Monday Morning Bullpen: Election Season Looms

There’s not much going on this week. Truth to tell, it is a welcome change from last week’s special meeting.

Let’s cover what’s going on, then touch on the big item coming up in a week or so.

The City Council will review the denial of a Conditional Use Permit on a project at Huntington Hospital.

The Planning Commission voted 5-2 last November 17 to deny the hospital’s application for a permit that would pave the way for the construction of a medical office building, with three levels of subterranean parking, at 758 and 766 S. Fair Oaks Ave.

The commission voted against the project due to its design as well as concerns raised by the public regarding potential increased traffic in nearby residential neighborhoods, and increased noise and air pollution if the project goes forward as proposed.

But after meeting with concerned groups it looks like Huntington has made the necessary changes which now has support from Pasadena Heritage and Livable Pasadena.

The second item starts next week when election season officially kicks off.

On Feb. 14, the nomination period opens for Council districts 3, 5 and 7.

Incumbents John Kennedy and Jessica Rivas plan to run in districts 3 and 5 respectively.

Vice Mayor Andy Wilson has already announced he will not seek re-election.

Jason Lyon and Ciran Hadjian have announced plans to run in that district. Local residents officially become candidates when they qualify for the election and pay the necessary fee.

City Clerk Mark Jomsky will conduct candidate workshops at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 14, and at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16 at Pasadena City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S228.

Nomination papers will be issued at the beginning of the sessions and detailed candidate information will be provided.

Prospective candidates must pay $25 and collect signatures from 25 qualified voters in the district they plan to run in. They also have to live in that district. That one seems obvious, but trust me it has to be said.

The primary election will be held in June 7, and the general election will be held on November 8, in the event of a runoff.

It will be interesting to see if interest wanes if any of the races go to a runoff.

In the last election, none of the Council races went to a runoff. Felicia Williams, Gene Masuda and Steve Madison won their races outright and Tyron Hampton ran unopposed.

The city was forced to change its election calendar to match the state’s to increase turnout.