Democracy Marches On As Police Lockdown Nearby Neighborhood

A forum with candidates in the Pasadena mayoral race went ahead Thursday night, just blocks from where police had established a containment in place perimeter and were searching with a helicopter and  dogs for a gunman who fired a shot in La Pintoresca Park earlier in the evening.

The forum was the first-ever held in Northwest Pasadena, according to an organizer. It was held at First AME Pasadena Church on North Raymond Avenue.

Inside, candidate Jason Hardin said, “I don’t believe anyone was aware at the time of what was going on.”

Candidate Don Morgan said he saw the police activity as he approached the church.

“I was notified once I arrived of its severity by friends Horace Wormley and Rodney Wallace,” he said. “It provided a stark reminder that the issues faced on a daily basis in northwest Pasadena are significant. These daily reminders led people to the forum with a sense of purpose and urgency.”

The gunman ultimately eluded capture. There were no injuries.