Political Gumbo: Fire Chief, Los Robles and Parks Could Create Council Trifecta

Tonight’s council meeting could be one of the busiest in a long time. The NAACP is rallying in opposition to the reassignment of Fire Chief Bertral Washington. Emotions are strong on that subject. Two additional items could also be draws. The Los Robles development is back, along with threats of a lawsuit, and the reorganization of the Human Services and Recreation and Public Works departments which could lead to the creation of a new department, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. We will see in a few hours.

More Washington: If the Mayoral candidates are not asked about the Bertral Washington situation at the Pasadena Community Coalition Forum at the Friendship Baptist Church on Sunday, I will be shocked.

More on the forum: Glad to see a forum held at the historic church that Dr. King twice visited.

While we’re on forums: I missed the Youth Climate Action Forum, the flu was on me pretty good. It seems like it was a full house. By the way, several candidates have associated ADUs with relieving the city’s homeless problems. I don’t see it. Most people build accessory dwelling units for family members, not to house the homeless. By the way, wouldn’t a lot with two extra units be more expensive to buy?

Add Forum: Organizers have scheduled a District 4 forum on at 6 p.m. on Feb. 29 at Mission Gathering Church 789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena. Incumbent Gene Masuda is facing challenges from Char Bland, Kevin Wheeler and Joe Baghdadlian. I hope all four candidates turn out.

More District 4: In a phone call with Bland last week, Bland correctly pointed out to me that although she won the flash poll portion of the climate forum last week, 43-9, over Kevin Wheeler, she was not quoted. Wheeler was. Bland should have been quoted.

Endorsement: There’s still one big endorsement out there. So far, the Pasadena Police Officer’s Association has not picked a candidate. No word on when or if that will happen. It could be a hard choice, if they decide to endorse. Mayor Terry Tornek and Victor Gordo say they are against civilian oversight and prefer it be done by the elected officials. Jason Hardin supports civilian oversight and Major Williams would support civilian oversight under the right plan.