District 2 Candidate Rick Cole Announces Endorsements by Local Education Leaders

A range of Pasadena education officials endorsed former Mayor Rick Cole’s campaign for City Council District 2, including three school board members, his campaign said in a Wednesday email.

Pasadena Unified School District Board Members Pat Cahalan, Dr. Yarma Velázquez and Tina Fredericks back Cole, along with Pasadena City College Trustees Jim Osterling and Steve Gibson and former PUSD Board members, the email said.

Cahalan, a nine-year board veteran, said Cole “will be an effective and collaborative partner” with the panel. He expressed support for Cole’s “approach to collaborative work” that would bolster outcomes.

Cole graduated from Pasadena public schools and earned a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College and a master’s degree from Columbia University. The one-time mayor later managed Azusa, Ventura, and Santa Monica and is now Los Angeles’ deputy controller.

Ex-PUSD Board Member Lisa Fowler said she has known Cole since both were young elected officials.

“I’m counting on him to nurture a strong partnership with PUSD,” she said.

Cole called “excellent public education” critical, adding that “a world class city” deserves top-notch schooling. He vowed to back schools and libraries and reuse vacant sites.

Former PUSD President Elizabeth Pomeroy also endorsed Cole, predicting he would ensure Pasadena supports its schools. She noted his wish to make the central library a 24-hour “education center.”

Cole faces incumbent Felicia Williams.

District 2 lies between Lake Avenue, Bell Street, Mountain Street, Chester Avenue, Colorado Boulevard, Vista Avenue, Villa Street, Palo Verde Road, Nelson Avenue, Craig Avenue, Casa Grande Street and Martelo Avenue.