New City Council to Be Sworn in on Monday

The new City Council will be sworn in at City Hall on Monday in an organizational meeting.

Incumbents Tyron Hampton, Justin Jones, Gene Masuda, Steve Madison and Mayor Victor Gordo will be sworn in at the meeting along with Rick Cole.

The meeting will begin with a certification of the November election.

The City will then recognize the end of Steve Madison’s term as Vice Mayor and Felicia Williams’ time on the City Council.

The City Council will then adjourn and reconvene and the new City Council will be sworn in and a new Vice Mayor will be elected by the City Council.

It is expected that Jess Rivas will be elected to that position.

The certification also includes measures that passed in the November election, including a bond for library improvements and multiple City Charter amendments.

Measure PL, a $195 million bond for the renovation and earthquake retrofit of the 97-year-old Pasadena Central Library received overwhelming support, with 72.42% of voters (44,835 votes) voting in favor.

The voter approval will allow the city to issue general obligation bonds, generating $12 million annually to fund the project, which includes roof replacement, asbestos removal, fire safety updates, and technology upgrades.

City officials plan to move forward with finalizing renovation plans in early 2025.

In addition to Measure PL, voters approved five City Charter amendments. Measure PA, which mandates special elections to fill City Council vacancies and establishes residency requirements for appointed officeholders, passed with 86.41% of the vote. Measure PB, which revises the City Council’s organizational meeting schedule and creates an Acting Mayor position, was approved by 85.60% of voters. Measure PC, which imposes term limits on elected officials, passed with 81.96% approval.

Measure PF, which ensures continued fire and police representation on the Pasadena Fire and Police Retirement System Board, received 85.64% support, while Measure PR, which aligns Pasadena’s housing and eviction rules with state law, passed with 63.87% of the vote.