Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today, Rev. Sharpton to Lead Memorial Service for Fire Victims in Pasadena

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Rev. Al Sharpton will lead a memorial service in Pasadena on Thursday for victims of the area’s wildfires.

Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, will lead the service at the First AME Church in Pasadena, where he will be joined by national civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the families of some people who died in the fires.

“The wildfires scourging Los Angeles these last few weeks have been a devastating humanitarian and natural disaster,” Sharpton said in a statement. “People have lost their homes, their memories, and ultimately their lives to this devastation, while some have sought to use this horrific event to score political points. This Thursday, I will join with attorney Crump to bring the community together to mourn those we have lost and galvanize them to recover, restore, and rebuild.”

According to organizers, some relatives of victims who died in the fires are expected to attend, along with people who lost their homes.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Preferred Bank Pledges $250,000 for Southern California Fire Relief

Preferred Bank Pledges $250,000 for Southern California Fire Relief

In response to devastating wildfires affecting Southern California, the Board of Directors of Preferred Bank announced Friday that it would donate $250,000 to four organizations supporting local relief efforts.

The independent California-based bank will distribute funds among Tzu-Chi USA, Pasadena Community Foundation, Alliance for a Better Community, and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

“The recent wildfires in Southern California have been devastating and one of the worst disasters in the history of Southern California,” said Li Yu, Chairman and CEO of Preferred Bank. “As a company headquartered in the heart of Los Angeles, the fires have been particularly impactful for many of our associates, clients and communities.”

The bank announced it would match employee contributions to their chosen wildfire relief organizations, beyond the initial quarter-million-dollar commitment.

“The amount the Bank matches will be awarded to the organization the employee donated to,” Yu said. “We are pleased to be able to make this contribution and look forward to helping the impacted communities of Southern California rebuild.”

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today in Altadena, Wellness Event With Offer Food and Aid

Community organizations unite to provide groceries and disaster relief assistance to vulnerable populations

A coalition of local organizations will host a food distribution and wellness event at Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena on Thursday, Feb. 6, offering essential supplies to residents in need.

The event, organized by Watch It Grow Inc. and supported by multiple community organizations, will provide shelf-stable foods, canned goods, snacks, water, beverages and new clothing items.

Organizers encourage attendees to bring shopping bags and carts to transport their items home from the distribution site at 2560 Fair Oaks Ave.

Priority access will be given to seniors, people with disabilities and families with young children during the first 90-minute session, starting at 1:00 p.m.

A second distribution period, running from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., will prioritize Altadena residents who have Medi-Cal coverage or meet eligibility requirements for the program.

World Food Bank Community Health Workers will be present to assist attendees with benefits applications and provide guidance on disaster relief services for those with proper documentation.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Pasadena Elks Lodge Plans Another (and Last) Aid Distribution For Eaton Fire Victims

Fraternal organization will provide essential supplies to affected residents and first responders

Pasadena Elks Lodge 672 will hold its fourth and final merchandise distribution event for those affected by the Eaton Fire next Saturday.

The charitable organization said it will distribute essential supplies including new shoes, clothing, personal care items, bedding, diapers and bottled water to first responders and community members impacted by the fire.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the lodge’s location at 400 W. Colorado Blvd., with designated vehicle access available from Green Street.

Residents seeking assistance must provide identification showing they live in areas affected by the Eaton Fire to participate in the distribution, according to the announcement.

The Pasadena chapter, established in 1901, operates as a 501(c)(8) charitable organization and currently maintains a membership of more than 1,200 individuals dedicated to community service.

“Pasadena Elks, Lodge 672, is committed to helping those in need during this difficult time,”

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

City Issues Statement On Convention Center Shelter Closure

Officials address concerns about February transition plans

The City of Pasadena issued a statement Wednesday addressing the planned closure of its Convention Center emergency shelter, emphasizing that accurate information is crucial during the transition process.

City of Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian released the communication, which specifically addressed concerns about misinformation regarding the shelter’s planned February 8th transition date.

“In moments like these, accurate information is critical. Misinformation and rumors don’t help the healing process. What does help is knowing that our community is here to support one another, that resources are available, and that no one is facing this alone,” Derderian stated.

The statement outlined the city’s ongoing commitment to shelter residents since the January 7th Eaton Fire, detailing the American Red Cross’s role in managing the facility since January 11th. According to Derderian, shelter residents with questions can reach out to Red Cross staff on-site “who are there to listen, to guide, and to provide the latest information and assistance.”

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Food 4 Less and Ralphs Stores Become FEMA Aid Centers After Southern California Wildfires

Grocery chains partner with federal, Los Angeles County and Small Business Administration to provide recovery resources in three Los Angeles County locations

Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs grocery stores are transforming three Los Angeles County locations into disaster recovery hubs through a partnership with Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and Los Angeles County.

The initiative will station FEMA and SBA representatives to assist wildfire-affected residents, businesses, homeowners and renters with financial guidance and recovery support.

FEMA representatives will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 8 at Food 4 Less at 1329 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena.

The Pasadena location serves the heavily impacted Altadena area, where officials estimate approximately 9,400 residential and business structures have been affected by the recent wildfires.

“We know how overwhelming recovery can be after a disaster, and we want people to know they’re not alone,” said Curtis Brown, Federal Coordinating Officer.

Bracken’s Kitchen,

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Tournament of Roses Announces 2026 Theme: “The Magic in Teamwork”

By EDDIE RIVERA

In wake of Eaton Fire, Rose Parade theme honors the spirit of working together

The Tournament of Roses has revealed the theme for its 2026 Rose Parade, highlighting unity and collaboration under the banner, “The Magic in Teamwork.” The announcement, made during a ceremony at Tournament House Tuesday evening, promises to spotlight the power of working together to achieve shared goals, both locally and globally.

“In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire” said Mark Leavens, 2026 president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, “this theme honors those we lost in the fire, and all in our community who’ve worked tirelessly since, to help the fire victims.”

Leavens continued, “The Tournament of Roses Association and our 900 volunteer members are committed to working with our community partners to assist in the recovery and rebuilding effort. We stand with our community. We stand ‘Dena Strong.’”

“Those times when we have been a part of something really special.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Famed Former Pasadena Athlete Walt ‘The Jet’ Butler Joins Legal Action Against Southern California Edison

By EDDIE RIVERA

Law firm asserts Southern California Edison equipment is responsible for Eaton Fire

Attorneys representing wildfire victims announced a lawsuit Tuesday against Southern California Edison (SCE), alleging the utility company’s equipment sparked the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through Altadena and parts of Pasadena in January.

Among those joining the lawsuit is longtime Altadena resident and former Pasadena sports standout Walt “The Jet” Butler, who lost his home and cherished memorabilia in the blaze.

Butler, along with Luis Gonzalez and Denise Diaz Gonzalez, joined a group of former Altadena residents in suing SCE by claiming the utility’s equipment sparked the fire that destroyed their homes, numerous other structures, and resulted in at least 17 deaths.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, local attorney Doug Boxer, who represents LA Fire Justice, said the firm had filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeking justice for the victims of what he described as a preventable disaster.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Partisan Divide Emerges In Federal Response To Eaton Fire

Democratic legislators tour devastated areas while Republicans are absent, as City coordinates massive emergency response and seeks crucial federal disaster funding

During Tuesday’s Legislative Policy Committee meeting, Pasadena officials detailed a stark partisan divide in the federal response to the Eaton Fire disaster, which has caused a local humanitarian crisis.

“I estimated last night that I’ve personally met with 30 members of Congress, or thereabouts,” said Committee Chair Steve Madison, describing an outpouring of support for Altadena and Pasadena from Congressional Democratic leadership, including House Democratic Caucus Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Catherine Clark, and local Representatives Judy Chu and Laura Friedman.

Notably absent? Republicans. (One local Republican who has been highly visible and tirelessly active is Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, but the Supervisorial position is nonpartisan.)

Federal legislative advocate Chris Giglio reported concerning developments in Washington: “Congressional leadership and the President have said that they would like to condition federal disaster relief for this particular event.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

PUSD Reaches Out To Community With Mental Health Support For Students Affected By Eaton Fire

District provides free comprehensive services and resources to help students cope with crisis impact

Pasadena Unified School District has launched a community outreach initiative providing comprehensive mental health support to help students process and recover from the impacts of the Eaton Fire. The initiative combines social-emotional learning with crisis management activities and mental health services, aiming to address various barriers to learning.

“To support our students’ well-being and help them heal from the impact of the Eaton Fire, PUSD is providing social-emotional learning, activities that help students cope with crises, and mental health services that address mental, social, and emotional barriers to learning,” Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in an email this week.

The District’s Student Wellness and Support Services is delivering these services through two main channels: Pasadena Unified School District Mental Health Services and the THRIVE: School Mental Health program.

Both programs offer free comprehensive support to students and their families, regardless of insurance status.