Pasadena City Council members heard calls Monday night from members of the public urging the city to divest from American companies allegedly linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, multiple speakers pressed the council to consider removing city investments from Caterpillar, Chevron, and Boeing. Speakers claimed the companies supply materials used in military operations against Palestinians. The council did not take immediate action on the request.
“We are witnessing crimes against humanity unfold in Palestine,” said one resident who identified himself as Nick from District 7. “By investing in these companies, the city of Pasadena is investing in genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”
When one speaker asked for a show of hands, approximately 70-80% of the attendees in the council chambers indicated they were Pasadena residents who supported divestment.
“We’ve been here for four weeks now,” the speaker noted, highlighting the persistent community concern.
All Saints Church Reverend Mark Anthony Chase offered an emotional perspective, comparing his experience singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to his children with the plight of Palestinian children: “As we’re singing that song, twinkle, twinkle Little Star as we look up and see the stars in our backyard… there are children, innocent kids in Gaza who are looking up and not seeing stars, but who are looking up and seeing bombs, who are looking up and seeing fighter jets, who are looking up and seeing machines and weapons of war that are financed with not only our taxes but the things that we’ve invested in.”
Several speakers referenced historical precedent, saying that in 1988, the Pasadena Board of Directors forced the police and fire pension Board to divest from companies doing business in apartheid South Africa.
“I ask the city to consider and I make myself available. I want to know why you haven’t allowed us to put it on the agenda, why you haven’t supported us in divesting from this company,” said a speaker who identified herself as having family in Gaza.
Another speaker, Salma, extended an invitation to Councilmembers: “If five of you want to meet with us, we’ll have five of you. We won’t overwhelm with all of us. Come to my house. I have a pool. It’s safe. We will have tea.”
Councilmember Rick Cole confirmed he had previously requested that the issue be agendized for the Finance Committee, asking for public confirmation that this would move forward. City Manager Miguel Márquez said he would confer with Mayor Victor Gordo, who serves as chair of the Finance Committee, about the timing of placing the matter on the finance agenda.