Rick Cole

Rick Cole (born June 27, 1953) is an American politician and former journalist who is a member-elect of the Pasadena City Council since 2024. Previously, he served as a councilmember from 1983 until 1995 and as Pasadena's mayor from 1992 until 1994. Cole also held positions as the city manager for Azusa, Ventura, and Santa Monica, as well as Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles under Eric Garcetti and Deputy Los Angeles City Controller under Kenneth Mejia.

Cole's early activism was marked by his involvement in various political campaigns and protests. In 1983, he made his first run in local politics by running for the Pasadena City Council, positioning himself as a populist candidate and defeating Stephen Acker, a moderate Republican. Throughout his tenure in various municipal roles, Cole promoted community participation in government. He criticized the Tournament of Roses and its association with controversial figures. He later served as city manager in several California cities. During his tenure in Santa Monica, where he encountered opposition over budget cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the City Council in 2024, after defeating incumbent Felicia Williams. Provided by Wikipedia