Rick Cole

Cole was born on June 27, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan. He moved to Pasadena, California and graduated from Blair High School, later attending with a bachelor's degree from Occidental College in 1978 and a master's degree from Columbia University in 1979.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-03-me-63484-story.html|title=PROFILE / RICK COLE : A Crusader Orchestrates Successful Compromise : Activist: For the second time, Pasadena's mayor has changed the face of the Tournament of Roses. And his job has changed him.|date=December 3, 1993|website=Los Angeles Times|author=Newton, Edmund}} He didn’t hold a full-time job until he was 30 years old when he ran for City Council. Before that, he worked as a freelance journalist, volunteered for campaigns, and headed Mayor of Cleveland Dennis Kucinich’s housing rehabilitation office for three months.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-21-me-cole21-story.html|title=Self-Taught Manager Brings Smart-Growth Advocacy to Ventura|date=March 21, 2004|website=Los Angeles Times|author=Kelley, Daryl}}

While a student at Blair High School, Cole led a walkout protesting the Kent State shootings by the Ohio National Guard in 1970. That same year, he led a group shouting and firing cap guns into a meeting of conservative school board candidates. He worked for the 1972 presidential campaign of U.S. Representative Pete McCloskey, the congressional re-election campaign for Allard K. Lowenstein, and the 1979 re-election campaign for Dennis Kucinich for Mayor of Cleveland.

In 1983, he ran for the Pasadena Board of City Directors (later renamed the Pasadena City Council) against incumbent Stephen Acker. During his campaign, he called himself a populist rather than a liberal and referred to a progressive majority when discussing a power shift.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-vote-will-test-min/149022804/|title=Vote Will Test Minority, Liberal Clout Since Redistricting|date=March 6, 1983|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|page=70|author=Berker, Mayerene}} He defeated Acker in the election in an upset, becoming one of two candidates in a coalition of liberals and ethnic minorities that attempted to defeat incumbents on the board.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-liberals-gain-new/149023240/|title=Liberals Gain New Allies in Pasadena Vote|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 10, 1983|page=135|author=Berker, Mayerene; Barber, Mary}} He resigned from Pasadena Media Inc. in December 1984 to avoid conflicts of interest with its paper, Pasadena Weekly. On January 4, 1986, Cole was hired as a legislative aide by Richard Alatorre, who had been elected to the Los Angeles City Council.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-01-02-gl-23734-story.html|title=Alatorre Hires Pasadena's City Director Cole as Aide|date=January 2, 1986|author=Hastings, Deborah|website=Los Angeles Times}} On May 4, 1992, Cole was named the Mayor of Pasadena, succeeding Jess Hughston, who was his history teacher while at Blair High School.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-03-ga-1639-story.html|title=Cole Has Learned His Lesson in Politics : Government: The former Blair High School student will assume the post of mayor from his former high school teacher, Jess Hughston.|date=May 3, 1992|website=Los Angeles Times|author=Newton, Edmund}}

While as a member of the Board, he criticized the Tournament of Roses and led compromises with the organization. While as vice mayor, he led the criticism of the appointment of a direct descendant of Christopher Columbus as grand marshal of the 1992 Rose Parade, stating that Columbus was a symbol of "greed, slavery, rape, and genocide." He also criticized the composition of the Tournament of Roses board. In the 1993 parade, he wore a T-shirt with the message "Tournament of Racism", which was obscured by another shirt. In November 1994, Cole announced that he would be retiring from the council in order to improve community participation in local government.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-11-11-me-61318-story.html|title=PASADENA : City Councilman Cole Won't Seek Fourth Term|date=November 11, 1994|website=Los Angeles Times}} He was succeeded by neighborhood activist Paul Little.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-04-27-ga-59414-story.html|title=SAN GABRIEL VALLEY / COVER STORY : Pasadena's New Era : City Council observers predict that three newcomers will help usher in a period of calm, reason and effectiveness, a refreshing change from the rancor of the recent past.|date=April 27, 1995|website=Los Angeles Times|author=Holgun, Rick}}

File:Budget Signing (14419654358).jpg) and the Mayor's Office of Budget and Innovation in 2014.|left]]

In July 1998, Cole was appointed as the city manager of Azusa, California, chosen by the council from an applicant pool composed of mostly bureaucrats.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-15-me-60141-story.html|title=Ex-Pasadena Mayor Takes On Challenge in Azusa|date=June 15, 1998|website=Los Angeles Times|author=Hong, Peter Y.; Winton, Richard}} During his tenure as Azusa's city manager, Cole played a significant role in improving the city's economy and spearheaded the implementation of the first citywide form-based code in California.{{cite web|url=https://www.planningreport.com/2014/12/04/rick-cole-honored-leadership-three-socal-cities|title=Cole: Successful Placemaking Arises From Dynamic Pedestrian Environments, Not 'Starchitecture'|website=The Planning Report|date=December 4, 2014}} In March 2000, Cole was investigated for criminal vandalism after covering up a billboard for the Los Angeles Avengers that had sexually suggestive text which read "Six Beautiful Women Will Show You Their Panties". He admitted to the act, explaining that because the billboard was near a city playground, he acted according to his conscience.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-30-me-14217-story.html|title=Official Admits Obscuring Risque Billboard|date=March 30, 2000|website=Los Angeles Times|author=Winton, Richard}} The Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to file any charges against him.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2000-04-12 |title=City Official Won't Be Charged With Vandalism |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-apr-12-me-18653-story.html |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Additionally, councilmember Dick Stanford paid for the use of the city truck that Cole used.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-apr-01-me-14905-story.html|title=Official to Pay for Use of City Truck to Deface Sign|date=April 1, 2000|website=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2014/04/12/budget-guru-rick-cole-looks-to-innovate-los-angeles-city-hall/|title= Budget guru Rick Cole looks to innovate Los Angeles City Hall |date=April 12, 2014|website=Los Angeles Daily News|author=Smith, Dakota}}

On January 2, 2004, Donna Landeros, the city manager of Ventura, California, resigned, citing a lack of support from council members as the reason for her departure. Cole accepted the city's offer to become the city manager in January 2004 and began working as the city manager of Ventura on April 26, 2004. As city manager of Ventura, Cole prioritized visionary goals over code enforcement and construction details, a strategy that drew criticism from some councilmembers. While serving in that position, he was considered but not selected for the city manager position in Austin, Texas.{{cite news |last1=Dunbar |first1=Wells |title=Whither Rick Cole? |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2008-01-14/581317/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Austin Chronicle |date=January 14, 2008}} His forced resignation from the position in 2012 was accepted by a 4–3 vote.{{cite news |last1=Martinez |first1=Arlene |title=Ventura city manager's exit linked to style |url=https://archive.vcstar.com/news/ventura-city-managers-exit-linked-to-style-ep-363089502-351960531.html/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |date=September 28, 2012}}

He became the parish administrator at the San Buenaventura Mission in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.vcstar.com/news/rick-cole-is-taking-new-job-at-san-buenanventura|title=Rick Cole is taking new job at San Buenanventura Mission| first=Rachel |last= McGrath|work=Ventura County Star|date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530071933/http://www.vcstar.com/news/rick-cole-is-taking-new-job-at-san-buenanventura|archive-date=May 30, 2015|url-status=dead}} In July 2013, Cole was appointed by Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti to oversee budget and innovation efforts after being approached by Garcetti’s transition team. They were drawn to Cole's implementation of performance-based budgeting in Azusa and Ventura.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-jul-14-la-me-mayor-budget-deputy-20130715-story.html|title=Rick Cole brings municipal experience to Garcetti administration|date=July 14, 2013|author=Saillant, Catherine|website=Los Angeles Times}} He had initially planned to remain with the administration, but when offered the position of city manager of Santa Monica, a role he was unanimously selected for by Santa Monica’s council, he decided to leave.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-cole-santa-monica-20150527-story.html|title=Aide to L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti hired for top post in Santa Monica|date=May 28, 2015|author=Zahniser, David|website=Los Angeles Times}}

While as Santa Monica's city manager, a petition calling for Cole's resignation was signed by more than 2,800 people, alleging that Cole asked the City Council to cut programs and furlough city staff, which he denied as rumors.{{cite web|url=https://smdp.com/2020/04/18/city-manager-rick-cole-resigns-as-budget-cuts-loom/|title= City Manager Rick Cole resigns as budget cuts loom |author=Pauker, Madeline|website=Santa Monica Daily Press|date= 18 April 2020 }} On April 18, 2020, Cole resigned from his position as city manager of Santa Monica, citing divisions over budget cuts because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-18/santa-monica-city-manager-rick-cole-resigns-citing-divisions-over-coronavirus-budget-cuts|title=Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole resigns, citing divisions over coronavirus budget cuts|date=April 18, 2020|author=Chang, Cindy|website=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/former-pasadena-mayor-rick-cole-steps-down-as-city-manager-in-santa-monica|title=Former Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole Steps Down as City Manager in Santa Monica|date=April 20, 2020|author=Coleman, André|website=Pasadena Now}}

During the 2022 Los Angeles City Controller election, Cole supported Kenneth Mejia, who was running against political veteran and councilmember Paul Koretz. He reached out to Mejia when he saw the campaign’s billboard featuring the city budget and offered his assistance and advice.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-11-11/kenneth-mejia-city-controller-race-first-asian-american-la-citywide-office|title=How two corgis and a Pikachu suit helped Kenneth Mejia make history in L.A. controller race|date=November 11, 2022|author=Park, Jeong; Smith, Dakota|website=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite web|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/inside-the-issues/2023/01/06/a-unique-pairing-in-the-la-city-s-controller-s-office|title=A unique pairing in the LA city's controller's office|date=January 6, 2023|website=Spectrum News}} After Mejia won, he appointed Cole as the Deputy City Controller.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2022-12-03/la-politics-bass-one-week-until-inauguration-l-a-on-the-record|title=L.A. on the Record: Karen Bass tries to hit the ground running|date=December 3, 2022|author=Oreskes, Benjamin; Wick, Julia|website=Los Angeles Times}}

On May 10, 2023, Cole announced his candidacy for his former City Council seat in 2024 to succeed Felicia Williams, who was running for the California State Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2023/05/10/former-pasadena-mayor-rick-cole-announces-bid-for-district-2-council-seat/|title= Former Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole announces bid for District 2 City Council seat |author=Orona, John|date=May 10, 2023|website=Daily Breeze}} However, in August, Williams withdrew from the assembly race and decided to run for re-election, setting up a contest between the two.{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/felicia-williams-withdraws-from-assembly-race-will-stand-for-re-election-in-council-district-2|title=Felicia Williams Withdraws From Assembly Race, Will Stand for Re-Election in Council District 2|date=August 4, 2023|website=Pasadena Now}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2023/08/07/pasadena-vice-mayor-felicia-williams-withdraws-from-assembly-race-sets-eyes-on-reelection-to-city-council/|title= Pasadena Vice Mayor Felicia Williams withdraws from Assembly race, sets eyes on retaining City Council seat |date=August 7, 2023|author=Orona, John|website=Pasadena Star-News}} During the campaign, a mailer for Williams attacked Cole for his efforts 30 years prior, criticizing his actions related to the Tournament of Roses and referencing his controversial "Tournament of Racism" attire.{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/district-2-race-heats-up-as-coles-past-takes-center-stage|title=District 2 Race Heats Up as Cole's Past Takes Center Stage|author=Coleman, André|date=February 5, 2014|website=Pasadena Now}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2024/02/07/pasadena-council-race-goes-back-30-years-to-a-rose-parade-ruckus/|title= Pasadena council race goes back 30 years to a Rose Parade ruckus |date=February 7, 2024|author=Wilson, Larry|website=Daily Breeze}} Williams faced criticism for the mailers, including from fellow council members, for not focusing on policy and issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2024/02/24/election-2024-williams-and-cole-vie-to-represent-district-2-on-the-pasadena-city-council/|title= Election 2024: Williams and Cole vie to represent District 2 on the Pasadena City Council |date=February 24, 2024|website=Daily Breeze|author=Orona, John}} In the election, Cole defeated Williams by 19 points, returning him to the City Council.{{cite web|url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2024/03/06/election-2024-in-pasadena-a-former-mayor-returns-to-city-council-as-incumbent-concedes/|title= Election 2024: In Pasadena, a former mayor returns to City Council as incumbent concedes |date=March 6, 2024|author=Orona, John|website=Daily Breeze}}

Cole is married to Katherine Aguilar Perez, who was the executive director of the Southern California Transportation and Land Use Coalition. They have twin daughters, Antonia and Lucia, and a son, Diego.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jan-23-me-vnmanager23-story.html|title=Azusa's City Manager OKs Ventura Offer|website=Los Angeles Times|date=January 23, 2004|author=Wolcott, Holly J}} The family resides in Pasadena but has moved to the cities where Rick Cole served as city manager. They purchased a house in Ventura when he was named the city manager there in 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-28-me-vnhouse28-story.html|title=Sky-High Housing Hits Home in Ventura|date=March 28, 2004|author=Kelley, Daryl|website=Los Angeles Times }}

In 2006, he was selected as one of Governing Magazine's nine "Public Officials of the Year", noting his “urban revival skills”.{{cite news |title=Rick Cole Represents |url=https://vcreporter.com/2006/11/rick-cole-represents/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=VC Reporter |date=November 9, 2006}} On his resignation as Ventura's city manager, the Ventura County Star editorialized that Cole had "led a downtown revitalization, guided Ventura through daunting budget challenges and oversaw important but unsexy work such as improving public works, water and sewer operations."{{cite news|url=http://www.vcstar.com/opinion/editorial-rick-coles-departure|title=Editorial: Rick Cole's departure|work=Ventura County Star|date=September 1, 2012|author=Editorial|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530053350/http://www.vcstar.com/opinion/editorial-rick-coles-departure|archive-date=May 30, 2015|url-status=dead}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web|title=Creating a 'Real' Place: Azusa Faces the 21st Century |author= Cole, Rick |work=Terrain.org |url=http://www.terrain.org/columns/13/guest.htm |access-date=19 May 2015}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.cityofventura.net/cmblog/ |title=Ventura City Manager Blog |access-date=September 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120022512/http://www.cityofventura.net/cmblog/ |archive-date=January 20, 2010 |last=Cole|first=Rick}}

{{Mayors of Pasadena, California}}

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Category:1953 births

Category:Living people

Category:Mayors of Pasadena, California

Category:People from Detroit

Category:Politicians from Pasadena, California

Category:California Democrats

Category:Occidental College alumni

Category:Columbia University alumni