Here is a copy of a letter I sent to Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogaard:

Dear Mayor, when I moved to Pasadena 12 years ago, I was floored by it’s natural beauty, quaint homes, excellent education, thriving culture, it’s history and it’s response to landmarks. This is the city I chose to live in because it cared and preserved it’s treasures. It was a proud place to live in and no matter which direction you looked, you had something beautiful to look at. Recently, however, my view of the city has been obstructed by condos and commerce.

As the condos rose, I complained to friends and grimaced when I passed yet another building slated for destruction. It’s been like watching a loved one slowly die from some incurable disease. Others rose and more are on the way. Now, my own apartment building is on the list. An adorable old house converted into several units, walking distance from everything important. Over the last two years I’ve endured the clanging din of machinery and workers building the Del Mar Station condos. When they neared completion, another structure went up two houses down. Soon I’ll be forced to move from a place I absolutely love, from a place I was lucky to find.

The over development of Pasadena is a crime. The new condos spread around like weeds aren’t beautiful, they aren’t what makes Pasadena “Pasadena”. People are talking and they’re unhappy. As a long term resident, I’m unhappy. Unhappy that I’m losing my home, unhappy that what once was a quaint and comfortable city is becoming overrun with greed. While I understand the city wants to make money and there is an issue of supply and demand, the city is loosing the very reason people want to live here! It’s loosing it’s integrity, it’s charm, and it’s heart. It’s becoming like every other town jam packed with ugly condos and politicians that don’t care about conservation or it’s citizens.

While there are still many redeeming factors to Pasadena, the city herself has changed so dramatically that I hardly recognize her. The over development of Pasadena is nothing more than an open flood gate to crime, traffic, noise, pollution, and a whole slew of people devoid of civic pride. Another example is the strip club on Foothill Blvd. Fact is, if people need to see strippers, that’s their prerogative, but Hollywood is only 15 minutes away. Or maybe it’s closer than you think.

I used to brag to my non-Pasadena friends that the city cared about preservation, that nested in the foothills was this lovely town that felt like a big city but also remained small and honorable. I realize, my bragging rights fall with The Raymond Theater. As I wait for the impending demolition of my house that should be saved, I join the ranks of voters that will undoubtedly take action…even if it means voting for Aaron Proctor.