Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo on mass JPL layoffs

By Mayor Victor Gordo, Guest columnist

As mayor of Pasadena, my heart goes out to our neighbors at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who this week announced hundreds of layoffs at NASA’s research and development center as part of efforts to create a “leaner infrastructure” and reduce costs amid financial challenges.

In nearly every ceremonial speech I give, whether here at home or abroad, I make a point to remind people that Pasadena is the “Center of the Universe.” I talk about the incredible institutions that call our city home, known and respected around the world. JPL is always at the top of that list. Its scientists, engineers and staff aren’t just innovators exploring the boundaries of human knowledge, they’re our friends, our neighbors, our family.

Many JPL employees live right here