September 09 2025      Colleague AA In Memoriam Report
09:01

Clippings
Publication: Pasadena Now
Date: 09/04/25
Text: [Updated]  Nina R. Chomsky, a former attorney and relentless
neighborhood advocate whose forthright public comments and painstaking
preparation made her a fixture in Pasadena City Council chambers for
decades, died Saturday in a house fire at her West Pasadena home. She
was 78.

Firefighters, responding at 6:24 a.m. to the 1500 block of Lancashire
Place, found her body inside the residence, which was heavily damaged
by the blaze. The fire was determined to be accidental.

"Pasadena has lost one of its fiercest and most passionate advocates
with the passing of Nina R. Chomsky," Mayor Victor Gordo said in a
statement to Pasadena Now earlier this week. He called her "an
extraordinarily intelligent leader, and a tireless volunteer" who
"poured her heart into protecting the Arroyo, championing the
neighborhoods of the Lower Arroyo, and preserving Pasadena's historic
beauty and legacy."

Gordo described Chomsky as "formidable - always prepared, always
principled," and "well known for being stubborn," a quality he said
pushed officials "to do better" and to think more deeply about their
decisions.

Chomsky's presence at public meetings - sometimes weekly, sometimes
more - became a kind of civic metronome. She filed letters, parsed
staff reports and prodded for changes, earning a reputation as a
constant, sometimes polarizing, voice in West Pasadena's public life.

The mayor said Chomsky leaves "a legacy of service, civic pride, and
spirited leadership," adding that the city is "stronger, more
beautiful, and more thoughtful" for her efforts.

Chomsky's legacy includes leading opposition to the 710 Freeway
extension, challenging Rose Bowl stadium use proposals, and preserving
Linda Vista Park. Her work shaped city planning and gave voice to
neighborhood concerns across generations.

"Nina Chomsky was a force of nature, who devoted herself to preserving
and protecting Pasadena's neighborhoods and character for more than
four decades," said Councilmember Rick Cole, "As fierce antagonist as
she could be when fighting for a cause, she was a kind and gentle
spirit with a wry sense of humor, wicked smart and a good listener, if
often also a fervent debater. While we didn't always agree, I never
doubted her unselfish devotion to this community and her tenacious
desire to uphold its highest traditions and standards. This is a
tragic and cruel loss for Linda Vista and for Pasadena."

A former president of the Linda Vista-Annandale Association, Chomsky
held roles on numerous city commissions, including the General Plan
Coordinating Committee, the Pasadena Design and Northwest Commissions,
and the former Redevelopment Commission.
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September 09 2025      Colleague AA In Memoriam Report
09:01


She was recently named to the board of the West Pasadena Residents
Association.

Chomsky received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College
and her law degree from the University of Southern California.

Her death comes just months after Councilmember Steve Madison publicly
honored her for her sustained contributions to Pasadena's civic life.

"For decades Nina was a forceful advocate for Pasadena's neighborhoods
and their high quality of life," Madison told Pasadena Now. "Her
strong intellect and voice always got the attention of decisionmakers
and frequently resulted in a better outcome as a result of her input.
I went to her home the moment I heard about the fire that morning and
was grateful to learn that she did not suffer in the tragic incident
that cost her her life.

"I was also so grateful that earlier this year when she stepped away
from the Linda Vista Annandale Association board joined the board of
the West Pasadena Residents Association, we took time to recognize,
acknowledge and thank her for her advocacy over the years for Linda
Vista."

Information on survivors was not immediately available. Funeral
arrangements were not immediately known.