"An Olympics and Paralympics security plan that gives control to a federal administration that is already attacking immigrants in our city and across the nation puts our entire community at risk"
Rick Cole both needs no introduction and has a resume longer than most Torched newsletters, so I'll try my best to condense it to two paragraphs. A former journalist, Rick embarked upon an astonishing public service career at age 27 that ended up spanning four decades and five Southern California cities. He left his most recent role as chief deputy controller for the city of LA in June and is now technically retired, although he's also back on the Pasadena city council for the second time — the first time he was elected was in 1983.
For years, Rick has been outspoken about LA's megaevent readiness — as he told me last month: "LA28’s opaque finances and vague reassurances are not enough to protect the city from fiscal disaster" — and has some pretty good theories on how the city's inability to embrace reforms is holding us all back. I highly recommend listening to his recent interview on Mike Bonin's podcast as well as his farewell speech delivered on the council floor: "If we can’t pave our streets, repair our sidewalks, trim our trees, house our homeless, light our bridges, and fix our firetrucks, how can we host an Olympics in just three years?" Good question, and only one of many I hope he will answer. Get ready for some real talk with Rick!
Torched Talks with Rick Cole Monday, September 15 12 to 1 p.m. PT
🎙️ Torched Talks is an ongoing series of conversations with experts on topics facing LA in its megaevent era. It's free and open to all — simply join the Zoom to watch. I'll post the recording here when it's over
