Endorsements
I’m honored to have the endorsement of longtime education and civic leaders including former Senator Carol Liu, Kim Bowman, Jess Rivas, Justin Jones along with unanimous endorsements from the LCUSD Board and support from many of the sitting PCC Trustees.
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Hon. Judy Chu
U.S. Representative for California's 28th Congressional District
Former Community College Professor
“Francis Pollara has the experience, integrity, and commitment to help lead Pasadena City College into its next chapter.
These are the qualities we need on the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees.
Francis Pollara understands the value of a PCC education because he's lived it, and he has the background to strengthen PCC's partnerships and expand economic opportunity for students.
I'm proud to support him for the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees.”
Hon. Carol J. Liu
Former California State Senator, Senate Education Committee
Former Pasadena City College Foundation Board of Directors
“Throughout my career, I have fought to expand access to quality education and ensure our community colleges remain engines of opportunity. Francis Pollara understands that mission.
As a Pasadena City College alumnus, civic leader, and lifelong resident of our community, he brings both a deep appreciation for PCC’s role and the forward-looking leadership needed to meet the challenges ahead.
I am proud to endorse Francis Pollara for Pasadena City College Trustee because he will be a thoughtful advocate for students, a strong steward of public resources, and a leader committed to keeping PCC accessible, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our community.”
Hon. Lindsey P. Horvath
Los Angeles County Supervisor, Third District; Former Mayor, City of West Hollywood
Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action & Fire Safe Recovery
As County Supervisor, Horvath has emerged as a leader on climate resilience, transportation, housing, and regional infrastructure. She launched the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery in partnership with UCLA following the 2025 wildfires, bringing together experts in climate science, infrastructure, housing, environmental justice, and finance. The County is now implementing recommendations from that commission.
Supervisor Horvath brings the perspective of a senior regional elected official who has worked across city and county government, nonprofit organizations, and regional agencies.
Majority of Current Pasadena City College Trustees
Hon. Steve Gibson
Pasadena Trustee Board President,
District 3
Hon. Sandra Chen Lau
Pasadena City College Trustee
District 1
Hon. Alton Wang
Pasadena City College Trustee
District 7
Hon. Kristine Kwong
Pasadena City College Trustee
District 5
Hon. James Aragon
Pasadena City College Trustee
District 2
PCC Student Leadership
Jesslie Vega
Pasadena City College
Student Trustee
Jesus Cuevas Sanchez
Pasadena City College
Associated Students President
Organizations
Mayors & City Councilmembers
Endorsed by Every Member of La Cañada City Council
Hon. Jeanne Kim Hobson
Mayor & Councilmember City of La Cañada Flintridge
"Francis is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who is deeply committed to serving our community.
I've had the privilege of working alongside Francis through the YMCA of the Foothills and in our city commissions, and l've seen firsthand his ability to listen, bring people together, and turn ideas into meaningful action.
Francis understands that strong institutions must continue to evolve to meet the needs of the next generation. He brings the experience, curiosity, and judgment needed to help Pasadena City College innovate while staying true to its mission and its students.
I am proud to endorse Francis Pollara for Pasadena City College Trustee and look forward to seeing the impact he will make on behalf of our community."
Hon. Jess Rivas
Vice Mayor & Councilmember City of Pasadena
“Pasadena City College is one of the most important institutions in our region for creating opportunity and helping people build a better future.
Francis Pollara understands that promise, and he understands that meeting it means being willing to think differently about how we prepare students for a changing economy.
I’ve seen Francis bring people together around big challenges and follow through with real work. He brings a deep commitment to our community and a belief that institutions like PCC should be ambitious about what they can do for the people they serve.
I’m proud to endorse Francis Pollara for PCC Trustee. I know he will bring new ideas, energy, and a strong commitment to ensuring PCC continues create opportunity for all students.”
Hon. Kim Bowman
Former Mayor & Councilmember City of La Cañada Flintridge
“Francis Pollara has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving our community.
Through his work as a business leader, nonprofit executive, and city commissioner, he has consistently brought people together to solve problems and create opportunities for others.
As someone who grew up in La Cañada Flintridge and attended Pasadena City College, he understands both our community’s values and the important role PCC plays in preparing students for success
Francis has the experience, judgment, and dedication to be an outstanding Trustee, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy.”
Hon. Justin Jones
Councilmember, City of Pasadena, District 3
Hon. Stephanie Fossan
Councilmember, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Hon. Quemars Ahmed
Councilmember, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Hon. Jacque Robinson-Baisley
Former Pasadena Vice Mayor & City Councilmember; Nonprofit & Community Leader
Hon. Rick Gunter
Former Mayor & Councilmember, City of La Cañada Flintridge
“Francis has the knowledge and skills to keep PCC great in a changing world.”
Hon. Terry Walker
Former Mayor & Councilmember, City of La Cañada Flintridge
“Francis is exactly the kind of person we need on the PCC Board”
Hon. Donald Voss
Former Mayor, City Treasurer & Councilmember, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Hon. Laura Olhasso
Director, Foothill Municipal Water District; Former Mayor of La Cañada Flintridge
Hon. Polly Low
Mayor Pro Tem, City of Rosemead; Former President, Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials
Hon. Dan Brotman
Former Mayor, City of Glendale; Councilmember, City of Glendale
Endorsed by Every Member of the La Cañada Flintridge Unified School Board
Caroline Anderson
Governing Board President
La Cañada Unified School District Board
“Francis knows firsthand how a PCC education can change lives and strengthen our community. He will bring a fresh voice to the board, backed by a career spanning public policy, business innovation, and infrastructure development.
From managing venture investments and advising on clean technology to helping LA City Hall solve real-world problems, Francis knows how to deliver results. He has the experience and vision to keep PCC strong, transparent, and focused on the future.”
Josh Epstein
Vice President, La Cañada Unified School District Board
Octavia Thuss
Clerk, La Cañada Unified School District Board
Dan Jeffries
La Cañada Unified School
District Board
Joe Radabaugh
La Cañada Unified School
District Board
Pasadena City College Faculty
Dona Mitoma
Professor Emerita of English & Librarian, Pasadena City College
Dorothy Potter
Professor Emeritus, Librarian, Pasadena City College
Emily Fernandez
Assistant Professor of English & Language Studies, Pasadena City College
Cecile Davis Anderson
College Counselor, Pasadena City College
“Serving as a board of trustees member for a community college requires humility, leadership, cultural awareness, and a dedication to the student population. Francis is not only a PCC alumnus, he is a genuine community leader.”
Area Education Leaders & Elected Trustees
Wendy Sinnette
Former LCUSD Superintendent; Community Leader & 2025 La Cañadan of the Year
Karen Hofmann
President & Chief Executive Officer, ArtCenter College of Design
Lori MacPherson
Vice Chair & Chair-Elect, Polytechnic School Board of Trustees; Kidspace Children’s Museum Board Member
Robbie Nock
Executive Director, Caltech Center for Technology and Management Education; Former ArtCenter Vice President, Alumni and Industry Engagement
Desiree Rabinov
Glendale Community College District Board of Trustees
Manuel Magpapian
Glendale Community College District Board of Trustees
Telly Tse
Vice President, Board of Education, Glendale Unified School District
Aileen Dinkjian
Board of Education, Glendale Unified School District; Chaffey College Foundation Board
Robert L. Gin
President, Board of Education, Alhambra Unified School District
Brent Kuszyk
Former Governing Board President, La Cañada Unified School District Board
Susan Moore
Former La Cañada High School English Teacher; LCUSD Founders Day Honoree
Marvin Inouye
Former Schurr High School Photography Teacher
John Hale
Associate Executive Director, Center for Civic Education
Dr. Joe Kertes
Dean of Students Emeritus, Chapman University
Daniel Prince
USC Trustee; Vice Chair, YMCA of the Foothills; Community & Civic Leader
Rosine Der-Tavitian
CSUN Faculty Emeritus; Former PCC Faculty of Nursing; DrNP, APRN, MSN, MPH
Marianne Hattar
Professor Emeritus of Nursing. B.S.N.; Former Founding Chair APU PHD Nursing
Gregory Mena
English Faculty, East Los Angeles College; LA Community College District (LACCD)
Olivia Smith
Emmy Award-winning journalist and Adjunct Professor at USC Annenberg
“I grew up with Francis! He is kind, devoted and deeply committed to his community.”
Appointed Officials & City Commissioners
Julie Kane-Ritsch
Sustainability & Resilience Vice-Chair, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Ahee Han
Sustainability & Resilience Commissioner, City of La Cañada Flintridge;
Former LCFEF President
Lauren Oakes
Sustainability & Resilience Commissioner, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Ara Markarian
Design Commission Chair, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Genevieve Bethel
Design Commissioner, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Halle Yuhan
Design Commissioner, City of La Cañada Flintridge
Civic & Community Board Leaders
Matt Petersen
President & Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
Cynthia Cannady
Civic Leader & Community Organizer; Former Director, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Jessica Connolly
Community Volunteer & Nonprofit Leader; Youth Sports Advocate; Former ESPN Marketing Executive
Ed Washatka
Former President, Pasadena-Foothills ACLU Chapter; Founding Member, Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (POP)
Emily Kwon
Local Business Owner, Board Member at the Community Center of La Cañada
“I believe Francis will bring a thoughtful, collaborative perspective to the board while keeping students and the future of our community at the center of his work.”
Blair Schlecter
Senior Vice President, Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce; Economic Development & Community Leader
Jackie Albrektson
Community Volunteer & Public School Advocate; PTA Leader
Anne Tryba
Civic Leader & Climate Advocate; Community Volunteer
“Francis Pollara has demonstrated that he is a very effective leader with a deep commitment to serving the foothill communities he has lived in all his life.”
Amar Singh Malik
Attorney & Community Volunteer; Youth & Education Advocate
Brandon Lamar
Civic Leader & Community Organizer
Neal & Molly Brockmeyer
Founders, La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation; La Cañadans of the Year
Sid Karsh
Former President, La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation; Spirit of Outstanding Service Award Recipient
Mike Leininger
La Cañada Flintridge Community Center Board; Former La Cañada Unified School District Assistant Superintendent
Lacey MacLaughlin
VP of LCBSA, Co-President of Spartan Community Basketball, Secretary of Gladiators Football, Tribe Lacrosse Board
Alex Martinian
Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge Board Member; Community Leader
Courtney B. Vance
Award-Winning Actor, Producer & Director; President of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Greg Grande
SVP at Citizens Business Bank; YMCA of the Foothills Board President
Kristin McQueen
Counsel, Blu-ray Disc Association; YMCA of the Foothills Board
Deborah Weirick
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital; YMCA of the Foothills Board Member
Thomas Atamian
USC Keck Foundation Board; YMCA of the Foothills Board
Rainer Avanisian
La Cañada Education Foundation Director; YMCA of the Foothills Board
Kristie Baker
LCF Chamber of Commerce; YMCA of the Foothills Board Member
Petrice Ryan
Director at Paul Hastings; YMCA of the Foothills Board Member
Gary Awad
Founder & Managing Principal, ThreeG Capital; Executive in Residence, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
Community Members
Ilia Florentin
Matt Sprowles
Schuyler and Maureen Sprowles
Luis and Lori Blanco
Eric and Suzanne Goldberg
Nick and Susan Mastrodemos
Organizations
Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club
Stonewall Democratic Club
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Pasadena City College Faculty Association
East Area Progressive Democrats
LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council
*Titles are provided for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation unless expressly stated.
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