Over Budget and Overdue

$35 million.  That's the amount OVER budget so far to date on the Rose Bowl renovation.  From the very beginning there was no argument that major renovations and expansion was needed on the vaunted stadium and multi-purpose venue.  And, there was a general consensus that the work would be good for the stadium, future events and for the city of Pasadena.  Now, it's gonna cost us.  According to the LA Times, the funding from the bond issue to cover the renovation had already come in $12 million less than expected.  Well, that gap and then some is starting to haunt us.

"The challenges that we have in renovating our historic stadium are significant,” Rose Bowl CEO and General Manager Darryl Dunn said. “We’re going to be working with our partners and the (Rose Bowl Operating Co.) board of directors and City Council to determine how best to proceed from here.”  -Rose Bowl CEO and General Manager Darryl Dunn to The Pasadena Star

Originally, this project was suppose to wrap up at the end of this year or the beginning of 2013.  Now it looks like things won't be done until 2014.  Really?  How did the cost overruns and delays get to this stage?  Several sources tag the bulk of the budget increases on electrical systems, asbestos remediation and structural difficulties.  Really?  I'm not an architect or engineer, but weren't these serious considerations during the inspection, discovery and bidding process?  I mean, it was no secret that this stadium is old, very old.  Even though records on the Rose Bowl construction (and subsequent fixes, reno's, etc.) were spotty, missing or downright inaccurate there is no excuse for not taking those issues into consideration.  The time is now to put the heat on both city officials and contractors.  Where is the accountability?  Don't stick it to the taxpayers.

Funny how the status report on the Rose Bowl renovation website hasn't been updated for several months.  C'mon, guys!  Be upfront with us!

• Rose Bowl Renovation

Tough Flea Market Lesson

My friend, Julie, and I went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market Sunday and came away with mixed success.  I was able to score a cool rustic bottle carrier (with bottles) from a French antiques dealer that I'll be using as a dining table centerpiece.  But, I'm kicking myself in the ass for a missed opportunity.  There was an awesome mid-century painting of a woman that I caught my eye and after looking it over for a few minutes I told myself I'd think about it.  I strolled around for five minutes then went back to the dealer.  I found the painting but as I picked it up the woman next to me kindly told me, "oh, I'm sorry I just bought that."  I said, "oh, ok", but my head was saying "CRAP!"  This is typical of flea markets, sometimes an item will languish and other times an item will go in an instant.  If it's something you really love and the price is right, don't wait.  Lesson learned for me.