The City Clerk’s office received dozens of letters ahead of Monday night’s City Council meeting supporting a proposed amendment to the city’s investment policy that would prohibit investments in fossil fuel companies, weapons manufacturers, tobacco companies and private prisons, with many writers tying the proposal to the war between Israel and Hamas and broader calls for ethical investing.
The amendment, tied to the city’s Environmental, Social and Governance investment policy, has become part of a larger national debate over whether public agencies should divest from companies connected to the war in Gaza or industries activists say contribute to human rights abuses and environmental harm.
The Israel-Gaza war began after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that killed roughly 1,200 people and resulted in hostages being taken into Gaza. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, leading to widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conflict has sparked intense international debate over civilian casualties, accusations of genocide, antisemitism and economic boycott efforts tied to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, commonly known as BDS.
“I am writing in support of the proposal by Jess Rivas for an ethical investment or ESG policy that commits the City of Pasadena to NOT invest in weapons manufacturers, fossil fuel companies, and private prisons,” wrote Bert Newton. “In addition, I call on the council to take a clear stand against the genocide in Palestine.”
Supporters of the amendment argue Pasadena’s investment policies should reflect the city’s environmental and humanitarian values rather than support industries they view as harmful.
“How we spend our money is a direct reflection of our values,” wrote Kristin Meyer. “I want to see our spending promote human dignity, freedom, and respect for the planet and all of its people.” Meyer also urged Pasadena to prohibit investments tied to “mass surveillance” and to address what she described as “genocide in Palestine.”
Dozens of additional submissions carried subject lines including “YES to Ethical Investment,” “Vote YES on Ethical Investment,” and “A STRONG YES to Ethical Investment.” Letters supporting the amendment were submitted by Katherine Eisenhauer, Alice Goodman, Amber Pennington, Michael George, Lilly Huang and others.
Organizations also weighed in.
“A STRONG YES to Ethical Investment,” wrote Zatoun Los Angeles in correspondence submitted to the city.
Public commenters in recent meetings have also urged Pasadena officials to divest from companies including Boeing, Chevron and Caterpillar, arguing those corporations support or profit from Israeli military operations. According to city staff, Pasadena’s pooled surplus investment funds do not contain investments in those companies, though the firms may appear in separately managed pension holdings.
Pasadena is not alone in facing divestment pressure. In 2024, the city of Richmond voted to divest from companies doing business with Israel after a similar action in Hayward, CA. Other municipalities, including Portland and Dearborn, have considered or adopted measures related to Israel-linked investments since the Gaza war began.
According to the city staff report, Pasadena’s current pooled surplus investment portfolio already does not include investments in the industries targeted by the amendment.
The proposal is scheduled for consideration Monday night as Agenda Item 20.
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