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 »
On Wednesday morning, the First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Pasadena played host to an important gathering, as civil rights activist and Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous took the stage to speak on the urgent need for community-driven ... More »
According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report, at 1.5C of global heating, Southern California is projected to experience hotter days, drier soil, and heavier rain, all of which increase the likelihood of e... More »
In August 2023, I interviewed writer and historian Michele Zack virtually for my YouTube show TRANSBRATIONS. She sat in the backyard of her Spanish-style home, and I sat in my studio in the Bronx. We discussed a range of topics, including her Canadian heritag... More »
Finally got back to my place on Altadena Drive and Marengo on Friday. No surprises, I’ve seen it on TV a half dozen times. The only thing I recognized was the dryer, but it wasn’t on the back porch. As much as I can figure, it was probably launched into the ba... More »
As an almost 30-year member and advocate for our beloved communities of Pasadena and Altadena, I write these words with a heavy heart. The recent disaster has left extraordinary devastation in its wake—homes, institutions, and cherished memories reduced to ash... More »
In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire that has left tens of thousands of Pasadena area residents displaced and over 7,000 structures damaged or destroyed, one might expect all segments of our community to work together toward solutions. Instead, those of u... More »
Dear First District Neighbors & Friends: As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the immense love that this remarkable man embodied. His dedication to understanding diverse perspectives was profound; he never hastily formed judgme... More »
This year’s observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, nearly two weeks after one of the worst disasters in the history of Los Angeles County, and my beloved home of Pasadena, where I live, have raised my family, and where I serve as preside... More »
