Pasadena Council Censures Richard After Angry Exchange at Meeeting

The Pasadena City Council has censured Councilman Isaac Richard for the third time after an angry exchange in which he tried to protest that a fellow councilman is permitted to carry a concealed weapon.

The censure, approved on a 4-0 vote late Monday night, deprives Richard of his travel expense account as well as the privilege of buying tickets to the Rose Bowl and other Pasadena events. It lasts through April, the end of Richard’s council term.

The censure was triggered when Richard tried to discuss the permit issued this year to Councilman William M. Paparian.

Mayor Kathryn Nack tried to gavel Richard down, deciding that the subject was not appropriate for public discussion. Although the name of anyone holding a permit is public record, the details of why the person needs to carry a weapon are confidential, said interim City Atty. Christina Sierra.

Richard was “not allowing the meeting to go forward in an orderly manner,” Nack said.

The councilman continued to argue despite a warning by the sergeant-at-arms that he would be ejected. Nack finally recessed the meeting. Later, after Richard left, Nack, Paparian and council members Chris Holden and Rick Cole voted for the censure. No other council members were present.

Richard said Tuesday that he objects to the councilman carrying a gun in the council chambers. He said that if Paparian is in danger, then perhaps a metal detector should be used at the entrance of the council chambers to protect everyone. Paparian could not be reached for comment.

The council has censured Richard twice for cursing and threatening city officials during council meetings.