New council members sworn in; Sandra Thomas is chair

The Altadena Town Council seated its new and re-elected members at Tuesday night's meeting, and named longtime member Dr. Sandra E. Thomas as chair.

As far as memory serves, Thomas becomes the first African American female elected chair.

Pictured: Altadena Town Council Chair Sandra Thomas.

Other members sworn in by Rita Hadjimanoukian of Supervisor Michael Antonovich's office include new members Gretchen Seager , Brent Musson, and Amy Cienfuegos. Returnees include Greg Middleton, Doug Colliflower, Ken Roberts, Jamie Bissner, and Lori Judson.

The council also named Okorie Ezieme vice-chair, Colliflower treasurer, Bissner corresponding secretary, and Middleton recording secretary.

Thomas is a 35 year resident of Altadena and long-time activist. In 2004 she founded the Quality of Life Center, Inc., where she serves as Dean to Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) more than 500 highest academic achievers currently in the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program.

In 2010, she received the LA County Women’s Commission’s “Woman of the Year Award” for the Fifth District. In 2008, she received the “California Humanitarian and Family Values Award” and in 2009 the “Los Angeles County Love of Children Award.” She was selected Altadena Chamber of Commerce's “Citizen of the Year” for 2007. Congressman Adam Schiff selected Dr. Sandra E. Thomas 2005 “Congressional Woman of the Year.” The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. named her recipient of their “Community Political Awareness Award.” Dr. Thomas was chosen PUSD’s “Outstanding Mother of the Year” in 1979 as well as Pasadena High School’s “Mother of the Year” in 1980.

Thomas is a life member of the Altadena NAACP, past NAACP Altadena Branch President for four years, served three terms as NAACP California State Director, several years as an NAACP National Trainer, currently sits on the NAACP California State Executive Committee, and has been active in the NAACP since 1953. For 6 consecutive years, she hosted the NAACP Today TV Show, and for the last four years has hosted the Quality of Life Today TV Show, focusing on issues in Altadena and the surrounding areas. Other community involvements include: Altadena Sheriff’s Clergy Council, Altadena Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters, Altadena Crown City Kiwanis-Past President, Altadena Community Center Board of Directors –Past President, and the National Congress of Black Women, Los Angeles Chapter. Dr. Thomas is also the second African-American woman ever appointed to the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commissioner and recently “termed out” as president in June 2011. 

Dr. Thomas is a member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church and sits officially on the church’s Mothers Board. Thomas is also the widow of Pastor Emeritus A. Douglas Thomas, who pastored Lincoln Baptist Church for twenty-eight years.  She is the proud mother of three: Rosalyn, Vincent Sr. and Michael Sr. and a grandmother of six: Alexandria, Michael Jr., Victoria, Nicole, Ciera and Vincent Jr. Her educational background includes a BA in psychology, MA in engineering and a PhD in psychological counseling.  According to a statement from the Quality of Life Center, "Dr. Thomas’s professional talents have benefited all in the communication industry where she was employed as an engineer for 46 years.  In 1968, she created what is now known as the 1-“800” toll free telephone system."

“It is always a privilege and indeed my pleasure to serve our community,” said Thomas in the statement. “I look forward to working with my fellow council members and community leaders to do all that I can for Altadena, the community that I love.”