Thursday, March 13, 2025

LA County Wraps Up Weekly Wildfire Recovery Press Conferences

Officials shift to community meetings as rebuilding efforts progress

Los Angeles County officials announced Wednesday they will discontinue their weekly wildfire recovery press conferences, marking a transition from emergency response to long-term rebuilding efforts following January’s devastating fires.

“This will be our final weekly press conference, but there will continue to be information provided to our wildfire survivors,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger during the March 12 briefing.

The County will instead host weekly community meetings every Monday at 4 p.m. to address residents’ concerns and questions. Officials will also continue updating the recovery.lacounty.gov website with the latest information.

The announcement came as the County reached major milestones in its recovery process, including $86 million in total individual assistance from FEMA and $1.5 billion in SBA loans approved for fire victims.

“These aren’t just numbers. They represent real lives that have been impacted and real progress that is being made,” Barger said.

Officials reported that more than 4,000 residents have visited disaster recovery centers while over 25,000 survivors have connected with the County for information and support.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Will California Change Nonpayment Evictions?

By Lynn La, CALMNATTERS

Last year renter advocates notched a win after California passed a law extending the length of time tenants can respond to an eviction notice from five days to 10. This session, another bill to help renters facing eviction is being considered by the Legislature, writes CalMatters’ Felicia Mello.

Under state law, landlords can evict tenants for nonpayment of rent even if the renter is willing and able to pay their overdue rent. But a proposal by Sen. Aisha Wahab would change that, bringing California in line with 21 other states where renters are protected from eviction if they pay all of the rent they owe.

Tenant advocates say the current law undermines the effectiveness of rental assistance programs, which play a crucial role for local governments and nonprofits to keep people housed.

• Wahab, a Fremont Democrat: “If you are struggling and able to recoup the funds and pay what you owe,

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Urgent Deadlines Approach for Eaton Fire Recovery Programs as County Announces Range of Resources

STAFF REPORT

Impacted residents and businesses have just hours to apply for some relief funds as March deadlines loom

Los Angeles County officials are urging residents and businesses affected by the Eaton Fire to take immediate action as several critical assistance program deadlines arrive this week. The County has organized multiple support events to help fire victims navigate available resources before application windows close.

Today marks the final day to apply for Los Angeles County Household Relief Grants, Los Angeles Region Small Business Relief Fund, and Los Angeles Region Worker Relief Fund, according to the County’s disaster recovery calendar. These programs provide essential financial support for those who suffered losses in the fire.

An application clinic runs today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pacific Oaks College, at 45 W. Eureka Street in Pasadena. This in-person event offers hands-on assistance for completing applications before the March 12 deadline.

“Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity,

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

First Case of Measles Reported in LA County in 2025

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Health officials Tuesday reported the first case of measles in Los Angeles County in 2025, affecting a county resident who recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport.

In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, passengers assigned to specific seats who may have been exposed on China Airlines flight CAL8/CI8 that arrived in Los Angeles on March 5 will be notified by local departments of health, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Additionally, individuals who were at the following locations on the specified dates and times may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual:

• Wednesday, March 5 between 7 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.: Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) at LAX;
• Friday, March 7, between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Cloud 9 Nail Salon, 5142 N. Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood;
• Monday, March 10 between 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Superior Grocery Store,

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Deadline Wednesday to Apply for County Fire Relief

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Residents, small business owners and workers impacted by the January wildfires have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to apply for financial relief possible through the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity.

Brick-and-mortar businesses and nonprofit organizations that were fully destroyed may qualify for $25,000 grants. Businesses partially destroyed can receive $20,000. Businesses reporting loss of revenue can apply for $15,000. Home-based businesses and independent contractors are eligible for $5,000 grants for equipment loss and $2,000 for revenue loss.

Grants ranging from $6,000 to $18,000 are available for homeowners and tenants whose residences were damaged or destroyed, or who experienced a death in their household. Grant amounts are determined by household size.

Workers who lost their homes or jobs due to fire zone impacts may qualify for $2,000 in assistance.

Applications are available at laregionfund.lacounty.gov to apply promptly.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Vector Control Team Launches Mosquito Treatment Campaign In Eaton Fire Burn Area

Effort aims to prevent disease spread from unmaintained pools and standing water

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will begin direct treatments on March 17 to combat potential mosquito breeding sites in areas affected by the Eaton Fire, the District announced Tuesday.

The initiative targets unmaintained swimming pools and large sources of standing water that could become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

“Unmaintained pools pose a high public health risk. A single pool can produce up to 3 million mosquitoes in just one month,” District officials stated. “These mosquitoes can spread quickly throughout the community, putting residents at risk.”

Vector control technicians will apply temporary mosquito control measures at identified locations, including larvicides, other mosquito control products, and mosquitofish where appropriate. The treatments aim to prevent the spread of diseases like West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

District personnel are already active at the Altadena Disaster Resource Center, providing guidance to affected property owners and assessing water sources within the burn area.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Attorneys Partner with Altadena and Pasadena NAACP Branches to Provide Resources and Litigation Updates

STAFF REPORT

Singleton Schreiber, a prominent law firm representing over 2,600 individuals and 900 families affected by the Eaton Fire, will host a virtual town hall on March 12 at 6:00 p.m. The event aims to connect fire victims with resources and provide updates on ongoing litigation against Edison, which the firm believes is responsible for the blaze.

“We’ve done a number of town halls where we invite people to either go in person or virtual through Zoom, and can be very helpful for people. And these will be a number of different topics. We’ll always have some portion where we explain not just what’s happening with the litigation, but also how to proceed,” said Gerald Singleton, the Firm’s Managing Partner.

The upcoming town hall will feature representatives from the Altadena and Pasadena NAACP branches, who are partnering with Singleton Schreiber in representing Eaton fire victims. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about pending litigation, disaster loans, rebuilding programs, and grant opportunities.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

OcTech’s ‘Phoenix’ Concert Lifts Voices for Wildfire Recovery

STAFF REPORT

Caltech’s choral octet presents a benefit performance dedicated to those affected by the January wildfires

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, OcTech, Caltech’s choral octet, will present Phoenix, a benefit concert in response to the devastating January wildfires that struck Altadena and Pacific Palisades. This free concert will explore themes of renewal and rebirth through choral works that evoke reflection and resilience. The program includes John Tavener’s Funeral Ikos, Arvo Pärt’s Berliner Messe: Credo, and Edward Elgar’s Lux Aeterna.

Founded in 2022, OcTech has distinguished itself within Caltech’s musical community with its repertoire spanning Renaissance choral works, contemporary compositions, and folk arrangements. Known for its technical precision and artistic versatility, the ensemble has performed at various campus and local venues.

The concert aims to support those affected by the fires, which displaced residents and caused significant damage in Southern California. Donations collected during the event will benefit the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, which channels aid to local organizations engaged in fire recovery efforts.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

AC/DC To Rock Rose Bowl On 2025 Power Up Tour, First U.S. Shows In Nine Years

Legendary rock band returns to North American stadiums with special guest The Pretty Reckless

The iconic rock band AC/DC will bring their Power Up Tour to the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on April 18, marking their first U.S. performances in nine years. The Grammy Award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group will be joined by special guest The Pretty Reckless for the highly anticipated concert.

The Pasadena show is part of a larger North American stadium tour spanning 13 venues across the United States. The tour got its name from their 2020 album “Power Up,” which debuted at No. 1 in 21 countries and earned Grammy Award nominations in three categories: “Best Rock Album,” “Best Rock Performance,” and “Best Music Video” for the single “Shot In The Dark.”

AC/DC recently completed the European leg of the Power Up Tour in 2024, filling the continent’s largest stadiums with enthusiastic fans.

The legendary group began their musical journey with their first performance on December 31,

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

City Cautions Residents, Urges Preparation for Rain and Mudslides Especially in Eaton Fire Burn Areas

Officials urge residents to get ready for week of rain, offering sandbag locations and safety guidelines for potential hazards

Pasadena is urging residents to take immediate precautions as rain is expected all this week, with particular concern for homes near the recent Eaton Fire burn area. The City’s announcement said preparation is essential for protecting both lives and property in the face of potential mudslides and flooding.

Of greatest concern, are residents living closest to the burn area from the Eaton Fire.

The city is providing free pre-filled sandbags and self-serve sand and sandbags at multiple locations throughout Pasadena while supplies last:

Robinson Park south parking lot at 1081 North Fair Oaks and Victory Park parking lot along Altadena Drive at 2575 Paloma Street are offering these resources from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, self-serve sand and sandbags ONLY are available at Fire Station 37 3430 E. Foothill Boulevard and Fire Station 38 1150 Linda Vista Avenue.