Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Rental Housing Board Will Consider Emergency Measures for Tenants Affected by January Windstorm, Eaton Fire

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board will meet Thursday, February 6 to consider emergency measures to help tenants affected by January’s devastating windstorm and Eaton Fire that triggered a local emergency declaration.

The Board will review existing and potential regulations to protect tenants whose rental units were damaged or destroyed by the winds and fire. The disaster that destroyed approximately 9,400 structures in Pasadena and Altadena, damaged an additional 1,073, and caused at least 17 civilian fatalities.

In Pasadena a total of 152 residential units were affected by the Eaton Fire: 140 single-family residences, six multifamily dwelling units, and six accessory dwelling units. The Rent Stabilization Department reported 14 rent-stabilized units were red-tagged and another unit yellow-tagged.

In civil engineering, a red-tagged structure is deemed unsafe for entry or occupancy due to severe damage or immediate hazards. Immediate evacuation and prohibition of entry. A yellow-tagged structure has restricted use, indicating moderate damage or potential hazards that require caution.

City Manager Miguel Marquez declared a Local Emergency on January 8,

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Red Cross to Transition Evacuation Center to Altadena

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

[UPDATED with information from the American Red Cross] According to a statement by the American Red Cross provided to Pasadena Now the evacuation center at the Pasadena Convention Center is closing its doors this weekend, and the organization is currently searching for a location in fire-ravaged Altadena.

“We are just moving the center to a better location,” said Angel Sauceda, regional communications director for the American Red Cross. “Most of them are Altadena residents, so we’re trying to move them somewhere where they’re closer to home so they can get back to a little more normalcy before we fully close our shelters.”

When Pasadena Now asked for confirmation that the Convention Center would be closing its doors on Fridays, Sauceda said, “Yes it will be” before supplying the information on the move.

The relocation is scheduled for this weekend. However, moving to Altadena could be a tall task as many of the buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Judge Extends Block on Federal Funding Freeze Which Could Have Forced Major Cutbacks in Pasadena

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has extended a temporary block on a controversial plan by the Trump administration to freeze federal funding on grants and loans that primarily fund nonprofits.

The order blocks the Trump administration from locking up $3 trillion dollars as the administration reshapes its policies to match Trump’s opposition to progressive and liberal groups, including woke and gender ideology.

The organization originally announced the freeze last week, but Judge Loren AliKhan placed a temporary injunction on the order about 30 minutes before it was set to begin.

At that point, groups were already reporting they could not access already approved funds.

The freeze sent cities across the country, including Pasadena, into panic mode as they attempted to figure out how much they could lose in federal funding. About 70% of the funding from the City’s health department comes from grants. It is not know how many of those grants come from the federal government.

Monday, February 3, 2025

County: Nonprofits, Religious Organizations Are Eligible for Federal Wildfire Aid

Assistance available for organizations providing social services impacted by County fires

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program, which traditionally supports repair and replacement of publicly owned infrastructure damaged in disasters, is extending aid to private nonprofit organizations and houses of worship in Los Angeles County impacted by recent wildfires. The initiative expands federal disaster recovery support to include faith-based groups and nonprofits that provide social services.

“Private nonprofits and faith-based groups that were impacted by the Los Angeles County Wildfires may be eligible for Public Assistance to help restore their damaged or destroyed facilities,” according to the January 31, 2025 announcement.

Organizations seeking assistance must complete a two-step application process. First, they need to create a Unique Entity ID at SAM.GOV to officially register their organization to apply for grants or loans from the federal government. They must then submit a Request for Public Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Grants Portal by Sunday, March 9,

Monday, February 3, 2025

LA County Chair Honors Heroes in Altadena Fire Response

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger praised community response efforts following the Eaton Fire in an email to constituents over the weekend.

Barger, who represents Pasadena, highlighted organizations and residents who provided immediate assistance to Altadena during the emergency.

“While we’ve witnessed unimaginable grief and loss in the wake of the Eaton Fire, we’ve also seen the very best of our community,” Barger wrote.

The board chair announced she had honored several “Eaton Fire Community Heroes” during this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting for their early response efforts and presented a list of some of the many who stepped up in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.

Here is Barger’s emailed list:

The Altadena Rotary Club has raised more than $200,000 for community recovery. Although 13 of their members lost their homes, the club is still firmly committed to connecting residents to support. As a small club of 40 members, they are getting funds into the hands of those who need help with the rebuilding process and are actively working with the San Marino Rotary Club to provide thousands of dollars worth of supplies and gift cards that will be given away at a special event on Feb.

Monday, February 3, 2025

Residents Return to Eaton Burn Areas; Health Protections Advised

CITY NEWS SERVICE

As residents continue returning to the Eaton burn areas, authorities are urging them Monday to be aware of potential health hazards and wear masks, gloves and other protective gear if they are digging through rubble, noting the toxic nature of wildfire ash and other debris.

County public health officials are distributing personal protective equipment to those who need it.

Nightly curfew orders remain in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the burn areas in an effort to restrict unnecessary access and prevent looting.

Both the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire in the Altadena and Pasadena areas, which erupted on Jan. 7, were fully contained as of Friday, according to CalFire.

Another Southland blaze that broke out later in January, the Hughes Fire in the Castaic Lake area, burned 10,425 acres and was fully contained Friday, the agency said.

The Eaton Fire caused at least 17 deaths, destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged 1,073 more while burning 14,021 acres.

Monday, February 3, 2025

SBA Offers One-On-One Recovery Consultations For Eaton Fire Victims This Morning

Local business owners affected by disaster to receive personalized federal assistance guidance at free event

A four-hour disaster recovery program today featuring individualized SBA consultations will offer business owners affected or destroyed by the Eaton Fire personalized pathways to rebuild through federal assistance programs. The free event, sponsored by Congresswoman Judy Chu in partnership with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Small Business Administration, takes place Monday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First AME Church in Pasadena.

The program begins with an overview of disaster assistance available through the SBA, followed by one-on-one consultations for interested business owners. This targeted approach aims to provide affected businesses with direct access to federal recovery resources.

Small business owners will meet individually with SBA advisors to discuss their specific situations and available disaster assistance options. The personalized consultations allow business owners to receive detailed guidance tailored to their recovery needs.

The event, to be held at 1700 North Raymond Avenue,

Monday, February 3, 2025

Southern California Burn Areas Brace for Rain This Week

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A storm system is expected to bring widespread rain and gusty winds to Southern California beginning Tuesday, raising fears of possible debris flows in recent burn areas.

The National Weather Service expressed “high confidence in widespread periods of rain in the Tuesday through Friday” period. Early estimates suggest most areas will see moderate rainfall, with about an inch in coastal and valley regions and two to three inches in the foothills and mountains.

Forecasters said the rainfall poses minimal threat of triggering destructive mudslides or debris flows in Southern California’s recent burn areas. However, some risk remains, and officials were taking pains to provide every precaution possible.

“The peak of the event will be from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning,” the NWS said, adding that the chance of rain and the rainfall intensity will decrease Wednesday afternoon and evening. Another bout of rain is expected either Thursday or Friday, with dry skies returning by Saturday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is cleaning drainage facilities and debris basins,

Monday, February 3, 2025

Metro Expands Transit Program to Help Wildfire Victims

Program offers free rides through modified LIFE regional subsidy eligibility requirements

Metro has expanded its Low Income Fare Is Easy (LIFE) program to provide free public transit access for residents affected by recent wildfires. The initiative modifies existing eligibility requirements to include wildfire victims as part of the regional subsidy program, which operates across multiple transit agencies including Pasadena Transit, according to Joaquin T. Siques, Pasadena’s Director of Transportation.

Under the modified program, enrolled participants receive a preloaded TAP card with a free pass valid for the first 90 days on all participating transit agencies, including Metro and Pasadena Transit.

Following this initial period, participants automatically receive 20 free regional rides monthly for the remaining duration of the program, which currently extends to six months. These rides can be used on any participating agency including Pasadena Transit.

Registration can be completed online or in person.

Current program details and in-person enrollment locations are available at https://www.metro.net/fireresponse/.

Monday, February 3, 2025

Local Armenian American Community Rallies as Homes and School Lost in Pasadena Crisis

Outpouring of support transforms youth center into emergency hub as residents face widespread displacement

In a swift response to the devastating Eaton Fire the Armenian-American community in Pasadena and Altadena has transformed the Jivalagian Youth Center into an emergency relief hub, coordinating a multi-organizational effort to support displaced residents and damaged institutions.

“It’s been quite devastating. The carnage has been tremendous and so many victims that we know of the Armenian American community, and of course many of our Pasadena residents have been affected by this as well. Most, if not all, have lost their homes entirely,” said Danny L. Donabedian, chairperson of the Armenian National Committee (ANCA) Pasadena Chapter, speaking from the center at 2242 East Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena.

The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has taken a leading role, maintaining round-the-clock operations at the center for ten consecutive days. Their efforts have focused on distributing essential supplies, including food, clothing, batteries, flashlights, and infant necessities to affected residents.

The fire has dealt a particularly severe blow to Armenian educational institutions.