Vroman’s Waiting for the Word to Reopen

As the Governor Newsom moves towards opening businesses on Friday, local companies are waiting for the all clear message from city.

“We’re waiting on confirmation from our local government but will be ready for curbside once we get the go ahead and will be emailing our customers all of the info they’ll need once that happens,” said Jennifer Ramos, Promotional Director at Vroman’s Bookstore.

A Pasadena staple, Vroman’s was once the largest bookstore west of the Mississippi, and it continues to be among the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California. During World War II, Vroman’s donated and delivered books to Japanese Americans interned at nearby camps, returning on several occasions despite being fired upon by camp guards, according to the store’s website.

On Monday, Newsom said he was moving local businesses to Stage 2 which includes the reopening of bookstores like Vroman’s, sporting goods shops, toy stores, music stores and florists.

Pasadena does not have to reopen on Newsom’s schedule. On Tuesday, City Spokesperson Lisa Derderian told Pasadena Now that the city “will work in coordination with Long Beach and LA City to announce reopening plans or a new phase of operations by the end of the week.”

Guidance from Newsom is expected to come on Thursday. Health department officials told Pasadena Now.

“The virus continues to be present in our community but we understand the need to evaluate restrictions,” said Manuel Carmona of the city’s Health Department. “In the days to come, the Health Department will help the city assess activities for their level of risk and begin considering easing restrictions for the lowest risk activities. The Health Department will be on the ready, closely monitoring data in the event we start to see cases rise again.”

On Monday, a majority of councilman voiced approval for reopening low risk businesses in an non-agendized discussion after City Manager Steve Mermell asked Council members for direction.

Mayor Terry Tornek told Mermell that he was sure the council would not object as long as state and city health officials were okay with the order.
The move to Stage 2 by Newsom comes as more protests have erupted across the state regarding the month and a half order requiring people to stay home. This past weekend, residents in Orange County protested beach closures.

“We are entering into the next phase this week,” Newsom said in his daily press briefing Monday. “This is a very positive sign and it’s happened only for one reason: The data says it can happen.”

Orders issued by officials in Pasadena, Long Beach and the city of Los Angeles have mirrored each other.

Under those orders all non-essential businesses are closed and residents are required to stay indoors.