Long-Time District 6 Council Liaison Takako Suzuki Retires

After 23 years at City Hall District 6 Councilmember Steve Madison’s longtime District Liaison Takako Suzuki is retiring.

Suzuki’s last day is Dec. 30. She is currently working with Justin Chapman, who will serve as the next district liaison.

Before joining Councilmember Madison at City Hall in 1999, Suzuki was a school and district administrator at Los Angeles Unified School District. She also served as interim director of the Armory Center for the Arts and was a marriage and family therapist at a local nonprofit agency, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

“It was an honor to work with Councilmember Madison and address the needs of District 6 constituents during my time with the City,” Suzuki said.

Madison praised his longtime field representative on Tuesday.

“Taka has been a terrific district liaison for West Pasadena and, like so many others, I’m very grateful for her 23 years of exemplary service. I wish her all the best in retirement,” Madison said.

Local journalist Justin Chapman has been appointed to serve as the new District 6 city council liaison, effective Jan. 1.

Chapman was born and raised in the Pasadena and Altadena areas. He is an award-winning journalist who previously worked in the communications departments of Michelson Philanthropies, Pacific Council on International Policy, and the USC Annenberg Center for Communication Leadership & Policy. In 2005, at the age of 19, Chapman was elected to serve on the Altadena Town Council, becoming the youngest elected official in LA County. During his time on the council, he founded and chaired its Education Committee.

Currently, Chapman is the writer, host and producer of Pasadena Media’s local news talk show “NewsRap Local with Justin Chapman,” rebranding in January as “Pasadena Monthly with Justin Chapman,” featuring an inclusive exploration of City issues. He has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications/media studies from UC Berkeley and a master’s in public diplomacy from USC.

“I’m extremely excited about having Justin serve as the new District 6 liaison,” Madison said. “I’ve known Justin for many years and admired his work as a journalist and neighborhood volunteer. His experience, including his service as a member of the Altadena Town Council and work with the West Pasadena Residents’ Association, makes him exceptionally well-qualified to serve as our district liaison.”

“District 6 includes all the best things about Pasadena and faces several immense challenges and opportunities from the 710 stub to the Rose Bowl Stadium to the Colorado Street Bridge,” Chapman said. “I look forward to supporting Councilmember Madison and serving the residents of District 6.”

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