We Get Letters: Farewell Letter to My Pasadena Community

For forty years, I have had the privilege of serving the City of Pasadena in many departments, including Planning and Community Development, Code Enforcement, Current Planning, Design and Historic Preservation, Northwest Programs, the City Manager’s Office, and most recently Parks, Recreation and Community Services, where I serve as Deputy Director.

I am deeply grateful to the supervisors who hired and promoted me throughout my career. Their confidence helped shape my professional journey. I also learned so much from the community members that I met — their pride, values, and commitment to making Pasadena an extraordinary place. I am especially thankful for the guidance of local leaders such as Georgia Halloway, Jaylene Moseley, Ralph Poole, Audrey Brantley, Saundra Knox, Delano Yarbrough, John J. Kennedy, Lena Kennedy, Yuny Parada, Dolores Hickambottom, and Celestine Walker.

Throughout my career, I found purpose in work that strengthened our neighborhoods — from development projects to shaping land-use policies like the City of Gardens multifamily standards, which improved the quality of residential development. I also valued the community events and committee and commission meetings that helped build connection and support Pasadena’s long-term vision.

One of the greatest honors of my career was being entrusted with the Youth Ambassador Program by Mario Leonard, former Northwest Programs Manager. Created in 2001 by Jaylene Moseley and Mario Leonard, this program brought together remarkable high school students whose eagerness to learn and serve inspired me every day. Their leadership at hundreds of community events, their achievements, and continued commitment to Pasadena gives me confidence that the city’s future is in a good place.

Many of our accomplishments were possible because of dedicated residents, volunteer committees and commissions, and organizations that invest in the future of our youth. I was honored to serve on the boards of CHAP Care, Mentoring Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD), Ideal Youth, and the Boys and Girls Club — organizations that provide vital services to Pasadena families.

A program especially close to my heart was Pasadena Hot Meals, from 2010 to 2023, more than 170,000 meals were served. This effort succeeded because of the dedication of Robin Salzer, Walter Carl Jackson, Jarvis Emerson, Pastor Thomas Bereal Sr., Patricia Bereal, Abounding Grace Ministries Church of God in Christ volunteers, Jackie Robinson Community Center staff, and the Youth Ambassadors who served meals every Wednesday for 13 years.

I also want to thank the mentors who supported my son and daughter during their formative years. Your encouragement and belief in their potential helped shape the amazing adults they are today, and your influence will stay with them always.

Serving the City of Pasadena has been one of the greatest honors of my life. This city is a wonderful place to live, learn, play, and work — made even better by dedicated City Councilmembers and talented colleagues. My last day under the dome at City Hall will be June 30. I leave with deep gratitude for the memories, relationships, and shared accomplishments that made this journey meaningful.

With heartfelt appreciation, Lola Osborne