Nina Chomsky, Forceful Voice in Pasadena Civic Life, Dead at 78

[Updated]  Nina R. Chomsky, a former attorney and relentless neighborhood advocate whose forthright public comments and painstaking preparation made her a fixture in Pasadena City Council chambers for decades, died Saturday in a house fire at her West Pasadena home. She was 78.

Firefighters, responding at 6:24 a.m. to the 1500 block of Lancashire Place, found her body inside the residence, which was heavily damaged by the blaze. The fire was determined to be accidental.

“Pasadena has lost one of its fiercest and most passionate advocates with the passing of Nina R. Chomsky,” Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement to Pasadena Now earlier this week. He called her “an extraordinarily intelligent leader, and a tireless volunteer” who “poured her heart into protecting the Arroyo, championing the neighborhoods of the Lower Arroyo, and preserving Pasadena’s historic beauty and legacy.” 

Gordo described Chomsky as “formidable — always prepared, always principled,” and “well known for being stubborn,” a quality he said pushed officials “to do better” and to think more deeply about their decisions.

Chomsky’s presence at public meetings — sometimes weekly, sometimes more — became a kind of civic metronome. She filed letters, parsed staff reports and prodded for changes, earning a reputation as a constant, sometimes polarizing, voice in West Pasadena’s public life. 

The mayor said Chomsky leaves “a legacy of service, civic pride, and spirited leadership,” adding that the city is “stronger, more beautiful, and more thoughtful” for her efforts.

Chomsky’s legacy includes leading opposition to the 710 Freeway extension, challenging Rose Bowl stadium use proposals, and preserving Linda Vista Park. Her work shaped city planning and gave voice to neighborhood concerns across generations.

“Nina Chomsky was a force of nature, who devoted herself to preserving and protecting Pasadena’s neighborhoods and character for more than four decades,” said Councilmember Rick Cole, “As fierce an antagonist as she could be when fighting for a cause, she was a kind and gentle spirit with a wry sense of humor, wicked smart and a good listener, if often also a fervent debater. While we didn’t always agree, I never doubted her unselfish devotion to this community and her tenacious desire to uphold its highest traditions and standards. This is a tragic and cruel loss for Linda Vista and for Pasadena.”

A former president of the Linda Vista–Annandale Association, Chomsky held roles on numerous city commissions, including the General Plan Coordinating Committee, the Pasadena Design and Northwest Commissions, and the former Redevelopment Commission.

She was recently named to the board of the West Pasadena Residents Association.

Chomsky received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and her law degree from the University of Southern California.

Her death comes just months after Councilmember Steve Madison publicly honored her for her sustained contributions to Pasadena’s civic life.

“For decades Nina was a forceful advocate for Pasadena’s neighborhoods and their high quality of life,” Madison told Pasadena Now. “Her strong intellect and voice always got the attention of decisionmakers and frequently resulted in a better outcome as a result of her input.  I went to her home the moment I heard about the fire that morning and was grateful to learn that she did not suffer in the tragic incident  that cost her her life. 

“I was also so grateful that earlier this year when she stepped away from the Linda Vista Annandale Association board joined the board of the West Pasadena Residents Association, we took time to recognize, acknowledge and thank her for her advocacy over the years for Linda Vista.”

Information on survivors was not immediately available. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known.