance robot with military and disaster response applications. Urbie's lightweight structure and rugged features also made it useful in emergency response situations; for example, at sites contaminated with radiation and chemical spills, and at buildings damaged by earthquakes. Urbie's physical structure was designed by iRobot Corp., Bedford, Mass., while JPL was responsible for the intelligent robot's onboard sensors and vision algorithms, which helped the robot factor in obstacles and determine an appropriate driving path. Following the success of Urbie's milestones, the team at iRobot created its successor: PackBot.

Since 2002, iRobot has delivered variations of the PackBot model to the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The tactical robot's first military deployment was to Afghanistan in July 2002, to assist soldiers by providing "eyes and ears" in the most dangerous or inaccessible areas. It was also used to search through debris at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York.

Recently, iRobot provided two PackBots to help after the devastating March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The PackBot models, currently taking radioactivity readings in the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant buildings, are equipped with multiple cameras and hazard material sensors. The images and readings provided by the PackBots indicated radiation levels are still too high to allow human repair crews to safely enter the buildings.

Urbie was a joint effort of the Defense Advanced Research Project's Agency's (DARPA) Tactical Mobile Robot program, JPL, iRobot Corp., the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Southern California's Robotics Research Laboratory. JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

John Singleton Named Honorary Chair Of The PCC Foundation Capital Campaign For The Center For The Arts

John Singleton, acclaimed film director and Pasadena City College alumnus, has been named the honorary chair of the Center for the Arts capital campaign. He joins the campaign as PCC looks to augment and complete the state-of-the-art building as a student and community resource with community support.
“PCC is very important to me because without PCC I never would have gone onto film school and eventually become a filmmaker and realize my dream,” Singleton said. “The arts are the savior of any society and to have a great new facility where resource access is available for students would just be phenomenal for the community.”

Singleton, who is best known for his 1991 Oscar-nominated film “Boyz in the Hood,” studied film at PCC in the mid-1980s. He took his first cinematography class under PCC instructor Jack Akien and later transferred to the University of Southern California to earn a bachelor's degree in Film Writing. His body of work includes such movies as “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” and "Shaft.” In 1992, the then 24-year-old Singleton became the youngest person, and the first African American, ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.

“When I attended PCC and took a cinematography class there, I learned the foundation of camera work, editing, and how to make a film work.” Singleton said. “That class really got me thinking about what was possible for me in film.”

“We are very humbled and honored to have someone of John’s stature as honorary chair of the Capital Campaign for the PCC Center for the Arts,” said Dr. Lisa Sugimoto, vice president of College Advancement. “We at PCC are very proud of his accomplishments and his willingness to be involved with the institution he credits for his start in filmmaking.”

Singleton will be working with Preston Howard, the general campaign chair, for the PCC Foundation’s $3.5 million Center for the Arts capital campaign. The unnamed, 69,000-square-foot building will encompass studios, classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums, rehearsal halls, music practice rooms, teaching studios, a music resource center, black box theater, art gallery, rehearsal hall, sculpture studio, ceramics lab, printmaking studio, metals/jewelry lab, graphic design studio, product design studio, illustration lab, painting, drawing and design labs, digital media labs, open air terrace/patio spaces, stock rooms, film/sound stage, photography studio and labs, division shops, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and offices.

“There is still time to be involved with the campaign and make a positive difference in the lives of our students,” Sugimoto added.

For more information and on ways to contribute, call (626) 585-7468.

MARCH DISARM SEARCHES NET 166 ARRESTS, 27 HANDGUNS, SIX RIFLES AND OVER $525,000 IN DRUGS AND DRUG MONEY

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — During the month of March, D.I.S.A.R.M. Officers confiscated 27 guns and six rifles, over $525,000 in illegal drugs and drug money, and arrested 166 probationers during 1259 unannounced searches of residences, persons, vehicles, and businesses, announced Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich . 

The searches were conducted through the Probation Department’s D.I.S.A.R.M. (Developing Increased Safety through Arms Reduction Management) program, initiated by Supervisor Antonovich following the tragic August 1999 shootings at the North Valley Jewish Community Center and the murder of a postal worker by Buford Furrow, an armed felon on probation from Washington State .

The D.I.S.A.R.M. program entails pairing Deputy Probation Officers with local law enforcement personnel to perform unannounced searches of probationers and their homes, as a condition of probation, and targets the confiscation of guns, drugs, and other contraband.

Since its implementation in February of 2000, the D.I.S.A.R.M. program has seized over 7,300 weapons and more than $218 million in illegal drugs and drug money, and resulted in 14,659 arrests.  Nearly 10 percent of probationers searched in this program have been found to be out of compliance with their terms of probation. 

CATHERYNNE VALENTE AUTHOR OF PALIMPSEST

Catherynne Valente, Hugo award nominee and bestselling author of Palimpsest will speak on Wednesday, May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pasadena Central Library’s Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.  Valente will discuss her book and her career as a fantasy author.  A question and answer period and book signing will follow.  Books will be available for purchase at the event.
           
For more information, contact Nick Smith at nsmith@cityofpasadena.net  or (626) 744-4119 

LIAN DOLAN AUTHOR OF HELEN OF PASADENA

Lian Dolan, bestselling author of Helen of Pasadena, will discuss and sign her book on
Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Central Library’s Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St. 
Books will be available for purchase at the event.  Doors open at 6 p.m.

Dolan is a writer, producer, talk show host, podcast pioneer and social media consultant.  She writes the blog and produces the weekly podcast The Chaos Chronicles a humorous look at modern motherhood that gets 50,000 downloads a month.  She writes weekly for Oprah.com as a parenting expert. A decade ago, Dolan created Satellite Sisters, a talk show, blog and website with her four real sisters.  From 2000 to 2009, Satellite Sisters won eight Gracie Allen Awards and had a million listeners a week.  Dolan is also the co-author of Satellite Sisters Uncommon Senses, published by Riverhead.  She is a popular speaker for groups and corporations, always using humor as a hook. 

For more information, contact Christine Reeder at creeder@cityofpasadena.net or (626)
744-7266.

GREEN DAY: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPING

Linda Vista Branch Library will host Green Day on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Presented by the Theodore Payne Foundation, Los Angeles County Arboretum and other gardening experts.  Learn about sustainable planting, gardening and landscaping design for the Southern California climate.  Plants will be available for sale too!

Linda Vista Branch Library is located at 1281 Bryant St.  For more information, call (626) 744-7278. 

Foothill Ecoliner battery-electric buses

Foothill Transit has three prototype battery-electric buses made by Proterra. One was on display at the SCAQMD for its Zero-Emission Transportation Technology Forum last Wednesday (4/20/11). Also see George Karbowski's presentation (3 MB PDF) for technical details. (click to enlarge photos)

Gold Line ridership up as gas tops $4 a gallon

Ridership rose from 31,544 passengers in March 2010 to 34,544 last month, the latest for which numbers were available. On March 25, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded gas in the county passed $4 for the first time since August 2008.

Read more:http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_17930219#ixzz1KpqjtMcn

Planetary Society’s Shuttle LIFE experiment: The countdown is on!

The countdown is on...
Dear Friend of the Planetary Society,

The countdown is on!
The excitement surrounding the Planetary Society’s Shuttle LIFE experiment is building.

Check out these photos of our micro-passengers being loaded into their tiny tubes for launch>>
This experiment, backed by members and supporters of the Planetary Society, is scheduled to launch on the last flight ofSpace Shuttle Endeavour on April 29…stay tuned!

Let’s change the world together,

Bill Nye
Executive Director


P.S. It’s not too late to join the team!

Planetary Society 85 South Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

American Lung Association Releases Annual Report on Air Quality

Though still home of worst air in U.S., State of the Air 2011 report shows positive trends across California, urges everyone to “take action” for cleaner air

(Los Angeles, CA) –The American Lung Association released the State of the Air 2011 today, an annual report on air quality which includes lists of both the cleanest and most polluted areas in the country. While the report indicates that California still has some of the worst air in the nation, it also shows continuous progress in reducing ozone and particulate pollution over the past ten years. The findings reinforce the effectiveness of California’s stringent clean air laws and  the importance of a strong Clean Air Act and a Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which have come under Congressional attack in recent weeks.

Air pollution is a serious health threat to all Californians,” said Jane Warner, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in California. “California has made tremendous improvements in the fight for clean air thanks to the work of the state’s strong Air Resources Board and local Air Quality Management Districts but much still needs to be done. Cleaning up pollution results in healthier air. Now is not the time to stop progress.”

More than 90 percent of Californians still live in counties plagued with unhealthy air, particularly in areas such as the Central Valley, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Sacramento, and San Diego. California cities once again dominate lists for the top ten most polluted areas in the nation for ozone (smog) and short-term and annual particle pollution. Specifically, of the top ten cities with the worst air pollution, California ranked as follows:

Ozone Pollution
8 out of the Top 10
Short-Term Particle Pollution
6 out of the Top 10
Annual Particle Pollution
6 out of the Top 10
#1 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside
#1 Bakersfield-Delano
#1 Bakersfield-Delano
#2 Bakersfield –Delano
#2 Fresno-Madera
#2 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside
#3 Visalia-Porterville
#4 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside
#2 Visalia-Porterville
#4 Fresno- Madera
#7 Visalia-Porterville
#5 Hanford-Corcoran
#5 Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Yuba City
#9 Hanford-Corcoran
#6 Fresno-Madera
#6 Hanford-Corcoran
#9 Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Yuba City
#10 Modesto
#7 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos


#9 Merced




Despite these poor rankings, many of these cities continue to show improvements, including reductions in unhealthy days reported in all cities on the ozone list. The positive trends cited in the State of the Air 2011 report show that due in large part to California’s advanced vehicle and fuel regulations, the Los Angeles metro area, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento region, and San Diego have seen marked improvements in reducing air pollution. Beginning Wednesday, April 27, please visit 
www.lungusa.org/california to view these trend charts.

California’s pollution problems are primarily driven by high emissions from cars, trucks, buses, fuels, diesel equipment, and other transportation sources. Oil refineries, manufacturing plants, and residential wood burning also are key sources of emissions. In addition, California’s warm climate promotes the formation of ozone pollution, and valleys and mountains in the central and eastern portions of the state trap pollution where it can linger for days and put residents at risk for the onset of lung disease.

“Ozone and particle pollution levels today still contribute to thousands of hospitalizations, emergency room visits and early deaths every year. We know that air pollution can literally stunt children’s lung development,” said Dr. Sonal Patel, volunteer physician for the American Lung Association in California.  “People suffering from asthma and other lung andheart diseases are particularly at risk. Sickness and deaths caused by air pollution not only represent personal tragedies, they also place a huge financial burden on our healthcare system. California needs cleaner air to save lives and prevent costly illnesses.”

Even though so many people live in areas where bad air can make them sick, some members of Congress are proposing changes to the federal Clean Air Act that would interfere with efforts to reduce air pollution and protect public health. According to the EPA, the Clean Air Act saved more than 160,000 lives in 2010. Congressional attacks would undermine the Clean Air Act and strip California of its authority to adopt stronger clean car regulations.

“The American Lung Association in California continues to advocate for the Clean Air Act, strong clean air regulations and investment in programs whose aim is to reduce air pollution,” said Warner. “We urge all Californians to voice support for the Clean Air Act and to make an effort to reduce air pollution in their communities by driving less, recycling, avoiding wood burning, and using energy efficient appliances.” 

To view a full copy of the State of the Air 2011 report, state and regional fact sheets, trend charts, and maps go towww.lungusa.org/california.

About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visitwww.lungusa.org/california

LOCAL ‘PIRATES’ EXPECTED TO SWARM SATURDAY’S GRAND OPENING OF PIRATE-THEMED ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

More than 30 “pirates” from neighboring Sierra Madre are expected to swarm Saturday’s grand opening celebration of Reese’s Retreat, a pirate-themed playground designed to be universally accessible.

Luckily, these are good pirates who will help direct parents to the parking lot, play with the kids on the new playground, and perform “ Treasure Island ” for the crowd later that morning.

To the cheers of adventurous children across the seven seas, Pasadena city leaders will christen the pirate ship of Reese’s Retreat during a grand opening celebration Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reese’s Retreat is Pasadena ’s first universally accessible playground--designed with unique play elements to delight children of all ages and abilities. It is located in the southeast corner of Brookside Park, just east of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center . 

Beckoning with its pirate ship, Reese’s Retreat comes complete with ramps, a cannonball climber, an eight-bay swing setand sensory play structures that invite children to play with water and sand. The vast blue “ocean” provides a soft floor and easy access for users in wheelchairs and those with impaired mobility. There is also a shipwreck, green sea serpent,treasure chest and gently swaying dinghy.

At the dedication, the nearly half-acre oasis will teem with play activity for children and resources for parents. The official dedication is at 9:30 a.m. with Mayor Bill Bogaard and Councilmember Jacque Robinson christening the ship. “Pirates” from Fairy Tale Theatre of Sierra Madre Playhouse will play with the children until 11:30 a.m., when they will entice the children to join them at the “shell” theater for an interactive performance of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 classic, “ Treasure Island .”

Pirate attire and cameras are encouraged. The day will also feature carnival games compliments of Pasadena Unified School District , free hot dogs cooked by Pasadena Firefighters Association Local 809, the Police Department’s KID ID program, and clubs and organizations promoting kids’ activities.

The fanciful spot is named for Reese Elliott, the late son of Marchelle Sellers and James Elliott. Born with special needs, Reese played pirates and superheroes with other children, inspiring his mother to become a vocal supporter of inclusive playgrounds.

Like Reese, about 2,600 kids in Pasadena have disabilities.

The boundless play area was designed in partnership with the Pasadena Public Works Department, Accessibility and Disability Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Shane’s Inspiration, Interplay Design, Recreation West Outdoor Products, and David Evans and Associates. The $1.2 million cost was covered by a $1 million state grant, a $25,000 award from the National Organization on Disability, Brookside Gold Course greens fees and residential impact fees.

The Aquatic Center is located at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. Free event parking is available at the southern end of Lot I.

Pasadena’s newest playground is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more information call (626) 744-4321.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

PCC Public Relations Awarded Top Honors for Social Media

  The Pasadena City College Public Relations team recently earned top honors from the National Counsel for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for its social marketing campaign. PCC was presented with a Gold Paragon award for excellence in promoting the college through social media efforts.
  PCC employs a plethora of social networking tools in order to provide students with pertinent information and to build a strong online community. Campus news ranging from upcoming events to scholarship deadlines are delivered several times a week through Facebook, Twitter, and Lancer Life, the college’s official blog. The college began employing social networking tools in November 2009. Students, alums, and the community have been most receptive to the college’s efforts on Facebook; the page currently has more than 5,000 fans.
  In addition to the Gold Paragon award, PCC earned a bronze for the “Student Success” banners that currently line the perimeter of the campus as well as the Industrial Technologies Building.
  NCMPR, which represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges, has more than 1,550 members from more than 650 colleges across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
  For more information, please contact Juan Gutierrez, PCC director of public relations, at (626) 585-7264.

City Draws the Line for Pedestrian safety

  The city of Pasadena has a simple, clear message for drivers: Stop before the Line.
  The city’s Transportation Department was awarded a public education grant—from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—to remind drivers to stop their vehicles before the double white, crosswalk lines.
  Common knowledge? Perhaps. But in 2009, Pasadena ranked as second worst in California cities its size for pedestrians killed and injured, following Berkeley .
  Statistics showed that most of the collisions happened at intersections with traffic signals, and more than 80 percent were the driver’s fault.
The city’s Transportation staff realized they needed to reach out to drivers to get them on their side. As Traffic Engineer Joaquin Siques said, “It is not a case of drivers versus pedestrians, because the fact is, every time motorists step out of their cars, they become pedestrians. In this fight, everyone wins.”
  Traffic engineers agree that stopping before the line is critical to the safety of Pasadena ’s pedestrians. Those extra two feet make all the difference.
  The Stop Before the Line campaign, running through May, features Pasadena ’s safety mascots Dena the pedestrian and Otis the driver. In the introductory phase of the campaign, Dena and Otis exchange tips and ideas online via the campaign website www.cityofpasadena.net/trans/watch4pedestrians and other new media.
  Targeted at motorists and pedestrians to help make Pasadena a safer place to walk, the website is the place to go for the public to weigh in and learn more.
  There are benefits from participating retailers for doing so. Supporting outreach materials being distributed by local merchants include stickers, magnetic decals, and posters in English and Spanish. Other media include billboards, public service announcements and events, all designed to increase awareness of pedestrian safety among both those who walk and those who drive.
  Previously, the Pasadena Police Department obtained a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant from the OTS.  That grant provides funding for enforcement operations targeting drunk driving, speed, red-light running, and other intersection-related violations, all in an effort to help combat pedestrian-involved auto collisions.
  For more information call (626) 744-6900.