South Pasadena Ca Finances

Look who's backing more taxes in South Pasadena. The taxpayers association. "There is no free lunch," said Tom Biesek, founder of the South Pasadena Taxpayers Assn. "You have got to pay for it." Funny. It doesn't sound like a taxpayers association. But Biesek's group is endorsing a bond measure to raise $28.7 million for school repairs. "This is 1995, not 1895, but a lot of the buildings look 1895," Biesek said. "You cannot teach in broken-down schoolrooms."

Already setting off protests, the city is considering whether to sell 1.3 acres of open land along the Arroyo Seco for about $1 million to an education institution and use the money to improve parks. The City Council has yet to make a final decision. Some residents have formed a group to fight a sale, warning of what they contend is a threat to the rustic canyon, which meanders from Pasadena to Los Angeles.

In an effort to head off further cuts in revenues stemming from California's budget crisis, a coalition of seven foothill cities--from Burbank to Temple City--is recommending that the state take a series of drastic steps. Cost-saving measures suggested by the coalition include eliminating or suspending unfunded state requirements--such as air pollution reduction efforts, waste-water quality standards, landfill monitoring, recycling programs and even the mailing of absentee ballots.

Look who's backing more taxes in South Pasadena. The taxpayers association. "There is no free lunch," said Tom Biesek, founder of the South Pasadena Taxpayers Assn. "You have got to pay for it." Funny. It doesn't sound like a taxpayers association. But Biesek's group is endorsing a bond measure to raise $28.7 million for school repairs. "This is 1995, not 1895, but a lot of the buildings look 1895," Biesek said. "You cannot teach in broken-down schoolrooms."

Already setting off protests, the city is considering whether to sell 1.3 acres of open land along the Arroyo Seco for about $1 million to an education institution and use the money to improve parks. The City Council has yet to make a final decision. Some residents have formed a group to fight a sale, warning of what they contend is a threat to the rustic canyon, which meanders from Pasadena to Los Angeles.

Fearing a riot after a verdict in the Rodney G. King beating trial, the City Council last week approved the purchase of 30 helmets and riot gear for police officers and 10 bulletproof vests for firefighters at a cost of about $13,000. "There is a feeling there might be trouble following the verdict. We are going to be prepared," Mayor Harry A. Knapp said after the meeting.

City officials are considering establishing assessment districts that would charge the average homeowner more than $200 annually for fire protection, landscaping and street lighting to make up a projected 1994 budget shortfall. Tom Biesek, of the South Pasadena Taxpayers Assn., said the fees will cover up for poor city management and allow the City Council to effectively increase property taxes without a community vote.

In an effort to head off further cuts in revenues stemming from California's budget crisis, a coalition of seven foothill cities--from Burbank to Temple City--is recommending that the state take a series of drastic steps. Cost-saving measures suggested by the coalition include eliminating or suspending unfunded state requirements--such as air pollution reduction efforts, waste-water quality standards, landfill monitoring, recycling programs and even the mailing of absentee ballots.

City officials are considering establishing assessment districts that would charge the average homeowner more than $200 annually for fire protection, landscaping and street lighting to make up a projected 1994 budget shortfall. Tom Biesek, of the South Pasadena Taxpayers Assn., said the fees will cover up for poor city management and allow the City Council to effectively increase property taxes without a community vote.

Fearing a riot after a verdict in the Rodney G. King beating trial, the City Council last week approved the purchase of 30 helmets and riot gear for police officers and 10 bulletproof vests for firefighters at a cost of about $13,000. "There is a feeling there might be trouble following the verdict. We are going to be prepared," Mayor Harry A. Knapp said after the meeting.