(L-R) Sierra Madre Mayor Kris Lowe and PUSD Board President Tina Fredericks (Photos – screengrabs, KLRN)
Sierra Madre Mayor Kris Lowe has raised concerns about a lawsuit filed by Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board President Tina Fredericks, alleging that the legal action targets residents who signed a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition.
By News Desk
According to Lowe, Fredericks filed a lawsuit naming the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and 124 unnamed individuals identified as “DOES:” they are described as those residents of District 6 who signed the notice of intention to circulate a recall petition with respect to Fredericks. This number, 124, appears to correspond to the exact number of individuals who signed a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition to recall Fredericks.
Lowe believes that she is one of the individuals referenced as a “DOE” in the case, meaning the lawsuit includes the Mayor of Sierra Madre among the unnamed defendants. She said many of the other 124 individuals who signed the recall documents are PUSD parents.
Lowe criticized the lawsuit, arguing that it targets families who should be viewed as partners in supporting public education.
“Many of the other signatures belong to PUSD parents, which is ludicrous that she is suing the very families who she is SUPPOSED to be serving and assuring that our students learn and are given the best opportunities to thrive,” Lowe said.
The case, identified as Case No. 26STCP02505, is titled Petition for Writ of Mandate and Complaint for Injunctive Relief. The filing references California Elections Code Sections 13314 and 18600, as well as California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1085 and 525, et seq. The matter is listed as a priority matter under California Elections Code Section 13314(a)(3). According to court documents, a trial setting conference is scheduled for September 8, 2026.
Lowe also raised concerns about the email address used by Fredericks in the Petition, stating that it includes “PUSD.” While she acknowledged it is a personal email address, Lowe said members of the public could potentially interpret it as meaning PUSD itself filed the lawsuit against Los Angeles County and the 124 District 6 residents.
Lowe further alleged that intimidation occurred following the filing of the notice of intention to circulate a recall petition. She stated that on June 2, 2026, shortly after Fredericks filed the Petition paperwork, a long-time Hastings Ranch resident received hand delivery of a 62-page document that did not yet include a case number for the Petition.
According to Lowe, the delivery caused the resident significant fear and confusion.
“Why would innocent, hard-working neighbors be treated so poorly and scared into thinking they had done something wrong, simply by signing something they felt was their legal right to act as they felt was just?” Lowe wrote.
Lowe said the timing of the Petition, filed two days before the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, was especially troubling because it coincided with a period focused on constitutional rights and civic participation.
“The Board President is trying to quiet the free people of District 6, by scaring them into not standing up for the injustices she has befallen on us,” Lowe stated.
Lowe criticized what she described as damage to PUSD’s reputation, saying she has never seen such disregard for PUSD during her five generations as a resident of Pasadena and Sierra Madre
She said PUSD continues to have many accomplishments and programs that support students and families, but argued that leadership changes are needed to address the current situation.
“I don’t have an answer to how to start repairing ALL the damage Fredericks has done, but the first step would be to remove her from trying to bring this District down even further,” Lowe wrote.
Lowe concluded by reaffirming her support for PUSD and her commitment to advocating for what she believes is best for students, families, and the community.
“Unified in support of PUSD,” Lowe wrote.
Board President Fredericks, you are an elected servant. When District 6 families use their lawful right to voice dissatisfaction through a recall, your response should be reflection and transparency—not litigation. Suing the Registrar and hiding behind 124 ‘DOES’ to target the exact number of local signees is an abuse of your position and a direct attack on local civic engagement. You are supposed to represent the people, not retaliate against the people, your constituents, your bosses.
Wow. In a democracy the government derives its power from the consent of the people. This lawsuit is frivolous on its face. Citizens have the right to petition for a politician’s removal. That’s another slap in the face to PUSD. She is showing her ignorance of how a democracy works and at the same time creating more incredibly bad PR for this district. Purge.
What a stupid lawsuit. It should be dismissed handily under California’s anti-SLAPP suit statute. Besides, such speech by members of the public is protected by California Civil Code 47(b). I hope the defendants recover all of their costs and fees, per the statute.