Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Political Gumbo: Go Vote

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

It’s Election Day, and as in any election there is a lot at stake.

Locally, voters will send neighbors to the school board and the PCC Board of Trustees and decide the fate of a bond measure and a parcel tax.

And of course, congressional seats and legislative seats are on the line.

Millions have voted already.

But none of that matters if you have not voted.

Every person must vote like each election will be decided by their ballot.

Yes, in some instances, a handful of votes can decide local elections.

Need an example?

In 2017, incumbent Andy Wilson was declared the winner over Phil Hosp by just three dozen votes after the two met in a runoff.

Locally, a candidate can lose an election by failing to walk that last block or knock on one more door.

And that candidate could be the one who represents your interests.

That’s why it’s important you do the research, make decisions and get to the polls and vote.

But even if candidates failed to knock on your door, your responsibility does not change.

Among our highest rights is the power to choose our representatives. Yes, your side may not always win, but your voice can always be heard.

Newcomers Felita Kealing and Veronica Elias are vying to unseat incumbents Kim Kenne and Michelle Richardson Bailey for seats on the school board.

Meanwhile, Dennis McNamara and Cynthia Torres are competing for an open seat.

In the PCC Board of Trustees race, Geoff Baum is looking to return to the board and is squaring off against Francis Pollara.

David Coher hopes to unseat Steve Gibson.

Jennifer Thompson and Kristine Kwong are also squaring off.

Measure UP, a local $485 million bond measure, would fund campus facility repairs, classrooms, science labs, and workforce training programs.

Measure PFD would provide funding that may be used for fire station improvements, emergency response equipment, wildfire preparedness and brush clearance.

It would help maintain fire, paramedic and 911 response; prepare for and respond to wildfires, earthquakes and medical emergencies; recruit and retain well-trained firefighters; and maintain lifesaving equipment and fire-alert communication.

The measure comes almost two years after the devastating Eaton Fire, which wiped out Altadena and damaged more than 100 homes in Pasadena.

That’s a cursory description of what’s up for grabs.

You’ve got a few hours left, go vote.