❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🍎 Pasadena School District Proposes 10% Teacher Pay Rise in Tentative Agreement

⚠️ Pasadena Water and Power Alerts Customers About Utility Scams

🌈 Pasadena Earns High Marks on 2023 Municipal Equality Index

🎉 Pasadena Police Department Celebrates Tony Ambrozevicius's Graduation from Citizen Leadership Institute

🚗 Pasadena High School Drives Automotive Education Forward with Unique Restoration Club

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

Pasadena School District Proposes 10% Teacher Pay Rise in Tentative Agreement

The Pasadena Unified School District and the United Teachers of Pasadena have tentatively agreed on a contract for 2023-2024 that includes a 10% increase in salary schedule and enhanced health benefits.

This agreement, which still requires approval from the UTP and the PUSD Board of Education, will impact about 1,000 teachers and other certificated employees.

This deal signals a 20% salary increase over two years, the largest in recent memory. The district will also take on increased health and welfare costs and pay for vandalism or damage to members' cars.

Special education teachers will receive a $500 increase in stipends, and early childhood education teachers with a bachelor's degree will receive a one-time bonus of 5%.

Pasadena Water and Power Alerts Customers About Utility Scams

In recognition of Fraud Awareness Week, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is urging customers to remain vigilant and protect themselves against the increasing number of utility scams.

Scammers have been known to employ various tactics, including phone calls, home visits, and online solicitations, often pretending to promote government utility assistance programs.

They may ask for personal details such as social security or banking information, or even pose as PWP representatives to demand immediate payment while threatening to disconnect water or electric services.

In some instances, fraudsters may pose as PWP meter readers, inspectors, or contractors offering home energy audit services, turning up unannounced at the customer's home. PWP advises customers to be wary of such unsolicited visits and calls.

PWP maintains that it does not notify customers of their account status via phone.

Customers with delinquent accounts are informed through a "Final Notice" and "Disconnect Notice" sent by U.S. Mail. Delinquent payments have to be made in person at the City Hall Municipal Services counter, online via customer login, or by phone at 626.744.4005.

As a rule of thumb, all PWP employees and contractors display a visible picture ID, with the city seal and an employee number, and always have their supervisor's phone number on hand. It is also important to note that official city vehicles are used for service calls, PWP employees never use personal vehicles.

Contractors working with PWP's Home Improvement Program or the SoCalGas® Energy Savings Assistance Program always schedule home visits with the customer beforehand. If there are contractors providing information door-to-door, customers can verify their authenticity by calling 626-744-4005.

PWP's meter readers and water quality staff generally do not require access to the inside of your home unless your meter is located in a service porch area or an interior inspection has been specifically requested.

If you become a victim of such fraudulent activities, you are urged to contact the Police at 626-744-4241.

Pasadena Earns High Marks on 2023 Municipal Equality Index

The City of Pasadena has made significant strides in fostering an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, as evidenced by its score on the Human Rights Campaign's 2023 Municipal Equality Index.

The city earned a score of 91, up from 87 in 2022, illustrating its ongoing commitment to equality and inclusivity.

The nationwide evaluation studies the laws, policies, and services of 506 cities, assessing their effectiveness in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

To delve deeper into the details of the scorecard and Pasadena's performance in comparison to other cities, the full 2023 MEI report is available online at hrc.org/mei.

Pasadena Police Department Celebrates Tony Ambrozevicius's Graduation from Citizen Leadership Institute

Tony Ambrozevicius, a devoted Park Safety Specialist at the Pasadena Police Department, recently completed the Citizen Leadership Institute program offered by Embassy Consulting.

The program is designed to empower participants, enhancing their professional growth and leadership skills. It covers a range of leadership topics, from leadership styles to conflict resolution.

Ambrozevicius's graduation is a testament to his commitment to professional development. The Pasadena Police Department celebrates his accomplishment and looks forward to seeing how he will apply his newfound knowledge to benefit the department and the community it serves.

Pasadena High School Drives Automotive Education Forward with Unique Restoration Club

Pasadena High School is home to the nation's only high school-based club focused on the restoration of Ford Model A vehicles.

Despite receiving no school funds, the club, started in 2016, has grown to about 40 students under the guidance of former Pasadena Unified School District Board Member, Wilbert Smith, Ph.D., and Art Teacher Todd Dirks.

The club offers a rare opportunity for students in the Los Angeles area to receive hands-on automotive education, an area that has been largely neglected since the 1980s.

The club is currently working on a 1931 Model A hardtop roadster, with plans to have it ready by next spring.

Upcoming Local Events

Celebrating the Unconventional: 44th Doo Dah Parade in Old Pasadena

This Sunday, Nov. 19, the 44th Occasional Doo Dah Parade is returning to Old Pasadena, bringing its unique brand of quirky and satirical entertainment.

Known as the "twisted sister of the Rose Parade," it will start from Memorial Park, travel south, then west on Colorado Boulevard, ending at Pasadena Avenue.

This year's parade is set to host the largest number of new participants in its history and will be followed by Doo Dah-themed after-parties at local restaurants.

The parade, which is free to attend, concludes at 1 p.m.

Saturday, November 18

Teen Gardening Club: Hydration - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Flower Arranging: Fall Centerpieces - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

36th Annual Elves' Faire - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Huntington Holiday Market - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Pasadena

Walking Film Tour - 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Autism Speaks Walk 2023 - 10:45 a.m.

Sunday, November 19

The Fifth Annual Art Fair in the Garden -10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

"44th Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade " - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Front Row Card Show - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Guitar Master Class - 11:00 a.m.

Ambient Music Performance - 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Restoration Concert Series: New Hollywood String Quartet - 4:00 p.m.

Enchanted Forest of Light - 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.