Photos from the Pasadena Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report 2024-2025 (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
The Pasadena City Council meeting was marked by returning protesters, debate over military equipment, and recusals related to future Greenway plans.
By Andrew Sweet
Ceremonial matters included the recognition of sixteen new police officers, support for United Against Hate Week, and a commemoration from Mayor Gordo to the late Dr. Jane Goodall, who had been scheduled to visit Pasadena on October 1 for a tree-planting ceremony. Dr. Goodall, who served as the Grand Marshal of the 2013 Rose Parade, was remembered as an influential figure in Pasadena.
Protestors Seek Divestment
Pro-Palestinian protesters returned to demand that the city divest from companies linked to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Protesters held signs condemning Boeing, Caterpillar, and Chevron.
Zane Khalifa, a Pasadena physician, recounted the story of a Palestinian doctor who lost his life after choosing to stay in the Gaza Strip to treat patients.
Hedab Tarifi, a Palestinian and Pasadena resident, criticized the City Council for failing to place divestment on the agenda. Tarifi spoke about family members she has lost in Palestine.
“I am not tired to stand up for the people of Gaza,” Tarifi stated. “Be human. Put it on the agenda.”
Military Equipment Annual Report
Anthony Russo, a Pasadena police lieutenant, led the fourth annual discussion on military equipment updates. The Pasadena Police Department requested the renewal of a program that maintains the same equipment as the previous year.
The report is required under AB 481, a state law mandating annual review of law enforcement’s use of military-grade equipment.
Mayor Gordo, referencing the upcoming World Cup and 2028 Olympics, emphasized the need to “have the equipment to keep visitors and residents safe.”
Jessica Rivas, District 5, a military veteran, argued against retaining the .50 caliber rifle currently in storage, calling it a “weapon of war.” The City Council agreed to involve the Civilian Police Oversight Commission in the program’s renewal process before making any final decisions.
Some of the equipment included in the Pasadena Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report 2024-2025 (Photo – cityofpasadena)
Public Health Emergency Lifted
Nine months after the January Eaton Fire, the Pasadena City Council adopted a resolution lifting the local public health emergency. Manuel Carmona, Pasadena’s Director of Public Health, presented findings showing low levels of lead contamination in public parks, based on recent testing. Properties in zip codes 91103 and 91104 also tested low for toxic soil.
Mayor Gordo and Councilmember Madison (District 6) voiced concerns for first responders. Councilmembers were assured that the Human Resources Department was researching impacts on responders and reviewed a map highlighting areas with elevated lead levels.
Katie, a video caller, criticized the council for using buses to evict evacuees from the Pasadena Convention Center during the fires. The Council responded by noting that certain events at the Center could not be changed.
Pasadena Greenways
Pasadena residents turned out in support of new public spaces for biking and recreation. Mayor Gordo, Councilmember Rivas, and Councilmember Jones (District 3) recused themselves, citing potential conflicts of interest due to the proximity of their homes to the proposed routes.
A presentation by Transportation Director Joaquin Siques outlined redesigns for El Molino, Wilson, Sierra Bonita, and Craig Avenues, selected due to their lack of freeway ramps. The proposed Pasadena Greenways project, in collaboration with TDG Engineering and Arellano Associates, carries an estimated cost of $1,092,594.
Forty-two speakers requested to comment. A mix of bikers, teachers, and JPL workers largely emphasized Pasadena’s lack of street safety and voiced strong support.
“Inactive kids become inactive teens,” one health instructor remarked, referring to excessive student car use. “They then become adults with injuries.”
Opponents cited reckless biking and cyclists ignoring traffic lights. Supporters countered with arguments about walkability and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The Council unanimously approved the contracts in a 5–0 vote.
The Council meeting scheduled for October 13 has been cancelled. The Council will reconvene on October 20, 2025.
Andrew Sweet is an aspiring journalist with a strong passion for writing at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School.
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