Article: Beck favorite for city manager

PASADENA - Tremors spread through the city's powerful preservation community Wednesday after Michael Beck, Riverside's assistant city manager, emerged as the front-runner in a search to fill the top job at Pasadena City Hall.

At issue is whether Beck's commitment to historic preservation is strong enough to make him a good choice as the next city manager for Pasadena, where 10 percent of the city and 3,700 properties are covered by some level of historic designation.

Pasadena City Council's decision on an offer to Beck is likely within 10 days, Mayor Bill Bogaard said Wednesday.

In the meantime e-mails critical of Beck's preservation track record are circulating among local advocates.

At ...