Friday, October 3, 2025

Hypnotherapy Initiative Offers Emotional Recovery Help for Altadena Fire Victims

Residents affected by the Eaton Canyon fire now have access to free, personalized hypnotherapy sessions through a grassroots collaboration between Rahban Development, a local LA construction firm and Certified Hypnotherapist Ted Moreno. The initiative aims to help survivors release trauma, reduce stress and regain emotional stability.

“This program helps people let go of negative memories and focus on moving forward in a healthy way,” said Rahban Development Customer relations director, Mathew Rahban. “I’ve seen a complete change in my life since working with Ted.”

Moreno said trauma and grief after a fire are stored not just in the mind but in the body. “Hypnotherapy helps people release stress, grief and loss that have built up inside,” he said. “The sessions are tailored to each individual’s needs, allowing them to feel safe while working through their emotions.”

To reinforce healing, Moreno records hypnosis sessions for clients to use at home, supporting relaxation and recovery between visits. While one session may offer relief, he recommends multiple appointments for lasting impact.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Rebuild LA Resource Fair Offers Eaton Fire Survivors a Path Toward Recovery

For families still reeling from the devastation of the Eaton Fire, more help is on the way. On October 14, the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC), together with the Builders for Better Communities Foundation, will host the Rebuild LA Resource Fair in Pasadena — a one-stop event designed to connect wildfire survivors with the tools, expertise, and community support needed to rebuild.

The free event will provide wildfire victims with direct access to specialists on fire-resistant materials, insurance claims, permits, and the often daunting steps of reconstruction.

Guests will also receive complimentary appetizers and community networking opportunities, alongside practical consultations.

“BIASC members have been building homes in the Southern California region for over 100 years and are pleased to offer our expertise as you navigate the complex rebuild process,” the association stated in its invitation to survivors.

To coordinate long-term recovery, BIASC launched the Rebuild LA Alliance, bringing together builders, contractors, and goodwill ambassadors.

Patrice Quishenberry,

Friday, October 3, 2025

California Businesses Bear Brunt Of Growing Unemployment Benefit Debt

By Dan Walters, CALMATTERS

Companies owned by President Donald Trump have declared bankruptcy six times, a reminder that a corporation that defaults on repaying money it has borrowed is often forced into bankruptcy court.

Several California cities, including Stockton and San Bernardino, that unwisely made pension promises to their employees that they could not keep also wound up before a federal bankruptcy judge.

And then there’s California’s state government.

Five years ago, California borrowed $20 billion from the federal government because its unemployment insurance system didn’t have enough money to pay a strong surge of claims. More than two million Californians had lost their jobs after Gov. Gavin Newsom forced many businesses to shut their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

California was not alone in borrowing to maintain benefits for jobless workers, although no other state approached its huge debt, and all others — most recently New York and Connecticut — have repaid their loans.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Two-Day Insurance Workshop for Eaton Fire Survivors Starts Friday

Workshop aims to empower disaster survivors to effectively manage recovery claims and access vital resources

United Policyholders, a nonprofit focused on disaster recovery advocacy, has launched a two-day “Road to Recovery” insurance claims workshop to support residents of Altadena and Pasadena affected by the devastating Eaton Fire.

This targeted initiative seeks to equip fire survivors with the tools and guidance necessary to navigate the complex world of insurance claims following substantial property losses.

Organizers say the workshop will provide guidance on filing and managing insurance claims, understanding policy coverage and accessing available resources.

Separate sessions scheduled at the Pasadena Senior Center, located at 85 East Holly Street in Pasadena, will cater to different groups: Friday, Oct. 3, is reserved for older adults, while Saturday’s session is open to all impacted homeowners and renters.

Each session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, combining expert presentations with opportunities for personalized guidance.

Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops or tablets with Wi-Fi capabilities to utilize interactive tools and online resources available during the event.

Friday, October 3, 2025

The Race That Wouldn’t Lose Out: How Sierra Madre Saved a 117-Year-Old Tradition

By THERESE EDU

Eaton Fire and later rains destroyed numerous sections of Mount Wilson Trail, forcing shift to downtown streets

For the first time in 117 years, the Mount Wilson Trail Race is leaving the mountain. More than 600 runners will race through downtown Sierra Madre on Saturday instead of climbing the 8.6-mile trail that has defined the race since 1908.

The event’s name, too, reflects the circumstances. This year’s event is called the “MWT 5K Recovery Run/Race/Walk.”

The Eaton Fire destroyed 24 sections of the Mount Wilson Trail, and the rains that followed forced the U.S. Forest Service to close the trail until the end of the year, according to race organizers.

Pete Siberell, chair of the Mount Wilson Trail Race, said the closure created a decision point for organizers.

“[It would] have been very easy to say, ‘We’ll pass this year, we’ll come back next year,'” Siberell said. “But we don’t do things that way here.”

Friday, October 3, 2025

Students Encouraged to Walk, Bike to School on Oct. 8 for National Walk and Roll to School Day

Police department urges families to prioritize pedestrian safety and active transportation as community prepares for annual event

Pasadena families and students are being urged to participate in National Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, an annual event that promotes physical activity and safe routes for children traveling to campus, according to a Pasadena Police Department press release.

The event highlights the need for accessible walking and biking paths while bringing attention to pedestrian safety in Pasadena, according to the department’s announcement Monday.

“National Walk and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to highlight pedestrian safety and advocate for safer routes for walking and biking to school,” Pasadena Police Lieutenant Anthony Russo said in the statement. “This day underscores the importance of boosting physical activity and prioritizes the safety of the families in our community.”

The police department warned that while extra caution is needed on the morning of Oct. 8 due to increased foot and bike traffic,

Friday, October 3, 2025

California Apartment Association Files Supplemental Brief in Pasadena Rent Control Appeal

The association argues Pasadena’s Measure H conflicts with state law and violates constitutional protections

The California Apartment Association filed a supplemental brief with the California Court of Appeal on Sept. 30, intensifying its legal challenge to Pasadena’s rent control law, Measure H.

The filing responds to a rare request from the appellate court for additional briefing following oral arguments earlier in September. The court specifically asked both parties to address whether Measure H’s relocation assistance provisions are preempted by the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (Assembly Bill 1482), according to the brief filed in California Apartment Association v. City of Pasadena, Case No. B327634.

In its brief, the California Apartment Association argues that Measure H “conflicts with state law in multiple respects,” including its relocation assistance requirements, which the association contends “exceed the limits” set by Assembly Bill 1482 and are therefore preempted. The association also asserts that Measure H’s rent rollback provisions unlawfully impose rent ceilings on units exempt under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act,

Friday, October 3, 2025

Mail-In Ballots on the Way to LA County Residents for CA Special Election

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County has begun sending vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters in the county ahead of the Nov. 4 statewide special election on congressional redistricting, and state officials urged residents Thursday to cast their ballots early.

The election includes one measure, Proposition 50, which is a proposal to temporarily redraw California’s congressional district lines in an effort to create more Democratic seats in the House — an effort Gov. Gavin Newsom says will offset a similar move in Texas designed to create more Republican seats.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office officials said voters can return their ballots be placing them in any of more than 400 drop boxes across the county, sending them through the mail by election day or visiting one of the county’s officials Vote Centers, which will begin opening on Oct. 25.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber held a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday urging people to cast their ballots early,

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Shocked By Dr. Jane Goodall’s Death, Students At Event She Was to Address Carry On Tree-Planting Initiative

The renowned primatologist was to keynote Pasadena gathering where 1,000 students unveiled TREEAMS, a wildfire recovery effort to plant 5,000 trees

In an extraordinary confluence of shock, dismay, and hope, 1,000 students from across Los Angeles launched a major reforestation initiative Wednesday in Pasadena shortly after learning that Dr. Jane Goodall, who was to have been their keynote speaker, had died earlier that morning at age 91.

The students, gathered at EF Academy Pasadena for the launch of TREEAMS (Trees + Dreams), a youth-led movement to plant 5,000 trees in wildfire-ravaged areas, proceeded with their ceremony despite the devastating news about the world-renowned conservationist who had championed their cause.

Dr. Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace, had been scheduled to address the students directly about their ambitious response to the January 2025 wildfires that devastated communities from Altadena to Pacific Palisades. That initiative, conceived by Margarita Pagliai, Head of School at Seven Arrows Elementary School,

Thursday, October 2, 2025

All Saints Church to Host Foster Care, Adoption Workshop Thursday

Event aims to answer questions about becoming resource parent in Los Angeles County

All Saints Church in Pasadena will host an information session Thursday, Oct. 2, for people interested in fostering or adopting children in Los Angeles County.

The workshop will be held in Sweetland Hall at All Saints. It begins at 6 p.m.

A church announcement said the Foster Care Project Steering Committee and All Our Kids will present the session. Church staff and guests will answer questions about resource parenting.

Resource parents either foster or adopt children in state care.

All Saints Church’s Foster Care Project provides education, advocacy and direct services. The program supports children and youth in foster care.

It also helps homeless, transitional and incarcerated youth.

The project works to increase awareness of the foster care crisis in Los Angeles County. It recruits volunteers and provides direct services.

Services include helping foster families and celebrating children’s birthdays.