Debate over Pasadena redistricting grows rowdy

A Pasadena councilwoman was forcibly ejected by armed officers, and the mayor was accused of packing a gun during recent meetings on a controversial redistricting plan.

Councilwoman Pat Van Houte was removed from a meeting Tuesday on orders of Mayor Johnny Isbell after exceeding a three-minute speaking limit. And at a redistricting hearing in March, another councilman said he was "shocked" to see Isbell carrying what looked like a handgun.

Pasadena, pop. 150,000, is among the first in the nation to test last year's ruling by the U.S. Supreme court that weakened the Voting Rights Act. The high court voided the preclearance requirement for election changes, which had been the law of the land for nearly half a century in many Southern states.

After the ruling,Isbell pushed forward a plan, narrowly approved by the city's voters. It switches two of the city's eight council seats from district to citywide elections.

Tensions rising

The restructuring of Pasadena's City Council has severely divided its members. Four members representing the poorer, predominantly Hispanic north side oppose change, while four from the wealthier, whiter south side support it. Passions rose to a frenzy at the city's last two meetings as council members discussed how to redraw the lines.

Van Houte acknowledged that she exceeded her time limit Tuesday before Isbell pulled the plug and ordered her removed.

Van Houte said she was not given sufficient time to voice her objections to the proposed new map: "If someone is trying to represent the best interests of their city, they should not be