Contents

04 Welcome

06  Thank you to our Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors

07 Mayor’s Message

08 Leadership Circle Members

10 Events Calendar

12 Board Member Spotlight

14  Pasadena Chamber President’s Breakfast

18 Out & About

20 Onboarding/Orientation Session

24  Innovative Healthcare on the Horizon

26  Shriners Children’s Southern California

Pasadena Perspective

Vol. 3 | Issue 1 | 2024

44 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

(626) 795-3355 | www.pasadena-chamber.org

On the Cover:

Shriners for Children
Medical Center in Pasadena

Thank You

To Our PASADENA CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2022-23

Don Schweitzer

Chair

Schweitzer Law Partners

Paul Little

President and Chief Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association

Executive Officer

Raphael Henderson*

Immediate Past Chair

Wells Fargo

Nerissa Sugars

Chair-Elect

Hollywood Burbank Airport

Emilio Padilla-Larios

Secretary

Langham Huntington Hotel

Mike Antenesse

Treasurer

Foothill Unity Center

Katelyn Barchowsky

Vice-chair,
Member Services

Storied Lane Marketing

Lynnelle Bryant

Vice-chair
Workforce
Development

MasBuild, Inc.

John Burt

Vice-chair,
Economic and
Business Development

JB Executive Coaching

Charlotte Lacey

Vice-chair Legislative
And Government Affairs

Pasadena Humane

Justin Tsui*

Vice-chair Technology

TeamLogic IT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-23

Thomas Daly*

Member

Lewis Roca

George Falardeau*

Member

Pasadena Media

Hope Hayman

Member

Kaiser Permanente

John Leano*

Member

BRYAN’S Cleaners & Laundry

Hillary Schenk

Member

Casa Treatment Center

Ishmael Trone*

Member

F&M Business Center

William (Bill) Ukropina

Member

Coldwell Banker Commercial

Lloyd Wong

Member

Clifford Swan Investment Counselors

Stephanie Yamashiro

Member

New York Life

EX-OFFICIO

David Klug

Member

City of Pasadena
Economic Development Director

ERIC SOLOMON

Member

Tournament of Roses Association

Rob McClinton

Member

Innovate Pasadena

Jens Weiden

Member

Rose Bowl Stadium

*Denotes former Chair of the Board

Mayor's Message

I am proud to say that Pasadena is leaping into the future.

Together we will continue to plan for the future, invest in infrastructure, strive for ongoing improvement, and face challenges head on. I’m optimistic, knowing that Pasadena is continuing to flourish.

Last year inflation was on all of our minds, and while inflation has decreased significantly compared to 12 months ago, that has come at the price of higher interest rates and a general slowing of local and global economies.

Pasadena is committed to maintaining its high level of service and fiscal well-being to ensure a healthy future. Each year the City endeavors to build a balanced budget that supports the community’s needs with the vast array of local, state, and federal funds available. While we often focus on the $330 million of the City’s General Fund, our goal is to utilize most appropriately the roughly $1 billion the City has access to for programs and services.

We will continue to support our local small businesses and celebrate the diversity and strength of our community and will continue to leap forward on a variety of City projects like the 710-corridor planning process and renovating the cornerstone of our Civic Center—the Central Library.

We’re tackling the issue of affordable housing head on. Some people think we’re not doing enough to address the affordable housing crisis but consider this: 1,701 of the 1,986 units built in the City during the last four years—over 85%—have been affordable housing units, which includes low or moderate income, workforce, and permanent supportive housing. About 10% of all Pasadena households now live in affordable housing—either an affordable housing unit or receiving rental assistance such as Section 8—and more affordable housing projects are in the pipeline.

In January, The New York Times included Pasadena in its list of “52 Places to Go in 2024”, and I would agree that our City’s natural beauty is clear.

Pasadena is also among the most significant economic hubs in the region, punching significantly above its weight in concentrated employment, retail, and food & beverage offerings, as well as business activity in technology, engineering and healthcare, and regional tourism.

Pasadena is diverse, dynamic, and complex—and figuring out how to make the leap forward requires not only revisiting where we succeeded and reflecting on how we could have done things differently, but also planning for the future—for a GREAT future, which is what I want for every person in our community.

Together we have done much, and together we will continue to do much more to leap Pasadena into the future.

Together we will continue to accomplish great things “Leaping Into the Future!”

Victor Gordo, Mayor

*Excerpted from the 2024 State of the City Address

Events Calendar

Networking Events

1st Wednesday 11:45 a.m., Luncheon Alliance

3rd Wednesday 7 a.m., Breakfast Connection

4th Wednesday – Quarterly 5 p.m.
Chamber After-Hours Social and Young Professionals Mixer

Bimonthly

Board of Directors

Quarterly Board and Committees

Economic and Business Development

Legislative and Government Affairs

Member Services

Marketing and Technology

Workforce Development

2024-25 Annual Events

January

Cheeseburger Week

March

Spring Fundraiser

April

Pasadena Restaurant Week

June

Inaugural Gala

October

Economic and Business Summit

December

President’s Breakfast Honoring the Tournament of Roses

For more detailed and specific information on events, please visit our website. www.pasadena-chamber.org.

Pasadena Chamber President's Breakfast

Honoring Tournament of Roses’ President Alex Aghajanian
Rose Queen and Court Were Special Guests

Event Featured Appearance by Rose Queen and Court,
Past and Future Tournament Presidents and Local Dignitaries

Two hundred people attended the annual Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President’s Breakfast at the Pasadena Hilton on December 7, 2023. The event honored Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian and featured an appearance by the Rose Queen and Rose Court for 2024. Queen Naomi Stillitano and Rose Court members Olivia Botanec, Trinity Deli Cruz, Phoebe Ho, Mia Moore-Walker, Jessica Powell and Emerson Tucker were escorted to their seats by current and former Pasadena Chamber Board members.

The highlight of the morning were remarks by Mr. Aghajanian who enlightened and entertained with stories of his tenure as president as well as his history of community involvement and what went into his decision-making for 2024.

In introducing President Aghajanian, Chamber Board Chair Don Schweitzer noted the economic impact of New Year events in Pasadena, locally and regionally.

“New Year events in Pasadena bring nearly $200 million in spending each year to Pasadena and the region,” Mr. Schweitzer stated. “Nearly two thirds of those attending the Rose Bowl Game in person come from outside the LA region. Possibly more importantly, billions of people around the world know of Pasadena because of our New Year events.”

Mr. Aghajanian shared insights and his own personal history. He related how his first application to join the Tournament was denied. He then enlisted the assistance of some senior volunteers and was approved on his second try. “With a little help from friends, I was welcomed to become a member.”

Mr. Aghajanian also highlighted his experience with the Tournament as well as his involvement in the community. He said he came up with the theme for the 2024 parade in the middle of the night. He and his wife Paula had been discussing possible themes related to music, one of their shared passions. He related how he woke up with the ensign to name the 2024 events “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” When he woke Paula to tell her, “She was enthusiastic but told me I could have waited until morning to tell her.”

Mr. Aghajanian related how he chose the multi-talented and award-winning actress and singer Audra McDonald as Grand Marshall for 2024. He also noted, “She is amazing … so talented and so recognized, but still very down to earth. She has roots in Fresno and is just like all of us. We are so pleased she will preside over the parade and game.”

Mr. Aghajanian also discussed his involvement with the nonprofit he and Paula founded called The Dream With Me Foundation. It provides support for students and people who may not have access to music with performances, instruction and more.

Guests dined on yogurt parfait with fresh berries and granola; a bakery basket of croissant, muffins and pastries; Croque Madame with cheese, ham and mornay sauce topped with an easy-over egg and micro greens.

The beautiful centerpieces were donated by Chamber member Orchid Elegance.

In attendance were former Pasadena Vice Mayor Andy Wilson who serves on the Board of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, joined by other airport board members and Frank Miller, CEO of the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Pasadena City Attorney Michelle Bagneris was joined by Assistant City manager Brenda Harvey Williams and several city department leaders. Mike Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company, which includes Visit Pasadena, the Civic Auditorium and the Convention Center attended, as did David Eads, CEO of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.

Several members of the Chamber Board of Directors attended. Board Chair Don Schweitzer, Mike Antenesse, Katelyn Barchowsky, John Burt, Tom Daly, George Falardeau, Hope Hayman, Raphael Henderson, City Economic Development Director Dave Klug, Charlotte Lacey, John Leano, Emilio Padilla-Larios, Ishmael Trone and Bill Ukropina all supported the President’s Breakfast. We were honored to have Dr. Dennis Buckley and Patty Waggoner both former Board Chairs attending with former Board members Elizabeth Dever, Dr. Greg Sanchez and Valerie Prince.

We also had several future presidents of the Tournament of Roses with us: Ed Morales, Craig Washington, Mark Leavens, Pam Knapp and Ruth Martinez Baenen. Past Presidents of the Tournament in attendance were Sally Bixby, Rich Chinen and Brad Ratliff.

Wells Fargo was the presenting sponsor for the 2023 President’s Breakfast.

Special thanks to Queen and Court Sponsors Athens Services, AT&T, BYD-RIDE, Crown Castle, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Home Instead Pasadena, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Stadium and Visit Pasadena.

Thanks also to our Corporate Table sponsors the City of Pasadena, JP Morgan and Kaiser Permanente.

Thank you also to Bickley Printing, Lyd & Mo Photography, the Pasadena Hilton, the Tournament of Roses Queen & Court Committee, Orchid Elegance and West Coast Trophy.

Out & About

The Pasadena Chamber supports our members with events and activities, such as our networking Luncheon Alliance and Connection Breakfast and our Chamber After Hours social and mixer. We also support our members' activities by attending as well as organizing promotional opportunities and more.

Here are photos from some of our recent activities. Check out our online Calendar and Events menu at Pasadena-chamber.org and join us.

Onboarding/Orientation Session

Pasadena Chamber Welcomes New Members

In February, the Pasadena Chamber hosted its quarterly onboarding and orientation meeting for new members. The meeting was held at the Chamber’s offices. Light refreshments were served.

The Chamber welcomed two dozen new members for networking, introductions and onboarding as new Chamber members. Board Chair-elect Nerissa Sugars of Hollywood Burbank Airport welcomed guests. Board member and Member Services Committee Chair Katelyn. Barchowsky of Storied Lane Marketing thanked the new members for joining and encouraged them to be involved and engaged with the Chamber as a way to grow their businesses.

Board members Mike Antenesse (Foothill Unity Center), Lynnelle Bryant (Masbuild, Inc.) Tom Daly (Lewis Roca), John Leano (BRYAN’S Cleaners and Laundry, Charlotte Lacey (Pasadena Humane) and Bill Ukropina (Coldwell Banker Commercial) were also on hand to meet and welcome the new members.

Chamber Member Services Manager Kelly Shearer explained Chamber events and activities that could benefit members. She discussed communications and referral opportunities. She stressed how important it is for members to keep their online directory listing up-to-date and how to use the listing to highlight their product or service.

Ambassador Leader Joan de Souza (Business 4 Business Think Tank) discussed volunteer opportunities for new members. The Pasadena Chamber Ambassadors are often the first to meet new businesses by helping with ribbon cutting ceremonies. Using that initial meeting can be crucial to connecting with the new business and exploring working together.

New members in attendance introduced themselves. They also had time to network and meet other new members and the Board members at the event.

The Chamber hosts onboarding sessions for new members each quarter. For information on the next event, email kelly@pasadena-chamber.org.

To join the

Chamber’s next

onboarding event,

email kelly@pasadena-chamber.org.

Innovative Healthcare on the Horizon

Keck Medicine Unveils State-of-the-Art Medical Complex in Pasadena

By Marc Sheforgen

Keck Medicine of USC is set to revolutionize Pasadena’s healthcare landscape with a pioneering $250 million medical office complex. The ambitious project, already under construction at the intersection of California Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard, will offer advanced medical care and innovation that complements Keck Medicine’s existing medical services in Pasadena. The new complex will open in spring 2025.

Shawn Sheffield, Keck Medicine’s Chief Strategy Officer, said the new 100,000-square-foot facility will introduce a variety of specialized services to the Pasadena community, including a state-of-the-art imaging center, physical therapy, oncology and an ambulatory surgery center.

Keck Medicine is known for its highly specialized care. This new project ensures that Pasadena will become a flagship destination for healthcare excellence. Until now, Pasadena residents have had to travel for access to the types of oncology and surgery services that will soon be available locally.

“We treat the most complex patients in the country,” Sheffield said. “This new complex is bringing the latest technology and innovations as well as renowned physicians to Pasadena, so people will have highly specialized care right down the street. Among the innovations that Keck Medicine plans to introduce in Pasadena, Sheffield said, is RefleXion, a state-of-the-art radiation oncology technology that represents a huge leap forward in the treatment of solid tumor cancers. This pioneering equipment allows certain cancers that have advanced/metastasized to be treated with radiation. This treatment method, a first in the Pasadena region, underscores Keck Medicine’s commitment to leading-edge care. The new facility also positions Pasadena as a hub for the best and brightest medical providers of tomorrow.

“Keck is a teaching institution,” Sheffield said. “So we train the doctors of the future. We’ll be offering innovative clinical trials and introducing lots of cutting-edge technology to the community.”

Beyond healthcare, the project is set to have a substantial economic impact on Pasadena, creating numerous job opportunities and engaging local vendors for its construction.

“This is a great community that has long supported USC,” Sheffield said. “We are thrilled to double down on our investment in Pasadena.”

Pasadena History
Intertwined with Healthcare

From the very beginnings of Pasadena, health and wellness drew people to the area.

In 1873, Don Benito Wilson, owner of Rancho San Pascual (and much more) was visited by Dr. Daniel M. Berry of Indiana who was looking for a place in the country that could offer a mild climate for his patients, most of whom suffered from respiratory ailments. Berry was an asthmatic and claimed that he had his best three night’s sleep at Rancho San Pascual.

One of the most important initiatives of the Pasadena Board of Trade, the predecessor organization to your Chamber of Commerce, was the establishment of a hospital to serve the greater Pasadena area. The Board created a Health and Sanitation committee in 1889 that began discussions on creating a hospital in Pasadena.

In 1892, the City of Pasadena established its Public Health Department. Pasadena remains one of only four cities in California with its own health department. Most others are county run agencies.

In 1892, collaborative efforts led to the establishment of the Pasadena Community Hospital, which opened in 1903. In 1930, following a major donation from his estate, the hospital was renamed for Henry Huntington and still operates today as Huntington Health.

After the turn of the 20th century, tuberculosis was rampant throughout the country. Because of its dry, temperate climate, Pasadena was promoted as a place to recover. Sanitorium facilities were built in and around the city catering to those seeking treatment.

One of those, opened in 1913 when a group of volunteers established the Jewish Consumptive Relief Association (JCRA) and raised money to start a free, nonsectarian tuberculosis sanatorium. That facility grew and expanded as the City of Hope, the foremost cancer research and treatment hospital in the country.

Pasadena’s location and size attracted doctors, dentists and other medical professionals.

Into the 21st century, Pasadena continues to attract medical professionals.

Recently, Shriners Children’s began serving patients from around the world. Medical group Optum and UCLA Health have grown and expanded in Pasadena.

Keck Medicine of USC is providing expert care in state-of-the art facilities and will open a new medical office building soon.

The healthcare sector in Pasadena continues to be a leading employer, provider of excellent care and a significant contributor to our local economy.

Shriners Children,s Southern California

Transforming Pediatric Care in Pasadena

By Marc Sheforgen

Shriners Children’s Southern California, located in Pasadena since 2017, plays a crucial role in providing specialized pediatric care to children up to 18 years old. With a focus on orthopedic and plastic reconstruction surgeries, this ambulatory surgery center has become an essential facility for families in the region.

“We are dedicated to delivering high-quality care through outpatient surgeries, making it easier for families to access the treatments they need,” said Connie Lujan, marketing and communications manager at Shriners Children’s Southern California.

The center is known for performing more than 700 surgeries annually and timely access to high quality care with walk-in, same-day and next-day appointments available to patients, treating conditions like scoliosis, fractures, sports injuries, burn injuries and scars and cleft lip and palate conditions.

One of Shriners Children’s key commitments, Lujan said, is to ensure care for all children, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

“Our goal is to improve the lives of children globally,” she said. “While we accept most insurances, our priority is finding solutions for families in need of our services.”

Located at 909 S. Fair Oaks Ave. near numerous Pasadena schools, Shriners Children’s is strategically positioned to serve the local community effectively.

“Having access to this level of care within the local community is incredibly important,” Lujan said. “Families no longer need to travel far for high-quality pediatric services.”

And those services include treating common, everyday accidents.

“Our facility sees a high volume of routine injuries, such as fractures from scooter accidents, making our casting services quite busy,” Lujan noted. “Before joining Shriners, I was unaware of the breadth of conditions we treat.”

Shriners Children’s differentiates itself, Lujan said, through its compassionate approach to care, prioritizing the emotional well-being of patients and their families.

“Our physicians and staff are deeply committed to changing lives for the better, focusing on both medical treatment and emotional support,” she said.

Lujan said that being a part of that mission benefits more than just the patients.

“Working here is extremely fulfilling,” she said. “Witnessing the positive impact we have on families reinforces the importance of our mission every day. There have been many times where I’m crying at the end of the day just thinking about how grateful I am to do what I get to do.”

To learn more about Shriners Children’s Southern California, visit www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/southern-california.com.