Pasadena Rally Sheds Light on California’s Fossil Fuel Investments

Invest in Communities, Not Fossil Fuels” climate rally, March 11, 2025 (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)

A passionate crowd gathered at the Pasadena Community Job Center on Tuesday, March 11, for the “Invest in Communities, Not Fossil Fuels” climate rally, where many groups and individuals voiced their support for new state legislation as well as their concerns with the continued investment in fossil fuels by California’s largest pension fund, CalPERS.

By Cheryl Auger

The rally was organized to bring attention to the state’s “Polluters Pay” legislation and to highlight the critical need for California to move away from investing in fossil fuels. Participants called on CalPERS to divest from fossil fuels and to create a more climate-conscious portfolio, one that invests in a sustainable future and prioritizes the well-being of communities over harmful environmental practices.

The rally was held with a poignant backdrop—the scorched remnants of the recent wildfires that have ravaged local areas. The nearby Altadena community, hit hard by the wildfires, served as a powerful symbol of the urgent need for action to combat climate change.

Local artist Eddie Aparicio added an emotional and symbolic element to the rally with his mural, which was created using ashes from the recent fires. The mural not only connected art to the devastation caused by climate change but also aimed to support the healing process of the community. Aparicio’s piece served as a powerful visual call to action, advocating for divestment from fossil fuels as a means to address the escalating climate crisis.

As the rally progressed, participants expressed the importance of shifting investment strategies to protect future generations and communities vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The event served as a reminder of the pressing need for policy and financial changes to help mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a safer, more sustainable future for all.