Guest Opinion | District 3 Councilmember Justin Jones: A Letter to District 3

Dear District 3 Residents,

I wanted to take this moment to thank you for allowing me to represent you.  

We have accomplished a lot as a District within the last year: We responded to residence requests for street resurfacing and sidewalk repairs throughout the district – I’m reminded of the appreciation expressed from a resident the moment they saw Public Works outside their window repairing the sidewalk; or when a resident stopped me during a walk around the Rose Bowl, sharing with me how happy they were to see that the jolting bump on Mountain westbound, towards Fair Oaks had been removed. 

We are currently constructing pedestrian signals for the vision impaired and traffic signals for improved safety, throughout the district. The city team has started design for the Walnut Street Corridor signal improvement and Brenner Park playground design – with community meetings providing valuable feedback and input. 

The Union Cycle and Robinson Park Pool – including ensuring operation of the pool will be year-round – are under construction and almost complete.

We have also had monumental accomplishments through collaboration with residents and organizations, such as the Carbon Free Resolution and the E-Bike Rebate Program – something I first began work on as a commissioner of the Environmental Advisory Commission. 

Together we are working towards a workforce development and pipeline to employment program in partnership with Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD); we included targeted worker placement on a development project; we are working to bring outpatient mental health services to Pasadena.  

It is an honor and privilege to serve the public — one I do not take lightly. I have dedicated my career and life to public service. 

My family has lived in Pasadena for 100 years. Before I was a Pasadena City Councilmember, Civil Engineer, Husband, Commissioner, I was just a kid who was born in and grew up in Pasadena, a city I love. I am a product of Pasadena’s investment in its residents. 

I attended PUSD public schools from K-12.  I remember playing organized football at Robinson Park, only to leave immediately following my game to make it to a practice for a math field day competition. 

I have spent countless hours in La Pintoresca library and the Pasadena Central Library studying. I remember watching my parents build their small business in Pasadena only to watch it all fall apart to the point where we temporarily experienced homelessness.

I remember my mother’s tenacity as she took a night job to support our family. I did not know it at the time, but my mother gained this reservoir of strength from her own upbringing in Northwest Pasadena.

After I graduated from Pasadena High School, I went to college, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, became a State licensed Civil Engineer, and began work with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, where I work to protect our local water supply, improve water quality and protect public health.

In Pasadena, it is instilled in each of us to dedicate our time and talents to our community. 

Naturally, I went to work improving Pasadena as a volunteer. I was an intern in the Rose Program at Pasadena Water and Power and an engineering intern for the Pasadena Public Works Department. I am a graduate of the Pasadena Neighborhood Leadership Institute (PNLI). 

I also served as Chair of the Pasadena Environmental Advisory Commission and the chair of the Pasadena Human Relations Commission. I was a member of the Pasadena Water and Power Stakeholder Technical Advisory Group. 

As your City Councilmember, serving on the Municipal Service Committee and Public Safety Committee, I remain eager to address complex issues such as 710 stub, earthquake retrofitting the Central library (while creating a new community space), helping those affected by homelessness, creating more affordable housing, retrofitting Sunset Reservoir (while responding to the surrounding resident concerns), creating a pedestrian friendly city and ensuring public safety. 

In my service as your Councilmember and in my personal experience growing up in the city, I witnessed the disparities within the city and within our district, and given the opportunity, I will continue to work diligently to provide equitable access to government and government resources. 

This is why I am delighted to continue the important work I have been involved in and seek an additional term as your District 3 City Councilmember. 

As a dedicated public servant, I believe my civic, educational, and professional experience makes me a uniquely qualified and effective representative for the quality of life in our Neighborhoods.

I am the most experienced and best qualified candidate for City Council.

I am proud to be endorsed by over 100 of our District’s neighborhood leaders and I look forward to continuing to connect with each member of our district and working to earn your support.

 

Justin Jones
District 3 Councilmember