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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Light Rain Soaks Southland, with Brunt of Storm Expected Thursday — Evacuations Possible
CITY NEWS SERVICE
Light rain fell across most of the Southland Wednesday, but it was only a precursor to what forecasters are calling a potentially dangerous storm expected to arrive by late Thursday, raising fears of flooding, mudslides and debris flows, particularly in the recent burn areas, where evacuations could be ordered.
Los Angeles County and city public works crews have been working for days to prepare for the storm — emptying debris basins, clearing storm drains and distributing sandbags to residents. In the Eaton Fire burn zone, the county Department of Public Works and the sheriff’s department have also been warning residents living in homes that may be at high risk of damage from mudslides or flooding, and advising them to prepare to evacuate.
Sheriff Robert Luna said formal evacuation warnings will likely be issued sometime Wednesday, possibly followed by evacuation orders depending how the storm develops Thursday.
“Please, if evacuation orders are made, … keep your safety in mind,”
Read More »Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Federal Agencies Begin Fire Debris Cleanup on Private Properties, Hailed As Major Milestone
CITY NEWS SERVICE
Efforts to clear debris from residential properties in the Eaton and Palisades burn areas were continuing Wednesday, with the start of such operations hailed as a major milestone achieved in record time.
“Today we take another step toward rebuilding not just homes and businesses, but hope itself,” Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator Bob Fenton said at a news conference Tuesday at the Eaton Fire burn area in Altadena.
He said the debris-removal process “is about making properties safe, restoring the land and preparing for what comes next.”
FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with L.A. County and impacted municipalities, began debris-clearance work Tuesday on properties of survivors who submitted a form, known as a Right of Entry form, to remove fire-damaged structures such as concrete and metal, ash and hazardous trees.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the beginning of Phase 2 debris-removal work was occurring with “unprecedented” speed, beginning just 35 days since the fires erupted.
Read More »Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Day-By-Day, Play-By-Play Forecast For This Week’s Potent Inbound Rain Storm
A storm system will drench Pasadena and Altadena with several rounds of steady rainfall and possible thunderstorms through Friday, before conditions improve for the weekend.
Forecasters expect persistent rain to begin Wednesday, with rainfall totals building significantly through Thursday when 1 to 2 inches could fall. Gusty south winds up to 20 mph will accompany the heaviest precipitation, with thunderstorms possible late Thursday night into early Friday morning.
The wet weather pattern is predicted to gradually wind down Friday, giving way to partly cloudy skies Friday night and mostly sunny conditions by Saturday when temperatures will climb to around 65 degrees. The break in rainfall offers residents a respite after what could amount to over 3 inches of rain during the three-day stretch.
Here is the latest forecast for Pasadena as of 3:14 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, from the National Weather Service:
Wednesday: Rain. High near 54. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Read More »Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Powerful Storm Expected Starting Wednesday
CITY NEWS SERVICE
Local authorities are urging residents Wednesday to prepare for what could be a potentially dangerous storm set to slam the region, potentially triggering flooding, mudslides or debris flows, particularly in the recent wildfire burn zones.
“I want to really urge everyone to take the alerts seriously here,” National Weather Service meterologist Ariel Cohen said during a Tuesday morning news conference with Mayor Karen Bass at Los Angeles City Hall. “… We have a return to some potentially dangerous weather conditions across the area. Most places are not going to experience those dangerous weather conditions, and it’s possible we get through this rain event without any significant problems, but the potential is there. And those across the region … are encouraged to be taking the weather alerts seriously.”
The NWS has already described the multi-day storm system as likely to be “the biggest precipitation producer so far this season.”
Cohen said it will be the “most significant storm”
Read More »Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Federal Agencies Set to Begin Fire Debris Cleanup on Private Properties Tuesday
By JOSE HERRERA, City News Service
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin removing fire debris starting Tuesday from private properties damaged or destroyed by the January wildfires, officials announced Monday.
The two federal agencies in partnership with L.A. County and impacted municipalities will enter the properties of survivors who submitted a form, known as Rights of Entry, to remove fire-damaged structures such as concrete and metal, ash and hazardous trees.
During a news briefing, federal officials noted the announcement represented a major milestone in the wildlife recovery process.
“Residents in impacted areas will notice an increase in truck traffic, equipment movement and work crews over the coming days, weeks and months,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the USACE’s Recovery Field Office. “We do ask for your patience and understanding as we work to remove debris and reduce the long-term risk for the entire L.A. County community.”
Right of Entry forms are available at any FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/.
Read More »Tuesday, February 11, 2025

What Data-Driven Science Reveals About the Twisted Saga of Western Water Rights
By Sabrina Pirzada, CALTECH
In the American West, water is a sacred and scarce resource plagued by pollution, shortages, and contentious fights over legal rights, often between Indigenous peoples and business groups. At Caltech, Laura Taylor, a postdoctoral instructor in the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, conducts data-driven research that combines satellite imagery with historical and economic analysis to point to policy solutions for fairer resource allocation and cleaner water.
Through her work, Taylor has demonstrated that the processes tribes must go through to have their long-established legal rights to water quantified and enforced may actually be contributing to the degradation of this resource.
A Legacy of Water InjusticeWater shapes life, economy, and power, Taylor notes. But decades of overuse, drought, and inequitable allocation have made water a fiercely contested resource, particularly in the West.
Under the “first in time, first in right” doctrine, a principle of prior appropriation used in Western United States water law, the first person to divert water from a natural source and put it to “beneficial use” secures the legal right to that water.
Read More »Thursday, February 6, 2025

‘Phase 2’ Wildfire Debris Removal Expands as Cleanup Advances
CITY NEWS SERVICE
Despite the rain, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is continuing its “Phase 2″ wildfire-debris removal efforts Thursday, with work advancing at five Pasadena Unified School District campuses destroyed or damaged in the Eaton Fire.
The start of Phase 2 was announced Tuesday, with the work initially involving two PUSD campuses — Loma Alta Elementary School in Altadena and Edison Elementary in Pasadena.
Army Corps of Engineers Col. Eric Swenson told reporters Wednesday that crews were working at five PUSD campuses. It was unclear which other campuses were being cleared. Swenson said no clearance work had yet begun on any residential properties, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still conducting its Phase 1 removal of household hazardous wastes from destroyed properties.
Officials have said that individual properties could move into the Phase 2 debris-removal stage, even as Phase 1 cleanup continued in the burn Palisades and Eaton burn areas.
EPA officials said Wednesday there were more than 1,000 people working on the hazardous waste removal effort,
Read More »Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Corps of Engineers Begins Phase 2 of Debris Removal in Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially begun Phase 2 of wildfire debris removal in Los Angeles County, marking a critical step in the region’s recovery efforts. The first sites to undergo clearing are two schools in the Pasadena Unified School District, where crews will remove hazardous debris to ensure a safe path forward for rebuilding.
The Army Corps of Engineers is leading this effort in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with state and local partners. The work involves clearing fire-damaged properties of hazardous ash and debris while adhering to strict environmental and safety protocols.
FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton emphasized the importance of this phase: “Debris removal is a critical step toward rebuilding these communities. FEMA remains committed to supporting local communities in their recovery every step of the way.”
The Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office Commander, Col. Eric Swenson, underscored the Corps’ commitment to the mission: “Beginning Phase 2 means we’re making tangible progress toward recovery.
Read More »Tuesday, February 4, 2025

“Atmospheric River” Bears Down on Altadena and Pasadena
CITY NEWS SERVICE AND NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
A pair of storm systems are expected to dump rain on Southern California beginning Tuesday, again raising fears of possible debris or mud flows in recent burn areas.
The first system is scheduled to arrive sometime Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Los Angeles will see rainfall, likely receiving one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch in most areas, but as much as 1.5 inches in “favored hills and mountains, which includes the … Eaton burn scars.”
“This will generally be a beneficial rain for the region,” according to the NWS. “Snow levels will be very high and above any major roads. The risk for burn scar debris flows is very small. Flooding impacts should be minor and confined to localized roads and clogged storm drains. …”
A second storm system is projected to drop more rain from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.
Although rainfall totals were still being calculated,
Read More »Tuesday, February 4, 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Begins Assessment of Heavily Damaged Eliot Arts Magnet School Today
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is set to begin assessing the condition of heavily damaged Eliot Arts Magnet School in Altadena today.
The assessment aims to develop a plan for fire debris removal while maintaining, to the extent possible, the architectural and historical integrity of the Altadena campus, largely destroyed on January 8 by the Eaton Fire.
This evaluation is a critical component of the federal debris removal initiative following the devastation wrought by the Eaton Fire, which affected five District schools.
“As we continue to move forward in restoring and rebuilding our PUSD community, I want to update you on work at Eliot Arts Magnet, which was damaged by the fire,” said Pasadena Unified School District Elizabeth Blanco on Monday Feb. 3. She added, “As previously announced, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has prioritized our area for the removal of fire debris from our five schools that were destroyed or significantly damaged by the Eaton Fire.”
Personnel in hard hats and safety vests will conduct evaluations at the Eliot site,
Read More »Tuesday, February 4, 2025
How Communities Recover from Disasters with Lucy Jones
Courtesy of CALTECH
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After the January 2025 LA fires burned thousands of homes in Altadena, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades, the Caltech Science Exchange asked Lucy Jones to share her insights on how communities recover from natural disasters. A seismologist, Jones is a visiting associate in geophysics at Caltech and the founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society.
Read on for more of the conversation:
Are there distinct phases in our response to disasters?We sometimes talk about the three Rs of disasters: resilience, response, and recovery. Resilience is what you do before a disaster so that when it does happen, you can come back more quickly. Response is what happens during the disaster: the firefighters coming out, the cleanup of the toxic waste, and those sorts of things. Recovery is the process of coming back to what we were before but more resilient. We call it recovery to resilience.
These three Rs of a disaster are treated very differently within our political system.
Read More »Monday, February 3, 2025

Southern California Burn Areas Brace for Rain This Week
CITY NEWS SERVICE
A storm system is expected to bring widespread rain and gusty winds to Southern California beginning Tuesday, raising fears of possible debris flows in recent burn areas.
The National Weather Service expressed “high confidence in widespread periods of rain in the Tuesday through Friday” period. Early estimates suggest most areas will see moderate rainfall, with about an inch in coastal and valley regions and two to three inches in the foothills and mountains.
Forecasters said the rainfall poses minimal threat of triggering destructive mudslides or debris flows in Southern California’s recent burn areas. However, some risk remains, and officials were taking pains to provide every precaution possible.
“The peak of the event will be from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning,” the NWS said, adding that the chance of rain and the rainfall intensity will decrease Wednesday afternoon and evening. Another bout of rain is expected either Thursday or Friday, with dry skies returning by Saturday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is cleaning drainage facilities and debris basins,
Read More »Saturday, February 1, 2025

Eaton Fire Reaches Full Containment After Devastating Altadena and Portions of Pasadena
The Eaton Fire was declared 100% contained by fire officials late Friday night. The wildfire, which started on January 7 above Eaton Canyon near Altadena Drive at Midwick Drive, consumed 14,021 acres. As it burned, it claimed at least 17 lives, destroyed over 9,400 structures, and changed Altadena and Pasadena forever.
“I am incredibly grateful to the courageous firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to contain the Eaton Fire,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents both Altadena and Pasadena. “Their hard work and perseverance is world class.”
Investigators continue to examine the cause of the blaze, with current suspicions focused on an electrical tower owned by Southern California Edison.
Massive recovery efforts by federal, state, county and local agencies are now underway. A flood of donations of money, food, and supplies has poured into the area to help those who lost their homes and possessions.
Insurance companies have paid out hundreds of millions to Eaton Fire victims so far.
Read More »Friday, January 31, 2025

Hazardous Waste Removal Efforts Intensify
CITY NEWS SERVICE
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews continue working Friday to identify and remove hazardous waste from properties ravaged in this month’s wildfires, as many residents return to sift through the rubble of what used to be their homes.
Questions continued to linger about exactly how long it would take for residents to begin the rebuilding process, but county and federal officials said Wednesday the process was being expedited as much as possible. The first phase of the cleanup effort — the removal of hazardous materials from properties in the burn area — was underway, with the EPA under demand to complete the work in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones within 30 days.
Status updates on the EPA’s work, including an interactive map of individual fire-affected properties, are available online at https://www.epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires.
As that process continued, officials urged affected residents to fill out “Right of Entry” forms to either opt in or out of a free debris-clearance program offered by the U.S.
Read More »Thursday, January 30, 2025

Per Person Water Use Drops to Lowest in 35 Years in Southern California
CITY NEWS SERVICE
Southern California residents reduced their per person potable water use by 45% since 1990, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts, a state agency announced Thursday.
The SoCal region used a record-low 114 gallons per capita per day during the 2023-24 fiscal year, down from 209 GPCD in 1990, according to an annual report from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In part, this achievement was made as a result of more than $750 million the water agency has invested in recycling and groundwater-replenishing projects.
Water officials also noted continued conservation practices that were in place from the last drought as well as winter weather in 2024 contributed to a reduction in water use.
“California has always had variability in how much rain and snow it gets from year to year; that variability is only going to become more extreme with climate change. By becoming more water efficient, we’re less stressed by the drought years,”
Read More »Thursday, January 30, 2025

Hazardous Waste Removal Efforts Continue with LA Fires Mostly Contained
CITY NEWS SERVICE
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews were continuing efforts Thursday to identify and remove hazardous wastes from properties ravaged in this month’s wildfires, as many residents returned to sift through the rubble of what used to be their homes.
Questions continued to linger about exactly how long it would take for residents to begin the rebuilding process, but county and federal officials said Wednesday that process was being expedited as much as possible. The first phase of the cleanup effort — the removal of hazardous materials from properties in the burn area — was underway, with the EPA under demand to complete the work in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones within 30 days.
Status updates on the EPA’s work, including an interactive map of individual fire-affected properties, are available online at https://www.epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires.
As that process continued, officials urged affected residents to fill out “Right of Entry” forms to either opt in or out of a free debris-clearance program offered by the U.S.
Read More »Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Cooler Weather Dominates as Fires Near Full Containment
CITY NEWS SERVICE
With the Los Angeles area’s major wildfires all nearing full containment Wednesday, cooler and drier weather will dominate for the next few days — with no signs of any immediate return of dangerous Santa Ana wind conditions or precipitation that could spark debris flows.
National Weather Service forecasters said Tuesday’s high temperatures will be about 3 to 6 degrees below normal, followed by “chilly” overnight temperatures into Wednesday, possibly meaning more frost or freeze warnings in some areas.
Cooler temperatures “will remain over the next several days with daytime temperatures remaining below normal for this time of year,” according to the NWS.
A warming trend is anticipated by the weekend, pushing temperatures back into the 70s for most coastal and valley areas, thanks to a “weak offshore flow” between Saturday and Monday.
Forecasters said there is a potential for some rain by the middle of next week, but it was still too early if it will actually develop and how strong the system might be.
Read More »Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Eaton Fire Nears Full Containment; Evacuation Centers Remain Open
CITY NEWS SERVICE
The deadly Eaton Fire in the Pasadena and Altadena areas is almost fully contained Wednesday, and fears of flooding or debris flows from weekend rains are easing as the storm system moved off to the east.
The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least 17 people dead, according to Cal Fire. Nine firefighters were injured battling the blaze. It has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,073. The fire was 99% contained as of Wednesday.
An evacuation center remained open at the Pasadena Convention Center at 300 E. Green St., although all evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.
Southern California Edison reported that service has been restored to 12,422 structures, with 6,961 remaining without power.
SoCalGas officials temporarily shut off natural gas service to thousands of customers in the Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities as a safety measure. As of Tuesday, the utility had restored service to 7,188 of them.
Read More »Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Four Cities Unite in Opposition to EPA’s Hazardous Waste Site Decision for Eaton Fire Debris
Local municipalities challenge federal agency’s plan to process Eaton Fire debris near residential areas
The Environmental Protection Agency’s unexpected designation of Lario Park in Duarte as a collection and processing site for hazardous debris collected in Altadena and Pasadena from buildings damaged or destroyed by the Eaton Fire has provoked strong opposition from four cities.
Four California municipalities—Azusa, Irwindale, Baldwin Park, and Duarte—issued a forceful joint statement Monday condemning the lack of prior consultation about the project’s potential impact on their residents.
“The Cities of Azusa, Irwindale, Baldwin Park, and Duarte (Cities) did not receive advanced notification nor were given an opportunity to express concerns regarding the cities’ close proximity to the site, and the potential negative effects this could have on its communities,” the cities said in a statement Monday.
The cities formally oppose both the Lario Park operation and any other sites they believe could negatively affect their communities.
The federal agency announced its decision on January 23 to commence operations at the site likely next week.
Read More »Monday, January 27, 2025

LA County Works to Fast-Track Wildfire Debris Removal Program
Right of Entry Forms will be available online for property owners affected by recent wildfires
Los Angeles County is helping to expedite wildfire recovery efforts by making Right of Entry debris clearance forms available online to property owners starting this coming Tuesday, January 28. The initiative, a collaboration between the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles County Public Works, aims to accelerate debris clearance for wildfire survivors and facilitate rebuilding processes.
“I want to commend the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles County Public Works for expediting the availability of Right of Entry forms. This is a critical milestone and first step forward towards ensuring wildfire survivors can begin clearing debris and rebuilding their homes without delays,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger.
“President Trump was right to highlight the importance of accelerating recovery work—wildfire survivors should not have to wait 18 months to have their debris cleared. Obtaining signatures for these forms,
Read More »Monday, January 27, 2025

Chance of Rain Monday Edges Down to 40%, as Eaton Fire Containment Grows to 98%
CITY NEWS SERVICE with PASADENA NOW STAFF
As firefighters Monday improved containment of the massive Eaton Fire burn area to 98%, and continued to root out hot spots, the National Weather Service said the cold winter storm that dropped rain on Altadena over the weekend will head out today.
Only light showers are expected by Monday afternoon. For most areas there will be a chance of partly cloudy skies late in the afternoon.
A new Disaster Recovery Center will open in Altadena on Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be available to residents seven days a week. The new center will be located at 540 W. Woodbury Road. Both the Pasadena and Altadena locations will be open through the end of January, but beginning Feb. 1, the Pasadena location will close and all services will shift to Altadena.
On Monday, the Pasadena Unified School District, which includes schools in Altadena, will reopen Field Elementary School,
Read More »Sunday, January 26, 2025

The Threat of Flooding Hangs Over the Eaton Fire Area
CITY NEWS SERVICE
Forecasters have issued a flood watch Sunday for the devastated Eaton Fire area in Altadena as firefighters got the massive burn area 95% contained by fire lines and continued to root out hot spots.
With rain expected through Monday, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon for the Eaton burn scar.
“Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible in and near the burn scars,” the NWS said. ” …Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”
Pasadena Water and Power lifted the do-not-drink water notice for the remaining areas in its service territory Friday, while the Foothill Municipal Water District said it will be able to fully pressurize the water system this weekend. Testing will then take up to two weeks before that do-not-drink order can be lifted.
The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan.
Read More »Saturday, January 25, 2025

LA County Deploys Protective Measures to Safeguard Communities Ahead of Weekend Storm
As the LA County region prepares for a weekend of rain, Los Angeles County Public Works is collaborating with state and local partners to protect people, property and the natural environment from potential mud and debris flows following a spate of deadly wildfires. Flood control dams, river channels, and stormwater capture facilities are fully operational, and maintenance crews are prepared to mobilize 24/7 patrols in advance of the incoming storm.
The mud and debris forecast, released by LA County Public Works engineers, calls for Phase 1 conditions for the Eaton burn area. Small isolated debris and mudflows are expected.
In addition to clearing debris from streets, prepping debris basins in the foothills, and protecting the storm drain system from ash and debris, LA County Public Works is coordinating with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to deploy a wide range of protective measures. LA County Public Works engineers continue to assess burn areas for where these measures should be strategically placed to safeguard homes and infrastructure.
Read More »Saturday, January 25, 2025

USGS Models Show Critical Debris Flow Risk in Altadena and Parts of Pasadena Over Coming Days
Hydrologist warns of heightened landslide potential as weekend storms approach
United States Geological Survey models indicate that as little as 0.2 inches of rain within 15 minutes could trigger dangerous debris flows in local Eaton Fire burn areas, representing one of the lowest thresholds observed in the region’s recent fire-affected zones.
“A large fraction of the Eaton burn area has burned at least moderate burn severity, leaving bare soil vulnerable to erosion,” said United States Geological Survey Research Hydrologist Jason Kean. He added, “The combination of increased potential for runoff and easily eroded sediment substantially increases the
susceptibility of the burn area to floods and debris flows relative to what it was before the fire.”
Kean explained that the burn area faces both immediate and long-term risks.
“For recent burn areas … it is the rainfall intensity that matters, not the total precipitation,” he said. “Intense bursts of rainfall can come in localized thunderstorms, or it can be embedded in long-duration rainstorms.”
Read More »Saturday, January 25, 2025

14,000-Acre Eaton Fire Winds Down as Recovery Begins
CITY NEWS SERVICE
The devastating Eaton Fire that claimed at least 17 lives and destroyed more than 9,400 structures reached 95% containment Saturday as officials push forward with recovery operations amid an approaching cold front and threat of rain.
The 14,021-acre blaze that began Jan. 7 in Altadena and Pasadena has also injured nine firefighters and left thousands without basic utilities. Cal Fire reports 1,837 personnel remain assigned to the incident.
Pasadena Water and Power lifted its do-not-drink order Friday, while Foothill Municipal Water District announced system pressurization this weekend, though testing could take two weeks before restrictions end.
Southern California Edison has restored power to 12,422 structures, with 6,961 still in the dark. SoCalGas resumed service to 6,094 customers after widespread shutoffs in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities.
The Pasadena Convention Center continues housing 571 evacuees across six shelters as recovery efforts progress.
Southern California Edison reported that service has been restored to 12,422 structures,
Read More »Friday, January 24, 2025

Caltech Expert Tells City Council Air Quality Returning to Normal After Eaton Fire, City Eyes Enhanced Monitoring
STAFF REPORT
At a special Pasadena City Council meeting Thursday, a Caltech atmospheric chemistry expert assured members that local air quality has largely normalized following the Eaton Fire, even as local officials consider deploying additional monitoring equipment across affected neighborhoods.
“And so the good news is that the amounts of lead and other indicators of ash and dust in the air now this is in the particles smaller than 2.5 microns, suggest that the mobility of the ash and dust has not affected air quality terribly downwind of Altadena,” said Paul Wennberg, the R. Stanton Avery Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Science and Engineering at Caltech.
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates both fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5), which can be deposited deep in the lungs, and particles under 10 microns (PM 10) that tend to deposit higher in the respiratory system.
During the special meeting focused on environmental monitoring and testing, Pasadena Public Health Acting Director Manuel Carmona presented plans to potentially expand the city’s network of “Purple Air”
Read More »Friday, January 24, 2025

EPA To Begin Hazmat Removal At 614 Eaton Canyon Fire Sites in Pasadena
STAFF REPORT
Federal officials outline two-phase cleanup strategy as assessment begins for fire-damaged properties across Pasadena
The federal Environmental Protection Agency has completed initial assessments of 614 Pasadena parcels damaged in the recent Eaton Canyon Fire, with hazardous materials removal set to begin Monday as part of a comprehensive cleanup strategy across Pasadena and Altadena.
The information came to light during a Thursday special meeting of the Pasadena City Council. The Council discussion focused on actions set to occur in Pasadena, not in Altadena, which faces substantially greater losses.
“As of this morning, there’s 614 parcels that have been reconned as it relates to the Eaton fire,” said Israel Del Toro, Deputy Director with Pasadena’s Planning Community Development Department. “The EPA currently has 35 staff members and contractors out there completing this task, and they’re continuing to ramp up on that process.”
The Council heard that cleanup will proceed in two phases, beginning with EPA-led hazardous waste removal from residential properties.
Read More »Friday, January 24, 2025

Eaton Fire Remains 95% Contained as Rains Bear Down on Pasadena
CITY NEWS SERVICE
The Eaton Fire was 95% contained as firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.
The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least at least 17 people dead, according to Cal Fire. Nine firefighters have been injured battling the blaze. It has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,073.
There were 1,837 personnel assigned to the firefighting effort as of Thursday morning, Cal Fire reported.
County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.
Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads,
Read More »Thursday, January 23, 2025

Forecast of 3 Days of Rain Starting Saturday Prompts Mud and Debris Flow Concerns
Even as Santa Ana winds continued to blast parts of the Southland, helping to fuel new brush fires in the Castaic area and Sepulveda Basin, local authorities are turning their attention Thursday to the probability of rain hitting the area this weekend, potentially triggering mud or debris flows in recent burn areas.
In the wake of the recent devastating fires, local authorities on Wednesday urged residents to be prepared for weekend rain that could send debris coursing into streets or down mountain slopes.
According to the National Weather Service, a “significant change in the weather” is anticipated by the weekend, with temperatures likely struggling to get out of the 50s, along with a “high to likely chance of rain,” including a chance of thunderstorms in the L.A. area, most likely between Saturday and Monday evening.
The rainfall is expected to start Saturday with an 80% chance of light precipitation of less than a tenth of inch. Saturday evening rain continues and a thunderstorm is possible,
Read More »Thursday, January 23, 2025

Eaton Fire 95% Contained as Santa Ana Winds Persist and Rainfall Approaches
The Eaton Fire is 95% contained Thursday as firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service predicts rain will fall from Saturday to at least Monday, prompting mudslide and water flow concerns.
The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least at least 17 people dead. Eight firefighters have been injured battling the blaze. It has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,073.
There were 1,837 personnel assigned to the firefighting effort as of Wednesday night, Cal Fire reported.
County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.
Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads,
Read More »Wednesday, January 22, 2025

2025 Greater LA Homeless Count Rescheduled for February Following Wildfires
CITY NEWS SERVICE AND PASADENA NOW
The 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, postponed due to recent fire emergencies that displaced thousands of residents, has been rescheduled to February, officials announced Tuesday.
Separately, Pasadena’s Housing Department and the Pasadena Partnership to End Homelessness announced Pasadena’s Homeless Count will now take place on the evening of Wednesday, February 19 and the morning of Thursday, February 20. In addition, the City reported, a supplementary count focusing on Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) aged 18-24, will be conducted on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 19.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, originally set to conduct the count from Jan. 21-23, rescheduled the annual event to take place over three nights next month:
- Tuesday, Feb. 18: San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, and Metro Los Angeles;
- Wednesday, Feb. 19: San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles; and
- Thursday, Feb. 20: Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, South Los Angeles and South Bay/Harbor areas.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Eaton Fire 91% Contained as All Areas Opened for Returns
CITY NEWS SERVICE
More residents in the Altadena area returned to their properties as firefighters neared full containment Wednesday of the Eaton Fire that has destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 17 people.
County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.
Containment of the deadly and destructive blaze climbed to 91% Wednesday. Firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads, city officials said Monday.
Parking will be restricted “on posted narrow and/or winding roads within Pasadena’s urban-wildland interface areas,”
Read More »Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Eaton Fire 89% Contained as All Areas Opened for Returns
CITY NEWS SERVICE
With containment of the Eaton Fire at 89%, Los Angeles County announced that all Altadena communities are now open for residents to return while a new wind event was moving into the Southland that could further challenge firefighters or spark new blazes Tuesday.
In a post on social media, the county Monday afternoon said that, while all residents evacuated from the Altadena area my now return, some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.
Containment of the deadly and destructive blaze climbed to the 89% level Monday with firefighters using water-dropping helicopters to extinguish hot spots in steep, inaccessible canyons near Winters Creek, Mt. Lowe and Mt. Wilson, as a new wind event moved into the region.
Meanwhile, another Santa Ana wind event moved into the area, with high winds expected into Tuesday, creating a high risk for critical fire weather conditions and rapid fire spread of any new fires.
Read More »Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Winds Challenge Firefighters as Residents Urged to Stay Alert Amid Eaton Fire Efforts
By EDDIE RIVERA
Residents should already be in ‘set’ position for any evacuations
Nearly two weeks after the Eaton Fire erupted in the Angeles National Forest and destroyed much of Altadena, a high wind alert and a rare January red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service have prompted renewed vigilance.
While firefighters have brought it largely under control, as of Monday, the blaze has consumed 14,022 acres and is 87% contained.
However, the incident command station at the Rose Bowl is still busy as officials work to keep the fire within its current perimeter. While containment lines on the southern end of the blaze are secure, three small pockets in the rugged northern terrain still lack complete containment.
“The burning is pretty much in the interior of the fire’s perimeter,” said Daron Wyatt, public information officer for the California Incident Management Team, on Monday.
“There’s no expectation that it will increase in size or move outside its current footprint,
Read More »Monday, January 20, 2025

High Winds, Fire Danger to Strike Pasadena Area Monday Through Tuesday
STAFF REPORT
National Weather Service forecasters are warning Pasadena residents of an approaching strong Santa Ana wind event beginning Monday morning, with potentially damaging wind gusts that could reach 60 to 80 miles per hour.
The NWS issued a High Wind Warning for the area from Monday morning through early Tuesday afternoon.
The powerful offshore winds will combine with extremely low humidity to create dangerous fire weather conditions that could persist through Thursday.
Monday morning starts with low clouds across the region, but conditions will change dramatically as strong northeast winds develop, NWS forecasters said.
Temperatures will remain below normal, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid-60s under increasingly clear skies.
The next 24 to 48 hours will bring significant changes to Pasadena and surrounding areas. Forecasters expect wind speeds to increase sharply Monday afternoon, with the strongest gusts occurring between 4:00p.m. Monday and 1:00 a.m Tuesday.
The La Crescenta-Altadena corridor could see particularly strong ‘mountain wave’ wind activity during this period.
Read More »Friday, January 17, 2025

Crews Forge Ahead With Complex Eaton Fire Recovery Operation; Death Roll Rises to 17
STAFF REPORT
Thursday afternoon fire officials reported significant progress containing the Eaton Fire while launching extensive recovery operations, with damage inspection teams documenting over 7,500 destroyed structures.
The fire, which has burned through steep terrain around Mount Wilson and Altadena, is now 65% contained with approximately 3,400 personnel working to control the 14,117-acre blaze.
The death toll rose to 17 and more evacuation orders lifted on the outskirts of the deadly burn area near Altadena and Pasadena.
There are 24 active missing-person cases from the Eaton Fire, Sheriff Robert Luna said.
“Crews continue to grow, direct and improve our hand line that’s all around this fire,” said Operation Section Chief Jed Gaines. “The total fire perimeter around this whole incident is just over 60 miles, so it’s taken some time, especially at the top of Mount Wilson, to get in some of these areas.”
Urban Search and Rescue teams have completed more than 8,800 home searches and over 1,100 miles of grid searches.
Read More »Thursday, January 16, 2025

County Health Officer Issues Order Prohibiting Removal of Fire Debris
CITY NEWS SERVICE
An order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of debris from critical fire areas, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed was issued Wednesday by Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis.
Fire debris, ash and dirt from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Exposure to those toxic substances can occur through inhaling ash and fire dust particles, contact with skin or contamination of drinking water supplies.
Improper handling or disposal of fire debris can increase these risks, spreading hazardous substances throughout the community and endangering workers, residents and the environment, the statement said.
Removal of fire debris will be conducted in a two-phase process.
The first phase will consist of a hazardous materials assessment of all burned properties by the Los Angeles County Fire Health &
Read More »Thursday, January 16, 2025

Eaton Fire 55% Contained, Death Toll Backs Down to 16 But 18 Remain Missing
CITY NEWS SERVICE
More evacuation orders were lifted Thursday on the outskirts of the deadly Eaton Fire burn area in and near Altadena and Pasadena, with containment of the blaze steadily increasing and Santa Ana winds finally backing down.
As of Wednesday evening, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres, with containment at 45%, up from 35% Tuesday night. By 6 a.m. today, Cal-Fire raised containment to 55%.
The break in the winds is expected to be a major boon for the firefighting effort, which was hampered over the last three days due to escalating winds, even though the Santa Anas never reached the previously anticipated strength.
The County’s red flag warning of critical fire danger expired in the San Gabriel Valley, but it will remain in effect until 3 p.m. Thursday in the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, with winds of 15 to 25 mph anticipated, along with gusts of up 40 mph.
Read More »Thursday, January 16, 2025

County Health Officer Issues Order for Safe Removal, Transport, and Disposal of Fire Debris
CITY NEWS SERVICE
The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued a new order in preparation for fire recovery operations and to ensure the safe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris resulting from recent wildfires. This order aims to protect public health and safety during the cleanup process for fire debris.
The devastating fires throughout Los Angeles County have caused the destruction of thousands of residences and other structures, leaving behind fire debris and ash that pose significant threats to public health. To ensure public health and safety, the Health Officer has issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris at fire damaged and burned properties located in Critical Fire Areas, including the areas of the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia Fires, among others, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an approved government agency.
Fire debris removal activities must be approved and comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The County has requested state and federal assistance to expediate recovery activities and ensure the safe removal of fire debris from structures damaged by the fires.
Read More »Monday, January 13, 2025

LA County Bans Leaf Blowers During Fire Recovery
STAFF REPORT
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a temporary ban on leaf blowers and similar air-blowing devices to protect public health during post-fire recovery efforts. The ban comes in response to hazardous air quality conditions, increased ash accumulation, and disrupted health services caused by recent strong winds and fires.
“Ash is like a fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands. It’s not just dirt,” said County Health Officer Muntu Davis, M.D., M.P.H.
The prohibition applies to all power air blowers throughout Los Angeles County and will remain in effect until the County Health Officer determines fire recovery conditions have improved sufficiently to permit safe operation of these devices. The measure aims to limit health impacts from fire ash, smoke, and particulate matter resulting from Critical Fire Events and Windstorm conditions.
The Department of Public Health has made additional guidance available in both English and Spanish to help residents navigate the emergency period.
Read More »Monday, January 13, 2025

Not Uncommon for Pollutants to Enter Water Supply After a Fire
By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor
The City is testing the drinking water today amid concern that ash may have made its way into the supply.
Last week the City’s utility told local residents not to drink or cook with the water after the massive fire broke out in Eaton Canyon, which prompted a massive response from firefighters in Altadena and Pasadena.
Local residents should not use tap water for drinking and cooking. Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation.
Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe to drink.
It is not uncommon for wildfires to impact drinking water.
The Woolsey Fire in Malibu in 2018 contaminated drinking water with bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals.
The fire released VOCs like benzene, toluene, and styrene into the water,
Read More »Monday, January 13, 2025

Health Officials Warn of Toxic Hazards in Eaton Fire Zone as Recovery Begins
Residents face dangerous levels of lead, arsenic and asbestos contamination in fire-impacted areas
Public health officials issued stark warnings about toxic contamination in areas devastated by the Eaton Fire during a community meeting at Pasadena City College’s Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on January 12, as local authorities detailed plans for repopulating evacuated neighborhoods.
“It’s incredibly important that you follow this order. The water is — as stated before — contaminated at this point and not being treated to state standards,” warned Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, addressing widespread water safety concerns.
The fire remained 27% contained, with firefighters battling challenging conditions including forecasted wind gusts of 40-50 mph and red flag warnings continuing through Thursday morning.
Officials warned of potential spot fires up to two miles away. Adding to the hazards, crews discovered an underground lithium battery storage facility in the burn area.
“Ash is particularly toxic to young children, so we’re going to urge that young children not be touching any of this contaminated debris because it’s filled with lead asbestos,”
Read More »Friday, January 10, 2025

Deadly Eaton Canyon Fire Expands, Threatens Mount Wilson
CITY NEWS SERVICE
The Eaton Fire that has caused multiple deaths and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures remained 0% contained Friday despite Santa Ana wind conditions diminishing slightly in many areas.
However, gusty conditions persisted on the mountaintop Thursday, hampering aerial firefighting efforts as flames crawled through treetops and thick vegetation toward the peak of Mount Wilson, threatening the observatory and a series of broadcast towers critical for local television and radio outlets.
Sheriff’s officials called for immediate evacuations of any people on the mountain. Authorities said at an afternoon briefing that none of the major infrastructure on the mountain had been damaged despite the encroaching flames.
The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday morning the spread of the fire had been significantly slowed in most areas thanks to efforts of firefighters and diminishing winds.
Read More »Friday, January 10, 2025

Pasadena Public Health Suggests Steps to Prevent Inhaling Smoke and Ash From Eaton Fire
STAFF REPORT
As part of the response to the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Public Health Department urges residents affected by wildfire smoke to take steps to protect their health by staying indoors and avoiding outside activity, if possible, to prevent the inhalation of smoke and ash.
Smoke and ash from wildfires can be unhealthy, particularly for vulnerable people such as older adults, children, individuals with respiratory illnesses or asthma, and pregnant people. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles which are respiratory irritants, and when inhaled deeply, can affect the lungs and the heart. Exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Urban wildfires can lead to potentially greater risks to health because they often release more toxic pollutants, due to the burning of synthetic materials like plastics and metals found in buildings.
Smoke from wildfires can also cause eye irritation, reduced lung function, and bronchitis. Breathing smoke can also make asthma symptoms worse. People with underlying lung or heart problems should limit their exposure by staying indoors.
Read More »Thursday, January 9, 2025

The Moment the Eaton Fire Ignited
By JAMES MACPHERSON
Pasadena couple saw the start of the Eaton Fire, called 9-1-1, alerted neighbors, and took two photographs, before fleeing flames
A Pasadena couple who witnessed the initial moments of the devastating Eaton Fire on Tuesday evening called 9-1-1, alerted neighbors, and took cell phone photographs before grabbing go-boxes and fleeing the racing flames.
Jennifer Errico and her husband Marcus, residents of the 2100 block of Canyon View Drive at the very end of a point that juts out into Eaton Canyon, were among the first to spot and report a wildfire that has grown into one of the most devastating fires in County history.
“My husband came home at 6:15 and ran in and said the … electrical tower that’s across the canyon and up from us, is on fire,” Jennifer Errico told Pasadena Now. “I called 9-1-1 and within 10 minutes the fire was down across the canyon.”
Errico is Director of Communications for Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge and a former Pasadena Star-News writer.
Read More »Thursday, January 9, 2025

Deadly Eaton Canyon Fire’s Advance Slows, Still No Containment
STAFF REPORT
Authorities provide few new details
Some evacuation orders in Glendale were lifted Thursday as fire crews worked to establish containment around a 10,600-acre brush fire in the Eaton Canyon area that has left at least five people dead and destroyed or damaged about 1,000 structures.
The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire.
By 11 p.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire reported the fire had grown to 10,600 acres and was 0% contained. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday morning the spread of the fire had been significantly slowed thanks to efforts of firefighters and diminishing winds.
He noted that there have been numerous injuries, although no specific numbers were provided, and he said more than 1,000 structures were damaged or destroyed in the fire.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said Wednesday between 200 and 500 structures had been destroyed,
Read More »Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Eaton Fire Rampages Through Altadena and Pasadena Burning Dozens of Homes, Forcing Massive Evacuations
1,000 acres burned so far
[Updated] The fast-moving Eaton Fire continues to rage in Altadena and Pasadena on Wednesday morning, forcing widespread evacuations and school closures while destroying an unknown number of homes and other structures.
The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena, according to Cal Fire.
One of the structures that was destroyed in the fire was the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, NBC4 reported.
Initially dubbed the Close Fire but later changed to the Eaton Fire, the blaze was initially estimated at about 10 acres, but it quickly exploded across 200 acres, then to 400 acres by 8 p.m. Tuesday, driven by Santa Ana winds that prompted critical fire danger warnings throughout the region. As of 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire reported the fire was 2,227 acres and was 0% contained.
The fire expanded rapidly during the late night and early morning hours —
Read More »Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Hellish Wednesday Dawns in Altadena and Pasadena
The Eaton Fire destroyed dozens of homes as thousands evacuate
Pasadena and Altadena suffered a hellish night of loss and fear as fierce winds pushed fires into residential neighborhoods and burned dozens of homes.
Houses of worship were not spared by the flames, which have now consumed 1,000 acres. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center was badly burned.
Thousands were ordered to evacuate, many of whom headed towards the Pasadena Convention Center, which was designated as an evacuation center. Some reportedly refused to leave their burning neighborhoods before police required them to do so.
Late Tuesday afternoon winds crescendoed and sparked a large number of fires, at one point igniting a dozen fires around Pasadena in less than 1 hour.
Now dawn is approaching and the full devastation will soon be in sunlight. This was a night many feared might someday happen, but most never believed it could.
On Wednesday, winds will continue to incite the Eaton Canyon flames,
Read More »Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Fires, Windstorm Force Suspension of Transit Services in Pasadena
Pasadena Transit announced Wednesday the suspension of all public transportation services due to severe weather conditions.
The transit agency confirmed that both regular bus routes and Dial-A-Ride services would cease operations on January 8, with essential medical transportation being the sole exception.
“Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride (except essential medical trips, if conditions allow) are suspended Wednesday January 8, 2025 due to hazardous windstorm event,” Pasadena Transit announced.
The agency indicated that regular service could potentially resume on Thursday, January 9, depending on weather conditions.
Read More »Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Brush Fire Erupts in Eaton Canyon in Hills Above Altadena
CITY NEWS SERVICE
[7:18 p.m.] A brush fire erupted Tuesday evening in the Eaton Canyon area, with flames fanned by gusting Santa Ana winds.
The fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena, according to Cal Fire.
Initially dubbed the Close Fire but later changed to the Eaton Fire, the blaze was initially estimated at about 10 acres, but it quickly exploded across 200 acres thanks to Santa Ana winds that prompted critical fire danger warnings throughout the region.
Angeles National Forest officials said evacuations were under way, but it was unclear how many people were impacted.
The fire broke out as emergency crews were already stretched thin due to a massive blaze burning in the Pacific Palisades area.
Read More »Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Firefighters Battle Dozen Fires Amid Windy Conditions in Pasadena Area
STAFF REPORT
Pasadena firefighters responded to 12 separate fires within a 50-minute period Wednesday, as gusty conditions complicated firefighting efforts across the city and neighboring South Pasadena.
The fires included five vegetation blazes, four outside fires, two residential structure fires, and one traffic collision requiring expanded response, according to Fire Department dispatch records.
Two of the vegetation fires were confirmed as significant incidents, with one located in the 2100 block of Canyon Close Road in Pasadena and another in the 1500 block of Santa Teresa in South Pasadena. Both required multiple fire units for response.
The residential structure fires occurred near Asbury Drive and Sinaloa Avenue, and at North Martelo Avenue and Casa Grande Street, drawing substantial firefighting resources to both locations.
Additional outside fires were reported at major intersections including North San Gabriel Boulevard and East Colorado Boulevard, Highland Street and Santa Rosa Avenue, and North Hill Avenue and East Washington Boulevard.
The rapid succession of incidents within a concentrated time frame tested the Department’s resource allocation capabilities,
Read More »Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Pasadena Firefighters Dispatched to Help Fight Palisades Fire
By Andrè Coleman and City News Service
A strike team has been dispatched to help battle the blaze in Palisades according to Fire Chief Chad Augustin.
Austin told Pasadena Now that before the fire broke out, the Pasadena Fire Department had a team on standby due to the weather forecast of fast moving Santa Ana winds.
A strike team was placed in a hotel last weekend and ready to assist if the need arose.
And that’s what happened on Tuesday when the fast moving fire aided by Santa Ana winds broke in that area.
Five engines carrying 22 local firefighters were immediately dispatched to Palisades to assist in the fight to save homes and local structures.
The fire has scorched 1,262 acres.
Air tankers and water-dropping helicopters could be seen making drops as firefighters from the area rushed to the scene from across the Southland.
The orders essentially cover the bulk of Pacific Palisades.
Read More »Tuesday, January 7, 2025

PWP May Need To Shut Off Power To Decrease Fire Risk
By André Coleman and City News Service
According to Pasadena Water and Power, the City may need to implement power shutoffs to decrease the risk of fires.
“The safety of our community is the City of Pasadena’s top priority,” Pasadena Water and Power officials said on Tuesday. “High winds and fire risk conditions are forecasted from Tuesday through Thursday afternoon. Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) may need to implement public safety power shutoffs to decrease potential fire risk. If this occurs, PWP will restore power as soon as it is safe.”
Many local residents received an alert from AT&T regarding possible shutoffs on their cell phones.
“I urge residents to exercise caution as we experience this windstorm if you are able to remain at home and work,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “You should do so. Be on the lookout for falling trees and limbs and downed power lines, and if you happen to see any of the dangerous situations do not try,
Read More »Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Winds Have Died Down, but Santa Anas Will Return, National Weather Service Says
STAFF REPORT
The winds have died down, but they are forecast to return according to the National Weather Service.
“A very strong, widespread, and destructive north to northeast windstorm will bring Extremely Critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon,” according to the National Weather Service. “This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) Red Flag Warning event in many areas, with the combination of very strong upper level wind support, tightening offshore pressure gradients and moderate cold air advection.”
“The strongest winds with this event are expected to be Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon when widespread damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are likely,” forecasters said. “The San Gabriel mountains, Santa Susana mountains, and foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see areas of destructive wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph. … The strong winds will likely result in widespread downed trees/power lines,
Read More »Monday, January 6, 2025

Forecast of Potentially Dangerous Wind Storm Prompts Emergency Alerts From City of Pasadena
STAFF REPORT
The City of Pasadena has issued an emergency alert for severe winds and heightened fire danger expected to impact the area from Tuesday, January 7, through Wednesday, January 8.
Strong winds, ranging from 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 to 80, with isolated gusts between 80 to 100 mph are possible, the City said in a statement.
Pasadena emergency officials are urging the community to take steps now to ensure their safety.
Combined with dry conditions, the winds may create hazardous situations, including an increased risk of wildfires, downed trees, and power outages.
The City’s emergency response departments have mobilized in advance of the dangerous conditions.
“The Pasadena Fire, Police, Water and Power, and Public Works Departments are on heightened alert and ready to respond to any emergencies related to the high winds,” City officials announced. “Crews are conducting pre-storm assessments of trees, utility lines, and roadways to minimize potential hazards.”
Read More »Thursday, March 14, 2024

California Weakens Plan For Mandatory Cutbacks In Urban Water Use, Yielding To Criticism
By RACHEL BECKER, CALMATTERS
Facing criticism over their ambitious plan to curb urban water use, California’s regulators today weakened the proposed rules — giving water providers more years and flexibility to comply.
Cities and urban water districts welcome the changes to the state’s draft conservation rules, which they said would have been too costly for ratepayers, estimated at $13.5 billion, and too difficult to achieve.
But environmentalists are dismayed by the revisions, which they said won’t save enough water to weather shortages as climate change continues to squeeze supplies.
“It’s really looking like this is a ‘do nothing’ regulation,” said Tracy Quinn, CEO and president of Heal the Bay, a Los Angeles County environmental group. “The updated standards are weak, and the regulation includes semi-truck sized loopholes that make it too easy for water suppliers to shirk their obligation to use water more efficiently.”
Mandated by a package of laws enacted in 2018,
Read More »Sunday, December 31, 2023

CITY NEWS SERVICE
Los Angeles County has reinstated a mask-wearing requirement for staff and visitors at all licensed health care facilities in light of an upswing in coronavirus metrics, officials said Saturday.
The county recently entered the “medium” level of COVID-19 hospital admissions, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Over the past week in Los Angeles County, there have been notable, yet not unexpected, increases in COVID-19 reported cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement. “While recent increases are significant, they remain considerably below last winter’s peak and common-sense protections are strongly recommended to help curb transmission and severe illness as the new year begins.”
The threshold for the CDC’s medium level is between 10 and 19.9 new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 population over seven days. The CDC reported 10.5 new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 people in Los Angeles County for the week ending Dec.
Read More »Thursday, January 5, 2023

Caltrans Activates Statewide Electronic Highway Signs Due to Severe Weather
STAFF REPORT
In response to the oncoming powerful storm, this morning Caltrans activated approximately 1,200 electronic highway signs statewide to display urgent safety messaging.
“Safety is always Caltrans’ priority, so as a violent storm deluges our state, today we activated our electronic message signs to advise everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “If travel cannot be postponed, we urge motorists to drive slowly, allow themselves plenty of time and be especially alert.”
Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation throughout California to support the ongoing response to recent winter storms. Caltrans has activated its district emergency operation centers and is working with local partners to respond to the storm and be poised to recover from its damage. In addition, the department is:
• Prioritizing staffing, with more than 4,000 crew members working 12-hour shifts.
• Placing equipment at critical locations to prepare for flooding and mudslides to quickly respond to emergencies.
Friday, September 2, 2022

Flex Alert in Effect for 2nd Day; Another Conservation Alert Called for Friday
CITY NEWS SERVICE
A Flex Alert calling for voluntary power conservation to reduce strain on the state’s electricity grid took effect for a second consecutive day Thursday, and the high heat prompted yet another alert that’ll be in effect Friday afternoon.
Responding to the heat wave that has driven up temperatures and demand for air conditioning, the California Independent System Operator — which manages the state’s power grid — issued the first Flex Alert of the week on Wednesday, urging residents to reduce electricity use from 4 to 9 p.m. The alert worked, and the state avoided any involuntary blackouts.
Another Flex Alert took effect at 4 p.m. Thursday, again continuing until 9 p.m. And with the forecast still calling for high heat, Cal-ISO issued yet another Flex Alert for Friday.
“Flex Alerts have been resulting in some helpful conservation and grid operators and an emergency proclamation from Gov. Gavin Newsom, requested by the ISO, has also freed up some additional resources,”
Read More »Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Heat Wave Prompts Flex Alert Calling for Voluntary Power Conservation
CITY NEWS SERVICE
With searing heat expected to drive up air- conditioner use across California, the manager of the state’s power grid issued a Flex Alert Wednesday calling on residents to conserve as much electricity as possible from 4 to 9 p.m.
The California Independent System Operator issued the Flex Alert “due to high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies.”
“With excessive heat in the forecast across much of the state and Western U.S., the grid operator is expecting high electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand,” according to Cal-ISO.
The power system operators warned that more Flex Alerts are likely to be posted in the coming week and through the Labor Day weekend.
During the alerts, residents are urged to take power-saving steps such as
— setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher;
—
Read More »Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Poor Air Quality Likely to Accompany Heat Wave
CITY NEWS SERVICE
If the heat wasn’t bad enough, Southland residents were being warned Tuesday about the likelihood of poor air quality over the next week that could reach unhealthy levels in some areas.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an ozone advisory, warning of potentially unhealthy air quality most afternoons, exacerbated by the rising temperatures, through at least Sunday.
“Elevated temperatures increase emissions of chemicals leading to ozone formation and enhance ozone formation rates,” according to the AQMD advisory. “This long duration and intense heat wave will likely cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution.”
The AQMD noted that ozone, or smog, pollution can lead to problems such as difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and lung damage.
According to the agency, poor air quality is possible over the coming week in the entire San Gabriel Valley — as well as central Los Angeles, southeastern L.A. County, the east and west San Fernando Valley,
Read More »Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Four Million in LA County Urged To Suspend Outdoor Watering Next Month
STAFF REPORT
More than four million residents in Los Angeles County were urged Tuesday to suspend outdoor watering for 15 days next month while the Metropolitan Water District repairs a leak in a water delivery pipeline.
The repairs will take place from Sept. 6 thru 20, and will impact the cities of Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Long Beach, San Fernando and Torrance.
Pasadena Water and Power described the MWD’s request as “voluntary.” The City already has already moved ahead with its new 1-day-a-week watering restriction.
“During this two-week shutdown period, Metropolitan will not be disrupting deliveries to Pasadena. What is going to be happening is they’re going to have to switch to a more limited supply source — from Colorado River supplies to State Water Project supplies, which are even more limited,” Stacie Takeguchi of PWP said on Aug. 15. “It’s even more important for us to save water during that time, which is why we’re trying for this call for action during that time,
Read More »Tuesday, April 19, 2022

County Bans Single-Use Plastics in Food Service
The County Board of Supervisors Tuesday gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance requiring that all food-service containers, cups, dishes and cutlery distributed by restaurants and food facilities in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County be recyclable or compostable.
The ordinance, which will be phased in starting in May 2023, will also prohibit retail stores from selling “expanded polystyrene,” or Styrofoam, products such as coolers, packing materials, cups, plates and pool toys, unless they are encased in a “durable material.”
It also requires that full-service restaurants with sit-down service provide customers with reusable “multi-service” utensils and plates.
The board, which tentatively approved the measure two weeks ago, voted 4-1 Tuesday without comment to give it final approval. Supervisor Kathryn Barger was the dissenting vote.
The ordinance will take effect May 1, 2023, for all food facilities operating in a permanent location, and for all retail stores. It will take effect for food trucks on Nov. 1, 2023, and on May 1,
Read More »Tuesday, December 21, 2021

No-Burn Order Extended for Much of Southland Through Wednesday
CITY NEWS SERVICE
The South Coast Air Quality Management District today extended a mandatory prohibition on indoor and outdoor wood burning in much of the Southland through tomorrow night due to a forecast of high air pollution in the area.
The residential wood-burning ban is in effect through at least 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. It affects all those in the South Coast Air Basin, including the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and all of Orange County.
The order does not apply to mountain communities above 3,000 feet, the Coachella Valley or the high desert. Homes that rely on wood as a sole source of heat, low-income households and those without natural gas service also are exempt from the requirement.
The no-burn rule prohibits burning wood as well as manufactured fire logs, such as those made from wax or paper. Gas and other non-wood burning fireplaces are not restricted, the SCAQMD said.
Fine particles in wood smoke,
Read More »Wednesday, April 14, 2021

COVID-19 Deaths Linked to Poor Air Quality
CITY NEWS SERVICE
A research project led by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health found that Los Angeles County neighborhoods with poor air quality had the highest coronavirus death rates, it was announced today.
“Our findings imply a potentially large association between exposure to air pollution and population-level rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths,” said Dr. Michael Jerrett, a Fielding School professor of environmental health sciences and the project’s leader. “These findings are especially important for targeting interventions aimed at limiting the impact of COVID-19 in polluted communities.”
The research — “Spatial Analysis of COVID-19 and Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Los Angeles” — is being published in the August edition of the peer-reviewed journal Environment International and is now available online.
One example of the findings is Los Angeles County neighborhoods with the worst air quality saw a 60% increase in COVID-19 fatalities when compared with communities with the best air quality.
“In the U.S.,
Read More »Thursday, October 24, 2019

High Winds Expected through Friday, Millard Campground Closed to Vehicles, and Campfires
Starting this evening 10/23/19 Altadena Sheriff’s Station and United States Forest Service will be closing the Millard Canyon Campground along with many portions of the Angeles National Forest to be under red flag fire warning. The National Service has issued a Santa Ana wind condition and red flag warning.
The conditions could exist in the next few days through Friday. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times, extreme caution is urged by all residents because fires are more likely to ignite and those that do are more likely to spread rapidly and be more difficult to control, therefore the area will be closed and the Chaney trail gate remain locked. The area is closed to vehicles however pedestrians / hikers are still able to visit the area.
Also the Angeles National Forest will be under fire restriction starting today, asking people not to build maintain or attend any campfire, fire, or stove fire within the forest boundary.
“We thank everyone for their cooperation.”
Read More »Thursday, October 10, 2019

Authorities Prepare for Possible Electrical Outages
The Altadena Sheriff’s Station issued a statement Wednesday night saying deputies were “doing everything we can to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise” during a potential electrical power shutoff by Southern California Edison (SCE) Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11.
SCE said that in response to the Santa Ana conditions, it is considering widespread Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce risk of wildfires.
“During these events, we will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires,” an SCE statement said. “Turning off our customers’ power is not something we take lightly, but PSPS events are one of the ways we can better ensure the safety of the public, our customers, and our employees.”
The electrical shutoffs would not affect customers of Pasadena Water and Power.
Altadena Station deputies reminded Altadenans to make sure that their residences are locked and secured as alarm systems may not work during power outages.
Read More »Saturday, May 4, 2019

Some Things Are Too Toxic to Trash
Residents of Altadena will have the opportunity to safely discard of their household hazardous waste, such as antifreeze, unused pharmaceuticals, car batteries, used motor oil, paint and pesticides, among others, during a free Household Hazardous and E-Waste collection event on Saturday, May 11, at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, located at 252 West Mountain View Street in Altadena.
The free event is part of LA county’s Household Hazardous and E-Waste Roundup Program, presented by the Department of Public Works and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, in cooperation with the Altadena unincorporated community.
Residents can also bring their home-generated sharps waste such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, syringes, lancets, and intravenous needles to the event, as well as universal waste including household batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic waste such as TVs and monitors, computers, VCRs, stereos, and cell phones.
More than 50 of these free household hazardous waste and e-waste roundups are conducted throughout the county each year to provide residents with a convenient way to rid their homes of these unwanted hazardous materials.
Read More »Monday, December 17, 2018

Los Angeles County Announces Holiday Tree Recycling Information
Los Angeles County residents can once again conveniently recycle their Holiday trees this year, County officials said.
Most areas throughout the County provide curbside recycling services and/or drop-off sites, where trees can be recycled.
Both Altadena and Kinneloa Mesa will be served with curbside pick-up service, with slightly different rules.
Altadenans will be served from December 26 through January 26, 2019. The trees should be placed by the curb by 6 a.m. on the service day.
In Kinneloa Mesa, service will be available from December 26 through January 12, 2019. Trees must be cut if taller than six feet in height, officials said, and flocked trees and tress wrapped in plastic will not be picked up.
The pickups in both communities will be conducted by Athens Services. Their phone number is 1-888-336-6100.
Officials asked residents to please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, plastic containers, and plastic or metal tree stands.
The Holiday trees can then be placed at curbside next to the recycling and waste containers on scheduled trash collection day during the time period noted.
Read More »Tuesday, October 30, 2018

“California Friendly” Landscape Training to be Held at La Canada Presbyterian Church
On Saturday, December 1, 2018
Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is hosting a “California Friendly” Landscape training class on December 1st, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church located at 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.
Get a jump on your planting while Green Media Creations teaches you about right plants for the right places; using rainwater as a resource; managing irrigation, rethinking site elements and sustainable garden approaches. Also, view examples of some “California Friendly” gardens.
Don’t Wait… Sign Up Now and RSVP to Karen Oblak at koblak@fmwd.com or (818) 790-4036 at least one week in advance.
Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Mesa Crest Water Company, Valley Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association. Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail agency, takes no water from Foothill.
Read More »
Monday, June 18, 2018

Altadena’s Air Quality Ranked Healthiest in L.A. County
A recent USC study found Altadenan’s enjoy the healthiest air quality in L.A. County.
The community was ranked number one for air quality, based on the amount of time residents and visitors spend breathing air that’s low in dangerous particle pollution, according to Gabriel Kahn, a professor of professional practice at USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism.
“So, yes, some bragging rights are in order,” he said.
Small particles in the air have been declining at the nationwide level for three decades, with pollution levels dropping by around half in many areas, the study found. But L.A. ranks among the worst.
The professor cautioned against over-simplifying the matter.
“Air quality and lung health are both complicated issues, and we don’t want to reduce it to just clean (versus) dirty. However, in looking over a lot of data, we can say that air quality levels are generally better in (Altadena).”
So just how tiny are these harmful particles?
Read More »Friday, May 4, 2018

Free Household Hazardous and E-Waste Roundup in Altadena on May 12, 2018
Altadena residents can safely discard their household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, unused medicines, car batteries, used motor oil and pesticides during a Household Hazardous Waste Roundup on Saturday, May 12, at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard in Altadena.
Other hazardous waste that residents can bring to the event for disposal include unused paint, home-generated sharps waste such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, syringes, lancets, and intravenous needles, fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic waste (e-waste) such as TVs and monitors, computers, VCRs, stereos, and cell phones.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County conduct more than 50 free Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundups annually throughout the County to provide residents with a convenient way to rid their homes of unwanted hazardous materials.
Because hazardous waste can pollute the environment, it is illegal to discard these items in trash cans, sinks and storm drains.
Read More »Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Will Thrall: Hiker, Writer, Conservationist, Explorer
Sometimes called “Southern California’s John Muir,” Will Thrall dedicated his life to the preservation of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Thrall’s acclaimed biographer, Ronald C. Woolsey, will present a program on his life story at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, sponsored by the Altadena Historical Society.
Woolsey will accompany his talk with an exhibit of memorabilia about Thrall, and copies of his book will be available for purchase.
The program will be free and open to the public.
From his arrival in the 1880s to his death in the 1960s, Thrall reveled in and defended the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains, documenting the Great Hiking Age, working on the Mount Lowe Railway, organizing hiking clubs and promoting conservation of natural resources.
“He embraced the spirit which connected people with the San Gabriels, and his life is a study in Southern California itself,” said Woolsey, a history professor at Citrus College and El Camino College and author of the book “Will Thrall and the San Gabriels;
Read More »Monday, December 26, 2016

Altadena Store Gutted by Fire
A fire heavily damaged a discount store in Altadena Friday night, a report from the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.
The report said the fire on the commercial structure was first reported at Fair Oaks Avenue and Woodbury Road about 11:03 p.m. Firefighters arrived on scene a few minutes later and saw heavy smoke and fire inside the building.
The structure, located at 2211 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, was occupied by Joon’s Discount.
Responding units had to use cutting tools to gain access inside and saw nobody was inside.
The statement said the exact cause of the fire is unknown and investigation is continuing.
“Early signs show it does not appear to be suspicious circumstances,” the statement continued.
Fire, smoke and water damaged most of the contents of the store, the county fire department said, although an estimate of the cost of the damage was not available at the time.
Read More »
Friday, December 9, 2016
![The Altadena Library Presents the [i] cell Interactive Kiosk](http://pasadenanow.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/i-Cell-Interactive-Kiosk.png)
The Altadena Library Presents the [i] cell Interactive Kiosk
The Altadena Library District is excited to announce the installation of a new interactive kiosk. The [i]cell Interactive Kiosk is programmed with California-specific water conservation information and is available for use by all patrons.
Over the last year, Altadena Library worked to install a drought-tolerant, water conservation demonstration garden on its grounds. Working with the Foothill Municipal Water District and using grants awarded by local organizations, the garden was ready and open to the public as of July. The Library is committed to becoming more energy efficient, including more water-wise. The installation of the Demonstration Garden helps the Library to lead by example and to engage the community through educational events about the importance of water conservation. Events have ranged from installing a drought-tolerant garden to tips on water saving at home.
The [i]cell Interactive Kiosk gives the Library an opportunity to continue the work it has been doing with the water conservation garden. As California’s drought is estimated to continue for the foreseeable future,
Read More »Friday, December 2, 2016

High Winds Expected Through Saturday Morning
Winds have topped 32 MPH here in Altadena and we have had some power lines fall onto a metal fence off of Lake Ave. Other than lots of trash cans and debris on the road, we have been free from major damage to Altadena. Thanks for the local weather info Bill, http://www.westphalfamily.com/wxdata2.html
Tips:
Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and objects can be blown off roofs during strong wind gusts. Dust may also be blown up into air and into unprotected eyes.
In the event of a downed power line:
– Call for help. Report downed lines to Southern California Edison or Altadena Sheriff’s Station. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself. Report an Outage (24-hours a day, 7-days a week): 1-800-611-1911. If you see a downed power line, call 911 immediately.
– Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Warn others to stay away.
Read More »Friday, October 28, 2016

Altadena Library Presents Gardening with California Natives with Maureen Taylor
Join Altadena Library as instructor Maureen Taylor gives an overview workshop of California native plant horticulture, for beginners. Saturday, November 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Learn why native plants are important and how to successfully grow them in your garden. Class topics will include plant selection, planting techniques, establishment, and irrigation. The second portion of the class will be held outdoors with a hands-on planting demonstration. Please wear closed-toed shoes, and bring a shovel and watering can if you have them. Everyone is invited to this free event.
Maureen received her BA in Environmental Studies/Biology from UC Santa Cruz. After graduating she was hired by the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants, which expanded her love for nature into the realm of gardening. Maureen now operates her own landscape maintenance business for clients with mostly native gardens. She recently became a UC Master Gardener Volunteer in order to learn about growing food. In her free time, Maureen enjoys making art inspired by nature.
Read More »Wednesday, July 27, 2016

California ISO Declares a Statewide Flex Alert Due to High Temperatures
The California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) is declaring a Flex Alert, a request for consumers to conserve electricity today, especially during peak demand time from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Electricity supplies statewide are expected to be tight because of high summer temperatures driving up demand, power plant outages, and transmission line import capacity reductions. Power imports may be limited today because of high temperatures in neighboring states.
Consumers are urged to conserve electricity today, especially during the late afternoon when air conditioners push power consumption to the highest point of the day. Find Flex Alert tips at www.caiso.com.
Outlook for July 27, 2016 Flex Alert
High temperatures are forecast for the entire state. Energy demand is expected to be high and consumers are urged to conserve electricity until after 9 p.m.
Forecast peak demand: 45,867 megawatts between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Outlook for July 28, 2016
Temperatures will continue to be hot.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Eaton Canyon Nature Center’s Monthly Twilight Program Kicks Off with Special Guests The Animal Guys
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the first 2016 Twilight Program is scheduled for Saturday, July 30th starting at 7:00 p.m. This family-friendly special program, developed by the Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates, will include a visit from The Animal Guys, the wildlife outreach team from the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, California.
The Animal Guys teach children about the fascinating world of wildlife biology with the help of rescued and captive bred wild animals as visual aids including a porcupine, grey and red foxes, snakes and more. They aim to inspire youngsters to develop a deep interest in natural sciences through exciting interactive experiences.
The Twilight Program takes place monthly, during the summer months, at the Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park which is located at 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena in the Cynthia Null Outdoor Classroom. The suggested donation is $3.00 per person, children under 2 free, family discounts are available upon request.
For more information contact Eaton Canyon Nature Center staff at (626) 398-5420 or Helen Wong at hwong@parks.lacounty.gov.
Read More »Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Altadena Library Water Conservation Demonstration Garden
The Altadena Library District celebrates the Grand Opening of its new Water Conservation Demonstration Garden on Saturday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Altadena Library. Supervisor Mike Antonovich will be in attendance as well as the Altadena Library District Staff and Board and community members.
The garden includes such features as a Swale [a trench that follows the contour of the landscape to capture water and alleviate runoff], a Hugelkultur [a passive water collection technique with stacked logs covered in soil], and an Infiltration Pond [to collect water and allow for water percolation].
Visitors can learn about these techniques, along with many others, including drought tolerant plant selection, that can be used in home landscaping projects.
Major Funding for this project has been provided by a Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation District Proposition A Grant, District 5, Michael D. Antonovich, Supervisor.
Additional Funding and Support has been provided by:
• The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through its member agency,
Friday, May 13, 2016

“Altadena Goes Green” at E-Waste Recycling Event
Sunday May 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“Altadena Goes Green,” Electronic Waste Center, Inc. Recycling all electronic devices in an environmentally safe manner. Recyclable materials include but are not limited to TVs, monitors, computers, printers, keyboards, mouse, copiers, A/V equipment, cell phones, etc. (No fluorescent light bulbs, alkaline batteries.) 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Altadena Adventist Church, 2609 Lincoln Ave. Info: (626) 794-3953.
Read More »Thursday, May 12, 2016

Bird Walk and Habitat Restoration at Rubio Canyon
Saturday, May 14th, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Rubio Canyon Nature Preserve
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty with a day of birding and habitat restoration.
Join the Pasadena Audubon Society and the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy at Rubio Preserve on May 14th. This is an all ages event (but please, no dogs). There will be a bird walk from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and then help restore Rubio Canyon’s bird habitat by either removing invasive plants or planting native plants from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Wear clothes that you are okay getting dirty, sturdy shoes, and a hat. Organizers ask that participants bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen. Water and light snacks will be provided.
“Whether you’ve been birding for years or just want to learn who is visiting your backyard feeders, we welcome anyone with a love for our feathered friends.”
Rubio Canyon is at Rubio Vista Road in Altadena.
Read More »Monday, April 25, 2016

Los Angeles County Fire Department Encourages Residents to be Prepared for Distasters on the One-Year Anniversary of the Nepal Earthquake
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck central Nepal. Within hours of the April 25, 2015, earthquake, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) deployed a 136-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) comprised of 22 USAID disaster experts and two urban search and rescue (USAR) teams from Los Angeles County and Fairfax County, Virginia. Twelve search dogs also accompanied the DART.
Since 1988, USAID has deployed USAR teams abroad 16 times for disaster assistance, with only a 72-hour window to quickly rescue trapped victims from precarious situations before they succumb to dehydration or further injury.
Five days after the tremor initially hit, USAR teams pulled a 15-year-old boy out of the rubble in north Kathmandu. After a large aftershock, USAR specialists from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) also rescued a 41-year-old woman from a collapsed four-story building in the remote village of Singati. During its deployment, USAR team members provided triage and much-needed medical treatment to dozens of survivors.
Read More »Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Altadena Heritage’s Third Thursday Series: Toward a Zero-Waste Future
Join Altadena Heritage on Earth Day Eve, Thursday, April 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center – 730 East Altadena Drive .
Bring your questions about recycling, landfills, pollution, green shopping, climate change and more for our environmental and conservation experts, including:
Marialyce Pedersen is an environmentalist, journalist, author, researcher, teacher and Altadena resident who serves as a senior representative for the Walt Disney Company’s Corporate Citizenship Environment and Development Team. She will focus on how every individual can practice a zero-waste lifestyle at home, work, school and in the community.
Morey Wolfson has 40 years of experience in energy and environmental policy, including a stint at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and is currently a member of Pasadena’s Environmental Advisory Commission, serving as its representative on the Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee. He will provide background information and updates about the status of Pasadena’s delayed polystyrene (aka Styrofoam™) ban.
Additionally,
Read More »Monday, February 29, 2016

Free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup for Altadena, 3/12
There will be a free Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Recycling Roundup for Altadena area residents on Saturday, March 12, at Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252 West Mountain View Street, in Altadena from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, unused pharmaceuticals, car batteries, used motor oil, paint, pesticides, home-generated sharps waste, e-waste, and more. It’s a free and easy way to safely dispose of items that are too toxic to trash.
For more information, contact the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works at 1(888) CLEAN LA or www.CleanLA.com or the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at 1 (800) 238-0172 or www.lacsd.org.
Read More »Friday, February 26, 2016

Altadena Public Library Presents “The Art and Delight of Water Harvesting” with Leigh Adams
On Tuesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room of the Main Library, join Altadena Library for an invigorating evening with local artist, educator, and water conservationist, Leigh Adams.
Leigh has reconfigured her Altadena yard to capture and hold as much water as possible. She utilized resourceful measures to turn an arid hillside into an oasis of fruit trees, herbs, and edibles. Leigh will explain water capturing techniques you can try at home; such as bioswales, hugelkultur, French drains, grey water, and more. She will also speak of conservation measures that have worked for her…and the enjoyment she has experienced along the way.
Leigh Adams’ love of art and children and her commitment to doing public art with children have resulted in a variety of differing art installations and activities. Although most of her work is done in the Pasadena, California area, Leigh has traveled and worked with children in Mexico, China and Central America for many years.
Read More »Tuesday, February 16, 2016

January Water Savings Improve to 25%
Water savings for the Foothill Municipal Water District service area ended at 25% for the month of January 2016, which improved from the 20% savings achieved in December 2015. FMWD supplies water to three major Altadena water companies.
The State is using calendar year 2013 as the benchmark for measuring water savings for water agencies throughout California. Compliance with the mandate is determined on a cumulative basis starting with June 1, 2015. Cumulative water savings for the District since the State-mandated reductions began is 29%.
As with other water providers in the State, some local agencies did not meet their State-mandated targets for the month of January. However on a cumulative basis, which accounts for all water savings achieved from June 2015 to December 2015, most agencies are on track in compliance. Below are the numbers for agencies within the FMWD service area:
*The State allows smaller agencies to choose between two days a week watering or 25% reduction.
“During the winter months,
Read More »Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Eliot Arts Magnet School’s Free E-waste Recycling Event
The public is invited to drop off their electronic waste at Eliot Arts Magnet School’s Free E-Waste Recycling Event on Saturday, January 16, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2184 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.
Electronic Items accepted are computers, monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, copiers, televisions, LCDs, PC peripherals, VCR/VCD Players, Facsimile Machines, Power Supplies, Auto/Rechargeable Batteries, and Cell/Landline Phones.
We do not accept: Light bulbs, Oil, Household batteries likd (AAA, AA, C, D), Hazardous Waste, and All Medical Waste. **$5 fee for microwave ovens.
For more information, contact 1-909-591-8408 or visit attanrecyclingcorp.com.
Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, 2184 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena, (626) 396-5680 or visit eliot.pasadenausd.org.
Read More »
Sunday, November 15, 2015

State of the Mulch
“If we haven’t already converted our lawns, we will soon, so we need to get new plants started. We understand that el Nino will bring heavy rains, so we need ways to capture that water. But soil experts explain that the drought has actually made flooding more likely by diminishing the soil’s capacity to soak up moisture.”
Whether Nature sends too little or too much rain, it also provides trees to help. Placing chipped tree-wood mulch on soil enable heavy rain to land on many surfaces, which breaks its velocity and allows the rain to stay and soak in instead of racing off to the ocean. It provides water for trees long after the rainy day and some reaches the aquifer to be pumped out and purified for the drinking water no longer available to import.
So how to get enough of this versatile mulch to cover all bare soil? Pasadena provides some free mulch and can learn from other cities ways to provide more.
Read More »Friday, September 18, 2015

Architect, Horticulturist Dispense Water-Wise Garden Design Tips at Altadena Heritage Landscaping Workshop
By NADRA KAREEM NITTLE
If you’ve ever been tempted to buy a bunch of different plants and cram them together in your yard, Mark Goldschmidt has one word of advice: Don’t.
The former landscape architect outlined the basics of site design Thursday night at Altadena Heritage’s second water-wise landscaping workshop, which also featured horticulturalist Debby Figoni discussing low-maintenance plants and irrigation at the Altadena Community Center.
“You really do need some kind of structure,” Goldschmidt said of cluttered yards. Hardscapes, pavement, walls and hedges can organize a disordered front lawn, he continued.
“You need something to contrast with the plants,” he said while presenting a slide show highlighting a variety of landscapes found in Altadena yards.
While the former architect appreciates gravel, rocks and dry stream beds in front lawns, he warned the several dozen people gathered in the community center for his talk not to use rocks in excess. In addition to those materials, Goldschmidt suggested that audience members give concrete,
Read More »Saturday, September 5, 2015

Altadena Heritage’s Pours Out Water-Wise Landscaping Workshop Series
Altadena Heritage will be conducting a series of water-wise landscaping workshops on transforming your front yard into a beautiful and sustainable garden.
The series will have three sessions on September 12 and 17 and on October 24.
“Early sessions of workshops almost sold out, but we still have room in 11:30-1:30 sessions,” Michele Zack said recently.
The first and third sessions will be on-site workshops and the second session will be a free presentation by experts about designing your front yard using drought-tolerant plants. This presentation will be held at the Altadena Community Center, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Horticulturist Debby Figoni is leading the hands-on workshop and is offering up her lawn as the main “classroom.” She will be providing quick reference design sheets focusing on water-wise plants and irrigation, and share her experiences with project changes and lessons learned.
Figoni is a water conservation analyst who practices what she teaches. She has transformed her lawn-dominated yard into an award-winning water wise wonderland.
Read More »Thursday, July 23, 2015

Family Program Focuses on the World of Wolves by Bringing Real Wolf “Ambassadors”
Eaton Canyon Nature Center delves into the World of Wolves on Saturday, July 25 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The World of Wolves is an exciting presentation which gives an overview about wolves and discusses topics such as wolf habitat, diet, physical characteristics, pack structure, and the ways in which wolves communicate through fun and interesting facts.
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education” said David Polis of Wildsong.
To bring these words to life, Wildsong brings objects that can be held and touched to help foster a deeper and meaningful connection between two worlds.
Project Wildsong was created in the belief that rather than forcefully mitigate nature, mankind must strive to coexist with wildlife. To do this,
Read More »Thursday, July 9, 2015

Demand for MWD Turf Rebate Program Exhausts Supplies, Program Closes
Facing unprecedented public demand for incentives to transform the region’s landscapes, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California announced today it will be closing its turf rebate program to new applications later this week because available funding has been fully allocated.
Metropolitan’s $450 million conservation program, the largest of its kind in the nation, will focus remaining available funds on rebates for water-saving devices and a multi-media outreach campaign to promote greater water conservation in homes, gardens and communities throughout the Southland. The district will also maintain a waiting list of interested turf rebate applicants in the event that some of the approved projects do not move forward with their planned landscape changes.
“We knew that the popularity of the turf program would exhaust the available funds at some point, but even we didn’t predict just how popular turf rebates would become,” said Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. “Metropolitan is proud to have accelerated the movement by hundreds of thousands of Southern Californians to embrace a new outdoor aesthetic and lock in water savings permanently.”
Last December,
Read More »Thursday, June 11, 2015

Jeffrey Vail Named New Forest Supervisor for Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Jeffrey Vail has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Angeles Natio nal Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. He took the helm on Friday, June 5.
“I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the Angeles and the new Monument bring,” said Vail, “I’m excited and humbled to have the opportunity to oversee one of the most complex urban places in the nation. I look forward to working closely with communities, partners and stakeholders to cooperatively manage our majestic mountains.”
Vail has extensive experience having worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 24 years. Since 2012, he served as Director of Lands, Minerals, & Uses (Rec and Lands) for the Southern Region of the Forest Service. In that role, he provided program and policy oversight for land adjustment, boundary and title management, recreation and lands special uses, valuation services, and all minerals and geology management activities in the Region.
He also served as Assistant Director of Lands and Realty Management in the Washington Office overseeing the agency’s real property program,
Read More »Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Altadenan Meredith McKenzie to Speak on Water Issues at All Saints Church Forum
California water expert Meredith McKenzie will speak about California’s prolonged drought, its ramifications and just how large the crisis has grown on June 18, 7 p.m. in a forum at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena.
McKenzie is a local realtor and a member of the board of the Altadena Library District. She is also a lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona.
As part of her discussion, McKenzie will touch on how the people can support effective water availability and environmental justice. The event is also sponsored by Sustainable World, Environmental Defense of the Earth Now (EDEN), Transition Pasadena, The Arroyo Interfaith Environmental Coalition.
Contact Norma Sigmund for more information at (626) 583-2734 or nsigmund@allsaints-pas.org.
All Saints Church is located at 132 North Euclid Avenue in Pasadena.
Read More »Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Woodbury House, Storied Altadena Landmark, Reportedly Wins Reprieve from May 14 Foreclosure Auction
The owner of Woodbury House, a storied landmark important to the history of Altadena, said today the May 14 foreclosure auction of the property has been postponed by the foreclosure trustee.
Peter Leissos said that although the auction of the property at 2606 Madison Avenue still appears on the auction.com website he was told in a May 4 telephone conversation that its foreclosure sale will be postponed in order for the mortgage servicer, Nation Star, to complete a review of the property’s files.
Neighborhood concern spread in late April when passersby say they noticed and photographed a foreclosure notice posted on the front door of the National Historic Register-listed property.
That notice indicated the six bedroom, five bathroom, 6,159 square foot residence would be sold at a live auction for a minimum bid of $863,097.03 on May 14 in Norwalk.
In response, the Altadena Historical Society and Altadena Heritage announced cooperation and established a “joint watch” of the property,
Read More »Saturday, May 2, 2015

SCE Helicopter Work Set for May 5 Has Been Postponed, No New Date Set
Southern California Edison Public Affairs spokesman Francisco Martinez announced yesterday afternoon that work by a low-flying helicopter which would have forced some neighborhood evacuations on Tuesday, May 5 has been postponed.
“We are in the process of scheduling a new date and sending an updated notice,” Martinez wrote in an email. “Once I have the new date I will let you know.”
SCE still plans to use a helicopter to help in replacing 2 deteriorated wooden poles behind a residence in the 800 block of La Vina Lane.
Earlier, SCE said a low-flying helicopter is required to remove the current wood poles and install new poles due to the “restricted access” of the poles. Actual helicopter flight time is under 15 minutes per pole, the company said.
17 homes are inside the operational area which will be evacuated during external load operations.
The company said in a press release “at no time will our helicopter over fly any residence with a load attached.”
Originally,
Read More »Thursday, April 30, 2015

Altadena Heritage asks: Know of a big, beautiful tree that adds to Altadena’s character?
Do you know of a big, beautiful tree that adds to Altadena’s character? You have until May 16 to nominate it for our first ever Altadena Heritage Big Tree Contest! Tree owners (who must consent) will be fêted at the Golden Poppy Garden Awards and Celebration Sunday, May 31st. Get your nominations in! Self-nominations are fine.
Here is the form you can use: Tree Nomination Form
Read More »Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Updated: Tuesday Night’s Special Foothill Municipal Water District Board Meeting to Include Discussion of State’s Draft Emergency Regulations
A special Foothill Municipal Water District Board Meeting Tuesday night at 6 p.m. is expected to include public comments and discussion of emergency drought water conservation regulations.
SEE THE PRESENTATION THAT WILL BE SHOWN TUESDAY NIGHT: Click Foothill Presentation
Observers anticipate plenty of public input, noting that the agency is holding their meeting at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church, rather than at their regular meeting location on Hampton Road, an indication that they expect significant public attendance, input and comment.
Foothill Municipal Water District General Manager Nina Jazmaderian said the format will be more of a public forum, rather than a board meeting.
“The special meeting is a workshop intended to inform the public regarding the hydrology, water supplies, the State’s draft emergency regulations, Foothill’s retail agency conservation plans and steps consumers can take to conserve,” said Jazmaderian. “The President of the District’s Board, Richard Atwater and the General Manager of Metropolitan Water District, Jeff Kightlinger will be speaking along with myself.”
Read More »Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Fire Clearance and Water Conservation Meeting Tuesday Night at Farnsworth Park
A community meeting focused on fire safety and water conservation has been scheduled for 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Farnsworth Community Room Tuesday, April 28.
Four organizations will present important information:
• Fire Clearance (Los Angeles County Fire Station 12)
• Water Conservation and Lawn Removal (Metropolitan Water District)
•Native Plants (Theo Payne Foundation)
• Fire Safety Programs, (Meadows Fire Safe)
The public is invited to attend. For more information, please email Meadows Fire Safe at wmr83@earthlink.net.
Read More »
Saturday, April 25, 2015

Foothill Municipal Water District Announces Special Board Meeting, Water Officials Will Be on Hand to Answer Questions From the Public About the Drought
A Special Board Meeting of the Foothill Municipal Water District next Tuesday, April 28 will be the setting for a Community Drought & Water Allocation Workshop open to all Altadena residents.
The discussion will focus on the statewide drought, water supplies and conservation.
Regional and local water officials have been invited so residents can ask them questions about the drought, the Governor’s Executive Order, anticipated cutbacks in water use and other timely topics.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Boulevard, in La Cañada Flintridge, in Fellowship Hall (around back). No RSVP is needed.
Further infgormation is available here.
Read More »Friday, April 24, 2015

Master Gardener Yvonne Savio Returns: “Recycling Household Throwaways Into New Garden Tools”
Master Gardener Yvonne Savio focuses her inventiveness on “Recycling Household Throwaways Into New Garden Tools” in a hands-on talk at the Altadena Library scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Last fall Yvonne, who is Master Garden Volunteer Training Program Coordinator at the UC Cooperative Extension of Los Angeles County spoke at the library on planting fall vegetables and flowers and the audience clamored for more.
In March of this year, she gave us detailed info on what to plant for Spring and Summer. This time she will teach us how to create new uses for recycled household items to use in our own gardens.
Yvonne will also be showing an episode of Huell Howser’s “California’s Green”, in which she shows Huell her garden and shares her specialty of turning household items into new “garden tools.” Bring your gardening questions — she’s got the answers!
The event will be in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room of the Altadena Public Library,
Read More »Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Seven Green Tips for Celebrating Earth Day
Tips courtesy of Waste Management
Earth Day is just around the corner and people everywhere are becoming more and more conscious of how their actions are impacting the planet. So just in time for the 45th anniversary of the global observance of sustainability on April 22, Waste Management of Southern California is sharing seven easy-to-implement ideas to reduce your environmental footprint every day.
“As the largest recycler in North America, we are committed to the environment and we are asking community members to join in our efforts to conserve natural resources,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California. “This year, we’re inviting community members across Southern California to make this Earth Day the best ever by implementing some of our top tips to help reduce their carbon footprint and make a big impact.”
Residents can help make the Earth a cleaner, greener place by implementing these suggestions on a regular basis:
•Reduce your shower time: California is in the middle of one the worst droughts in recent history and residents of the state have been mandated by Governor Jerry Brown to reduce water consumption by 25 percent in addition to other measures.
Read More »Wednesday, April 15, 2015

“Water, Water, Everywhere” On ACONA Agendas, Including Upcoming May 26 Meet
Elliot Gold urges Altadenans to mark their calendars in “water-resistant ink [since we’re in a drought]” that next Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meeting will be May 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Altadena Library Conference Room, 600 E. Mariposa Street.
Gold is a co-founder of ACONA.
The agenda again is damp with water-related issues, starting with an update on the crippling drought.
Gold says the water companies which serve Altadena will address these drought-related topics:
• Specifics? Rules? Penalties?
•Landscaping on the cheap, rebates, other programs available to property owners
•Is there really a moratorium on building during the drought?
Additionally, and on a completely unrelated matter, Gold says the meeting will turn to discussing telephone “robo-calls.”
“We have a ‘commitment from an expert who will tell us how to FINALLY get those calls to stop!
I’ll have the speaker name and confirmation later this week… keep your fingers crossed,'”
Thursday, April 9, 2015

Looking at “Altadena’s Urban Forests” on April 16
Altadena Heritage Presents Altadena’s Urban Forests
Thursday, April 16, 7 to 9 pm
Altadena’s Heritage of Abundance includes its trees, from native California scrub oaks, sycamores and certain palms to the eucalyptus, silk, carob and fruit trees introduced later … and don’t forget our mile-long stretch of giant deodars known as Christmas Tree Lane!
Come to the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, on Thursday, April 16, to hear from two experts about what we all can do to help preserve and revitalize this precious heritage.
Don Hodel is an environmental horticulturist for the University of California Cooperative Extension, Los Angeles County. His presentation will focus on:
the beauty and benefits of trees in urban areas;
drought-tolerant, sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping techniques; and
how to select trees that are suitable for Altadena’s climate, along with tips for planting, irrigation, feeding and mulching.
Frank McDonough is the botanical information consultant for the L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
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