Human Relations Commission to Weigh Updated Work Plan and Presentation Calendar

The Human Relations Commission is scheduled to discuss and act on updates to its Fiscal Year 2026–2027 work plan and presentation calendar when it meets Tuesday, Aug. 4, setting the framework for a year of activities ranging from tracking hate incidents to co-sponsoring United Against Hate Week and helping shape the city’s approach to the 2028 Olympic Games.

While it adopts its own work plan, any recommendations Commission develops on human relations issues are forwarded to the Pasadena City Council, which retains final decision-making authority.

The work plan signals where the Commission intends to place its focus over the coming year — including how it will monitor hate crimes, support fire recovery, and create channels for the public to raise concerns.

Under its first objective, collaborating with city departments, led by Commissioners Katie Young and Nat Nehdar, the Commission plans to collect data on new and past hate incidents and hate crimes from the Pasadena Police Department, communicate monthly with City Council district liaisons so Commission information can be included in district newsletters, collaborate with the Pasadena Fire Department on fire recovery and disaster preparedness, and review public memorials and monuments to highlight positive representations and identify any in need of remedy.

In July updates included in the work plan, Chair Young reported that the Pasadena Police Department did not provide a hate-incidents update at the July meeting and said she would contact the department as afollow up.

Under its second objective — engaging with the local community — led by Commissioners Paul McGee and Jonathan Horton, action items include assigning commissioners to attend priority community meetings and events, preparing information for residents about the purpose and impact of city commissions, and engaging with the city in planning for the 2028 Olympic Games to identify the Commission’s role.

Under its third objective, planning and hosting Commission initiatives, led by Commissioners Sandy Greenstein, Michael Roffina, and Avram Gold, the Commission plans to co-sponsor United Against Hate Week in October, schedule presentations, nominate community members or organizations for Human Relations Trailblazer Awards, and review feedback from the Human Relations Commission Concerns Survey.

Commissioner Horton reported that two survey responses had been received since the previous review, raising questions about reported discrimination in Pasadena, whether the Commission proactively identifies discrimination, and concerns about racial segregation and enrollment patterns in Pasadena Unified School District schools.

The Commission is also scheduled to review and update its Fiscal Year 2026–2027 presentation calendar. Tentatively planned for September or October are a presentation from the Community Police Oversight Commission on automated license plate reader cameras, public-notification procedures for potential hate-related threats, and coordination opportunities, and a presentation from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

The Human Relations Commission is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue, in Pasadena. For more information call (626) 744-7311 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas/.