Technically, the city is the defendant in the case since it was required by law to put the matter on the ballot. However, the real defense will come from the three supporting council members, Chris Holden, Joyce Streator and Paul Little.
Pasadena First attorney Fred Woucher will argue the initiative is unconstitutional on a number of grounds. Procedural issues are also being pressed about how the initiative qualified for the ballot.
Pasadena's attorney Michelle Bagneris has been instructed by the council to limit herself to asking Simpson for a judgment on the issues. It will be up to Holden and his allies to defend the issue.
Pasadena Councilman Steve Madison, who has taken the lead role in fighting the initiative, wants it taken off the ballot, a step only a judge can order.
. Simpson could rule immediately or take the matter under advisement, but he is expected to act quickly.
Pasadena city leaders have called the initiative a dead issue, saying the NFL has narrowed its scrutiny to Los Angeles and Anaheim for a football franchise. Holden disagrees, saying the process is still open if Pasadena joins the field.
Before the city dropped out last year, the NFL was promising $500 million to upgrade the Rose Bowl in exchange for a 25-year lease.
Foothill residents have followed the battle with concern, believing pro football in the stadium could lead to future problems with pursuing the recreational uses in the Arroyo. Supporters of the NFL proposal believe it will not only bring financial gain to the area, but it will provide the most realistic opportunity to preserve the historic stadium.
