DeWolfe hired a consultant to reorganize the Finance Department and hired a new finance director, Karen Aceves. We look forward to working with Armin to advance infrastructure projects and services that improve the quality of life of every South Pasadenan. (626) 737-8486 Ext. Raised in Ohio, Jason began his career at a suburban daily near Cleveland before moving to California in 2013. CITY OF PASADENA CITY MANAGER Section 10 - Page 1. M-Th 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, City Manager The proposal to hire Jordan, however, drew flak from some residents who felt the councils deliberations should have been done publicly to address Jordans sudden resignations in Los Altos and at a previous job as city manager of West Linn, Oregon. (626)737-8486 Ext. 2, David Cross | newsdesk@pasadenanowmagazine.com He brings vitality, experience and a fresh perspective to Hermosa Beach at a time when the city is making decisions and plans that will chart the citys future.. We know that Armin is very familiar with our city and looks forward to putting her energy and talent to good use in South Pasadena. Our opinion section is open to all. When African Royalty Visited South Pasadena, Artists to Unveil Collaborative Mural During ArtNight Pasadena. 1414 Mission Street She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. Mr. Rodriguez received his bachelors degree as a College Scholar of the College of Arts and Sciences from Cornell University and his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. 7 She grew up in the area and graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena. Email: City Clerk She also previously worked for the City of Santa Clarita as a Redevelopment Manager and a Senior Project Manager for the City of Ontario. We are excited to welcome Armin as our new City Manager. 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Our News Desk department consists of a collective of news gatherers in order to keep the community informed and safe. Pasadena City Council have welcomed former Justice Miguel Mrquez as the next city manager. She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. In a statement,. During a roughly three-year period, she went through five finance directors and replaced more than six department heads, the newspaper reported. Click for Directory. He began his public service career as a Deputy County Counsel in San Mateo County. Copyright 2023. . South Pasadena farmers market is open Thursdays, 4, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, South Pasadena City Council meeting webpage, South Pasadena City Manager Candidate Forum: Armin Chaparyan, L.A. County Walk-Ins Available at Vaccination Sites Through Monday, L.A. County: Use of J&J Vaccine to Resume. In November 2020, Jordan and Los Altos entered into a settlement agreement wherein he agreed to step down and waive his right to sue in exchange for $183,821, or nine months of severance, three months more than required by his contract, according to the agreement. 7 8 The City is located near the neighboring cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena and Alhambra, with easy access to all of Southern California. Email:CM Office RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds offer another way to get Pasadena Now content. City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe on Feb. 27 announced the appointment of Karen Aceves as South Pasadena's new finance director. Jordan was West Linns city manager when Timeus, who had worked with Jordan in a prior city, was hired as the police chief. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Public Administration Masters from the University of Southern California. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Request a Public Accommodation for a City Event or Program, Fourth of July / Festival of Balloons Committee, Mobility and Transportation Infrastructure Commission, Natural Resources & Environmental Commission, Ad Hoc City Leased Recreational Facilities Committee, Community Improvement and Code Enforcement, Natural Resources and Environmental Agendas and Minutes, Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes (New), Public Safety Commission Agendas & Minutes, Public Works Commission Agendas & Minutes, 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030. (City of Pasadena/Submitted) H istory was made beneath the spires of city hall on July 11. The City Council has an ambitious agenda for making South Pasadena even more special than it already is. Pasadena has found a new city manager after tapping Miguel Mrquez from his current post as chief operating officer of the county of Santa Clara. Pasadena Now has been published daily since April, 2004 and is among the very oldest continuously operated community news websites in the U.S. Pasadena Now strives to publish a full spectrum of news and information articles in service to the entire community. Residents Businesses Visitors Government Departments - City Manager's Office + Management Services - City Clerk Human Resources Division Transportation Community Services + Finance + Fire + Library + Community Development Department + Police + Public Works + She has led the City in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and has brought the organization to new heights during her time in South Pasadena. The council was scheduled to approve his appointment at its meeting the following day. They are also first-generation immigrants on I look forward to tackling these new challenges, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the Hermosa Beach City Council, city staff and community, said Gonzalez. The City Council wishes her the best in the next chapter of her life, said South Pasadena Mayor Bob Joe. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1977, and worked as an attorney for both El Centro De Accion Social, Inc., and Gronemeier, Barker & Huerta before joining the Pasadena City Attorneys Office. During his tenure in South Pasadena, the city significantly increased its financial reserves while also investing over $12 million on infrastructure. The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, ensuring that the policies of the Mayor and City Council are executed effectively and efficiently. (626)737-8486 Ext. 7, Candice Merrill, Co-Publisher | editor@pasadenanowmagazine.com We strive to inform, educate, and work together to make a better world for all of us, locally and globally. Pasadena Black History Month Magazine, Parents: National Catholic Schools Week Guide. Chaparyan achieved her dream of becoming a city manager in May when she was named to that position in South Pasadena. South Pasadena will begin the recruitment process, which usually takes several months, for a new City Manager, and will likely appoint an interim city manager during the recruitment process so that the Fire Chief can return his full attention to his critically important duties. When African Royalty Visited South Pasadena, Artists to Unveil Collaborative Mural During ArtNight Pasadena. Her starting annual salary is $215,000. City of South Pasadena. Mar. Her starting annual . Prior to joining the City of South Pasadena, Gonzalez served for 13 years in the nonprofit management sector. The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously chose Gonzalez, 45, from a field of nearly 60 applicants. Jason Henry is an investigative reporter with the Southern California News Group. South Pasadena to introduce city manager candidate to public Armine Chaparyan, who serves as assistant city manager in San Gabriel, originally was runner-up to the City Council's top pick. Ms. Chaparyan, a graduate of John Muir High School in Pasadena, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from U.C.L.A and a Masters of Public Administration from U.S.C. He is a self-identified technophile, data nerd and wannabe drone pilot. Your email address will not be published. Fax:(626) 403-7211 Jason Henry is an investigative reporter with the Southern California News Group. The South Pasadena City Council has unanimously voted to hire Armine Chaparyan as city manager, officials announced Friday. 801, Andr Coleman, Managing Editor | andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com Your email address will not be published. Understanding that no one serves as a city manager for fourteen years without accumulating some controversies, and understanding that city managers are sometimes fired for political reasons and personality conflicts that dont reflect poorly on them when fully understood, Chris Jordan has been fired twice or invited to resign twice as a city manager, following some apparently serious controversies that are easy to find with a five-minute Google search, Bray wrote in a letter to the council. Pasadena Now strives to provide factual, unbiased reporting. West Linn made national headlines in 2020 when the city agreed to pay $600,000 to settle a wrongful arrest lawsuit filed by a Black man arrested in 2017 by West Linn police as part of a scheme to discredit him and prevent him from suing his employer, the owner of a local tow company, for racial discrimination. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Ms. Chaparyan, a graduate of John Muir High School in Pasadena, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from U.C.L.A and a Masters of Public Administration from U.S.C. Required fields are marked *. The City of South Pasadena is a general law city incorporated on March 2, 1888. South Pasadena farmers market is open Thursdays, 4, Local High Schools Ranking According to U.S. News Report. The City Council consists of five members elected to four-year staggered terms of office. South Pasadena's previous city manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, retired from the city in September. Registration is not required, but those interested in hearing from the candidate on specific topic areas are asked to email their questions in advance to cmoffice@southpasadeanaca.gov. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. 7, Candice Merrill, Co-Publisher | editor@pasadenanowmagazine.com In 2008, Jordan received a 100-page confidential report detailing a series of allegations of racism and sexism against Timeus, but took no action against the chief, according to the Portland Tribune and the Oregonian. In that position, she managed the citys Planning Division, where she oversaw zoning, design and historic preservation, and community planning. Which Bands Will March in the 2024 Rose Parade? May 2014 - Oct 20217 years 6 months. Pasadena Now | Terms of - Service | Privacy Policy | CA Notice of Collection. It received several honors, including recognition for being an energy-wise, environmentally sensitive and walkable city. She had been on staff at the City of Pasadena since 1990 in various roles including Acting Assistant City Manager, where she worked with the City Manager on policy issues and management of the City Council. Domenica Megerdichian has worked for four Los Angeles-area municipalities. Prior to his role in Santa Clara, Mrquez served as an Associate Justice of the California Sixth District Court of Appeal, as the County Counsel for the County of Santa Clara, as the General Counsel of the San Francisco Unified School District, and as a Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorneys Office. Stephanie DeWolfe, the former Community Development Director for the City of West Hollywood, has been pushed out of her job as South Pasadena's city manager. Hours of Operation: Fax press release to : (888) 650-9712, James Macpherson, Co-Publisher | jamesm@pasadenanowmagazine.com South Pasadena City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe announced Sunday she has retired from her position as City Manager, as of Saturday, September 12, according to a statement from the city. Armin Chaparyan, Deputy City Manager The installation followed four community focus groups, input. Before being named Community Development Director for West Hollywood, DeWolfe had served as deputy director of the Planning & Community Development Department for the City of Pasadena. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the forum, time permitting. Real Estate: Hot Properties & Latest Listings, NEW! Specific areas of responsibility include oversight of eight operating departments, public information and community engagement, legislative affairs, economic development, following up on citizen concerns, providing recommendations to promote organizational efficiency and overseeing the development and presentation of the annual budget. DeWolfes resignation took effect on Sept. 12. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); ColoradoBoulevard.net - By Coloradoblvd.net and WMF. Sean served as the South Pasadena City Manager from 1996 to 2004 before heading to Irvine. It will be broadcast live via Zoom on the City Councils meeting website. Bob Murray & Associates, the Roseville consulting firm the town hired to help identify retiring City Manager Carl Cahill's replacement, is the same firm that helped the South Pasadena City Council select former Los Altos City Manager Chris Jordan for its own vacant city manager post. Prior to this role, she served as the Economic Development Manager at the City of San Gabriel, where she helped stabilize and grow the local economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With benefit of the insights of four community focus groups of 31 South Pasadena community leaders, each describing the ideal qualities they wish to see in the next city manager, the City Council retained executive recruiter Gary Phillips, of Bob Murray & Associates to undertake a national recruitment to gather qualified candidates to fill the citys vacant city manager position. She also previously worked for the Cities of Glendale and West Hollywood in the City Clerk Elections and in City Council support roles while pursuing her graduate degrees. Following pushback from residents, the South Pasadena City Council decided late Tuesday to rescind a job offer to a city manager candidate with a rocky history at his last two employers. Required fields are marked *. Mrquezs parents immigrated to the United States from Mxico with only a limited amount of formal education. South Pasadena, CA 91030 Stephanie DeWolfe, the former Community Development Director for the City of West Hollywood, has been pushed out of her job as South Pasadenas city manager. 82, Jeff Vaughn, Sales Manager | jvaughn@pasadenanowmagazine.com South Pasadena Public Library and The Music Center to Host Korean Classical Music and Dance Company Performance. 8 A native of Sacramento, Mrquez received his law degree from UC Berkeley Law School, his masters degree in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and his bachelor's degree in public policy from Stanford University. The only agenda item will be a public employment matter concerning embattled City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe, the South Pasadena reported. City of South Pasadena . The City Manager is appointed by the Council to oversee the activities of the city. Hours of Operation: Phone:(626) 403-7230 See All News. Betta said he did not seek to contact Shea because it would be a violation of Shea's "professional privacy." Retired Irvine City Manager Sean Joyce, 57, has been appointed Interim City Manager in South Pasadena to replace City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe, who has purportedly retired following her dismissal. She joined San Gabriel as its community development director in 2014. Fax press release to : (888) 650-9712, James Macpherson, Co-Publisher | jamesm@pasadenanowmagazine.com Sergios strong reputation became known to us during our search, and we expect he will enjoy even more success in Hermosa Beach, said Hermosa Beach Mayor Justin Massey. Pasadena Now | Terms of - Service | Privacy Policy | CA Notice of Collection. Fax:(626) 403-7211 Many. (310) 378-9116, Published on Sunday, September 13, 2020 | 4:45 pm. Following candidate screening, and two rounds of City Council interviews, and a well-received April 28 virtual community forum with the final candidate, the City Council has unanimously appointed Armin Chaparyanto the Citys top administrative post. Your email address will not be published. She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please provide your name, phone number or email address. Following a national search, the City of Hermosa Beach announced today that South Pasadena City Manager Sergio Gonzalez will be Hermosa Beachs new city manager. South Pasadenas City Council originally planned to hire Jordan, but backed down from the decision during a special meeting April 20 in light of some community opposition. South Pasadena withdraws job offer to former, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), South Pasadena withdraws job offer to former Los Altos city manager, Baby girl Winter of Lake Arrowhead is born amid raging blizzard, Theres a dire need for male teachers of color. Your email address will not be published. (626)737-8486 Ext. His first day on the job is scheduled to be May 15. Pasadena Black History Month Magazine, Parents: National Catholic Schools Week Guide. 4, Faith Fernandez, Chief Administrative Officer | ffernandez@pasadenanowmagazine.com Your email address will not be published. DeWolfe was criticized by former South PasadenaFinance Director Josh Betta, who released a reportsaying the citys proposed 2020-21 budget figures were blatantly false. The South Pasadena reports that finance professionals Stephen and Sheila Rossi said they had identified millions of dollars in discrepanciesbetween the proposed budget Aceves got approved by the citys finance commission and the one she submitted for approval by the City Council. For Advertising, Call (626) 737-8486 Ext. The City of South Pasadena is a General Law City, incorporated March 2, 1888, operating under the Council-Manager form of govern-ment. News provided by the City Manager's Office The City Manager's Office has launched a Social Services Resource Guide, providing a list of providers and resources available for community members. The contract included $20,000 for relocation and 160 hours of vacation time per year. The South Pasadena community is invited to meet Ms. Chaparyan during the virtual forum as she presents her experience and interest in serving in the Citys top administrative post. (626)737-8486 Ext. The City Manager also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Before that, she served as a redevelopment manager in Santa Clarita and as an senior project manager in Ontario, according to her LinkedIn. South Pasadena, CA 91030, Phone:(626) 403-7210 But the announcement of Jordans impending hire triggered immediate backlash from residents who questioned the candidates sudden resignations from his last two cities and the transparency of the selection process. Required fields are marked *, EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | THE ARTS | REAL ESTATE | HOME & GARDEN | WELLNESS | SOCIAL SCENE | GETAWAYS | PARENTS & KIDS, HOME OF THE WEEK Open House Thursday: Beautiful John Bluff Built Home Located on Greenridge Drive in La Caada Flintridge, For Newsroom, Call (626) 737-8486 Ext. South Pasadenas previous city manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, retired from the city in September. Gonzalez will also be responsible for implementing and enforcing city policies and ordinances, and he will help the city complete and implement PLAN Hermosa, an update of Hermosas general plan and adoption of a local coastal program. Others sent emails and called city council members about their concerns with the hiring. Ms. Chaparyan, a graduate of John Muir High School in Pasadena, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from U.C.L.A and a Masters of Public Administration from U.S.C. (626)737-8486 Ext. South Pasadena, having rescinded its initial job offer to a prospective city manager after community pushback, will host a virtual public forum April 28 to introduce the City Councils new pick for the position. She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. 82, Jeff Vaughn, Sales Manager | jvaughn@pasadenanowmagazine.com South Pasadena to introduce city manager, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), South Pasadena to introduce city manager candidate to public, Baby girl Winter of Lake Arrowhead is born amid raging blizzard, Theres a dire need for male teachers of color. He had previously left West Linn in 2015 under similar circumstances, collecting $141,652 in severance in exchange for an early exit following a shift in the council, according to the Palo Alto Daily Post and The Oregonian. Gonzalez has served as city manager, assistant city manager, community services director and in other positions for more than 14 years in South Pasadena, a city with a similar size population and city staff and government system. Council members expect to vote on an employment agreement with Armine Chaparyan, the current assistant city manager in San Gabriel, at their May 5 meeting, according to an announcement from the city. The Office of the City Manager provides oversight and direction to ensure that all departments are responding to City Council goals, applying policy consistently, identifying key issues that need Council direction, keeping abreast of the changing needs of the community, and planning the services, programs and projects that will ensure Pasadena maintains its status and character as a great community in which to live, work and play. Special Projects . The South Pasadena City Council on Wednesday is set to vote on the appointment of Christopher A. Jordan as the new City Manager. The Human Resources Office is a Division of the Management Services Department, dedicated to responsible human resource management by: recruiting qualified individuals for a productive workplace; providing a safe work environment; maintaining equitable compensation systems; and committing to personal and professional development of the employees Parents Panos and Endza brought 9-year-old Chaparyan, her 11-year-old brother Aram and 4-year-old brother Arman to the United States from Armenia in 1987 a time of political unrest in that country, which was a republic under . Aram was appointed city manager of Torrance in October 2020, and Armin took South Pasadena's top administrative office in May 2021. Zillow has 9796 homes for sale. Chaparyan has 15 years of experience in municipal government and holds a B.A. The towing companys owner hatched a plan with his fishing buddy, Terry Timeus, who was the police chief of West Linn, to carry out the arrest, according to the Washington Post. Events. We are excited to welcome Armine as our new City Manager, said Mayor Diana Mahmud. Tamara Binns has over 15 years of government service, including local and federal, with a background in Bio-Medical Engineering. We know that Armine is very familiar with our city and looks forward to putting her energy and talent to good use in South Pasadena. Back Submit. Ms. Chaparyan, a graduate of John Muir High School in Pasadena, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from U.C.L.A and a Masters of Public Administration from U.S.C. In a letter, Chris Bray, a South Pasadena resident and critic, said the council should have hosted an open community dialogue about the chosen candidate before placing his employment agreement on its agenda. Your email address will not be published. As the Assistant to the City Manager, Tamara serves as the Citys Social Services liaison, and leads the City Social Services and Mental Health Task Force. Jordan, who served a total of 15 years as city manager in two West Coast cities with populations similar to South Pasadena, will report to work May 10. Which Bands Will March in the 2024 Rose Parade? DeWolfe served the City as its City Manager from November 6, 2017 until last Friday, the statement said. These formative experiences inspired Mrquezs commitment to public service. Following the community forum, its expected that an employment agreement will be presented for consideration at the regular May 5, 2021 City Council meeting. Breaking News Tips: (626) 737-8486 Extension 7 We strive to inform, educate, and work together to make a better world for all of us, locally and globally. Domenica brings a dynamic, proactive, team-oriented and solutions based approach to her work and to the agency. Jacob Lyle2023-03-02T14:17:41-08:00March 2, 2023|, Jacob Lyle2023-03-02T14:09:10-08:00March 2, 2023|, Jacob Lyle2023-03-02T14:03:18-08:00March 2, 2023|, Jacob Lyle2023-03-02T13:53:15-08:00March 2, 2023|, Jacob Lyle2023-03-02T12:54:16-08:00March 2, 2023|, Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Public CEO | daily@publicceo.com He declared upon taking office that he had "more questions than answers, such as what is the current cash position of the City and are all funds accounted for." The City Council narrowed the finalists to five, then two, before initially deciding to offer the job to Jordan, according to a staff report. Finance Director Josh Betta, who released a report. The City Manager's Office in South Pasadena has introduced a Social Services Resource Guide, which includes a list of providers and resources that can be utilized by community members. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); ColoradoBoulevard.net - By Coloradoblvd.net and WMF. A newsletter published by the Public Affairs Office. Domenica Megerdichian, 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | P:(626) 403-7200 | Contact Us. Mrquez is expected to be formally introduced. (626)737-8486 Ext. 100 N Garfield Ave. ,Room S228 801, Andr Coleman, Managing Editor | andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com Ms. Chaparyan has 15 years of local government experience, most recently serving as assistant city manager of San Gabriel. It added amenities, including a new dog park, and improved its fire safety rating, resulting in lower insurance rates for residents and businesses. Mrquez has also worked for two private law firms (Cooley Godward LLP and Remcho, Johansen & Purcell), and as a management consultant at KPMG Peat Marwick, where he was part of a national financial and organizational consulting practice. The proposal drew flak from some residents who felt the councils deliberations should have been done publicly to address Jordans sudden resignations from city manager roles in Los Altos and in West Linn, Oregon.