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).

Friday, February 28, 2025

Altadena Talks and Altadena Talks Foundation Give Voice to Altadena Residents

STAFF REPORT

After the Eaton Fire ravaged Altadena in January, it left more than just destruction in its wake—it sparked a movement.

Out of the ashes, Altadena Talks was born, a first-of-its-kind podcast dedicated entirely to the well-being of Altadena residents.

Hosted by Brian Baccus and Jamal Smith, both proud Altadena natives, the podcast delivers essential resources, real-time updates, and heartfelt conversations with community leaders, experts, and neighbors.

Broadcasting live Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, the podcast brings residents together like never before—offering hope, information, and a space to heal.

According to the hosts, Altadena Talks is not just a podcast, but a lifeline.

The podcast includes the Toni Talks segment hosted by Altadena native Antoinette “Toni” Bailey Raines.

The segment is dedicated to helping residents navigate change, whether through home design, community developments, or simply finding ways to adapt in an evolving world.

The hosts didn’t stop there.

Friday, February 28, 2025

PUSD Board Approves 151 Potential Staff Cuts Amid Post-Fire Recovery Concerns

District cites financial stability despite pleas from educators impacted by recent Eaton Fire disaster

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education voted 6-1 Thursday night to approve the elimination of approximately 151 full-time equivalent positions for the 2025-2026 school year, including 117.6 certificated staff and 34 classified positions, despite emotional pleas from teachers and parents still recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire.

District officials said these preliminary notices must be issued by March 15 under California Education Code requirements and final layoff determinations made by May 15. Based on historical patterns, the actual number of layoffs is likely to be lower after accounting for vacant positions, retirements, and internal reassignments. Last year, PUSD initially proposed 196 position cuts but finalized only about 90 layoffs.

“We deeply appreciate our staff’s dedication and recognize the impact of this decision,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement after the meeting.

Blanco defended the cuts as necessary for the district’s long-term stability: “We’re going to continue to look for mental health money,

Friday, February 28, 2025

Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan Begins Friday Evening

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, will begin Friday evening upon the sighting of the moon, with fasting beginning on Saturday.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslim adults fast from dawn until dusk each day, unless they are ill, pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding or traveling.

Fasting is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca.

During Ramadan Muslims engage in increased prayer and charity, both financially and feeding and supporting the local unhoused population. Individuals and organizations typically host iftars, the meal eaten when breaking the fast, to benefit those in need.

The end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, which will fall on March 30, according to Fiqh Council of North America, based on calculations determining the lunar calendar, will be marked by communal prayers called Salat al-Eid.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Local Chambers Partner With SBA to Help Altadena Fire Victims

Workshop aims to assist residents and businesses before March 10 loan deadline

The Altadena and Pasadena Chambers of Commerce are teaming up to host a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Application Workshop on March 4 to help victims of the Eaton Fire and other Los Angeles fires access financial assistance.

The event, scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookside Golf Club at 1133 North Rosemont Avenue in Pasadena, will provide on-site SBA counselors to assist applicants before the March 10 deadline.

“We are all working together to make sure assistance is available to everyone who is qualified and wants help,” said Judy Matthews, Executive Director of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. “The deadlines are approaching very quickly and we hope the victims of the Eaton Fire can apply before it is too late to access funds.”

The workshop offers direct support for completing loan applications for those who lost their home, business, nonprofit, or rental apartment.