What do you get when you seat a full-time parent next to a retired machinist, a graphic arts student and a nurse who works the night shift? Enlightening conversations! A little give-and-take is exactly what we’re aiming for with a series of community workshops this summer focused on the General Plan.

Community Organization Workshops
Dozens of neighborhood associations, youth groups, service agencies, professional organizations, and business groups have been invited to discuss their visions for the Pasadena’s future during special workshops. Facilitated by city staff, the workshops help participants pinpoint the qualities and characteristics of Pasadena that are most important to them –great shopping, safe neighborhoods or a quick drive to work, for example – as well as identify the community’s most pressing issues.

More than 350 people have attended so far. The workshops are just getting started, so call 744-6807 to invite city staff and a GPUAC member to your organization’s next meeting – or feel free to host your own discussion (see below).

Do It Yourself (DIY) Workshops
You can also visit www.cityofpasadena.net/generalplan and download instructions and materials for holding your very own DIY Workshop. Plan a simple gathering of friends, neighbors, fellow parents, parishioners, co-workers or fellow business owners and host an interesting discussion. The more community feedback, the better!

Communitywide Workshops
To ensure that no one is left out, five convenient workshops on a larger scale are scheduled throughout Pasadena and are open to everyone. Stop in and voice your priorities: Less traffic? Saving our landmarks? More natural, open space?

The communitywide workshops are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on:
Tuesday, Sept. 15: Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Tuesday, Sept. 22: La Casita Del Arroyo, 177 S. Arroyo Blvd.;
Wednesday, Sept. 23: First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.;
Saturday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m.: Pasadena Conference Center, 300 E. Green St.
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Pasadena Boys & Girls Club, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd.

All comments will be collected and the emerging themes from the workshops will be presented at a community open house this fall prior to being woven into a draft General Plan next year. Make sure your opinions are heard!