Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal agreed that a redistricting scheme intentionally discriminated against Hispanic and Latino residents by diluting their ability to elect preferred candidates to City Council.
In 2014, voters narrowly approved the controversial voting plan that called for electing six members from districts and two at large. This was changed from an eight-single-member City Council voting plan. The redistricting was led by longtime Mayor Johnny Isbell. 
Rosenthal ruled for officials to restore the eight-single-member City Council voting plan used before 2014. Pasadena now faces special supervision, with Rosenthal overseeing the 2017 municipal elections in May. Pasadena must also submit any future changes in its voting plan to the U.S. Justice Department.
The ruling follows a trial in late 2016 where plaintiffs argued that Isbell forced the ballot measure through despite objections from council members. Plaintiffs’ attorneys also accused the mayor of using city funds and resources to mobilize voters on Pasadena’s south side in support of the ballot measure.
Source: HoustonPublicMedia.com, “Federal Judge Rules Pasadena Infringed on Latino Voting Rights, Orders Changes,” by Andrew Schneider/Associated Press, January 7 , 2017.