Subscribe to our feeds to get the latest headlines, summaries and links back to full articles formatted for your favorite feed reader and updated throughout the day. According to the South Pasadenan, the newspaper that covers South Pasadena, DeWolfes resignation took effect the day before the 4 p.m closed session meeting that the Pasadena City Council had arranged for this past Sunday. CITY OF PASADENA CITY MANAGER Section 10 - Page 1. They are also first-generation immigrants on During his tenure in South Pasadena, Joyce hired Josh Betta to be the city's Finance Director at that time. . The City Council consists of five members elected to four-year staggered terms of office. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds offer another way to get Pasadena Now content. Domenica brings a dynamic, proactive, team-oriented and solutions based approach to her work and to the agency. 82, Jeff Vaughn, Sales Manager | jvaughn@pasadenanowmagazine.com Contact Form, Hours of Operation: DeWolfe served the City as its City Manager from November 6, 2017 until last Friday, the statement said. Breaking News Tips: (626) 737-8486 Extension 7 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. South Pasadena, CA 91030 City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe on Feb. 27 announced the appointment of Karen Aceves as South Pasadena's new finance director. Following the community forum, its expected that an employment agreement will be presented for consideration at the regular May 5, 2021 City Council meeting. 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. When African Royalty Visited South Pasadena, Artists to Unveil Collaborative Mural During ArtNight Pasadena. Jason Henry is an investigative reporter with the Southern California News Group. Retired Irvine City Manager Sean Joyce, a former South Pasadena City Manager, has been serving as Interim City Manager, though his agreement expired March 31, 2021. DeWolfe had drawn her own controversies over her management of the city, according to the. 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. Aceves, who'd been serving as one of the City's two acting financing directors, has been with South Pasadena since January 2017. 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. Zillow has 9796 homes for sale. The city announced the resignation only a half hour after its closed special meeting and said that Fire Chief Paul Riddle would assume the role of Acting City Manager. 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. The City Council wishes her the best in the next chapter of her life, said South Pasadena Mayor Bob Joe. 7, Candice Merrill, Co-Publisher | editor@pasadenanowmagazine.com By News Desk 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 City's top . An unsolicited May 2020 report by the now retired Betta critiquing the city's finance practices opened a chain of events that help lead to the Sept. 12 departure of DeWolfe.. Also Wednesday, the City Council is set to authorize interim City Manager and Fire Chief Paul Riddle to seek . (626)737-8486 Ext. in 2018, Armin Chaparyan was appointed as the new Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director for the City of San Gabriel. The installation followed four community focus groups, input. Hours of Operation: 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. Mayor Diana Mahmud said: Appointment of a City Manager is the most important decision the City Council will make. 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. To the best of CCMF's knowledge, Aram and Armin Chaparyan are the first brother-sister city manager pair in California history. She grew up in the area and graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena. Aram was appointed city manager of Torrance in October 2020, and Armin took South Pasadena's top administrative office in May 2021. Its very interesting. In light of the backlash, the council pledged to do an additional background check on the next candidate. The City Manager is appointed by the Council to oversee the activities of the city. 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. A South Pasadena city councilwoman apologized Saturday, Aug.15, for making fake email accounts to attack her critics and then announced she will step down Aug. 18. Betta said he did not seek to contact Shea because it would be a violation of Shea's "professional privacy." 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. Our News Desk department consists of a collective of news gatherers in order to keep the community informed and safe. 4, Faith Fernandez, Chief Administrative Officer | ffernandez@pasadenanowmagazine.com 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. She had previously worked at Pasadena City Hall, at one point serving as Interim Assistant City Manager., according to her biography on the South Pasadena website. He is a self-identified technophile, data nerd and wannabe drone pilot. 8, Eddie Rivera | erivera@pasadenanowmagazine.com Your email address will not be published. City Manager at City of South Pasadena Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Mary Jerejian, MPA Management Analyst at the City of South Pasadena Los Angeles, CA Christina Muoz Deputy. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Her starting annual salary is $215,000. 2, David Cross | newsdesk@pasadenanowmagazine.com Her starting annual salary is $215,000. 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. The city has not released the employment agreement with Chaparyan. 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 Mr. Gary Phillips, of Bob Murray & Associates to undertake a national recruitment to gather qualified candidates to fill the citys vacant city manager position. 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. Copyright 2023. But especially controversial was DeWolfes handling of what she had described as inappropriate accounting practices by the citys Finance Department. For Advertising, Call (626) 737-8486 Ext. It states staff will conduct an additional background check of that applicant and negotiate an employment agreement before bringing the matter back to the council at an upcoming regular meeting of the City Council., During its search, South Pasadena received more than 50 applications for the job. The publication will remain free to readers and will not erect paywalls. 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. Before joining the City of Pasadena in 2022, Miguel Mrquez served as the Chief Operating Officer of the County of Santa Clara, responsible for all operations of the county, the largest in Northern California. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. | Privacy Policy, Deputy Director of Long-Range Planning County of Santa Barbara, Systems Network Administrator Lamont Public Utility District, Associate Civil Engineer Town of Atherton, Alameda County kicks off Womens History Month with the announcement of the 2023 Womens Hall of Fame inductees, Riverside City Council approves cannabis business ordinance, Lancaster and Palmdale join forces to end the opioid crisis, State law requires cities to adopt solar permitting platform, Trackdown Managements Picking Up the Pieces. During a roughly three-year period, she went through five finance directors and replaced more than six department heads, the newspaper reported. Management Services Department | South Pasadena, CA Home Go I Want To. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please provide your name, phone number or email address. South Pasadena's previous city manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, retired from the city in September. Following a national search, the City of Hermosa Beach announced today that South Pasadena City Manager Sergio Gonzalez will be Hermosa Beach's new city manager. South Pasadena farmers market is open Thursdays, 4, Local High Schools Ranking According to U.S. News Report. Fax:(626) 403-7211 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. Chaparyan has 15 years of experience in municipal government and a masters degree in public administration from USC. 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. Her starting annual . The contract included $20,000 for relocation and 160 hours of vacation time per year. The South Pasadena City Council will host a candidate forum on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to introduce City Manager candidate Armin Chaparyan. 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.. Deputy City Manager at City of South Pasadena 1w Report this post Report Report. Pasadena Black History Month Magazine, Parents: National Catholic Schools Week Guide. 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 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. (626) 737-8486 Ext. Spanish was his first language, so programs like Head Start were critical to his early education. Colorado Boulevard is your place for informative news and social living for the greater Pasadena area. 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. 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 Armine Chaparyan to the Citys top administrative post. E-mail press release to : editor@pasadenanow.com View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Copyright 2023 City of Pasadena - All Rights Reserved, Commissions and Committee Meetings Video Archive, Economic Development & Technology Committee. 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. 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. We strive to inform, educate, and work together to make a better world for all of us, locally and globally. While the City of South Pasadena is not a direct Social Service provider, City staff has established a Social Services Task Force to bring together the Chaparyan has 15 years of experience in municipal government and holds a B.A. Your email address will not be published. Additional questions may be asked at the end of the forum, if time permits, according to the citys announcement. Events. 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. For Advertising, Call (626) 737-8486 Ext. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Real Estate: Hot Properties & Latest Listings, NEW! (626)737-8486 Ext. A press release from the City of South Pasadena that was released on Sunday said that DeWolfe had submitted her resignation from the position, which she assumed on Nov. 6, 2017. Many. Required fields are marked *. M-Th 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | P:(626) 403-7200 | Contact Us. 8 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. DeWolfe had drawn her own controversies over her management of the city, according to the South Pasadenan. She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. (310) 378-9116, Published on Saturday, April 8, 2017 | 1:33 pm. The South Pasadena City Council has unanimously voted to hire Armine Chaparyan as city manager, officials announced Friday. 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. Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m. Phone:(626) 403-7230 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. M-Th 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, City Manager Raised in Ohio, Jason began his career at a suburban daily near Cleveland before moving to California in 2013. 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. 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. Tamara worked to create Sundown Town Resolution 7750 adopted February 2, 2022 Condemning the Citys History as a Sundown Town and Past Practices of Institutionalized Racism, and was awarded Housing Rights Center - Fair Advocacy Award for the City of South Pasadena in April of 2022. Gonzalezs annual salary will be $219,000. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. (626)737-8486 Ext. Back Submit. She was only in WEHO for five years of her 20+ year career. The Mayor is selected from the City Council members and serves a one-year term. She analyzes the impacts of federal, state and county legislation, monitors laws and regulations as they relate to municipal government, and updates the 5 year Strategic Plan. Old Pasadena is the city's original commercial district.. Its population was 138,699 at the 2020 census, making it the 44th largest city in California and . Coffee with the Chief. 7 Learn how your comment data is processed. (626)737-8486 Ext. 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. Email:CM Office Breaking News Tips: (626) 737-8486 Extension 7 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. We are excited to welcome Armin as our new City Manager. City of South Pasadena. 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. Mrquezs parents immigrated to the United States from Mxico with only a limited amount of formal education. During her two-year, 10-month tenure, she replaced over a half dozen department heads and went through five finance directors, the newspaper reported. 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. Miguel Mrquez, City Manager Miguel Mrquez, City Manager Before joining the City of Pasadena in 2022, Miguel Mrquez served as the Chief Operating Officer of the County of Santa Clara, responsible for all operations of the county, the largest in Northern California. Mrquez is expected to be formally introduced. 04. 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Before that, she served as a redevelopment manager in Santa Clarita and as an senior project manager in Ontario, according to her LinkedIn. Under the direction of the City Manager, oversees and provides a variety of administrative and support . The City Council has an ambitious agenda for making South Pasadena even more special than it already is. 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. During his tenure in South Pasadena, the city significantly increased its financial reserves while also investing over $12 million on infrastructure. See All News. 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. . The City of South Pasadena is a general law city incorporated on March 2, 1888. Sunset Magazine also named South Pasadena one of its Best Places to Live in the West. 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. She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. (626) 737-8486 Ext. 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." 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. Jordan had left West Linn by the time the 2017 wrongful arrest occurred and Timeus retired that same year amid allegations of drunken driving.