Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Court Hearing Set for Woman Convicted in Fatal Altadena Shooting

Case of Mesha Arshaz Dean to Be Reviewed in Criminal Courts Building

A court hearing is scheduled Tuesday for Mesha Arshaz Dean, a woman convicted of second-degree murder in a fatal shooting in Altadena.

The hearing will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Department 110 of the Criminal Courts Building, located at 210 W. Temple St.

Dean, then 25, was convicted on March 26, 2012, for the fatal shooting of Monroe Miles Jr., 32, during a confrontation in 2007.

According to court documents, Dean and her girlfriend Vanessa Marie Ochoa traveled from Nevada to Altadena on the day of the shooting.

Miles was caring for Ochoa’s 4-year-old son Manaen while the boy’s father was out of town at the time of the incident.

Dean was arrested two days after the shooting, on March 20, 2007, in Las Vegas with Ochoa and the child.

The boy was found unharmed.

In August 2010,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Pasadena Nonprofit Announces Plans Second Annual Clothing Sale for Children’s Healthcare

Event coincides with National Thrifting Day to support medical services for uninsured families

Young & Healthy will hold its second annual clothing sale next month to raise money for healthcare services provided to low-income children and families.

The Aug. 16 event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 136 W. Peoria Street in Pasadena. The sale falls on National Thrifting Day.

Shoppers will find new and used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages. The timing appeals to families preparing for back-to-school shopping.

Vintage fashion influencer Annette Vartanian returns this year to curate designer pieces. Her section will include brands such as Diane von Furstenberg, St. John, Isabel Marant and Oscar de la Renta.

“Whether you’re making a fashion statement, reducing waste, or giving back—this event gives you the chance to do all three,” said Shelley Boyle, interim co-executive director of Young & Healthy.

Money raised supports the nonprofit’s work with underserved children in the greater Pasadena area.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

LA County Supervisors to Vote Tuesday on Ordinance Prohibiting Masked Law Enforcement

Proposal would require federal agents, officers to display visible identification during public interactions

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on an ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty in unincorporated areas like Altadena.

Supervisor Janice Hahn’s motion comes after residents reported disturbing encounters with plainclothes or masked agents since ICE raids began in early June. Many agents refused to identify themselves or display official credentials.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public. Limited exceptions would include medical protection, fire and smoke safety, or undercover operations.

The measure would also require all law enforcement officers to visibly display identification and agency affiliation while performing duties in public spaces within unincorporated County areas.

“These incidents have sparked fear and confusion over potential impersonation and abuse,” according to Hahn’s motion.

ICE raids began in Los Angeles County on June 6.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Wildfire Survivors in Altadena and the Palisades Face Second Crisis: Insurance Delays

Delayed payments, denied claims and rate hikes are compounding financial and emotional fallout from January’s wildfires

Survivors of the January Palisades and Eaton wildfires are confronting a second catastrophe: delayed, denied or slashed insurance payouts that have stalled recovery and pushed many toward financial ruin.

Former Insurance Commissioner and current U.S. Representative John Garamendi condemned the crisis as “systemic bad-faith behavior” that “undermines the very promise of recovery” at a July town hall in Altadena.

The California Department of Insurance launched a formal market-conduct exam into State Farm’s claim practices in June, following more than 1,000 complaints. Survivors detail experiences of repeated adjuster turnover, below-market estimates and unexplained denials.

One homeowner, writing to Commissioner Ricardo Lara via the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, reported, “We’re on our seventh adjuster. Each time we make progress, another one shows up and says we have to start over.”

Survivors describe “fantasy” rebuild estimates pegged at $350 per square foot—about 40 percent below market rates,

Monday, July 28, 2025

The Eaton Fire: Recovery, Recrimination, and Resilience

The aftermath of the January Eaton Fire remains the single most dominant issue shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of Pasadena and Altadena, according to a recap of top news stories last week.

Many of last week’s top topics and trends circled around recovery on multiple fronts, from contentious financial negotiations and grassroots healing initiatives to the starkly divergent futures facing different segments of the fire-scarred region.

On the immigration front, raid and detention fears and a report that the Huntington Hospital Chief of Staff’s husband was taken into custody by ICE added to the local tension.

The Compensation Battleground: SCE, Politicians, and Lawyers

The biggest news of last week on the Eaton Fire front was the newly announced Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program from Southern California Edison (SCE). Rather than being received as a step toward financial resolution for many people, the program has been met with immediate and sharp criticism.

Local attorneys have publicly cautioned that the program could “further victimize people who lost”

Monday, July 28, 2025

California Schools Regain Federal Money They Counted On After Trump Releases Hold

By Adam Echelman, CALMATTERS

After withholding billions of dollars in school funding for nearly a month, the U.S. Education Department said today it would release the money, starting next week.

But some school officials are still waiting until they have cash in hand before celebrating.

“The only way to know is next week, which is when these funds are supposed to arrive, but I am worried about what sort of hoops they want us to go through to be compliant,” said Kindra Britt, a spokesperson for California County Superintendents, an organization that includes all of the state’s 58 county superintendents.

Normally, California’s department of education begins working with the federal government in the spring so that K-12 and adult schools can start spending federal money on July 1 — but this year is different. On June 30, the state education department learned that the Trump administration planned to withhold more than $800 million intended to support a slew of essential services in California,

Monday, July 28, 2025

Newsom Ramps Up California Redistricting Threat As Texas Weighs New Republican Maps

By Alexei Koseff, CALMATTERS

What seemed a few weeks ago like a far-fetched political fantasy ahead of the 2026 midterms has quickly evolved into a high-stakes showdown enveloping states across the country.

As Texas this week began an off-cycle redistricting process meant to shore up Republicans’ slim House majority, Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared Friday with a group of Democratic legislators from that state, reaffirming his intention for California to respond with new maps of its own that would benefit Democrats.

Following a meeting with the Texas lawmakers at the historic governor’s mansion in downtown Sacramento, Newsom told reporters that “everything is at stake if we’re not successful next year in taking back the House of Representatives” — not only blunting President Donald Trump’s agenda, but protecting American democracy.

“If we don’t put a stake into the heart of this administration, there may not be an election in 2028,” he said. “They’re not screwing around. We can’t afford to screw around either.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Architects Panel to Address Altadena Rebuilding Efforts

Community event focuses on role of design professionals in post-fire recovery

[UPDATED] A panel of architects and designers will discuss their role in Altadena’s rebuilding efforts Wednesday evening, July 30, as the community continues recovery seven months after devastating fires.

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) will lead the discussion at Morning Star Church in Pasadena. The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

A statement from Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (POP) said the panel aims to educate residents about working with architects during the rebuilding process. Topics include finding the right architect and understanding the design and building phases.

Each panelist brings deep expertise in the field of architecture and design. Charles T. Bryant and Winston Thorne both serve as Principal Architects, holding architectural licensure. Elisabeth Soto D. Angelo is a Principal Designer, and Gary Cheek contributes his perspective as Vice President of Marketing and Design.

Moderating the session is Nicole Buhles, an Associate Principal Practice Technology Leader.

Monday, July 28, 2025

$10,000 Grants Available for Altadena Wildfire-Hit Small Businesses

LISC LA program offers $1.5 million in relief funding with July 28 deadline

Small businesses devastated by January’s Los Angeles wildfires can apply for $10,000 relief grants through a program launched by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) LA.

The LA Wildfire Relief Grant Program will distribute $1.5 million to help local businesses recover from the wind and wildfire events that began Jan. 7.

Applications opened July 22 at noon and will close Monday, July 28 at 11:59 p.m. The short application window requires businesses to act quickly.

The grants aim to help businesses recover, rebuild and continue serving their communities after the devastating fires.

Businesses can use the $10,000 grants for several urgent recovery needs, to include replacing damaged or destroyed equipment and inventory, paying wages and employee benefits, and restoring systems needed for daily operations.

Grants also cover payables such as rent and supplies, plus past-due bills. However, at least 80% of each grant must go toward asset purchases.

Monday, July 28, 2025

State Senator Calls for Fair Compensation as Edison Creates Wildfire Victim Fund

Edison’s compensation program will launch this fall for those affected by deadly January blaze

A California state senator is urging Eaton Fire victims to seek legal advice before participating in Southern California Edison’s new compensation program.

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents Pasadena and the 25th Senate District, issued a statement Thursday responding to Edison’s announcement of a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. The program will launch this fall for people affected by the January fire.

“Whether through the courts or a direct claims process, Eaton Fire victims deserve full and fair compensation,” Pérez said. The Democratic senator represents other communities hit by the blaze.

Edison announced the program Tuesday, saying it would be administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros. The pair previously worked on the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

The Eaton Fire began January 7 in Eaton Canyon near Altadena. It killed 19 people and destroyed 9,418 structures before being contained on Jan. 31.