Friends, Foes Reflect on End to Richard’s Tenure : Pasadena: Family concerns are cited in the volatile councilman’s decision not to seek reelection.

Councilman Isaac Richard, a strong advocate for African Americans in Pasadena, has never been at a loss for words, hurling allegations of racism and invectives that contributed to three council censures and two recent arrests.

But when it comes to calling an end to what is arguably the most controversial political career in the history of Pasadena--his own--Richard has maintained public silence.

Nevertheless, supporters say the councilman’s decision not to run for reelection, which became known earlier this month when he did not file nomination papers for the March 7 vote, was based on family concerns. Four candidates are running for the District 1 seat in the largely minority, relatively poor Northwest section of town.

“You’re supposed to fight as hard as you can for the people you represent, and that’s what he’s been doing,” said Richard’s wife, Sharon Wooden, an assistant U. S. attorney general. “But we get a lot of nasty, racist phone calls. It’s time to stop. It hasn’t been the most pleasant experience.”

“It really grieved him to decide not to run again,” said a Richard supporter, the Rev. William Turner of Pasadena’s Revelation Baptist Church. “But he felt he made his sacrifices for the minority community and now he has to move on to do things for himself and his family.”

But the political damage Richard suffered after wreaking so much havoc apparently played into his decision as well.

A couple of months ago, Richard approached the manager of his first campaign, Tim Brick, and asked if Brick would help him win reelection. Brick said he declined.

“I thought that it was time for some fresh air at City Hall,” Brick said. “I just think that things have descended into kind of a swamp. . . .”

Richard’s colleagues on the City Council, and his detractors, could hardly agree more.

“I’m looking forward to the council without him here,” said Councilman William M. Paparian, one of the most recent targets of Richard’s infamous fury.

“He became so disruptive that he immobilized the council,” said Christle Balvin, one of a number of prominent Pasadena residents and business owners who have criticized the council’s infighting in recent months.

Love him or hate him--and most people seem to feel one way or the other--one thing is certain: Bright, articulate Richard and his sometimes venomous tongue have made a mark that will be remembered for a long time.

Since his campaign four years ago, Richard, one of two African Americans on the council, has focused his efforts on bringing more black residents into Pasadena’s political and economic life.

Within a month of his election in 1991, Richard set out to make good on campaign promises, helping to win permanent positions for dozens of temporary city employees, most of whom were minorities.

But Richard, now 37, also wasted no time in getting into a public flap, one of many that showed his explosive temper and prompted detractors to accuse him of pushing his weight around.

In August, 1991, about three months after taking office, Richard drew strong criticism for reportedly threatening the job of a police lieutenant who impounded the councilman’s motorcycle for an expired registration.

Richard continued to be a strong voice for minority rights on various issues, including raising allegations of police abuse and protesting a lack of minority representation on the Tournament of Roses Assn.

But he also continued to make headlines for outrageous behavior.

In July, 1992, police arrested Richard on suspicion of pointing a handgun at a group of youths who were taunting him. The county district attorney’s office never filed charges, citing insufficient evidence.

The next month, the City Council censured Richard for making rude remarks and for “anti-social behavior” that included cursing and threatening a Pasadena housing official.

Then in March, 1993, Richard was accused of forcefully kissing and fondling a friend at his home. The woman later declined to press charges. At about the same time, Richard checked into a treatment facility for a “chemical imbalance,” but he denied reports that he was a cocaine user.

More headlines came with the second censure in June, 1993. City Clerk Maria Stewart accused the councilman of sexual harassment for using sexual language to curse a group of city officials. The censure deprived Richard of council perquisites, such as access to Rose Bowl tickets, which led to another incident three months later.

Richard confronted Councilman Chris Holden in the Rose Bowl press box during a UCLA football game and shouted at him for his role in depriving Richard of game tickets.

The council censured Richard a third time in November, 1994, after an angry exchange in which he tried to protest that a fellow councilman--Paparian--is permitted to carry a concealed weapon, although both Paparian and police have said he does not bring the weapon into council meetings.