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The Pasadena City Councilannounced Thursday that theyhave appointed Mike Futrell,
City Announces NewPasadena City ManagerFoundation 
Delivers First 
ADUs To 
Altadena 
Mountain Views News Saturday, April 18, 2026 4 
The Pasadena City Councilannounced Thursday that theyhave appointed Mike Futrell,
City Announces NewPasadena City ManagerFoundation 
Delivers First 
ADUs To 
Altadena 
Mountain Views News Saturday, April 18, 2026 
Pasadena 
Celebrates 
National 
Library Week 


Celebrate National LibraryWeek, Monday through April25 by finding your joy at thelibrary and commemorate themany ways in which librariesbring people together, supportlifelong learning, strengthenmental agility and ignite joy.
Joy comes in many forms atthe library. Whether throughaccess to reading materials,
educational workshops,
innovative technologies, or 
welcoming public spaces,
libraries serve as facilitators 
of joy.

According to Director ofLibraries and Information 
Services, Tim McDonald,
National Library Week 
highlights the essential rolelibraries play in shaping 
and enhancing thriving 
communities through 
providing space to learn,
explore and connect – valuesthat continue to guide thelibrary’s work every day.

 “The Pasadena Public 
Library invites the communityto explore the library’s diversecollection of new and classic 
books, engage in programsdesigned to spark curiosityand foster community, partakeof free Wi-Fi and computeraccess, workshops, STEAMprograms, and more,” librarystaff said. “Whether preparingfor a career change, launchinga business, raising a family, 
or embracing retirement,
Pasadena Public Library ishere to support your journey.”

 First celebrated in 1958,
National Library Week 
is a national observance 
sponsored by the AmericanLibrary Association and 
libraries of all types across thecountry each April. National 
Library Week aims to motivatepeople to read and supportlibraries by highlightingthe valuable role libraries,
librarians, and library workersplay in transforming lives 
and strengthening local 
communities.

 Celebrate with a visit to 
any Pasadena Public Librarylocation during National 
Library Week to explore 
offerings, participate in 
programs, and discover thejoy that libraries inspire everyday.

For more information visit: 
cityofpasadena.net/library. 

eBooks 
Made Easyfor South 
Pasadena 
Seniors

 Join the South Pasadena 
Library at the Senior CenterTuesday for a friendly, 
hands-on introduction 
to checking out and 
downloading eBooks on 
your smartphone or tablet.
Whether you’re brand new 
to eBooks or just need a 
refresher, we’ll guide youstep by step so you can startreading with confidence.
The event runs fro, 2 p.m.
to 3 p.m.

Staff is asking that seniorsbring a valid library cardand a fully charged device.
This program is hosted bythe library in collaboration 
with the Senior Center.

 To make reservations, 
please contact the SeniorCenter at 626.403.7360 

Residents 
Displaced byEaton Fires

 During a well attended event,
nonprofit SoLa Impact handed 
over the keys Thursday, to the 
first Altadena residents with 
newly installed permanent 
Accessory Dwelling Units 
(ADUs) on their properties atno-cost. Both homes had been 
destroyed in the Eaton fires.

 “There’s no place like home,” 
said Carolyn Smith one of thehomeowners. “I’m lookingforward to being back on my 
property, reuniting with myneighbors, and returning homewith my family. I’m so grateful toSoLa and to our community forproviding this ADU today, andfor all of their help and supportover the last few months.”

 Smith and homeowner Ana 
Robles, are both long-timeAltadena residents have spent thepast year in temporary housing.
Smith, 77, has lived in Altadenafor 32 years. Robles, a Pasadenapublic school teacher, has calledthe Altadena community herhome for 47 years and raised herfamily there.

 “Immediately after the fire,
the first name that I heard was 
going to be helping me was TheSoLa Foundation,” Robles said.
“It meant that there was hopeand that I was not alone. All of 
these teams have come togetherto help us and make sure we’renot displaced from our homes,
and getting this ADU meanseverything to me. It’s not justthe fact that I’m going back tomy community; it’s also going toprovide me with the very urgentshelter that I need while I find 
the ways to rebuild.” 

The homes, built and delivered byMODEL/Z, allow homeownersto live on their properties whiletheir primary residences arerebuilt. Expanding upon SoLa’slongstanding investment in 
community-centered programs,
SoLa’s new Fire RecoveryHousing Initiative represents 
SoLa Impact staff said thatthey have close to 200 applicantshopeful to be approved. Theysaid, size the property, location,
permitting approvals and otherfactors have to be considered as 
well as financial need.

 For more information visit: 
thesolafoundation.org. 

a coordinated response effort 
to provide on-site housing foraffected homeowners.

 “This milestone reflects what is 
possible when civic organizationsand capital partners link arms toprioritize community stabilityand preservation,” said SherriFrancois, Executive Director ofthe SoLa Foundation. “Natural 
disasters should not lead to 
displacement. This initiative 
proves that when we act with 
intentionality, we can protectresidents’ well-being and providethe stability families need to heal 

– all while preserving the historyand future of neighborhoods likeAltadena.” 
Barger Highlights $300,000Milestone Supporting Fire–
Impacted Small Businesses 

Los Angeles County SupervisorKathryn Barger is spotlighting amajor milestone in the County’songoing recovery efforts for 
communities impacted by theEaton Fire, announcing that 
more than $300,000 has beengenerated for small businessesthrough the Shop Local LA 
County Gift Card Program.

 The program, led by the LACounty Department of EconomicOpportunity (DEO), includes 
a new $225,000 investment 
by the Altadena Chamber ofCommerce to provide $500 
gift cards to 450 fire-impactedresidents who lost homes,
sustained property damage, or 
were displaced. The fundingis designed to immediatelycirculate dollars back into local 
businesses that continue to face 
economic hardship.

 The Shop Local LA CountyGift Card Program is a key 
component of the County’s 
broader “Shop Local. Dine 
Local. Recover Local.” campaign,
launched in July 2025 through amotion authored by Supervisor 
Barger. The initiative was 
created to stabilize brick-
and-mortar businesses in 
Altadena and surrounding fire-
impacted communities that 
have experienced reduced foottraffic, revenue loss, and ongoingeconomic challenges.

 “From day one, I’ve remainedcommitted to standing with 
Eaton Fire survivors to helprebuild a better future,” saidSupervisor Kathryn Barger.
“This new investment supportsa program that offers continued, 

steady support for residents andsmall businesses alike. I remain 
focused on driving the economicrevitalization of Altadena and 
ensuring this community comesback stronger.”

 Through the program, residentsand supporters can purchasegift cards in $20, $50, and$100 increments, each pairedwith bonus cards—$10, $25, 
and $50 respectively—fundedthrough a donation by LA Cares.
Participating small businesses,
which enroll through the 
Recover Local Business Registry,
benefit from increased visibility,
direct spending, and access to 
additional County resources.

 Today, more than 110 fire-
impacted businesses are listedin the Recover Local Business 
Directory, with 68 activelyparticipating in the gift cardprogram across wildfire impacted 
areas including Altadena,
Pasadena, Sierra Madre, andother communities.

 Every dollar spent throughthe program stays within localcommunities—supportingrestaurants, retailers, and serviceproviders that are essential 
to long-term recovery and 
economic resilience.

 Residents are encouraged tosupport fire-impacted businessesby purchasing and redeeming giftcards at ShopLocal.LA. Eligiblesmall businesses located within 
designated fire zones can apply tojoin the Recover Local BusinessDirectory to access marketing 
support, technical assistance,
and promotional opportunities.

 For more information, visitShopLocal.LA. 

Senior Center 
Cultural 
Thursdays 

‘The Machineryof the Mind’ 
Exploring Cognitionand Emotion on 
Thursday, April 30 

An inside look at the 
sophisticated biological 
system that underlie our 
thoughts and emotions willbe explored as part of theCultural Thursdays event 
series on site at the Pasadena 
Senior Center on Thursday,
April 30 at 2 p.m.

 UCLA’s Lindsay De Biase,
Ph.D. and Laura DeNardo 
Ph.D. will lead “The 
Machinery of the Mind: TheScience of Cognition and 
Emotion Across the Lifespan,” 
a ‘peek under the hood’ at thecutting-edge science of how 
our brains manage a lifetime 
of information.

 The event is free for 
Pasadena Senior Center 
members and $5 for nonmembers, 
and reservationsare suggested. To register, 
or for more information, 
visit pasadenaseniorcenter.
org, then click on Lectures& Classes, then Cultural 
Thursdays.

Drs. De Biase and DeNardo 
will share current research on 
topics such as:

 Mechanisms of childhood 
amnesia: why do we forget ourearliest experiences? Learn 
how brain cells ‘light up’ whenwe have a new experienceand help us store and recallmemories. 
How does early life stress 
increase risk for anxiety?
Investigate how neurons 
and microglia—the immunecells of the brain—jointlydetermine the course of brain 
development, and how earlylife stress can change thistrajectory.
Can we harness microglia topromote healthy brain aging?
Discover how immune cells 
in different brain regionsshow very distinct responsesto aging.

 To learn more visit: 
pasadenaseniorcenter.org or 
call 626-795-4331. 


Talk: The Living Spirit of theArts & Crafts Movement 

Julie Leidel, a Roycroft Master Artisan and founder of TheBungalow Craft, will explore Thursday the Arts & Crafts movementnot only as a historical moment, but as a living philosophy stillunfolding today. Beginning with the legacy of Roycroft and ElbertHubbard—tracing its ideals, influence, and enduring spirit—shereflects on her own path as a Roycroft Artisan within this lineage.
The event will be held at the Blinn House from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 
p.m.

 They will delve into a quieter dimension of the Arts & CraftsMovement: the often-unspoken thread of symbolism and innerresonance found in the historical work. She will present her ownbody of work within these influences, revealing how these principlescontinue to evolve and offering a contemporary harmony withinthe Arts & Crafts tradition—inviting us to experience art not just assomething we see, but something we feel and remember.

 Leidel is a Master Roycroft Renaissance Artisan specializing in 
creating revivalist artwork, inspired by the Art Nouveau and Arts& Crafts Movements (1880-1920).

The Blinn House is located 160 N. Oakland Ave.

 For more information visit: pasadenaheritage.org. 


City Manager for the City ofRiverside, as the next CityManager. He is expected startMay 13.

According to city officials,
Futrell brings more than 30 yearsof public-sector experience,
including 18 years in executiveChief Administrative and CityManagement roles. He currentlyserves as City Manager forRiverside, and previously heldleadership posts includingCity Manager of South San 
Francisco, Chief AdministrativeOfficer for the City/County ofBaton Rouge, State Directorin the United States Senate,
Executive Vice President at 
Hawaii Gas, and elected roles 
in both the Louisiana House 
of Representatives and BatonRouge Metropolitan Council.
He is a retired U.S. Navy Captainhaving served 26 years of activeduty and reserve service.

 Throughout his career,
Futrell has overseen major 
capital projects, complex 
public-private partnerships,
innovative economic 
development strategies, and 
large municipal operations 
including utilities, airports,
convention centers, and full-
service city departments. Hisexperience includes leadershipof city-owned electric and waterutilities serving up to 200,000customers, as well as regulatory,
customer service, rate-setting,
and intergovernmental 
functions.

 In South San Francisco, Futrellled the city’s transformationinto a biotech economic 
powerhouse, generatingfunding for housing, transit, andsustainability initiatives. He alsoled the restoration of the South 
San Francisco Bay waterfront,
in a $3 billion public-privatepartnership. In Riverside, hehas steered major economicexpansions in green technology,
aerospace, and life sciences;
delivered landmark capital 
projects; and strengthened 
community engagement and 
transparency. His background 

also includes significant workin strategic planning, publicsafety, emergency management,
financial recovery, labor 
relations, communications, and 
organizational development.

 The appointment followsan extensive national search 
process.

 Mayor Victor Gordo said,
“On behalf of the entire CityCouncil, I want to express 
our deep appreciation to 
outgoing City Manager MiguelMárquez for his dedicated andeffective service to the peopleof Pasadena. His leadershiphas helped guide our citythrough important challengesand opportunities, and we aregrateful for his commitment.

 I also want to acknowledgethe many highly qualifiedand talented candidates who 
stepped forward throughout 
this process. They broughtforward thoughtful ideas anddiverse perspectives, and theCity Council benefited greatlyfrom the depth of experienceand vision they shared.

 Today, we welcome Mike Futrelland his wife, Susan Freeman,
to our great city. Mike is aseasoned, proven city managerwhose experience, collaborativeapproach, and steady leadershipwill serve Pasadena well. He 
brings a skill set that will helpus confront the complex issuesfacing our community—bothnow and in the years ahead—
and support the dedicated staff 
who work every day to makePasadena a better place for all.” 

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com