Pasadena Commission to Consider Nina Chomsky Memorial

Pasadena’s Recreation and Parks Commission will review a proposal Tuesday to honor longtime neighborhood leader Nina Chomsky with a memorial plaque and tree at Linda Vista Park. The commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Yards.

Chomsky, who died August 30 during a house fire in her West Pasadena residence, was 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,

After her passing, Mayor Victor Gordo said  “Pasadena has lost one of its fiercest and most passionate advocates with the passing of Nina R. Chomsky,”

Parks Administrator Melchor Alonzo is recommending approval of the proposal. The city has deemed it “less than Citywide significant” because it is minor in scope.

The proposed plaque would read: “In Memory of Nina Chomsky, Tireless Advocate and Defender of Pasadena’s Neighborhoods, 2025.”

The 8-by-10-inch plaque would be mounted on a rock near a freshly planted jacaranda tree. The location is in the western portion of Linda Vista Park.

Betsy Nathane submitted the proposal in September 2025 on behalf of the West Pasadena Residents’ Association (WPRA). She will cover all costs for the plaque and tree.

The city estimates its costs at $936 for staff time related to irrigation and installation.

The city evaluated the request based on several criteria. These include appropriateness, compatibility, impact on park use, aesthetics, maintenance and safety.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services staff found the proposal consistent with the city’s Public Monument Policy.

Nathane’s proposal describes Chomsky’s extensive community involvement.

Chomsky influenced projects including the police headquarters design and Playhouse Plaza redesign. She also worked on the Hahamongna sediment removal and Hillside ordinance. She opposed the 710 freeway extension and NFL stadium proposals.

She helped create Annandale Park, Linda Vista Park and Cottonwood Canyon.

The Linda Vista School closed in 2006. Nathane and Chomsky worked together to reopen the playground for neighborhood children.

The effort required 233 meetings with city officials and school district representatives. They later secured play equipment for the park.

The Recreation and Parks Commission’s decision becomes effective 11 days after approval unless an appeal is filed. The City Council may also call for review before the effective date.