As the President of the United Teachers of Pasadena, I represent an educator workforce that has done everything we can to welcome back our students, despite a substantial number of us having experienced the loss of our homes and property damage. The stories an... More »
I had not attended a City event since the Eaton Inferno destroyed my home in January. Wednesday the exile came to an end when I traveled from Fontana, or Fontucky, to Pasadena for the State of the City event. First off, I have to say it was a great speech by M... More »
I’d like to start by saying that after all we’ve been through since January 7th and all that is yet to come, I am truly grateful to be here tonight with each and every one of you. TO OUR RESIDENTS – You have responded to adversity with grace, compassion, and g... More »
Dear Pasadena Now, I am writing to express my concern regarding the $500,000 loan advanced by the City Council to the Rental Housing Board in May 2023. As stated in the City Council record and Chapter 18 of the City Charter, this loan was to be repaid once the... More »
Years ago, wrecked with climate anxiety, I left my Hollywood job for something much sexier: Midwestern utility consumer advocacy. I drove around Illinois, scraping ice off my windshield and spreading the good word of the clean energy transition. Feeling lost i... More »
It’s raining this week, but the catastrophic firestorm last month culminated the longest seasonal dry spell ever recorded in Southern California. One of the central themes in my campaign for City Council last year was the urgency of Pasadena preparing now for ... More »
Pasadena renters have been emailing and calling the Rental Housing Board concerned about rent increases, evictions, and health issues triggered by the recent fires. Others have appeared before the Rent Board in person to tell their stories of heartbreaking ha... More »
One month after the fire, it has become painfully clear that the Pasadena Rental Housing Board and their newly created Rental Stabilization Department have not risen to the occasion. [Thursday] night, I expect their board to push for the city council to freeze... More »
When evacuation alerts sounded due to the rapidly spreading wildfire in Eaton Canyon, local residents fled their homes, seeking safe haven. Understandably, in the heat—literally—of the moment, many of life’s daily essentials were left behind, only to be sorely... More »
In the wake of the disastrous fires that engulfed Los Angeles last month, the most immediate reaction of policymakers has been to focus on measures to help the victims and to streamline what will inevitably be a long rebuilding process. Most of these proposals... More »
Recently, there has been a surge of dialogue surrounding race and diversity as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs are being rolled back. I firmly believe that we are all created equal; we share the same blood, and each of us has a heart, a mind, and love... More »
As we reflect on the events of the Eaton Fire, one thing is clear – Pasadena’s strength lies in its people. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to contain the fire and keep our... More »
