Councilmember Justin Jones Opens State of the City Event With a Call for Unity, Dignity

Ahead of Mayor Victor Gordo’s 2026 State of the City address on Wednesday night, Pasadena City Councilmember Justin Jones welcomed the audience gathered at Robinson Park Recreation Center, and spoke briefly about dignity, unity and shared responsibility.

Jones introduced himself as the District 3 representative and asked attendees to rise during the Pledge of Allegiance. He welcomed neighbors, community leaders, advocates, clergy and public servants to the State of the City address.

He said strong cities “are built not only by leaders, but by neighbors who believe in shared responsibility and good governance,” adding that “the passion in this room reminds us that progress is not made alone, but through collective action.”

Jones then took what he called “a brief point of privilege,” saying that “across the country—and including moments here at home—some of our neighbors have been made to feel uncomfortable in their own communities and uncertain in their own homes.” With Black History Month approaching, he said “we are reminded that progress is never guaranteed—it must be protected.”

He said Pasadena “has a long history of protecting the health, safety, and dignity of its residents,” and that “when challenges arise, we respond not with fear, but with care.”

Jones also said that this year “the mayor, my colleagues, and I worked closely with community partners and residents to respond to the SNAP crisis—making sure families had support, access, and reassurance when they needed it most.” He said the work was one of the ways the city “stepped up locally to respond to federal cuts that threatened the basic needs of families in our community.”

“We remain committed to standing with our residents and protecting their civil rights, because trust and dignity are the foundation of a strong city,” he said.

Jones closed by saying, “As neighbors, we have overcome before—and together, we will overcome again.”