The sun peeking from behind Pasadena Central Library on Dec. 12, 2025 (Photo – W.K.)
The Pasadena City Council covered childcare aid and raised concerns over local hire and procurement plans.
By Andrew Sweet
Closed Session: Rose Bowl Lease and Police Shooting Lawsuits
In closed session, the council continued discussions regarding the city’s lawsuit against the University of California and the Board of Regents over UCLA’s long-term lease at the Rose Bowl through 2043–44.
The city alleges that UCLA’s actions related to the lease would violate vendor contracts and disrupt public revenue streams tied to Rose Bowl operations. A court recently ruled against the university’s request to move the case into arbitration, allowing the lawsuit to proceed in court and extending the timeline for resolution.
Councilmembers also discussed a separate lawsuit stemming from the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Adam Youines by Pasadena police officers on July 30, 2022. Youines was shot on North Lake Avenue after a vehicle pursuit. Police stated at the time that he was involved in a carjacking. The case had been delayed for approximately 18 months before returning to council review this week.
Following closed session, the city attorney reported that there were no reportable actions.
Proposed Compensation and Childcare Allowance Increases
In open session, the council received a proposal from the Committee on City Councilmembers’ Compensation and the Finance Committee recommending updates to salaries and reimbursement allowances for 11 elected positions.
The annual fiscal impact of the decision would be $314,000 from the General Fund. Councilmembers’ expense and family compensation allowances would increase from $3,000 to $6,000, while Mayor Victor Gordo’s would rise from $6,000 to $11,000.
According to the staff report, the estimated annual fiscal impact would total $314,000 from the General Fund, though officials noted the cost could be lower depending on utilization rates. The changes would take effect July 1, 2026, with stipend increases scheduled for 2027.
The council is expected to take a final vote on the proposal March 2.
Central Library Contract Delayed Over Local Hire Concerns
The most debated public item involved a contract with PLC Construction Services, Inc. for Phase Two construction services at the Pasadena Central Library, which has been closed since 2021 for structural assessment and seismic upgrades.
Several councilmembers raised concerns about workforce participation and the extent of Pasadena resident involvement in the project. Councilmembers Justin Jones, District 3, and Tyron Hampton, District 1, questioned whether the contract would provide sufficient employment and economic benefits to local residents. Public commenters echoed those concerns.
Councilmember Rick Cole, District 2, suggested the revised item return in two weeks with more detail on how local hire performance would be prioritized to benefit the local economy.
The council ultimately voted against approving the contract in a 6–2 vote. Councilmembers Gene Masuda, District 4, and Steve Madison, District 6, voted in favor. Madison cautioned that further delays could affect the project’s timeline, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approaching. The library’s original projected completion date is July 31, 2028.
The item is expected to return to the council with additional information on local hiring commitments.
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