South Pasadena residents demand lead testing in parks amid contamination concerns

The South Pasadena Community Services Commission convened on June 5, 2025, to address community concerns and discuss agenda items related to public safety and park maintenance. The meeting began with a public comment period, during which a resident raised significant concerns regarding the safety of children in local parks following recent fires in Altadena. The resident specifically inquired about lead testing and remediation of sand in public parks, highlighting that neighboring cities have initiated testing for contaminants and taken action to address potential hazards.

The resident expressed worry that South Pasadena may not be taking similar proactive measures, citing examples from nearby Garfield, where new sand was added over existing contaminated sand without proper remediation. The resident's questions focused on whether any parks in South Pasadena had undergone lead testing, the current lead levels, the city's remediation plans, and how the public would be informed of any findings.

Following the public comment, the commission discussed the resident's concerns. A commissioner noted that they had seen reports indicating contamination levels in Pasadena's fields and expressed a desire to understand South Pasadena's testing status. The city staff responded, clarifying that no lead testing had been conducted in South Pasadena parks, as there had been no recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to do so. The staff emphasized that the city typically follows the guidance of the county regarding public health measures.

The discussion highlighted a divergence in approaches between South Pasadena and neighboring cities, with some commissioners advocating for a more proactive stance on testing and remediation. The staff suggested that the commission could revisit the topic in future meetings if deemed necessary.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the community's concerns about park safety and the need for clarity on public health measures. The commission's next steps may involve further discussions on the issue, depending on future recommendations from health authorities.