Gao, Beilei
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Ronald Matthews
Sunday, October 12, 2025 5:31 PM
Sabha, Tamer; Gao, Beilei; [email protected] Ricky Pickens; Rodriguez, Nicholas; Deadrick, Prentice
Public Comment and Correspondence - Support for Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract
Public safety ricky pikens contract support doc.pdf
?(
You don't often get email from. Learn why this is important ^\] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you fcnoivthe content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Dear Chair Gordo and Members of the Public Safety Committee, Please find attached my correspondence and prepared public comment regarding the Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract scheduled for your October 15, 2025 meeting.
I want to express my full support for the continuation and approval of this contract and to acknowledge Mr. Ricky Pickens and his team for their proven leadership in reducing violence, mediating conflicts, and helping rebuild community trust across Pasadena.
Through my role in local hiring and workforce development, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Mr. Pickens' team to complement their efforts by creating employment pathways for program participants. These efforts align with the mission of the intervention program by supporting long-term stability and opportunity, while ensuring that the focus remains on the critical, frontline work of the gang intervention specialists who make this program so successful.
This contract continues to represent one of Pasadena's most effective approaches to public safety and prevention. I respectfully urge the Committee to support its approval.
Attachments:
i. Correspondence - Support for Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract (R. Matthews)
2. Public Comment - Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract (R. Matthews) Respectfully,
Ronald K. Matthews
CEO-RKM Construction | Local Hiring Coordinator
1 Pasadena, CA 91105
2 October 12, 2025
Honorable Mayor Victor M. Gordo, Chair
and Members of the Public Safety Committee
City of Pasadena
100N.0arfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
Subject: Support for Pasadena's Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract Dear Mayor Gordo and Members of the Public Safety Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for the Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract and to commend Mr. Ricky Pickens and his dedicated team for their outstanding leadership in violence reduction, conflict mediation, and community healing throughout Pasadena.
The work being done under this contract represents one of Pasadena's most effective public safety strategies. By focusing on prevention, credible messengers, and trust-building, this program has reached individuals and families at the heart of community challenges—reducing violence and fostering hope where it is most needed.
Through my role in local hiring and workforce development, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Mr. Pickens and the intervention team to support individuals referred through the program as they transition into employment and training opportunities. These efforts complement the intervention work by providing participants with stability, structure, and a pathway toward long-term success.
While my involvement focuses on workforce collaboration, the real credit belongs to the intervention specialists—the men and women on the ground every day who mediate conflicts, rebuild trust, and prevent violence before it occurs. Their commitment, under Mr. Pickens' leadership, continues to make a measurable impact across Pasadena.
I respectfully urge the Committee to approve and continue supporting this essential contract.
It represents not just an investment in public safety, but in people—proving that prevention, connection, and opportunity can build a stronger, safer Pasadena for all.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to this vital initiative.
Respectfully,
^cM ^. ^i<A^^^
Ronald K. Matthews
CEO - RKM Construction [ Local Hiring Coordinator
Pasadena, CAP 1105
Public Comment - Support for Pasadena's Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract Presented by Ronald K. Matthews, CEO - RKM Construction | Local Hiring Coordinator October 15, 2025
Good afternoon, Mayor Gordo and members of the Public Safety Committee.
My name is Ronald K. Matthews, CEO ofRKM Construction and Local Hiring Coordinator on several Pasadena projects. I'm here today to express my full support for the Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract and to acknowledge the dedicated leadership of Mr. Ricky Pickens and his team for the work they continue to do to keep our neighborhoods safe.
The results of this program speak for themselves. Through direct engagement, credible messengers, and consistent presence in the community, this team has helped reduce violence, mediate conflicts, and rebuild trust. Their work has brought stability and hope to families across Pasadena and has become a model for what effective intervention looks like.
In my role, I've had the privilege of collaborating with Mr. Pickens and his team by helping connect some program participants to employment and training opportunities. These efforts complement—and support—the essential work of the gang intervention specialists. They show what happens when intervention and opportunity work hand in hand to support long-term transformation.
But the real credit belongs to the team members who are in the neighborhoods every day, defusing conflicts and saving lives. Their dedication deserves our full support and recognition.
I respectfully urge this Committee to approve the renewal of the Gang Intervention and Prevention Contract and to continue investing in this proven model of public safety—one built on relationships, prevention, and collaboration.
Thank you for your time, leadership, and commitment to this vital work.