Monday, March 3, 2025

Cancer Support Community To Donate Up To $100,000 From Annual Gala To Eaton Fire Relief

Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley (CSCSGV) will donate up to $100,000 from its 35th annual Angel Gala to support those affected by the Eaton Fire. The fundraising event, themed “Rise Together,” will be held on April 26, 2025, at The Langham Hotel Pasadena, with proceeds benefiting both cancer support programs and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund.

“In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, we recognize the importance of coming together not only to support those affected by cancer but also to uplift our community who has supported us for so many years,” said Patricia Ostiller, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Support Community. “With that in mind, Cancer Support Community will donate up to $100,000 of the funds raised at our 2025 Angel Gala to Pasadena Community Foundation’s (PCF) Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund.”

The majority of proceeds from the event will continue supporting CSCSGV’s free programs, including support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle classes, and one-on-one counseling for families affected by cancer.

Monday, March 3, 2025

Who Should Pay Billions for Climate Disasters? California and Others Take Aim at Big Oil — Will the Strategy Work?

By Alejandro Lazo, CALMATTERS

Big Oil faces mounting lawsuits as extreme weather worsens, with California leading efforts to make fossil fuel giants pay billions of dollars for the climate damage they have long denied.

Across the country, states, cities, tribes and environmental groups have filed dozens of lawsuits against oil companies alleging that they misled the public about the dangers of their products. These cases share a core argument: Oil companies knew fossil fuels were driving climate change and lied about it.

California and other plaintiffs are recycling a legal strategy deployed during the 1990s, when states alleged that tobacco companies knew cigarettes cause cancer. Four large companies settled the cases by paying billions to fund states’ anti-smoking campaigns and other efforts. The manufacturers also must make annual payments to the states as long as they sell cigarettes in the United States.

The settlement set a powerful precedent for using litigation to hold industries accountable for public harm caused by deceptive practices.

Monday, March 3, 2025

Hearing Date to Be Set for Four Suspects in Eaton Fire Looting Case

Men accused of stealing Emmy Award from evacuated Altadena home face up to six years in prison

A preliminary hearing date is scheduled to be set Monday for four men accused of burglarizing an evacuated home during January’s devastating Eaton fire in Altadena.

Roy Sims, 18, Ryan Sims, 19, Naquan Dewey Reddix, 22, and Pierre Obannon, 19, face charges of first-degree residential burglary for allegedly entering the home on Jan. 8 and stealing various items, including an Emmy Award belonging to the resident.

The hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.

According to authorities, the alleged burglary took place in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 8, during evacuations for the Eaton Fire. The suspects are accused of taking advantage of the emergency situation to enter the evacuated residence and steal property after residents were forced to flee under mandatory evacuation orders.

Roy and Ryan Sims remain in custody with bail set at $50,000 each,

Monday, March 3, 2025

Average LA County Gas Prices Rise

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose four-tenths of a cent Monday to $4.752, a day after dropping three-tenths of a cent and ending a six-day streak of drops.

The average price has dropped 3.2 cents over the past seven days, including six-tenths of a cent Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 14.7 cents lower than one year ago but 22 cents more than one month ago.

The average price has dropped $1.742 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5, 2022.

The national average price dropped for the 11th consecutive day, decreasing one-tenth of a cent to $3.097, a day after dropping a half-cent. It has dropped 6.8 cents over the past 10 days, including 1.1 cents Saturday.

The national average price is 4.7 cents less than one week ago, one- tenth of a cent lower than a month ago and 24.9 cents lower than one year ago.

Monday, March 3, 2025

Supervisor Barger All In on Altadena Rebuild

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Supervisor Kathryn Barger told Pasadena Now she wants to continue to build the momentum in Altadena as the rebuild effort continues.

Currently the Army Corps of Engineers is clearing properties impacted by the Eaton Fire.

The fire destroyed more than 9,000 properties, mostly in Altadena. The Environmental Protection Agency completed Phase 1 in the unincorporated town in less than 30 days.

“It’s not just the County, but the community working together. That is a success,” Barger said.

“I want to keep the momentum up,” Barger said. “I want to put myself in the shoes of people who want to help and not hinder those who want to rebuild.”

But Barger said she is still concerned about predatory actors looking to take advantage of people rebuilding their homes.

“I want to hear concerns about bureaucracy and build a list so people know who they can use for the rebuilding,”

Monday, March 3, 2025

Memo of Understanding With Los Angeles County for Debris Removal Program Scheduled for City Council

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The Pasadena City Council will vote on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of Los Angeles to facilitate the administration of the Right of Entry (ROE) program, which is essential for the Phase 2 Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program following the devastating Eaton Fire.

The program is part of the broader federal assistance provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aimed at removing hazardous debris from private properties damaged by the fire.

The MOU allows the County to manage the ROE program, a key component of federal disaster recovery efforts that involves collecting property owner consent for debris removal on private property.

The County has been designated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the lead agency for administering the ROE program. The County, in turn, has contracted with Tetra Tech BAS, Inc. to oversee the collection, review, and transmission of ROEs to the USACE on behalf of several cities,

Sunday, March 2, 2025

A Vibrant Work of Community

By EDDIE RIVERA

A blank wall on the side of a community space at 409 Woodbury Avenue in Altadena, is being transformed into a vibrant mural, thanks to a community-wide effort led by The Goodness Tour, an international nonprofit that brings music, art, and film to people facing adversity.

The large-scale artwork, designed collaboratively with local residents, was spearheaded by The Goodness Tour’s co-founders, Luke Reynaud and Benjamin Swatez, and brought together local organizations, businesses, and volunteers throughout Altadena and beyond, for an immersive, week-long creative effort.

“We travel all over the world to disaster zones, refugee camps, any place where humans have experienced a crisis, and we instigate creativity,” explained Reynaud Saturday. “We’ve seen firsthand the healing power of art, and we wanted to bring that same spirit of resilience here to Altadena.”

The mural came to life after an unexpected connection between The Goodness Tour and local organizer Emily Phelps. Phelps, who had recently helped coordinate a community event at a nearby Grocery Outlet,

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Altadena Church Rallies to Spread Word: SBA Offers Crucial Aid to Homeowners, Too

“So many people do not know”: Altadena Baptist congregation, itself displaced by flames, hosts event to connect fire victims with loans they may not realize they are eligible for

In an act of community service even as they recover from their own losses, members of Altadena Baptist Church have organized a special event today to help wildfire victims discover often-overlooked federal financial aid. The congregation, whose historic building was destroyed in January’s devastating Eaton Fire, is working with the Small Business Administration to raise awareness that disaster loans are available for homeowners and renters—not just businesses, as many assume.

“There are so many people who do not know that the SBA is offering low-interest loans to folks who lost their homes or personal property and valuables in the wildfires. We want to be sure that people have a place to meet with a live person, so the wonderful folks at the SBA offered to have a representative from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet with people who might need their services,”

Friday, February 28, 2025

Event Featuring Former Pasadena Assemblymember Holden Turns Focus to Union Members Who Fell Victim to Eaton Fire

Holden to Make First Appearance as Organization’s CEO

LA Fire Justice will host two town halls this week for union members and their families affected by the Eaton Fire to discuss legal action against Southern California Edison and rebuilding efforts.

The events will mark former State Assemblymember Chris Holden’s first public appearance as CEO of LA Fire Justice, where he will address resources needed for his home community to recover.

“These Town Halls will provide the first opportunity for former State Assemblymember Chris Holden to discuss his new position as CEO of LA Fire Justice, and talk about the importance of getting his home community the resources it needs to rebuild,” the organization said in a statement.

The town halls will focus on what started the Eaton Fire, the case against Southern California Edison, insurance matters, other important considerations, and what people can expect as they rebuild their lives.

The free town halls are open to the public and will be held at Teamsters Local 896 in Pasadena at 2050 Lincoln Avenue,

Friday, February 28, 2025

Altadena Talks Foundation to Host Builders Town Hall to Support Community Rebuilding Efforts

In response to the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through Altadena in January, the Altadena Talks Foundation is organizing a Builders Town Hall event to aid in the community’s rebuilding efforts

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at 1497 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, just north of Washington Boulevard.

The Builders Town Hall aims to bring together residents, industry professionals, and local leaders to discuss strategies for reconstruction, share resources, and foster collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts in construction, design, and urban planning, gaining valuable insights into sustainable rebuilding practices.

Featured speakers include:

• Allison Allain: CEO – PCI Builders. Renowned architect specializing in sustainable design. She founded PCI Builders in 2008 with the sole purpose of understanding every aspect of her clients’ vision. With an extensive background in construction and project management.
• Ariel Babikian: Architect with expertise in community-driven projects with alternative materials. Executive Director at ARDA (Armenian Relief and Development).