From the Linda Vista Annandale Association

The Linda Vista/Annandale Association has recently written two letters  expressing its deep concern about the NFL coming to the Rose Bowl.  One letter was to Darryl Dunn and the RBOC Tenant Recruitment Committee, cc'd to Steve Madison.  The other was to Mayor Bogaard and the City Council, cc'd to Cynthia Kurtz and Richard Bruckner.

Our purpose was to identify the many issues that would need prompt, early-on attention and resolution.  These issues involve adjacent neighborhoods, the Arroyo Seco and its many users, and the stadium itself.  There are a variety of logistical, environmental, administrative and public policy matters that should be discussed and resolved prior to any deals being made with the NFL.

Darryl Dunn and Bill Thomson of the RBOC have met with us and agreed to continue meeting at reasonable intervals.  While being cordial and responsive, they have not shown us the stadium remodeling concepts they have shared with others, including Pasadena Heritage.

Our letter to the Mayor and City Council proposed that the city establish an Advisory Committee, including public members, to process the many questions and issues certain to come from the community (examples were given).

There has been no response from the city fathers, and I suspect there will be none without further prodding and clamor from neighborhood associations, CPAS, PNC, Pasadena Heritage, the Arroyo Seco Foundation and others with influence.  We hope that the many park users (golfers, walkers, picnickers, Rose Bowl Riders, etc.) tenants and occupants (UCLA, Tournament of Roses, the Flea Market, the Aquatic Center, KidSpace Museum)  will also weigh in with opinions.

The city is on the brink of a monumental decision with irreversible impacts on the Rose Bowl, the Arroyo Seco and adjacent neighborhoods.  RBOC's plan to initiate a separate EIR for stadium renovation and NFL presence raises procedural and substantive conflicts vis-a-vis the current ASMP/MEIR.  Probable Rose Bowl alterations threaten the loss of its National Historic status.

  If you agree that there should be full public disclosure and citizen participation in the decision-making process, please  make your thoughts known  to your elected officials.

I am attaching copies of our two letters for your information and use.  Feel free to refer to them in any of your discussions or communiques. Call me if you have any questions about our comments or suggestions.

Norman Parker
LVAA President

NB: You can review the LVAA's letters and documents by clicking on these links:

Letter to the Mayor and City Council
Letter to the Rose Bowl Operating Company
Attachments detailing concerns