Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Pasadena Unified Students Return to School: A Day of Hope and Resilience

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

District welcomes 13,500 students under bright August sun

Under a bright August sun beaming 90-degree temperatures, about 13,000 students streamed back onto nearly two dozen Pasadena Unified School District campuses Monday morning, their return marked by joy, resilience, and the comforting rhythms of a first day of school.

At John Muir High School, a DJ spun the tunes, as Lawton Gray stood near the entrance as a long line of staff and community members cheered students walking in.

“The mood is, we’re ready for the new year and we’re ready for our students,” he said. “We know there’s a lot of things going on, but this is a safe haven for our kids and our community. So we’re excited about being open and providing this place for our families and community and this special welcome.”

Gray noted that the tradition of turning the first day into a kind of community festival has roots in the work of alumni and district supporters.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Altadena Town Council Will Mark 50 Years of Civic Service With October Event

The anniversary celebration will reflects on five decades of community representation, is planned as Altadena rebuilds from the Eaton Fire

The Altadena Town Council will commemorate its 50th anniversary on Oct. 11 with a Community Celebration & Resource Fair at the Altadena Community Center, honoring five decades of civic engagement and local representation in Los Angeles County’s largest unincorporated community.

Founded in 1975, the council has served as Altadena’s primary advisory body, representing approximately 43,000 residents to county government.

The anniversary date coincides with the council’s first election, held exactly 50 years earlier, when more than 1,500 ballots were cast for just two seats — an early sign of what has evolved into the strong civic participation Altadena is known for today.

Chair Victoria Knapp, who has led the council since 2023, continued serving despite losing her own home in the fire.

The current executive committee includes Vice Chair Nic Arnzen, Recording Secretary Kim Yu, Corresponding Secretary Connor Cipolla and Treasurer Milissa Marona.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Altadena Reopens Expanded Bob Lucas Memorial Library

By EDDIE RIVERA

Building honors journalist’s legacy

The west side of Altadena celebrated resilience and renewal Saturday with the reopening of the newly expanded Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center, a facility that bears the name of a man who spent his life advocating for the written word.

The event drew hundreds of community members, civic leaders, and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, along with representatives from the offices of Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Assemblymember John Harabedian.

For many in attendance, the afternoon was about more than bricks and mortar. It was a reaffirmation of literacy as a cornerstone of equity.

Autumn Mora, granddaughter of Bob Lucas, reminded the audience of her grandfather’s enduring message.

“He knew that literacy was the pathway to equity,” she said. “The last seven months have reminded us of what my grandfather already knew — that Altadenans are resilient. We are strong, and we rebuild.”

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Community Groups Offer Healing, Food Distribution for Wildfire Survivors

Events scheduled Tuesday provide emotional support and emergency supplies for Eaton Fire victims

Two community support events will offer help Tuesday for residents still recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire that struck Altadena in January.

The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) will host a healing circle from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center for Restorative Justice. The group is partnering with local community leaders to provide wildfire recovery support.

The event, Heart Space Pasadena, is described as a Black-led and culturally competent healing circle and peer support program. It will be held at 75 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 314.

“BEAM is working in partnership and collaboration with community leaders from Pasadena/Altadena to bring Heart Space to folks needing to process the aftermath of the recent wildfires,” according to organizers. “We’re holding space for collective healing and answering the call to show up by offering resources rooted in care, connection, and restoration.”

Earlier that day,

Monday, August 18, 2025

Judge Could Announce Trial Date for Eaton Fire Litigation

Attorneys anticipate an imminent announcement

A Los Angeles County judge could announce the trial date Tuesday for the Eaton Fire litigation, a case involving hundreds of plaintiffs — including the County of Los Angeles, the city of Pasadena and scores of homeowners — seeking compensation from Southern California Edison for damages caused by the devastating wildfire.

The announcement would come more than seven months into the legal process, with attorneys representing the plaintiffs suggesting that the setting of a trial date could accelerate settlement negotiations.

“A trial date is one thing that actually holds their feet to the fire and motivates them to resolve the case,” said Allan Bridgford, an attorney with Bridgford Gleason and Artinian, referring to Southern California Edison.

Bridgford’s firm represents about 1,000 individual plaintiffs affected by the Eaton Fire.

Judge Laura A. Seigle, who is presiding over the consolidated litigation in Department 17 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, will make the announcement in the lead case “Gursey v.

Monday, August 18, 2025

5 Things To Know About Gavin Newsom’s Plan To Redraw California’s Election Maps

By Alexei Koseff, CALMATTERS

The fight over redistricting is about to hit overdrive in California.

As the Legislature returns to Sacramento today for the final month of session, Democrats are racing to finish a plan that could tilt the state’s congressional map in their favor — and thrust California into another confrontation with President Donald Trump.

Republicans, who stand to lose more than half their seats in the state, decry the scheme as a self-serving power grab. But supporters, led by Gov. Gav Newsom, contend they are saving democracy by stopping Trump from rigging the outcome of the 2026 midterms.

Ultimately, California voters will likely decide in a special election this November.

Here’s what you need to know:

The governor is leading the charge for the Democratic response in a burgeoning partisan showdown that could effectively determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives before a single vote is cast next November.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Pasadena Unified Welcomes 13,591 Students Back to School Amid Recovery, Renewal, Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Monday is back to school, featuring community celebrations, environmental updates, expanded student services, and a district coping with regional immigration enforcement

The Pasadena Unified School District will welcome an estimated 13,591 students across 34 campuses on Monday, launching the new academic year under the theme “The Power of Pasadena Unified School District: Rising Together.” The day will be marked by community celebrations, environmental recovery updates, expanded student services, and district reassurances that it is doing all it can to shield students from immigration enforcement.

At John Muir Early College Magnet High School, students will be greeted as they arrive with the annual “clap in” —  a spirited tradition featuring choruses of cheers from school leaders, alumni, and civic officials.

Later in the morning, Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School will welcome students into vibrant classrooms prepared, the district said, for a year of growth and success.

“Our theme this year, The Power of Pasadena Unified School District: Rising Together, reflects the unity and strength of our students,

Monday, August 18, 2025

Altadena Town Council Returns to In-Person Meetings Following Eaton Fire Disruptions

For the first time since the Eaton Fire, the Altadena Town Council will meet in person Tuesday evening, marking a key moment in the community’s recovery and civic engagement.

The meeting is scheduled for August 19 at 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive. The agenda includes public safety updates, fire recovery reports, and committee presentations.

“We’re back in person, and you’re #invited!” the Council announced via Instagram. “The Altadena Town Council is gathering to share important updates and hear from YOU—our community.”

“Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda,” the Council continued in its post. “Public safety updates from the Sheriff’s Station, CHP, and LA County Fire. Recovery and community reports from local organizations. Special presentation from the Department of Economic Opportunity. Updates from Council Committees, including #Education, #Parks, Communication, and #Fire #Recovery. #Community voices during public comment.”

The meeting opens with a flag salute led by Scouting America Troop 1, followed by roll call and agenda approval.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Leaders Reassure Pasadena Families: Schools Are Protected From ICE Raids

By EDDIE RIVERA

PUSD press conference is a show of solidarity as a new school year begins

On the eve of a new school year, the rotunda of Pasadena City Hall filled with the sound of collective resolve. Nearly a hundred local leaders — from elected officials to clergy, educators and community advocates — stood shoulder to shoulder Sunday afternoon in a symbolic show of unity, sending one message to families across the city: Pasadena schools will remain havens protected from federal immigration enforcement.

The press conference, convened by the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), came against a backdrop of heightened federal activity by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. For immigrant families, that activity has stirred fear at a moment that would otherwise be marked by the joy of returning to classrooms.

State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who chairs the California Senate Education Committee, set the tone with an urgent call to action.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Teddy Bears That Help Heal Broken Hearts, Literally, Reach Local Fire-Traumatized Students

Weighted teddies trigger hormone release to ease stress cardiomyopathy in 1,000 Pasadena-area students and staff

When Marcella Johnson lost her infant son George, her grief led her to create something unexpected: a teddy bear that hospitals, the FBI, and trauma centers now use to heal broken hearts — literally.

On Wednesday, Johnson’s nonprofit delivered 1,000 of these weighted therapeutic bears to Pasadena Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, supporting students and staff traumatized by January’s devastating fires in Pasadena and Altadena. 

The Comfort Cubs, as they’re known, aren’t ordinary stuffed animals. When pressed against the chest, their weight triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin — hormones that calm the nervous system and can even ease stress-induced cardiomyopathy, known as Broken Heart Syndrome.

“This is more than just a stuffed bear,” said Johnson, who founded The Comfort Cub in 1999 and personally delivered the donation during a midday event at Pasadena High School.