Evette Kim | Saying Goodbye to South Pasadena

The former district representative for State Senator Anthony Portantino becomes the director of development for the Center for Asian American United for Self-Empowerment

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | South Pasadena Mayor Dr. Marina Khubesrian, left, is joined by Evette Kim, who served as district representative for State Senator Anthony Portantino before becoming the director of development for the Center for Asian American United for Self-Empowerment

A tearful Evette Kim said goodbye during last Wednesday’s South Pasadena City Council meeting, departing as district representative for State Senator Anthony Portantino to now work for a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization.

“It has been a hard to say goodbye to people, especially everyone in South Pasadena,” said Kim as she stood at the podium bidding the council well as she becomes the director of development for the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment, better known as CAUSE. “I just want to say thank you to all of you for welcoming me. Thank you, thank you all.”

It was an emotional moment for the woman who has turned up at countless events and ribbon cutting ceremonies in the city over the past two years on behalf of the senator, often presenting proclamations with a bright smile.

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“Thank you Evette, you have absolutely been fantastic, such a great support to the city,” said South Pasadena City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe. “We’re going to miss you tremendously and good luck in your new endeavors.”

Mayor Dr. Marina Khubesrian added: “We’ll welcome you back whenever. Hopefully, you’ll stay in touch with us.”

Councilmember Diana Mahmud noted that Evette’s connection in South Pasadena “was palpable, and the love and affection that you gave to us we’ve returned back to you.”

In addition to serving as Portantino’s district representative Portantino, Kim worked in the election division as a bilingual outreach specialist for the Los Angeles city clerk. She joined the U.S. Army in 2014 and is proudly serving her country.

Kim graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor of arts in both political science and peace studies.