Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, December 9, 2023

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ALTADENA - SOUTH PASADENA - SAN MARINO

Mountain View News Saturday, December 9, 2023 

 In a move to bolster 
innovation and economic 
growth, the City of Pasadena 
unveils strategic zoning 
changes aimed at expanding 
and growing the City’s 
bioscience industry. These 
changes are poised to take 
Pasadena to the next level, as 
a thriving hub for life science 
research and development. 
The revised zoning 
regulations, unanimously 
approved by the City Council, 
encompass adjustments that 
streamline the process for 
establishing and expanding 
life science facilities in the 
City. With eased restrictions 
on parking and conditional 
use permit requirements 
and greater allowances 
for building heights and 
the use of roof space for 
equipment, these changes 
aim to facilitate the creation 
of state-of-the-art research 
centers, laboratories, and 
biotech facilities, fostering 
an environment for scientific 
breakthroughs and job 
creation. The changes 
also simplify the current 
definition of research and 
development (R&D) in the 
City’s zoning code, removing 
distinctions between office 
and non-office uses, which 
will be key to life science 
companies, whose facilities 
commonly combine labs, 
offices, and other research 
spaces together to fulfill their 
unique business needs. 
These changes come after 
months of collaboration 
with local industry leaders 
like Xencor, Protomer, 
Huntington Medical 
Research Institutes and 
Doheny Eye Institute; 
nonprofit industry advocates, 
Biocom California; and 
architecture and real 
estate experts, Alexandria 
Real Estate Equities, JLL 
and Gensler. These latest 
approvals continue the City’s 
momentum in reviewing 
policies to support industry 
growth, like the October 
2022 revision of the City’s 
stringent hazardous 
materials reporting 
requirements to bring them 
in line with California state 
requirements. The revamped 
regulations prioritize 
flexibility and efficiency, 
providing incentives for 
companies to set up research 
and development facilities, 
while ensuring compatibility 
with the city’s urban 
landscape and community 
needs. 
Economic Development 
Director, David Klug 
expressed enthusiasm about 
the transformative potential 
of these adjustments, stating, 
“The adoption of these 
zoning changes underscores 
our commitment to fostering 
innovation and supporting 
the growth of the life science 
industry in Pasadena. We 
aim to attract top-tier talent 
and innovative companies, 
positioning Pasadena as 
a leader in life science in 
Southern California.” 
Bassil Dahiyat, Ph.D., 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer of Xencor said “A key 
ingredient to attracting and 
retaining companies that 
create leading technologies 
is to stay competitive with 
regard to regulations.” 
“This package of land use 
changes sends a message to 
the life science industry that 
Pasadena is a top destination 
for our companies to locate 
and grow. Making small 
changes to how we define 
research and development 
as well as rooftop and 
parking requirements can 
go a long way for biotech 
facilities that operate under 
tight regulatory guidelines,” 
said Dan Gober, Executive 
Director of Biocom 
California’s Los Angeles 
office. “Biocom California 
is proud to have worked on 
this legislation with city staff 
in Pasadena over the last 
year, and we appreciate the 
councilmembers’ affirmation 
that this will help create 
additional high paying jobs 
in Pasadena for people of all 
backgrounds.” 
As Pasadena embraces this 
pivotal moment, the City 
anticipates new investments, 
job opportunities, and 
groundbreaking discoveries, 
propelling the life science 
industry to new heights while 
cementing Pasadena’s status 
as an innovation-driven city. 
If you’re looking to 
locate your life science 
business to Pasadena, 
contact the Economic 
Development Division at 
EconomicDevelopment@
CityOfPasadena.net or (626) 
744-4660.
Catch breaking news at:
mtnviewsnews.comSan Marino Upcoming 
Events & Programming 
Pasadena Public Library 
announced last Friday its 
book selection for Pasadena’s 
2024 One City, One Story 
community reading 
celebration: Properties of 
Thirst by author Marianne 
Wiggins. 
Now in its 22nd year, One 
City, One Story is designed 
to broaden and deepen an 
appreciation of reading and 
literature and to promote 
tolerance and understanding 
of differing points of view by 
recommending a compelling 
book that engages the 
community in conversation. 
Properties of Thirst 
is a novel that is both 
universal and intimate. It 
is the story of a changing 
American landscape and 
an examination of one 
of the darkest periods in 
this country’s past, told 
through the stories of the 
individual loves and losses 
that weave together to form 
the fabric of our shared 
history. Ultimately, it is an 
unflinching distillation of 
our nation’s essence—and a 
celebration of the bonds of 
love and family that persist 
against all odds. 
Marianne Wiggins is the 
author of eight novels, 
including John Dollar and 
Evidence of Things Unseen, 
which was a finalist for the 
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and 
the National Book Award. She 
has won a Whiting Award, 
a National Endowment 
for the Arts fellowship and 
the Heidinger Kafka Prize 
and was shortlisted for the 
Women’s Prize for Fiction. 
She lives in Venice, Calif. 
One City, One Story 
community programs will be 
held throughout the month 
of March, culminating in 
a conversation with the 
author on Saturday, March 
23, at 2 p.m., at Pasadena 
Presbyterian Church, 585 E. 
Colorado Blvd. 
For more information visit: 
cityofpasadena.libguides.
com/onecityonestory..
City Announces 2024 One 
City, One Story Selection 
Pasadena police announced 
Sunday that they are asking 
for the public’s help solve, after 
releasing a new photo of the 
suspect vehicle, a number of 
attempted homicides in June 
that left three people with 
multiple gunshot wounds 
in separate instances in 
Northwest Pasadena. 
According to investigators, 
on June 17 at 9:12 p.m. officers 
responded to the 00 block 
of West Peoria St. and found 
two gunshot victims. They 
were both self transported 
to a nearby hospital with 
non-life-threatening injuries. 
Shortly after at approximately 
9:38 p.m. officers responded 
to Marengo Ave. and Painter 
Street to find an adult male 
in the street suffering from 
multiple gunshot wounds. A 
young child was also found 
unhurt nearby in the victim’s 
vehicle although the car seat 
had been stuck by gunfire. 
Detectives now believe the 
shooting are related and 
identified the suspect’s vehicle 
as a 2010 or 2012 black Ford 
Fusion with dark tinted 
windows (pictured above). 
Anyone with information 
should call Pasadena Police at 
(626) 744-4241.
Police 
Looking for 
Attempted 
Murder 
SuspectsWinter Community Services Guide 
Check out the latest Community Services 
Guide to see Winter offerings and get details 
on upcoming events, classes, and lectures. 
Hard copies will be delivered to San Marino 
households next week. Registration begins on 
December 19 for residents and December 27 for 
non-residents. 
Light Up San Marino!
Registration: through December 10Voting: December 11 - 17 
Do you have the most festive home or business 
in town? Enter our 3rd annual holiday decorating 
contest! Online registration is open now through 
December 10. Entries will be placed on the 
Holiday Decorating Contest map on December 
11. This year, 3 winning entries will be selected by 
the Mayor, Recreation Commission, and YOU! 
Community members have the opportunity to 
participate by voting for their favorite entries by 
“liking” them on Facebook. Winners will receive 
a gold-ribbon yard sign and gift card to The 
Huntington Store.
Family StorytimeTuesday, December 12 at 10:30 AM, Children’s 
Area 
Storytime features activities for children ages 5 
and under that will promote early literacy and 
lifelong learning through songs, movement, 
fingerplays, and books. Storytime is also an 
opportunity for caregivers to learn ways 
they can incorporate learning activities into 
everyday routines. Storytime occurs weekly on 
Tuesday through December 19. Registration is 
not required. Please watch our social media for 
cancellations.
Huntington Nurses Health ScreeningWednesday, December 13 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 
Barth Community Room 
The Huntington Nurses offer free blood pressure 
and glucose screenings. Please plan to fast 2 
hours prior to having glucose checked. These 
blood pressure and glucose evaluations can 
lead to prevention and early detection of the 
“silent killer” diseases such as hypertension, heart 
disease, and diabetes. Health screenings will be 
held every second Wednesday of the month. 
Registration is not required.
Happy Hour Winter Wonderland DanceFriday, December 15 from 12 – 2 PM, San Marino 
Community CenterCost: R: $14 / NR: $17 
The weather outside is delightful, just like our 
Happy Hour Winter Wonderland will prove 
to be! Join us to enjoy time with friends and 
neighbors at the Community Center as we dine, 
dance, and laugh our way into the holiday 
season. There will be music, lunch, drinks, and 
opportunity drawings. This event is open to 
active adults ages 55+. Registration is required.
December Events at the Old MillHoliday Concert Under the StarsSunday at 5 PM 
Come celebrate the holidays at the Old Mill 
with a holiday concert on Sunday, December 
10th at 5 PM. This will be a concert featuring 
the La Cañada High School Chamber Singers 
which is the premiere choral music ensemble 
in the school’s 300-member program. The 
LCHS Chamber Singers have toured extensively 
throughout the United States and Europe. This 
will be a 45-minute concert with no intermission. 
Gates open at 4:30 PM. There is no charge for 
this event. Suggested donation of $10.
*Please dress warmly as this will be an outdoor 
concert.*
FlowerTruckLAThursday, December 14 from 9 AM - 11 AM 
FlowerTruckLA will be back at the Old Mill on 
Thursday, December 14th from 9 AM - 11 AM with 
beautiful, farm-to-vase, fresh-cut flowers for the 
holidays, including wreaths and garlands. Come 
stroll the Old Mill and enjoy a cup of coffee while 
you buy your holiday flowers.
Fire Department Recent Happenings 
The Fire Department successfully passed the 
annual Los Angeles County Emergency Medical 
Services Agency paramedic program review 
with no corrections. The paramedic program 
This holiday season, the City reminds residents and visitors to 
prioritize safety during holiday festivities. Under the overarching 
theme, “Don’t let a Grinch steal your holiday cheer,” these 
departments share valuable tips to ensure a safe and joyful 
celebration for all. 
The Pasadena Police Department emphasizes safe shopping habits 
and home security measures to protect residents from potential 
thefts and scams during the holiday rush. Residents are encouraged 
to:
Be aware of your surroundings while shopping.
Keep valuables out of sight when leaving them in vehicles.
Monitor deliveries, using delivery lockers or trusted neighbors for 
pick-ups.
Stay vigilant against online scammers, particularly those using 
phishing emails to gain access to private information.
If you plan to travel, secure your home by locking all doors and 
windows.
Use timers for lights to give the appearance that someone is home.
Avoid sharing travel plans on social media to prevent potential 
burglaries. 
Pasadena Fire, Water and Power, and Public Works Departments 
focus on fire prevention safety, offering guidance to safeguard homes 
from potential fire hazards associated with holiday decorations:
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable materials, 
ensuring they are in stable holders.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles for a safer 
alternative.
Inspect holiday lights annually, discarding strands with frayed or 
pinched wires.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for connecting light strands.
Natural or resin-bearing cut trees must be treated with a flame-
retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal.
The support device that holds the tree in an upright position shall 
be of a type that is stable, secure, and of adequate size to avoid 
tipping over.
Water Christmas trees daily to prevent them from drying out and 
becoming fire hazards.
Place trees at least 3 feet away from heat sources and ensure they 
do not block exits.
Check the Public Works website for tree recycling schedules of 
curbside and drop-off locations. 
Pasadena Public Health Department urges everyone to take 
precautions to stay safe and healthy this holiday season. Follow 
these steps to protect yourself and others from illnesses:
Test for COVID-19 before, and 2 days after, traveling or attending 
gatheringsWash your hands often with soap and water.
Cook foods to appropriate temperatures, and keep dishes heated 
or chilled as advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Avoid cross-contamination of foods to prevent spread of germs.
Stay home if you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. 
Pasadena Information Technology Department shares these online 
security tips to help reduce the likelihood of your information 
falling into the wrong hands and ensure you have a more cyber-
safe, scam-free shopping experience this holiday season:
Avoid using Public Wi-Fi for any type of financial transactions, 
including shopping, or accessing any site that requires you to login. 
While using public Wi-Fi is convenient, it is not secure.
Only visit sites that are well-known, legitimate, and reputable 
businesses, and which uses secure communications. Secure 
communications to a site will show a “lock” (padlock symbol) in 
the URL bar and the URL address starts with “HTTPS”. However, 
secure communications only means the data sent between your 
browser and the site it encrypted. It does not mean the site itself 
is secure in how they handle your data, protect your private 
information, or safeguard your payment information. 
Be cautious of offers that look too good to be true. Remember the 
axiom: if it looks too good to be true it probably isn’t true.
Resist the urge to open emails right away or click links in emails. 
Rather than click the link for the alleged deal from the superstore, 
manually type the superstore’s site address into your browser’s 
address bar. 
Always check from where the email originated. Your bank will not 
send you emails from 588389a0rw4cdca-349848ad@lrkulaoed.
onmicrosoft.com. 
Use strong and secure passwords. Use a unique password for every 
site. Use a password manager to autogenerate and fill passwords. 
And finally, for any site to which you login, setup multifactor 
authentication if it supports it. This is one of the most secure 
ways you can protect yourself and your account from being 
compromised. 
The City of Pasadena encourages residents to embrace these safety 
tips, fostering a secure and enjoyable environment throughout 
the community. By being proactive in these practices, we can 
collectively ensure a festive season that is free from preventable 
accidents and incidents. 
Stay connected with the City of Pasadena, please visit our website 
at CityOfPasadena.net, follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, 
and find us on Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena. For 
inquiries, please contact the Citizen Service Center during business 
hours at (626) 744-7311.
Pasadena Encourages 
Safe and Joyful Holidays 
with Essential Safety Tips 
A conversation 
with Marianne 
Zoning Changes Set To 
Boost Life Science Industry
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