Former Pasadena Mayor and Assemblymember Chris Holden Endorses Geoff Baum for Pasadena City College Board

PASADENA, Calif. — Former Pasadena Mayor and California Assemblymember Chris Holden has endorsed Geoff Baum for the Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 1, adding his support to Baum’s campaign to expand educational opportunity, strengthen pathways from high school to college, and prepare students for transfer and careers.

Holden served on the Pasadena City Council from 1989 to 2012, including as mayor, and then represented the region in the State Assembly for 12 years. In 2015, he authored AB 288, which created College and Career Access Pathways partnerships. The law allows community colleges and school districts to offer college courses on high school campuses, with enrollment fees waived for participating students. Holden later wrote legislation extending it.

“I have known Geoff for many years and have seen his commitment to students, Pasadena and our community colleges firsthand,” Holden said. “Geoff understands how education can open doors, and he has the experience to make those opportunities available to more students. He knows PCC, he understands the state community college system, and he will bring tested leadership to the Board of Trustees. I am pleased to endorse him.”

Baum said Holden’s work on dual enrollment has had a lasting impact on students in Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and beyond.

“Chris turned a good idea into state policy that has changed what is possible for our students,” Baum said. “His legislation gave community colleges and local school districts new tools to bring college courses directly into high school classrooms. We see the results today at schools across the district, where students earn college credit, get a head start on transfer and reduce the time and cost of earning a degree. His support means a great deal because we share a commitment to making college opportunity accessible to students across the state.”

The endorsement continues a relationship stretching back years. In 2014, Holden wrote Gov. Jerry Brown recommending Baum’s reappointment to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, citing his effectiveness, experience in higher education, and leadership on educational issues.

Baum previously served 12 years on the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees, including two terms as board president, and later served on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, including two terms as its president.

Baum is running to represent Area 1 on the Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees. The district includes the Pasadena neighborhoods of Linda Vista, San Rafael, West Pasadena, Madison Heights, Oak Knoll, Downtown Pasadena, and the City of La Cañada Flintridge. More information about Geoff Baum and the campaign is at https://geoffreybaum.org/