Political Gumbo: Pasadena is Not Only Resilient, but Compassionate

I had not attended a City event since the Eaton Inferno destroyed my home in January.

Wednesday the exile came to an end when I traveled from Fontana, or Fontucky, to Pasadena for the State of the City event.

First off, I have to say it was a great speech by Mayor Gordo, especially when you consider he pivoted from his original theme which turned out to be the right decision.

Wednesday’s speech was the right tone at the right time.

He fulfilled the Charter mandate and gave attention to the budget.

And respect to Vice Mayor Jess Rivas for her remarks as well.

But the residents of Pasadena did great as well.

I am a proud son of Altadena, and I was proud of my hometime long before the fire.

I’m not one of the ham and eggers running around pretending to be an Altadena native or care about the town to score points.

I have to credit Bobby “the Brain” Heenan for that line, and Former PW employee Aaron Proctor who made it a local staple after his unsuccessful, but unforgettable mayoral run years ago.

If you weren’t here, you missed a great character, and an even better guy. He called me all the way from Philadelphia to check on me after the fire.

That said as much as I love Altadena, I am also an adopted son of Pasadena.

And never have I felt so much warmth and compassion from my Pasadena family as I did at the State of the City event on Wednesday.

So many kind and welcoming people came over to check on me and express condolences.

Some of them I have exchanged words with on occasion, and yes will again if need be.

It’s never personal, it’s just the way the world spins.

I am on the mend. I no longer smell smoke at night. My sleep has improved.

Even before the fire I wasn’t sleeping through the night. Hard to shut my brain off.

Also, the insurance experience has been good, so far. Can’t say enough good things about the folks at Allstate.

Already talking to architects about what comes next and I already have a floor plan.

It’s just a matter of time, and time, no matter how slow or fast, passes by. I’ll be back on Altadena Drive before you know it.

Replete with fruit trees in the back and Birds of Paradise in the front.

Back on point.

Compassion will get people through this.

We all lost a home or know someone that lost a home.

And in many cases, those who didn’t lose their homes don’t know how to react to those who did.

You can be grateful about your own situation and still show compassion to others.

Be happy for what you have and listen to those who suffered loss.

Yes, it takes resilience. But it also takes family.