Faculty Union to Endorse Four Trustee Candidates
The Pasadena City College Faculty Association backs four candidates ahead of the November 3 district board election.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Administration
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The Pasadena City College Faculty Association has announced its endorsements for four candidates in the November 3, 2026, Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees election. These selections aim to influence leadership regarding college policies.
Why it matters
The union asserts that faculty working conditions are intrinsically tied to student learning conditions. By selecting specific candidates, the association seeks to ensure that future board members are committed to engaging directly with staff.
The association endorsed Alton Wang for Area 7, Steve Gibson for Area 3, Kristine Kwong for Area 5, and Francis Pollara for Area 1. The endorsements cover four distinct board seats in the Pasadena Area Community College District.
The players
Pasadena City College Faculty Association
This professional organization represents faculty members at Pasadena City College and advocates for policies related to their working conditions.
Alton Wang
He is a candidate for the Board of Trustees in Area 7.
Steve Gibson
He is a candidate for the Board of Trustees in Area 3.
Kristine Kwong
She is a candidate for the Board of Trustees in Area 5.
Francis Pollara
He is a candidate for the Board of Trustees in Area 1.
The details
The executive board reached these endorsements after evaluating candidates on their understanding of the role of community colleges. Assessment criteria focused on each candidate's demonstrated commitment to working alongside faculty and staff.
Timeline
The Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
The endorsement process follows the standard procedures for faculty participation in governance established by the California Education Code's collective bargaining provisions. This move reflects a broader trend of organized labor seeking to secure representation in local academic governance.
Residents within the Pasadena Area Community College District will see these endorsements reflected in the campaign materials as they head to the polls. The choice of trustees will impact future administrative decisions and the daily working environment of the college.
The takeaway
Voters should review the platforms of all candidates to understand how different board compositions might affect future college initiatives. Union endorsements provide a window into how organized labor views the priorities and leadership styles of individuals seeking public office.
Further reading
Find more information on local governance in the Pasadena Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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