As 2020 draws to a close, we at Pasadena Heritage are preparing for the future as we reflect on an unprecedented year. The Board and staff started the year feeling optimistic and ready to take on preservation issues; host our bi-annual Colorado Street Bridge Party; offer a wide variety of home tours, workshops, and oral histories; and generally do all we do to identify, preserve and protect Pasadena’s world-class architectural landscape. Covid-19 significantly altered our plans. Faced with the need to adapt quickly to a changing world, we successfully met our mission in both educational programming and advocacy. Our biggest regret is not being able to see you in person!

Exciting progress in 2020 was our shift into the digital arena and our success in reaching a greater audience outside of Los Angeles. Preservation Pasadena: Craftsman to Modern (our reimagined and expanded Craftsman Weekend) attracted participants from 28 states, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand! Workshops, neighborhood walking tours, pub (quarantine) crawls, and other popular Zoom programs are now offered regularly. We look forward to continuing to build a library of these recorded virtual programs for you to access on demand.

The pandemic has not stopped threats to Pasadena’s historic places and spaces, and we cannot afford to pause or let down our guard in the advocacy arena. We continue to be diligent in reviewing new development projects and participating in planning initiatives. “Mansionization” rules were recently enacted, and the Historic Preservation Ordinance is being updated and strengthened. We continue to be intensely involved with the former YWCA and Water & Power sites in the Civic Center, and we are active players the Specific Plan process. We recently celebrated the re-opening of the rehabilitated Picture Bridge at the Langham Huntington Hotel, and we helped save a large early neon sign. Our new DEI Committee has had valuable and productive discussions that are informing and improving the organization and our activities. Every year, including 2020, we make a positive difference, and your support allows us to do this important work!

Despite many accomplishments, 2020 has presented greater challenges than the organization has ever faced before. We ask you to please consider a gift as the year draws to a close to help Pasadena Heritage enter 2021 on stronger financial footing.

There are new and exciting times ahead, and we want to be ready and able to act quickly and decisively. With your support, we will continue to identify, preserve, and protect the historic, architectural, and cultural resources of our amazing City.

Warmest wishes for Happy Holidays from the Board and Staff!