Residents urge Pasadena council to release investigative files, allege police favoritism
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Summary
Several residents used public comment to accuse city leadership and police of mishandling homicide investigations and political favoritism, and to demand that Pasadena release local investigative files and place the matter on a future agenda.
Several Pasadena residents used the Nov. 18 public-comment period to press the City Council to release local investigative files and to accuse city leadership and the police department of misconduct.
Eric Sanchez told the council that state legislation to release certain files has passed in the House and said Pasadena’s own records should be made public. "I’m asking this council ... do the right thing. No business should be passed through until the old business is finally addressed," Sanchez said. He named multiple homicide cases he said required further review and urged council members not to support new business until the files are released.
Steven Alvarez accused Mayor Thomas and Chief Jackson of corruption, saying Chief Jackson "donated $50,000 to your campaign" and alleging that a previously fired supervisor was rehired because of ties to the chief. "That is corruption," Alvarez said, adding that the north side has suffered funding cuts for decades.
Ty Smith’s comments became disruptive; he criticized recent development near Partnership Park, questioned raises for some city employees and repeatedly challenged staff and officers until he was escorted from the chamber.
Robert Jeter told the council his name had been misspelled in oct. 21 minutes and criticized what he described as repeated vulgar remarks by a council member at a recent event.
Mayor and council did not take formal action during the public-comment period to release the investigative files; Sanchez’s request was presented as a plea to council members to place the issue on a future agenda. The council proceeded to routine business after public comment.
The council did not immediately respond with commitments to open the files; no council motion to release records was recorded in the meeting minutes.
What’s next: Residents asking for an agenda item to release local investigative files may seek the mayor’s agreement or enough council support to place the matter on a future meeting agenda. The city’s process for placing items on the agenda was discussed by speakers who said the mayor controls agenda items.
