HISTORIC ELECTION EDITION pasadenaindependent.com
Thursday, April 23, 2015 - April 29, 2015
Mayoral Election Results in ‘Unofficial’ Tornek Victory
This past Tuesday night, the Pasadena City Council Chambers were full of citizens and members of the news media who had turned up hear the official reading of results for prior ballots cast by mail, or at voting centers earlier that day. The event was an historic one, for by the end of the night a solid number of votes were cast for candidates running to occupy the District 1 City Councilmember seat, and as the first elected SEE PG. 19
Nurses Just Say “No” to Unionization
CEO Steve Ralph sent out the following memo e mail last week: “The National Labor Relations Board tonight counted the ballots in the election to determine whether CNA/NNU would become the certified bargaining representative for Huntington Hospital nurses. Unfortunately, we do not have a final result to share with you this evening. SEE PG. 18
INSIDE THIS WEEK
VOLUME 19, NO. 17
Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
It’s a Wonderful (Political) Life Mayor Bogaard Reflects on his time BY TERRY MILLER in office over the past 16 years
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BY TERRY MILLER
n the coming days and weeks, numerous luncheons, celebrations, and special events are taking place acknowledging the longtime and first directly-elected Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogaard. Last week, Pasadena Independent editors Terry Miller and Jennifer Schlueter, along with reporter Nick Kipley, sat down with Bill Bogaard to discuss some of the more memorable moments of his esteemed career. We also asked some hard-hitting questions which Mayor Bogaard handled with great thought, dignity, and respect the likes of which only a seasoned veteran in city politics could. Asked what his secret was to being on council and Mayor for so long, Mayor Bogaard said thoughtfully, “I think I have a measured style of service and leadership ….” He added that with thoughtful and careful discussion and consideration on each issue, resolutions can occur. “It has been a remarkable experience for me to see the progress Pasadena has made these past 16 years. The dynamic urban lifestyle where people can live and conduct business without an automobile is wonderful. The Gold Line and retail development combined with world class museums and higher learning facilities makes Pasadena truly unique,” the Mayor said. Mayor Bogaard’s love for the dynamic urban lifestyle has been evident for years as he is an avid cyclist –a hobby he hopes to do more of in his retirement years. Alas, he has a vision for the future Mayor and council to consider. “I want to see a streetcar on Colorado Boulevard and on South Lake … the region and city also need a more complete bus system,” the Mayor said. Mr. Bogaard also said he strongly believes the younger generation is determined to be car-free and more reliant on public transportation wherever possible. Mr. Bogaard said his entry into politics was an evolution really with his involvement and commitment in neighborhood associations in southwest Pasadena and subsequently city activities. From 1980-1986 Mr. Bogaard was on city council when a councilman for his district vacated his seat early. Meanwhile, Mr. Bogaard continued with his successful law practice in Los Angeles
SPORTS
Monrovia Baseball Cruises Past La Canada 10-1 to Continue Undefeated Streak P. 34
when in 1998 voters approved the directly-elected role of Mayor. “I ran thinking it would be one four-year term … and here we are 16 years later!” Mayor Bogaard quipped with a twinkle in his eye. Asked his thoughts on the embezzlement scandal which surfaced last year, Mayor Bogaard was candid. “The embezzlement is a great disappointment to everyone in City Hall and citizens of Pasadena. We believe in a high level of dedication and sadly we experienced a bad apple.” The Mayor added, “We have a lot of homework to do.” With a firm assurance in the Task Force he set up to examine the reasons behind the embezzlement, the Mayor said: “ I’m confiSEE PG. 23
ENTERTAINMENT Loopholes: A Hodgepodge of Puns, Shticks, and One-Liners P. 7
EDUCATION
Pasadena City College Foundation to Hold First Scholarship Gala May 16 P. 27