The recent wind storms that struck Pasadena and The San Gabriel Valley caused vast amounts of damage throughout local communities. As local cities continue assessing the damage, here’s the latest from Crown City News:
Status Updates
- On the morning of 12/4/11, Pasadena Water and Power says that just over 300 residents in the city do not have power. PWP reports that they are working around the clock with over eighty workers to fix the issues. PWP also reports that they are getting assistance from crews as far away as Anaheim. PWP says that they are restoring power first to those with life-saving need and other special circumstances.
- Pasadena Water and Power says that one five-million gallon water basin in the Sunset Reservoir will need to be cleaned and recertified by Public Health Officials before it can serve water again. However, the city says that drinking water from PWP is 100% safe to drink.
- A small subsection in the Northwest area of the City of Pasadena is served by Southern California Edison, which is currently working to restore power to certain affected residences in Pasadena. These residents can contact Edison with questions at (800) 661-1191.
- Around ten customers of Pasadena Water and Power do not have water service due to trees uprooting and shattering water lines. PWP estimates these customers will have water service again in 24-36 hours.
- Certain residents (about twenty-five) of Northwest Pasadena served by Pasadena Water and Power are experiencing low water pressure due to the power outage of water pumps served with power by Edison. The city has asked Edison to prioritize repairs to this area to ensure water pressure returns to normal.
- The City of Pasadena says that all major and secondary streets are open today, with debris being cleared to the side of many roadways. The debris being taken in by City Crews is being transported to various city facilities where it will be turned into mulch to be used across the city. This process of debris removal is expected to take two to four weeks, with the mulching expected to take another four to six months.
- Debris removal of downed trees on private property is not being handled by the city. If a tree on private property causes damage, it is the property owner’s responsibility to take care of that damage by contacting the appropriate contractor or private insurance company. A list of local, certified arborists to remove trees on private property is available here.
- A shelter at the Robinson Park Center in Pasadena closed yesterday morning. However, it will be back open today (Sunday) to provide residents to a warm place to stay and other recreational activities including Basketball.
- All city athletic fields are closed until Monday the 5th due to unsafe conditions.
- Normal parking restrictions are now back into effect throughout the city. However, officials encourage residents to stay tuned to local weather updates due to the fact that red flag conditions, and their associated parking restrictions, can resurface at any time.
- The Pasadena Police Department is asking residents to verify the credentials of any city or maintenance employee wishing to gain access to one’s private property. If you suspect a scam, contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.
- The Pasadena Fire Department responded to a call of a structure fire yesterday afternoon at a home at the intersection of Maple and Oakland in Pasadena. This fire was also several feet away from a vegetation fire around the same time which slowed traffic on the 210 freeway. The home sustained significant damage and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
- The University of California, as well as a number of private universities, are offering short extensions to students who missed first-year applications due to power outages as a result of the winds. Contact each school or the UC HelpDesk for more information.
- California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson says public schools forced to closed due to wind damage will still receive state funding.
- CollegeBoard SAT Program Testing scheduled to take place at San Marino High School on Saturday as well as at the San Gabriel Academy on Sunday has been postponed. Students are advised to contact CollegeBoard for more information on a makeup test.
- The Pasadena Humane Society says that they have received many stray pets at their Pasadena Shelter. If your pet is missing, call them at (626) 792-7151.
Pasadena By The Numbers
- Over 325 miles of city streets were impacted by the recent wind storm by fallen trees, tree limbs, utility poles and more.
- 4 injuries within the City were reported as a result of the storm.
- 100% of primary and secondary streets are now cleared of debris, according to the City of Pasadena.
- Over 200 homes and businesses sustained some sort of structural damage as a result of the storms.
- Over 46 housing units have been red-tagged, with 40 of those being in the same building. An additional 13 were yellow-tagged by City inspectors.
- 34 traffic signals were in need of repair, 8 of which were referred to the County and State (CalTrans) for action.
- 23 street lights were reported in need of repair.
- More than 600 street trees fell completely with many more being severely damaged. The number of these trees in city parks is currently being assessed.
- 3 public art displays in the city have been damaged.
- 3 areas of the San Pasqual pedestrian bridge near the Arroyo have been damaged due to a downed tree. The City is currently assessing this bridge.
- In about a two day period (8pm on 11/30 to 9pm on 12/2), the Pasadena Fire Department responded to 386 calls for help, an amount nearly 8 times the normal call volume. 11 outside agencies assisted the Pasadena Fire Department in 94 calls, with a peak of 27 outside units assisting PFD personnel with calls within Pasadena.
- 4 extra fire engines and one extra patrol were added to the Pasadena Fire Department’s on-duty fleet on Thursday to assist with the call volume.
- From 10pm on 11/30 to 1pm on 12/2, the Pasadena Police Department’s Communications Center processed about 4,650 calls for service.
- The Pasadena Police Department extended the time on-duty or called back 13 extra Police Officers and 11 Police Volunteers.
Landmarks
- The Church of the Nazarene on Sierra Madre Boulevard sustained significant roof damage.
- 67 trees completely fell at the Brookside Golf Course while another 120 sustained significant damage, according to the City.
Contact Information
- To Report Downed City Power Lines: (626) 564-0199 or (626) 564-0299
- To Report Downed Trees: (626) 744-4321
- Southern California Edison Outage Questions: (800) 661-1191
- Pasadena Humane Society: (626) 792-7151
- Pasadena Police Department Non-Emergency Contact: (626) 744-4241
- Pasadena Police & Fire Local Alert Sign Up Pages: Nixle and PLEAS
- Life Threatening Emergencies Only: 911
Do you have stories, extra information, pictures or video of the recent wind storm? Crown City News would like to see them! Post them in the comments section below, on our Facebook page at facebook.com/crowncitynews or tweet them to us @crowncitynews. You can also check out the great photos we’ve already received here.
Information From The City of Pasadena, as well as CCN Reporters Grant Derderian, Nataly Tavidian and Tami DeVine, Contributed To This CCN Report.
This story is part of Crown City News’ continuing coverage of the Southern California Wind Storms. For the latest information, visit CrownCityNews.com.