Charley Lu

Engineer

I am an engineer, consensus builder and problem solver. I am public safety commissioner, and I lived in this city over 21 years. Asian American is over 1/3 of the population and we need more Asian voice. I've been in leadership position for several prestigious organization. I was born in a small town 200 miles south of Beijing, where both of my parents worked as doctors at a local hospital. I spent ten years at Tsinghua University—often referred to as the "MIT of China"—where I earned my Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Engineering. My connection with South Pasadena began in 1999, when I accepted a job offer from a technology startup in South Pasadena on an H1-B Visa shortly after completing my Ph.D. A few years later, I bought a home and settled down so my children could attend Monterey Hills Elementary School. The startup thrived and eventually went public on the NASDAQ. As my family grew, we found ourselves in need of a larger home, which led us to purchase another house in South Pasadena that had been under construction for over twenty years due to legal disputes between the previous owner and city and neighborhood historical preservation activists. It took me two years of building trust and collaborating with all involved parties to finally complete the house, which was featured in the historical house showcase in 2015. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. Over the years, I have held leadership roles in various prestigious non-profit organizations, ranging from a university alumni association to professional and political groups, and a Toastmasters club. My efforts have always aimed to unite people and enrich their lives, careers, and democratic engagement. As my children went on to college and started their careers with Fortune 500 companies in New York and Seattle, I found more time to devote to local community projects and regularly attended city council meetings. I was honored to be appointed as a public safety commissioner by Mayor Znaimer and the city council. My initiatives have included launching a neighborhood watch program on my street and participating in ride-alongs with our firefighters and police officers to better understand their daily challenges. Driven by a growing passion for city affairs, I am now eager to further my commitment to the community by running for city council. My priorities will be enhancing public safety, ensuring responsible budget management, improving operational efficiency through innovative technology, and supporting affordable housing initiatives. I look forward to listening to all residents and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve the quality of life for everyone in South Pasadena.

Criminal Justice / Public Safety We will work to recruit and retain public safety staff, ensuring that our police and emergency responders are well-trained, well-equipped, and well-prepared to handle any situation. Increase patrol at public space like train station, etc.. Arts / Culture Hosting regular community events, such as street fairs, farmers’ markets, and cultural festivals, can bring residents together and boost local business traffic. These events can celebrate our community’s diversity and heritage while providing a platform for local vendors and artists. Infrastructure / Transportation Enhancing user-friendly digital platforms that allow residents to easily access municipal services, report issues, and receive real-time updates. This includes developing mobile apps and online portals that streamline interactions with the city. Additionally, the city will leverage big data to analyze and optimize services for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Housing Support comprehensive affordable housing solutions for young families, seniors, veterans, and diverse groups that benefit the community as a whole. Ensure new developments align with community values and meet local needs. Arts / Culture Encourage the arts by supporting local artists and artisans who create works that reflect our town’s history and culture. This can be achieved through grants, gallery spaces, and public art projects. Education Partnering with schools, businesses, and community organizations to create a comprehensive safety plan ensures that everyone is on the same page. We can develop programs tailored to specific groups, such as school safety initiatives and business continuity planning. Economy Providing comprehensive support services for local businesses, including business development resources and networking opportunities, will help them thrive and grow. We will build a bridge between local businesses and residents, ensuring mutual support and cooperation. Social Services Offering workshops and training sessions to help residents benefit from new technologies regardless of age or background. This includes classes on using digital services, understanding cybersecurity, and more. Infrastructure / Transportation Installing additional traffic-calming devices and signage to slow down vehicles, improve safety for pedestrian and biker crossings, and enforce responsible driving practices for a safer community. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Educating residents on emergency preparedness, self-defense, and neighborhood watch techniques will empower our community to take an active role in their safety. Regular workshops and training sessions can equip residents with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to various emergencies. Government Reform It is essential to develop a robust communication network that allows residents to report suspicious activities, receive timely alerts, and stay informed about local safety concerns. To keep everyone connected, we can use mobile apps, social media platforms, and community hotlines. Government Reform We will leverage online platforms and social media to gather feedback from residents on various issues. This will ensure that everyone has a voice in local governance and can contribute ideas to improve our community. Arts / Culture Protect historical landmarks and single family neighborhoods to maintain our small-town charm. Infrastructure / Transportation We will prioritize fixing and upgrading our outdated road, water, sewer, and lighting systems. Our goal is to raise the Pavement Condition Index from approximately 60 to 80, ensuring that our roads are safe and are maintained at the lowest possible cost. Infrastructure / Transportation We will integrate sensors—such as those monitoring traffic, water pressure, and air quality—along with other smart devices into our physical infrastructure to more efficiently monitor and manage resources. By utilizing AI to analyze data from these sensors and digital services, we can gain valuable insights that will enhance city planning, optimize financial management, and improve emergency response. Social Services Focus on mental health programs to reduce related crimes. Address homelessness with comprehensive support services. Social Services We will invest in parks, the South Pasadena Library, and community centers to create vibrant public spaces where residents can gather, learn, and enjoy themselves. These spaces will host workshops, performances, and educational programs, fostering a sense of community and continuous learning.