❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🕓 DMV's Digital Makeover Slashes Transaction Times and Office Visits

💧 Pasadena Water and Power Hosts Informative Virtual Town Hall Meeting

🎄 Pasadena Firefighters Ignite Holiday Spirit with Christmas Tree Donations

🏫 PUSD's Tactics Under Scrutiny: Are They Punishing Excellence?

🏀 Pasadena Bulldogs Hit 8-0 Season Start: A Repeat of 2006-07's Glory

😃 Viral Meme

✨ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

Pasadena Spotlight community will experience a day filled with showers starting from the early morning at 5AM with temperatures around 57°.

The wind will be gentle at 3 mph, making the morning feel a bit cool. As we transition into the late morning and early afternoon, the showers will lighten up, and the temperature will slightly increase to 58-59°.

The wind will also pick up a bit but still mild at 4-5 mph. The afternoon will bring back the showers with a consistent temperature of 59° and a wind speed of 5 mph.

The evening sees the continuation of the rain with temperatures dropping slightly to 57° and the wind slowing to 4 mph.

It's advisable to dress in warm, waterproof clothing throughout the day, and don't forget your sturdy shoes if you plan to be out and about.

DMV's Digital Makeover Slashes Transaction Times and Office Visits

The California DMV has more than doubled its online services and reduced transaction times by two-thirds in a major digital transformation.

This move has eliminated the need for 1.5 million yearly office visits, offering Californians the convenience of accessing services online.

In 2023, Californians completed over 27 million transactions online, a 122 percent increase since 2019.

The DMV has also expanded self-service kiosk options, with usage increasing by 150 percent over the past five years.

Even in-office transactions like applying for a REAL ID are now faster, with the average statewide waiting time reduced to just 23 minutes.

The following chart is Pasadena’s DMV’s wait time according to DMV Wait Times.

Pasadena Water and Power Hosts Informative Virtual Town Hall Meeting

PWP is organizing a virtual Water Town Hall community meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. on Zoom.

The meeting aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of water services in Pasadena, including its sources, delivery mechanisms, cost recovery, and sustainability.

The session will be led by PWP's Assistant General Managers, Ms. Lynne Chaimowitz and Ms. Stacie Takeguchi, and will include a Q&A segment.

Both residential and commercial customers are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and engage in the discussion.

Virtual Meeting Credentials

This is a virtual meeting on Zoom.

Click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88666961478

Webinar ID: 886 669 61478

To join by telephone, dial (669) 444-9171, and use the code 886 6696 1478 when prompted.

Pasadena Firefighters Ignite Holiday Spirit with Christmas Tree Donations

This Christmas, the spirit of giving and community has come alive in Pasadena.

The city's Firefighters from Local 809, in collaboration with the local NAACP chapter and Pasadena Christmas Trees, have embarked on a mission to bring joy to those less fortunate.

They've taken the initiative to purchase and deliver 20 Christmas trees and stands, which were warmly received at the NAACP headquarters.

But the spirit of generosity didn't stop there. Pasadena Christmas Trees, a cherished local business on north Lake Ave., stepped up to contribute additional trees to this noble cause.

These trees, symbols of hope and joy, will make their way into the homes of families within our community who could use a little extra cheer this holiday season.

This joint effort truly encapsulates the spirit of Pasadena - a city that values its community and understands the importance of giving, especially during the festive season.

In a year that has seen its fair share of challenges, such acts of kindness shed a warm, comforting light on the holiday season.

PUSD's Tactics Under Scrutiny: Are They Punishing Excellence?

Board members of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) have come under scrutiny for their controversial school closure tactics.

Originally, they targeted the more successful and integrated schools for closure, hoping to move students to less successful schools.

When this was rejected, they began to reduce investments in these successful schools.

Critics argue that this is punishing excellence and not improving resources for students, as closing school does not increase resources but rather shifts them among adults.

Critics also warn that these tactics could lead to a smaller, more segregated district.

View full story

Pasadena Bulldogs Hit 8-0 Season Start: A Repeat of 2006-07's Glory

The Pasadena High School boys' basketball team kicked off the season with a promising 8-0 record, the best start since the 2006-07 season.

In their latest victory against Burbank in the Pacific League, the Bulldogs managed a 76-62 win, led by standout performances from players like Desmond Every, Gavin Hollins-Law, and Ike Mitchell.

Despite Burbank's efforts, led by Odartey Blankson's 19 points, the Bulldogs held on to their winning streak.

The Bulldogs are now preparing to face Centennial from Boise, Idaho, in the upcoming Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business ✨

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Pasadena area residents in an upcoming issue of Pasadena Spotlight & on our social media?



We ❤️ Local Businesses!



We know our community is brimming with businesses that fascinating stories and big hearts.



If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!



“Pasadena Spotlight” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town.

Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. 

Send us a message, and let’s celebrate the spirit of Pasadena together

👇 Select an option below:

✅ Own a local business? Apply to be featured.

❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.

Upcoming Local Events