Is South Pasadena’s Mayoral Address a Chamber Fundraiser?

An excerpt from the Chamber email (Photos – Graphics Dept.)

An official state-of-the-city address should be public and free.

By Ari Gutierrez Arambula

The South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has been combining the Mayor’s State of the City address with the Chamber’s holiday mixer for years. This year’s event, “Wonder of the Wreaths,” as the Chamber calls it, sure does conjure wonderment – but instead of wreaths, think wealth building.

Pay to Play Access

While the Chamber of Commerce is allowed to host its fundraiser and invite elected officials to attend, the event should not be comingled with one that should be free and accessible to the public at-large. “Pay to Play” access to government officials has long been the third-rail of public office. Elected officials ought to keep their work as public officials separate from political hobnobbing and fundraising efforts.

The Fine Print

When asked, South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Laurie Wheeler, explained, “…the flyer that we’ve sent out in several e-mails indicates that there is no charge for that portion of the evening.”  While the flyer does state the Mayor’s speech will be “free,” the entire event is a Chamber event at which paid members are welcomed. There is little indication on the flier or Ms. Wheeler’s communication that the event is open to non-members. There is also no indication the event will require COVID safety protocols.

Accessible Public Event

The State of the City address usually is conducted as a council meeting or public hearing, free and accessible to the public.  These days, the State of the City addresses also are broadcast on the local cable channel, Zoom, YouTube or even Facebook Live. The information provided by the City in such an address is clearly important to the business community.  It is important that such information is accessible to the public and the media.  And there should be no “mixing” of public hearings and private mixers.

Lessons learned in Alhambra

As first reported by ColoradoBoulevard.net, a few years ago the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce tried this too.  The City Manager quickly backpedaled and offered free access to anyone who would not eat at the luncheon. In collaboration with the Alhambra Chamber, then Mayor Adele Andrade-Stadler would’ve hosted Congressmember Chu, State Senator Rubio, Assembly member Chau and L.A. County Supervisor Barger. Access to all those elected officials was certainly worth $30/per person or $300 for a table of 8.  The City of Alhambra subsequently hosted a 2^nd event to which was free and open to the public. It should be noted that the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce is a City Contractor that receives over $100,000 a year in City funds for “services.”*

Why it matters

Elected officials regularly are pressured by developers, business owners, ministers and citizens, for policies and legislation that are favorable to their bottom lines.  Access to elected officials in an unofficial setting where alcohol will be served while conducting official business is taking “mixer” to the next level.  Residents, grassroots organizations, non-profits, and community advocates should have equal opportunity to hear from and speak with elected officials.  The South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce should have its holiday mixer as a separate event. Likewise, the City of South Pasadena should do the same for its public meetings, including the City’s State of the City Address by the Mayor.

*Also of note, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has long contracted with South Pasadena City Hall. City Hall did not confirm if they are still contracting with the Chamber in 2021.