Social Justice Committee - June
The SJC webinar on Sunday, May 22 was organized before the murderous white nationalist terror attack in Buffalo, yet the stories of Lamonte McIntyre’s false conviction and the Buffalo massacre are connected. Understanding the connections in the systematic and systemic assault on people and communities of color needs to lead to action. The Social Justice Committee’s mission is to find ways for us to make a difference, to oppose policies and propose actions that will move us toward a just society.
At our first in-person, outdoor meeting in centuries, we put together a to-do list of actions and plans:
Rising up and reaching out are what we do. Individually and together.
To do:
- Create phone tree for events to ensure rides for those who need them or want company.
- Establish a PJTC “Dayenu (Jewish Action for Climate Justice)” hub.
- Continue outdoor meetings, with phone access for those who cannot attend in person
- Set a date and time for a July 4th Picnic
- Take action locally:
- Help staff the table for the Pasadena 100 Coalition to move Pasadena to 100% carbon free energy by 2030. SJC is a member of this coalition, and we need volunteers at the Pasadena Farmers’ Market (8:00 a.m. -10 or 10-noon). Reply to this email to learn more.
- The Pasadena Building Electrification Ordinance that our Pasadena Building Electrification Coalition helped develop has the backing of Mayor Gordo, Pasadena City Planning Commission, and several city council district reps. Write the council or show up and speak up on matters not on the agenda—or, when agendized, support the ordinance with your voice or written comment. Reply to this email for more info.
- Support the Pasadena Greenways initiative to reduce speeding , create safe bikeways, improve traffic calming. The City Council, in a great move, has approved a substantial bikeway on Union Street. The next move is for four large streets chosen to be Greenways. Work on this for Craig Avenue has been funded but now needs City Council final approval.
Here are sample written or oral statement for any Pasadena City Council Meeting:
Thank you Mayor Gordo and members of the City Council for this opportunity to weigh in on an important issue that affects all of us who use Pasadena streets. My name is________________ and I live in (District x or Altadena or). I strongly support the proposal to improve Craig Avenue and other thoroughfares as elements in the Greenways initiative. Reducing speeding by cars on city streets is imperative in order to create a safer environment for all. Enhancing routes for bicyclists and improving the quality of the environment by reducing noise, particulates and exhaust needs to be a priority as we join together to make Pasadena an even more accessible and enjoyable community.
Pasadena City Council Meetings are Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Comments on items not on the addenda are heard at the start of the meeting. Sign up online prior to the meeting. Speaking on an agenda item? Submit a statement or speaker’s card with specific agenda item. City Council Agendas - City of Pasadena
By Carl Selkin
