Guest Opinion | Ken Chawkins: City Leaders Rally Behind Measure PL: Endorsements from Community Leaders, Educators, Authors, and Residents

With just days left before the election, Measure PL has garnered support from a diverse array of community leaders, local educators, authors, and passionate residents, all united in their belief that passing Measure PL is vital to Pasadena’s future. These endorsements represent solid support for the securing, modernizing, and reopening the Pasadena Central Library.  It is crucial for preserving a key part of Pasadena’s history and ensuring it serves the needs of future generations.

Among the Pasadena’s civic leaders, who are deeply committed to maintaining the library’s role as a cultural, educational, and civic hub. State Assemblymember Chris Holden, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Councilmembers Felicia Williams, Jess Rivas, Gene Masuda, and Justin Jones, and Councilmember-Elect Rick Cole are just a few of the influential voices lending their support.

“Measure PL will ensure we have the resources to invest in building safety to reopen this Pasadena treasure so residents and future generations can enjoy all our library offers. Join me in voting YES on Measure PL,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. 

The City Council voted to put this measure on the ballot after many months of staff evaluation, numerous public meetings, and deep consideration balancing the need to secure, modernize, and maintain the historic core of one of Pasadena’s great buildings.

“Great cities have great libraries. We simply must retrofit and reopen our historic Central Library for our future and the future of our kids and grandkids,” said Vice Mayor Steve Madison.

Measure PL will provide the essential funding needed to retrofit Pasadena’s historic Central Library, ensuring it can withstand earthquakes while preserving its architectural integrity. The measure will also modernize the library by upgrading technology and facilities to meet 21st-century needs. By securing these improvements, Measure PL will allow the library to reopen as a safe, accessible space for learning, culture, and community engagement, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Pasadena for future generations.

Local leaders are joined by organizations, including Pasadena City College and Pasadena Heritage, both of which recognize the educational and cultural significance of Central Library. “Libraries are essential spaces in our communities. The Pasadena Central Library has served residents for nearly a century – we must pass Measure PL to safeguard and protect it for the next century,” said Alton Wang, President, Pasadena City College Board of Trustees. PCC passed a resolution at their October 9, 2024, Board meeting to endorse Measure PL.

The campaign has also seen enthusiastic endorsements from prominent local organizations like the West Pasadena Residents’ Association and the Linda Vista-Annandale Association, which acknowledge the critical role the library plays in the community’s fabric. This support further demonstrates the broad, citywide commitment to passing Measure PL.

“Join me in ensuring that our iconic Central Library continues to provide the data we need as well as necessary public spaces for our society to function. Vote YES for library funding. Keep our libraries strong and vital,” said Jan Sanders, former Pasadena Librarian.

In addition to civic leaders, cultural and artistic voices have joined to encourage a Yes vote for Measure PL. Acclaimed actor Jane Kaczmarek recognizes the cultural importance of the library, saying, “Pasadena’s Central Library is a key part of what makes Pasadena a special place to live. Please vote Yes on Measure PL.” She is joined by multiple local authors, including Naomi Hirahara, Roberta Martinez, Lisa See, Lynell George, Chip Jacobs, and Viet Thanh Nguyen.

This broad coalition of support reinforces the importance of Measure PL in ensuring Pasadena’s Central Library is not just a relic of the past but a safe and vital resource for future generations.

To learn more about Measure PL and to join the growing list of supporters, visit YESonPL.com.

Pasadena resident Ken Chawkins, a public affairs expert with nearly 30 years of experience, recently chaired Pasadena’s Charter Study Task Force. He is the Treasurer of the Yes on Measure PL campaign.