Anton Anderson: My First 90 Days on Altadena Town Council
Transitioning into local government is rarely a quiet
affair, but for Anton Anderson, the journey onto the Altadena Town
Council has been a masterclass in community connection, resilience, and the
power of listening. In a recent episode of Altadena Talks, hosted by
Brian Baccus, Jamal Smith, and Toni Bailey Raines, Anderson opened up about his
first 90 days in office, sharing insights into what it takes to represent a
community as unique and vibrant as Altadena.
From a swearing-in ceremony in the historic locker rooms of
the Rose Bowl to navigating the recovery efforts following local fires,
Anderson’s first three months have been anything but "business as
usual." Here is a look at his journey so far and what he has learned about
leading from the ground up.
The Road to the Council: A Unique Swearing-In
Most political journeys begin in a sterile city hall or a
courtroom, but Anton Anderson’s tenure started in a place that holds deep
personal and local significance: the Rose Bowl. Sworn in on December
16th during the Altadena Town Council’s annual holiday party, Anderson
described the experience as a "full-circle moment."
As a lifelong UCLA Bruins fan and a native of Altadena,
being inside the locker rooms and touring the stadium’s hidden museum was a
highlight. "I thought I knew my way around the Rose Bowl," Anderson
joked, "but I didn't realize there’s a whole world under the
stands—museums dedicated to high school and college football history."
This backdrop served as a fitting reminder of the deep roots and history that
define the region he now represents.
The First 90 Days: The "Listening Tour"
Strategy
One of the most common mistakes new leaders make is rushing
in with a list of "fixes" before they truly understand the problems.
Anderson took a different approach. He committed his first 90 days to listening.
"It’s very easy to come in and say, 'I’ve got the
solution, I know what we should do,'" Anderson explained. "But
at the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about all of us—the black and
brown community, Altadena at large, and the greater Dena area."
By attending monthly meetings and engaging with
constituents, Anderson has focused on identifying the patterns of the
community. His goal is to ensure that as Altadena progresses, it maintains its
core identity. This "listening first" philosophy is designed to build
trust and ensure that the council’s actions are a true reflection of the
residents' needs.
Key Pillars of the Listening Phase:
- Understanding
Patterns: Observing how local departments (Sheriff, Fire, Public
Works) interact over several months.
- Constituent
Meetings: Taking the time to meet with neighbors and local business
owners to hear their direct concerns.
- Inclusive
Progress: Ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are
prioritized in the council's vision for growth.
Altadena’s Identity: More Than Just a Dairy
For years, people outside the area have often confused
Altadena with the famous dairy brand. Anderson and the hosts shared a laugh
about the common question: "Are you the dairy? Are you milking cows
every morning?"
However, the reality of Altadena is much more profound. It
is a community defined by resilience. Following recent local fires,
Anderson has been in awe of how the community has stepped up. From neighbors
helping neighbors to local leaders coordinating recovery efforts, the
"situation made the moment," proving that Altadena is a place where
people truly care for one another.
The Heart of the Community: Spotlight on Local Business
A significant portion of the conversation centered on the
role of local businesses in Altadena’s ecosystem, specifically highlighting Perry’s
Joint. This beloved sandwich shop serves as a microcosm of what makes
Altadena special. Owner Perry has become a staple of the community, known not
just for his "best-in-the-state" chicken salad, but for his
commitment to the local youth.
The hosts and Anderson discussed how Perry’s Joint employs
local students, providing them with mentorship and a sense of belonging. Even
after suffering smoke damage during the fires and losing the Little Red Hen
building on Fair Oaks, Perry’s commitment to rebuilding and serving the
community hasn't wavered. For Anderson, supporting businesses like Perry’s
isn't just about economic development; it’s about preserving the "customer
care" and legacy that binds the town together.
The Reality of Council Work: Monthly Meetings and Public
Safety
While the swearing-in was a celebration, the actual work of
a council member involves deep dives into the mechanics of town management.
Anderson highlighted the importance of the monthly council meetings, held every
third Tuesday of the month.
These meetings are where the "rubber meets the
road," featuring reports from:
- Local
Law Enforcement: Updates from the Sheriff’s Department and California
Highway Patrol on community safety.
- Fire
Department: Essential updates on fire prevention and recovery
progress.
- Department
of Public Works: Discussions on infrastructure, road repairs, and
community maintenance.
Anderson noted that seeing these departments work together
has been inspiring. It provides a "macro" view of the town’s health
and allows the council to act as a bridge between the residents and the
government agencies serving them.
Actionable Insights for Community Engagement
Anton Anderson’s experience offers valuable lessons for
anyone looking to get involved in local government or community advocacy:
1. Show Up to the Meetings
Change doesn't happen in a vacuum. Anderson encourages all
residents to attend the Town Council meetings in person. Public comment is
welcomed, and it is the most direct way to ensure your voice is heard by those
making decisions.
2. Support Local "Anchor" Businesses
Local businesses are the backbone of community identity. By
frequenting shops like Perry’s Joint, residents support local employment and
ensure that the community remains vibrant and self-sustaining.
3. Leading with Empathy
Whether you are a council member or a concerned neighbor,
leading with a "listening ear" creates a more inclusive environment.
Understanding the history of your neighbors—especially in a diverse area like
Altadena—is key to moving forward together.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Stronger Altadena
Anton Anderson’s first 90 days have been a period of growth,
observation, and deep appreciation for his hometown. By focusing on the
"royal we" and prioritizing the collective success of the community
over individual political wins, he is setting a standard for what modern local
leadership can look like.
As Altadena continues to recover and grow, the message is
clear: the community is stronger when everyone steps up. Whether it’s through
public service, supporting a local business, or simply attending a council
meeting, every resident has a role to play in Altadena’s future.
Want to hear more about Anton’s journey and the latest
happenings in Altadena? Watch the full episode of Altadena Talks to
get the full story and join the conversation!
Watch the full video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiltBZFklUo
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