It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Vivekananda House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in South Pasadena, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior”
“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things. They have kind caring and knowledgeable staff and respond in a very timely manner. What a great service they have provided both mentally and physically for our family. Highly recommended.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having a difficult time finding a right one until I got connected with Diane. She was so professional and productive!!! Definitely a go to person if you ever need her service. Thank you so much Diane!!”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for an assistive living with memory care facility care for my 90 year old step mother. Diane took her time, spoke with us and provided several options. We are now in the process of relocating my step mother to an excellent facility that she recommended and would not be able to do this relocation without her help.”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena for everything they did to help me find a place for my mother to reside at. They are very dedicated and supportive to all the families they help. My mother could have become homeless without Ly’s expertise, empathy, commitment and clear communication on what to do next. Always Best Care specifically matched my mother's unique circumstances, social needs, desired location and budget. Diane and Ly are very passionate about senior care and will help you and your family with the highest level of service. I will never forget this experience or their kindness. I highly recommend them to everyone! We made the best choice working with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting South Pasadena Nature Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Shiro or visit "Rose Hedge", Jared S. Torrance House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in South Pasadena, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in South Pasadena, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in South Pasadena, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
From Italian to seafood to Middle Eastern, these 7 Los Angeles County eateries are among the top 100 in the nation, according to a new list.LOS ANGELES, CA — Nineteen restaurants in California are among the nation's top 100 and seven of those are in Los Angeles County, according to a new ranking based on reviews from diners who attest to their quality.The online restaurant reservation service OpenTable develops the Top 100 Restaurants list from reviews left by verified users, not by food critics.Restaurants from ...
LOS ANGELES, CA — Nineteen restaurants in California are among the nation's top 100 and seven of those are in Los Angeles County, according to a new ranking based on reviews from diners who attest to their quality.
The online restaurant reservation service OpenTable develops the Top 100 Restaurants list from reviews left by verified users, not by food critics.
Restaurants from Los Angeles County that made the cut are:
Antico Nuovo — 4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles. Italian
The East Larchmont Village that draws inspiration from the Italian countrysid with hand-made pasta and wood-fired meats, vegetables, and fish, according to OpenTable.
Bavel — 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-2222. Middle Eastern
This is the Arts District's Middle Eastern prize.
Bestia — 2121 E. 7th Place, Los Angeles. Italian
"A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles."
Ori and Genevieve Menashe’s acclaimed California-Italian restaurant has made a name for itself for excellent cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and now-iconic dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck.
Fishing With Dynamite — 1148 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach. Seafood
According to OpenTable, Fishing With Dynamite is "a celebration of summers spent on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and SoCal’s vibrant beach communities. The cheerful, 32-seat restaurant is anchored by a lively oyster bar and features a menu of “old school” traditional seafood fare and “new school” dishes highlighting flavors from around the globe."
Musso & Frank Grill — 6667 Hollywood Blvd. Steakhouse
The iconic Hollywood stalwart is among the most-booked restaurants in Los Angeles on OpenTable, which also considers its service and ambiance among the best in the neighborhood.
Providence — 5955 Melrose Ave. Seafood
"Providence is the restaurant that seafood dreams and celebratory dinners are made of: James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti puts sustainability front and center for his two-MICHELIN-Starred tasting menus featuring the likes of Santa Barbara spot prawns, Golden Kaluga caviar, and Columbia River king salmon. Expect excellent wine pairings, white tablecloths, and exceptional service that doesn’t feel stuffy—just the way LA fine dining should be," OpenTable wrote.
Saffy's — East HollywoodMiddle Eastern
"Of Ori and Genevieve Menashe’s three restaurants, Saffy’s is the most laid-back—but still has a laser focus on technique. Dig into shareable plates like wood-fired lamb and beef shawarma, hearth-grilled lobster tail skewers, and 18-hour spiced short rib in a gorgeous dining room that pays homage to mid-century Morocco. Playful cocktails and a Mediterranean-focused wine list add to the always-lively vibe," OpenTable wrote.
The East Hollywood restaurant was also named by Michelin as a Bib Gourmand pick in 2022. Other nearby restaurants that made OpenTable's list include Antico Nuovo in Larchmont and Bavel and Bestia in the Arts District.
This year, OpenTable’s elite list also includes restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Patch staffer Chris Lindahl contributed to this report.
From here it only gets tougher as South Pasadena High looks for a quarterfinal victory Friday night when it travels to play Valley View in a CIF-Southern Section Division 10 playoff game in Moreno Valley.Tigers’ coach Jeff Chi says his team can expect a similar contest as last week when the Tigers toppled visiting Patriot of Jurupa Valley 35-28 in round one action.Valley View is coming off a one sided 35-3 win over Moreno Valley, to improve to 7-4 overall, 2-3 against Sunbelt League opponents. Meanwhile, South Pasadena is...
From here it only gets tougher as South Pasadena High looks for a quarterfinal victory Friday night when it travels to play Valley View in a CIF-Southern Section Division 10 playoff game in Moreno Valley.
Tigers’ coach Jeff Chi says his team can expect a similar contest as last week when the Tigers toppled visiting Patriot of Jurupa Valley 35-28 in round one action.
Valley View is coming off a one sided 35-3 win over Moreno Valley, to improve to 7-4 overall, 2-3 against Sunbelt League opponents. Meanwhile, South Pasadena is 9-2 on the season, finishing 5-5 in the Rio Hondo League and currently riding a seven game winning streak.
“It’s going to be another physical contest,” promises Chi, after looking at tape of Valley View. “We’ve got to buckle down, have a good game plan, get healthy and play another tough opponent.”
The Tigers coach says it will take another solid effort from his defense to come out on top in this one. He knew going up against Patriot, his club would need to slow down the Warriors vaunted rushing attack.
Patriot performed as advertised, doing plenty of damage on the ground behind running back Josiah Felix who had 125 yards on 17 carries while quarterback Nathan Villanueva picked up another 97 on 16. The Warriors only threw the ball four times on the night, but made the best of it, Villanueva completing a 58 yarder to Jayden Luedtke for a touchdown on one of his throws.
A couple of plays stand out for Chi in why South Pasadena won the game, the coach signaling out running back Rick Matsuda breaking free for a 61-yard score and linebacker Jasper Heathfield picking off a Warriors’ pass and running it in from six yards out for a pick-6.
“Those two touchdowns were unexpected and very uplifting for our side,” noted the coach.
The Tigers, locked in to keep winning, know that with three straight victories they will have earned their first CIF football crown since 1975. They already hit a major milestone this year going 5-0 in Rio Hondo League play, winning their first outright league title since 1977.
Key to the effort has been Trey Freking, who leads all Tiger rushers, picking up 1,324 yards on 218 carries and 14 touchdowns. David Ortega is next with 721 yards, carrying the ball 99 times, to go along with his nine scores. David Eisenberg has another 196 yards on 16 carries and three TDs while Matsuda has added 156 more on 18 carries and five touchdowns.
Opening the holes up front for South Pasadena ball carriers is William Girvigian at center, Zade Marrujo at right guard, DJ Ebner at right tackle, Ahn Yue at left guard and Hrag Ourichian at left tackle.
“The offensive line has done a great job for us,” praised Chi. “Our running game has been pretty effective and those guys deserve a lot of credit.”
Chi has also been impressed with the development of his young quarterback, showing steady improvement throughout the season. Sophomore signal caller Andrew Nott continues to manage the offense well, throwing for 835 yards, completing 48 of 76 passes and thrown eight touchdowns. On the receiving end of his passes is team leader James Dowd with 28 catches for 419 yards and a pair of touchdowns, followed by Jordan Rodgers with 13 receptions for 274 yards and five TDs, and Eisenberg, who has hauled in seven for 87 yards.
“Keep in mind that last year Nott was a third string quarterback at the frosh-soph level, so he really didn’t play much,” Chi said. “For him to step up, come up to the varsity, playing fulltime quarterback for the first time has been huge. He has come a long way from early in the season. He’s come a long way since then, and we’re very proud of his improvement and dedication he has for the game.”
South Pasadena’s defense highest point total allowed in a single game has been only 28, and that has happened on three occasions this season. Much of the credit goes to the play of the defensive line where Dowd and Grayson Ebner are the ends along with Omar Soufi and Jacob Scott at the tackle spots. In the rotation off the bench are defensive end Andy Yang and tackles Kevin Figueroa, Noah Keller and Robin Kim.
“The win over Patriot was a tough game, and you’re going to expect that over the next three weeks,” Chi said, talking about the message to his team after coming away with the narrow win against Patriot. “We have to be mentally and physically tough, ready to go in our next one. And emotionally you have to be in it throughout the whole game. We can’t have any letdowns. We have to challenge our kids to really dial in and see what they are made out of. I think some of the tough games we had earlier in the season helped develop that character.”
The message is clear from Chi and his coaching staff – Jason Barnes, John Fonseca, John Morant, Nate Olsen, and Paul Hugasian – “That they really need to rise to the occasion. We know what we have to do our part, executing on both sides of the ball and hopefully come out with a win.”
It’s important in the minds of Tiger coaches to slow down the running of Valley View’s talented quarterback Jesse Vega, running back Uchenna Uduji-John and receiver Alex Ramirez, keys to the Eagles offense. Defensively, they shut down teams behind the play of linebacker Bronson Pulu, and defensive ends Jarvis Williams and Elijah Buelna.
The path to a Tigers winning record, a league title, a first round CIF victory and now a quarterfinal game in the playoffs started back in the spring. “It has a been a long season,” said Chi. “I think it’s going to come down to who can keep their athletes healthy, being in good shape, in the best condition through the next three games. We’re looking forward to our next challenge.”
The path to a victory this week means South Pasadena must endure a 62-mile one way bus ride to Moreno Valley, on board for roughly 90 minutes to play the 7 p.m. game.
“Hopefully, we’ll continue to win,” said Chi. “I’m very proud to be a part of this squad, with the players, the coaching staff and everybody who has been involved. I think we all have the same goal, and we are working hard toward that, and it shows on the field week after week. Our players know they have a seven game winning streak and that is pretty impressive. To do that, you really have to focus and not have any mental letdowns. I’m proud of the fact they continue to perform at a high level.”
And that winning streak just might reach eight come Friday night. “We’ll definitely try,” assured the coach.
Publishers Note: Several news staff and hundreds of serious conversations with residents were assembled over weeks to generate this Op-Ed. This highly complex issue and the details involved have been presented to the public by The City of South Pasadena, the "Yes on SP" group, and City organized community interaction sessions over many months. In no way is it the stance of the South Pasadenan News Staff to discount the thousands of hours of work by City Council, City Staff and residents. The "No" on Measure SP position is...
Publishers Note: Several news staff and hundreds of serious conversations with residents were assembled over weeks to generate this Op-Ed. This highly complex issue and the details involved have been presented to the public by The City of South Pasadena, the "Yes on SP" group, and City organized community interaction sessions over many months. In no way is it the stance of the South Pasadenan News Staff to discount the thousands of hours of work by City Council, City Staff and residents. The "No" on Measure SP position is in favor of retaining voter approvals and oversight on what will be a massive change for South Pasadena life.
This is a call to action in response to a crucial situation many may not fully see yet. South Pasadena voters are being led to the ballot box to give up their right to vote on the future of building development in our town.
The height limit in South Pasadena is the community’s strongest defense against large-scale developers. A “No” vote on Measure SP isn’t about blocking growth; it’s about ensuring that development remains transparent, honest, and under voter control. South Pasadena will grow, and “No” on Measure SP voters simply want to keep residents approval on a crucial aspect in how that growth unfolds.
There’s a misconception that a “No” vote on Measure SP is negative. In reality, it preserves our ability to shape the city ourselves. Voting “No” sends Measure SP back to City Hall for an update that maintains our current voter-imposed height restrictions, something residents have fought hard to protect for decades.
Unfortunately, the way Measure SP is being promoted has stirred division among neighbors, friends, and the community. At the core of this push are powerful interests—both local and commercial—that stand to benefit if the measure passes, including those in real estate and development sectors. The goal of these interests? To remove the residents’ approval from decisions on building heights, seeing our right to vote on this issue as an obstacle rather than a vital part of our community’s fabric.
The messaging from the “Yes on SP” campaign conveys a troubling sentiment: “Thank you for your decades of work protecting South Pasadena—now it’s time to step aside.” Supporters of SP argue that it’s time to make development decisions without voter approval, a stance that quietly removes one of our most powerful community safeguards.
City Council member Jon Primuth, for example, is running in this election for his seat unopposed but has focused his campaign heavily on supporting Measure SP, and influencing city resources to promote a “Yes” vote. Yet, there’s a quiet whisper, drowned out in details, in much of this promotion: a “Yes” vote means handing over control on height limits to City Hall, with final decisions made behind closed doors.
The City of South Pasadena has a solid plan for meeting state housing mandates, but the critical detail of height control is being downplayed. Voting “Yes” would be the faster route, but at what cost?
Developers, long interested in South Pasadena’s desirable real estate, would likely seize this opportunity to build bigger and higher with less accountability. Some of the state directives, such as the RHNA numbers, are already under challenge from other cities, so the urgency to compel citizens to vote “yes” on SP and do away their right to vote on heights is alarming.
This is not merely a what-if scenario. There is a project well over height limit in the works now in South Pasadena where the Shakers Restaurant property is currently, and other potential projects such as Mission Bell, or the Carrows Restaurant location who’s developers may resubmit for larger construction on Mission Street without voter approvals, or much input at all.
Our community’s tax dollars have funded carefully crafted brochure mailers with messages promoting Measure SP that stop just short of overstepping legality. Essentially, residents are being asked to give up their right to vote so that these decisions can be managed by the planning department, which is still being restructured. In place of our vote, we’d be left with community “input” through surveys and focus groups—helpful, but no substitute for actual voting power.
For decades, South Pasadena’s building height limits have preserved our unique character and made our town more livable. These limits have supported local property values and made South Pasadena the community we love today.
Voting “No” on Measure SP sends a message that residents should still hold the power over significant decisions in South Pasadena. The “Yes” campaign’s major supporters include those with direct interests in real estate and property sales, and the connections here deserve a closer look. Residents deserve full transparency about the financial interests that might shape our town’s future.
Ultimately, we don’t need to abandon our right to vote. The city has nine months to revise and improve the plan if Measure SP fails, and a “No” vote pushes us to secure a new, reasonable height limit that allows for growth without sacrificing community control. This may be a tougher route, but this challenge is small compared to our past battles to protect South Pasadena.
Thank you to the city staff who have developed an excellent plan overall. Let’s send it back for a revision that includes residents’ voices and keeps our town’s future in our hands. Vote “No” on SP.
Publishers Note: Several news staff and hundreds of serious conversations with residents were assembled over weeks to generate this Op-Ed. This highly complex issue and the details involved have been presented to the public by The City of South Pasadena, “Yes on SP” group, and City organized community interaction sessions over many months. In no way is it the stance of the South Pasadenan News Staff to discount the thousands of hours of work by City Council, City Staff and residents. The “No” on Measure SP position is in favor of retaining our savvy voter approvals and oversight on what will be a massive change for South Pasadena life.
South Pasadena Measure SP Election date Status Approved A “yes” vote supported this ballot measure to: A “no” vote opposed the ballot measure, retaining the existing 45-foot height ...
| South Pasadena Measure SP | |
|---|---|
| Election date | |
| Status Approved | |
A “yes” vote supported this ballot measure to: |
A “no” vote opposed the ballot measure, retaining the existing 45-foot height limit across all zones, including commercial and mixed-use areas, as set by the 1983 voter initiative, and requiring South Pasadena to make mid-cycle revisions to its Housing Element within nine months to meet state-mandated density requirements in other ways. |
| South Pasadena Measure SP | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 7,539 | 57.02% | ||
| No | 5,683 | 42.98% | ||
| “ | South Pasadena Neighborhood Preservation, Local Control To protect South Pasadena's single-family neighborhoods' residential character; maintain local control over local land use; improve affordable housing opportunities for middle/working-class families/individuals/ seniors; retain/attract local businesses; shall an ordinance be adopted retaining existing height limits in single-family residential neighborhoods; restricting multi-unit housing in commercial/mixed-use corridors/neighborhoods including Downtown, Huntington Drive, Ostrich Farm with publicly-reviewed height limits necessary to implement South Pasadena's Housing Element? | ” |
| How to cast a vote in California | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All polls in California are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[1]
To vote in California, an individual must be a U.S. citizen and California resident. A voter must be at least 18 years of age on Election Day. Pre-registration is available at 16 years of age. Pre-registered voters are automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.[2] California automatically registers eligible individuals to vote when they complete a driver's license, identification (ID) card, or change of address transaction through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Learn more by visiting this website.
California has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website. California allows same-day voter registration. Californians must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. If the registration deadline has passed for an upcoming election, voters may visit a location designated by their county elections official during the 14 days prior to, and including Election Day to conditionally register to vote and vote a provisional ballot, which are counted once county election officials have completed the voter registration verification process. The state refers to this process as Same Day Voter Registration.[3][4] To register to vote in California, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible. California's constitution requires that voters be U.S. citizens. When registering to vote, proof of citizenship is not required. Individuals who become U.S. citizens less than 15 days before an election must bring proof of citizenship to their county elections office to register to vote in that election. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury.[3] As of November 2024, two jurisdictions in California had authorized noncitizen residents to vote for local board of education positions through local ballot measures. Only one of those jurisdictions, San Francisco, had implemented that law. Noncitizens voting for board of education positions must register to vote using a separate application from the state voter registration application.[5] All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment.[6] As of November 2024, five states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, and New Hampshire — had passed laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration. However, only two of those states' laws were in effect, in Arizona and New Hampshire. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allowed noncitizens to vote in some local elections as of November 2024. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters. The secretary of state's My Voter Status website allows residents to check their voter registration status online. California does not require voters to present identification before casting a ballot in most cases. However, some voters may be asked to show a form of identification when voting if they are voting for the first time after registering to vote by mail and did not provide a driver license number, California identification number, or the last four digits of their social security number.[7][8] On September 29, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 1174 into law prohibiting any jurisdiction in the state from adopting a local law that requires voters to present ID before voting.[9] The following list of accepted ID was current as of October 2024. Click here for the California Secretary of State page to ensure you have the most current information.
| |||||
626.313.0690
