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. 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. Before that, she served as a redevelopment manager in Santa Clarita and as an senior project manager in Ontario, according to her LinkedIn. Pasadena (/ p s d i n / PAS--DEE-n) is a city in Los Angeles County, California, 11 miles (18 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.It is the most populous city and the primary cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena's previous city manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, retired from the city in September. 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. 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. 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. May 2014 - Oct 20217 years 6 months. The Mayor is selected from the City Council members and serves a one-year term. Pasadena Now strives to provide factual, unbiased reporting. The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously chose Gonzalez, 45, from a field of nearly 60 applicants. During his tenure in South Pasadena, the city significantly increased its financial reserves while also investing over $12 million on infrastructure. In that position, she managed the citys Planning Division, where she oversaw zoning, design and historic preservation, and community planning. 4, Faith Fernandez, Chief Administrative Officer | ffernandez@pasadenanowmagazine.com 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. The City of South Pasadena is a General Law City, incorporated March 2, 1888, operating under the Council-Manager form of govern-ment. 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. 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. True to its motto "Pride in the Past, Faith in the Future", the City of Monterey Park, California (population approximately 60,500) is recognized as one of the best places to live in America. Interim South Pasadena City Manager Sean Joyce, one of the most highly regarded city managers in the State, wasn't fooled. While working in the City Attorneys Office from 1989-2012, Mr. Rodriguez served as the lawyer for the Rose Bowl Operating Company and several City departments, eventually becoming the Citys chief assistant city attorney. Spanish was his first language, so programs like Head Start were critical to his early education. In a statement, Mayor Diana Mahmud said the appointment of a city manager is the most important decision the City Council will make. The city received more than 50 applications for the position and ultimately narrowed the list to two: Christopher Jordan, a former Los Altos city manager, and Chaparyan. 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 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. DeWolfe had drawn her own controversies over her management of the city, according to the. DeWolfe had drawn her own controversies over her management of the city, according to the South Pasadenan. City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe on Feb. 27 announced the appointment of Karen Aceves as South Pasadena's new finance director. 7 She will start her new position with South Pasadena on Monday, May 31, 2021. Events. When African Royalty Visited South Pasadena, Artists to Unveil Collaborative Mural During ArtNight Pasadena. Jordan had controversial tenures in Los Altos and West Linn, Ore., prior to applying for the South Pasadena position. 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. 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. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from California State University at Los Angeles. At the forum, Chaparyan will present her experience and interest in serving in the citys top administrative post.. 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. Aceves, who'd been serving as one of the City's two acting financing directors, has been with South Pasadena since January 2017. Special Projects . Our opinion section is open to all. 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 . 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. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Before that, DeWolfe had worked for the City of West Hollywood since Dec. 17, 2012, overseeing the citys planning and development staff. The council was scheduled to approve his appointment at its meeting the following day. (310) 378-9116, Published on Sunday, September 13, 2020 | 4:45 pm. 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. 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. 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. City Manager's Office; Management Services; Community Services; Finance; Fire; Library; Community Development Department; Police ; Public Works; City Council Meetings. 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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. 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. South Pasadena farmers market is open Thursdays, 4, Local High Schools Ranking According to U.S. News Report. The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, ensuring that the policies of the Mayor and City Council are executed effectively and efficiently. Management Services Department | South Pasadena, CA Home Go I Want To. The South Pasadena City Council has unanimously voted to hire Armine Chaparyan as city manager, officials announced Friday. Gonzalez replaces former City Manager Tom Bakaly, who resigned in August 2016 to become the Beach Cities Health Districts chief executive officer. The publication will remain free to readers and will not erect paywalls. 8 After sifting through 35 applications, the South Pasadena City Council picked a new city manager Wednesday in part for her familiarity with this small, bucolic city as well as her 30. 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. 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 It added amenities, including a new dog park, and improved its fire safety rating, resulting in lower insurance rates for residents and businesses. Retired Santa Monica City Manager John Jalili has been serving as interim city manager since October. 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. 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. Colorado Boulevard is your place for informative news and social living for the greater Pasadena area. M-Th 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | P:(626) 403-7200 | Contact Us. 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. Functional areas within the Management Services Department are: InformationTechnology, Grants Management and Special Projects, Human Resources Management, Recruitment, Employee Training, RiskManagement and Labor Relations, Records Management, Elections, Boards, Commissions, and City CouncilSupport, Audio and Visual Support, City Hall Deputy City Manager at City of South Pasadena 1w Report this post Report Report. Paul Riddle has been serving as the Acting City Manager. 2, David Cross | newsdesk@pasadenanowmagazine.com Pasadena Now strives to provide factual, unbiased reporting. During his tenure in South Pasadena, Joyce hired Josh Betta to be the city's Finance Director at that time. The City is soliciting bids for city attorney services! Domenica brings a dynamic, proactive, team-oriented and solutions based approach to her work and to the agency. 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. South Pasadena Public Library and The Music Center to Host Korean Classical Music and Dance Company Performance. Jordan had left West Linn by the time the 2017 wrongful arrest occurred and Timeus retired that same year amid allegations of drunken driving. Jordan was West Linns city manager when Timeus, who had worked with Jordan in a prior city, was hired as the police chief. These formative experiences inspired Mrquezs commitment to public service. The South Pasadena City Council had selected Jordan as its top candidate to fill the city manager's job and "was prepared to appoint and enter into an agreement" with him at its Wednesday. Your email address will not be published. During her two-year, 10-month tenure, she replaced over a half dozen department heads and went through five finance directors, the newspaper reported. Hours of Operation: We look forward to working with Armine to advance infrastructure projects and services that improve the quality of life of every South Pasadenan. 801, Andr Coleman, Managing Editor | andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com Our News Desk department consists of a collective of news gatherers in order to keep the community informed and safe. (626)737-8486 Ext. For Advertising, Call (626) 737-8486 Ext. Which Bands Will March in the 2024 Rose Parade? 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. Our opinion section is open to all. Required fields are marked *. M - F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. | 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. Terry Shea, the city's auditor and a partner at Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott LLP ("RAMS"), which is in second of a three-year contract to supply South Pasadena's auditing services, did not return calls seeking comment. Before . Gonzalezs annual salary will be $219,000. Hours of Operation: View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. In a series of stories, the South Pasadena has described Wolfe as having become the focus of a raging controversy over her management of the city and especially its finances. He is a self-identified technophile, data nerd and wannabe drone pilot. We look forward to working with Armin to advance infrastructure projects and services that improve the quality of life of every South Pasadenan. The installation followed four community focus groups, input. (626)737-8486 Ext. But especially controversial was DeWolfes handling of what she had described as inappropriate accounting practices by the citys Finance Department. 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. (626) 737-8486 Ext. Sunset Magazine also named South Pasadena one of its Best Places to Live in the West. 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. DeWolfe served the City as its City Manager from November 6, 2017 until last Friday, the statement said. We strive to inform, educate, and work together to make a better world for all of us, locally and globally. During a closed session late Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously not to move forward with the hire in light of expressed community opposition and concerns., The City Council is pleased that Mr. Jordan was one of two candidates that it considered capable of serving in the top administrative spot, a city press release stated. City of South Pasadena . 4, Faith Fernandez, Chief Administrative Officer | ffernandez@pasadenanowmagazine.com South Pasadena, CA 91030 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. In light of the backlash, the council pledged to do an additional background check on the next candidate. (626) 737-8486 Ext. "Sergio's strong reputation. Pasadena Black History Month Magazine, Parents: National Catholic Schools Week Guide. And to think she got all her experience in West Hollywood City Hall. The City Council wishes her the best in the next chapter of her life, said South Pasadena Mayor Bob Joe. 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 . 8, Eddie Rivera | erivera@pasadenanowmagazine.com 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. Which Bands Will March in the 2024 Rose Parade? Beyond the budget in any municipality, its helpful to keep an eye on the Demand Register, published as part of the City CouncilAgenda which actually shows where the $$$$s are going. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Technology, Grants Management and Special Projects, 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. 8, Eddie Rivera | erivera@pasadenanowmagazine.com Jason Henry is an investigative reporter with the Southern California News Group. His first day on the job is scheduled to be May 15. Her starting annual salary is $215,000. 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. Jordan, the former Los Altos city manager, confirmed April 21 he was out of the running in an email response to the Town Crier. If you are also interested in hearing from the candidate on specific topic areas, you can send an email to cmoffice@southpasadenaca.gov. Copyright 2023 City of Pasadena - All Rights Reserved, Commissions and Committee Meetings Video Archive, Economic Development & Technology Committee. Mrquezs parents immigrated to the United States from Mxico with only a limited amount of formal education. Others sent emails and called city council members about their concerns with the hiring. 7, Candice Merrill, Co-Publisher | editor@pasadenanowmagazine.com Principal Management Analyst. Fax:(626) 403-7211 The City is located near the neighboring cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena and Alhambra, with easy access to all of Southern California. South Pasadena, CA 91030, Phone:(626) 403-7210 He began his public service career as a Deputy County Counsel in San Mateo County. 04. After returning to the City of Pasadena, Mr. Rodriguez handled special assignments with the City Attorneys Office and as a special assistant to the city manager prior to his appointment as assistant city manager in 2016. Fax:(626) 403-7211 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. Additional questions may be asked at the end of the forum, if time permits, according to the citys announcement. DeWolfe hired a consultant to reorganize the Finance Department and hired a new finance director, Karen Aceves. CITY OF PASADENA CITY MANAGER Section 10 - Page 1. in 2018, Armin Chaparyan was appointed as the new Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director for the City of San Gabriel. 801, Andr Coleman, Managing Editor | andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com Though council members did not give a reason for the resignation, Jordan had clashed with them in the past, including in one instance in which he defied a 4-1 decision by the council to relocate its meetings. 82, Jeff Vaughn, Sales Manager | jvaughn@pasadenanowmagazine.com Your email address will not be published. South Pasadenas previous city manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, retired from the city in September. 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. 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. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the forum, time permitting. The City Council consists of five members elected to four-year staggered terms of office. Prior to joining the City of South Pasadena, Gonzalez served for 13 years in the nonprofit management sector. The City Council has an ambitious agenda for addressing making South Pasadena even more special than it already is. The statement said that effective immediately Fire Chief Paul Riddle will assume the role of Acting City Manager., At the direction of the South Pasadena City Council, Acting City Manager Fire Chief Riddle will continue to lead the remaining COVID-19 response and begin taking the action necessary to safely move our community forward.. Colorado Boulevard is your place for informative news and social living for the greater Pasadena area. Pasadena Now | Terms of - Service | Privacy Policy | CA Notice of Collection. 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. Real Estate: Hot Properties & Latest Listings, NEW! 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. A newsletter published by the Public Affairs Office. (City of Pasadena/Submitted) H istory was made beneath the spires of city hall on July 11. 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. 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. 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. The City of South Pasadena is a general law city incorporated on March 2, 1888. 7 . Four focus groups, made up of a total of 31 residents, offered input on the qualifications, experiences and qualities necessary for the ideal candidate for the next South Pasadena City Manager.. Real Estate: Hot Properties & Latest Listings, NEW! But by then, the city was already falling behind not only in cleaning up the financial morass, but in the preparation of the citys annual audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.. (626)737-8486 Ext. When African Royalty Visited South Pasadena, Artists to Unveil Collaborative Mural During ArtNight Pasadena. 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.