Friday, January 24, 2025

December Unemployment Rate in LA County Holds Steady

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 6% in December, the same rate as November, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 6% rate was above the rate of 5.2% in December 2023.

Statewide, California’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.5% in December, up from 5.4% in November and up from 5.1% in December 2023. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.1% in December, 4.2% in November and 3.8% in December 2023.

Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 11,400 jobs between November and December to reach nearly 4.66 million.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector showed the largest month-over-month gain, adding 7,700 jobs.

Friday, January 24, 2025

LA Region to Receive over $8M in Federal Funding for Housing Assistance

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More than $8 million in federal funding will be coming to the Los Angeles region to bolster emergency shelter operations, provide rental assistance, and other services, officials announced Friday.

The funding is coming from the U.S. Department of Housing through its Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing program, according to California Sen. Adam Schiff and Sen. Alex Padilla. Funding can be used to support L.A. County residents displaced by the recent wildfires.

“This funding will provide much-needed relief for residents who are struggling to get back on their feet after the recent wildfires across Los Angeles, as well as those who have been experiencing homelessness,” Schiff said in a statement. “These resources will ensure our local governments can help families and individuals without housing move forward as our communities begin to rebuild.”

Of the $8 million, the state will receive $3 million. Los Angeles County and the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Pomona and Long Beach will each receive $1 million.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Generosity Pours in from Near & Far

STAFF REPORT

In just two weeks, donors from near and far have helped Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund grow to $7 million. National and local foundations and corporations, along with more than 2,500 individuals, have amplified PCF’s ability to support our PasadenaAltadena-Sierra Madre communities in the face of unimaginable destruction and loss from the Eaton Fire.

This generosity has already helped PCF disburse $533,000 in grants to 20 Altadena and Pasadena nonprofits last week; we continue to work with nonprofit and civic leaders to direct additional funding in the weeks and months to come.

We extend grateful thanks to The Ballmer Group for its $1 million donation. Steve and Connie Ballmer have dedicated an initial $15 million in emergency funding for those impacted by the recent wildfires and noted that they were particularly interested in supporting “the historic, racially diverse community of Altadena.”

PCF also recognizes significant gifts from Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan;

Friday, January 24, 2025

Caltech Expert Tells City Council Air Quality Returning to Normal After Eaton Fire, City Eyes Enhanced Monitoring

STAFF REPORT

At a special Pasadena City Council meeting Thursday, a Caltech atmospheric chemistry expert assured members that local air quality has largely normalized following the Eaton Fire, even as local officials consider deploying additional monitoring equipment across affected neighborhoods.

“And so the good news is that the amounts of lead and other indicators of ash and dust in the air now this is in the particles smaller than 2.5 microns, suggest that the mobility of the ash and dust has not affected air quality terribly downwind of Altadena,” said Paul Wennberg, the R. Stanton Avery Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Science and Engineering at Caltech.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates both fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5), which can be deposited deep in the lungs, and particles under 10 microns (PM 10) that tend to deposit higher in the respiratory system.

During the special meeting focused on environmental monitoring and testing, Pasadena Public Health Acting Director Manuel Carmona presented plans to potentially expand the city’s network of “Purple Air”

Friday, January 24, 2025

EPA To Begin Hazmat Removal At 614 Eaton Canyon Fire Sites in Pasadena

STAFF REPORT

Federal officials outline two-phase cleanup strategy as assessment begins for fire-damaged properties across Pasadena

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has completed initial assessments of 614 Pasadena parcels damaged in the recent Eaton Canyon Fire, with hazardous materials removal set to begin Monday as part of a comprehensive cleanup strategy across Pasadena and Altadena.

The information came to light during a Thursday special meeting of the Pasadena City Council. The Council discussion focused on actions set to occur in Pasadena, not in Altadena, which faces substantially greater losses.

“As of this morning, there’s 614 parcels that have been reconned as it relates to the Eaton fire,” said Israel Del Toro, Deputy Director with Pasadena’s Planning Community Development Department. “The EPA currently has 35 staff members and contractors out there completing this task, and they’re continuing to ramp up on that process.”

The Council heard that cleanup will proceed in two phases, beginning with EPA-led hazardous waste removal from residential properties.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Metro Providing Free Transit to Southern California Wildfire Victims

STAFF REPORT

Agency modifies reduced fare program to support affected Los Angeles County residents

Metro, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has announced immediate modifications to its reduced fare program to assist residents impacted by devastating Southern California wildfires.

Recently, Metro’s Board of Directors approved measures offering 90 days of unlimited free rides to individuals affected by the fires across Los Angeles County.

Under the modified program, eligible riders will receive 20 complimentary trips monthly for six months, with the option to continue participation in the future.

Metro outreach teams will be stationed at resource centers and key locations to help wildfire survivors register for the reduced fare initiative and access available resources.

On Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25 and 26, a Metro outreach team will be at Pasadena City College’s FEMA Recovery Center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to assist those suffering economic impacts from the fires in registering for the reduced fare program.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Hindu Temple and Heritage Foundation Organizes Free Saturday Drive-By Essentials For Eaton Fire Victims

STAFF REPORT

Nonprofit continues seva tradition of ‘selfless service’ with drive-through distribution event

Deeply moved by the devastation caused by the Wildfires, the Hindu Temple and Heritage Foundation (HTHF) and its congregation in Pasadena are organizing a free drive-by distribution of essential supplies for families affected by the Eaton Fire. The January 25 event at 676 S. Rosemead Blvd. in East Pasadena aims to provide immediate relief through distribution of water, hygiene products, diapers, snacks, and school supplies, continuing their acts of seva (service) true to their spiritual teachings.

“During these challenging times, the HTHF members stand united to uplift the community, offering hope and support,” states the organization, which hopes “these small acts of kindness will make a big difference in the lives of those impacted.”

The distribution is set to take place at the Pasadena Hindu Temple from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or until supplies last.

Residents can access the distribution point by driving west on California Boulevard from Michigan Boulevard towards Rosemead Boulevard,

Friday, January 24, 2025

Sikh Organization Serves Thousands of Meals to Los Angeles Wildfire Victims

STAFF REPORT

Community group partners with local temples to provide food and essential supplies through January

UNITED SIKHS, a United Nations-affiliated nonprofit, is providing hot meals and supplies to those affected by the devastating Eaton Fire.

The organization has committed to serving more than 10,000 meals to community members impacted by the recent wildfires, operating from the Pasadena Job Center.

Working alongside multiple different Gurdwaras around California, volunteers are offering hot food, masala tea, and essential supplies daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pasadena Job Center, located at 500 North Lake Avenue.

“The act of sharing a meal transcends cultural and religious boundaries,” said Moninder Singh, Senior Program Manager with UNITED SIKHS. “It’s a simple yet powerful way to show that we care for each other, no matter our backgrounds.”

The initiative has established a dedicated storage facility to maintain continuous outreach, bringing together volunteers from various faiths and backgrounds.

Friday, January 24, 2025

With the Trump-Newsom Political Feud Back, the LA Fires Add A Tricky New Wrinkle

By DAN WALTERS, CALMATTERS

As Donald Trump this week assumed the presidency for the second time, he rekindled his personal and political feud with California and its governor, Gavin Newsom, while also inflating Newsom’s obvious ambition to be resistor-in-chief — and perhaps the 2028 Democratic candidate for the White House.

Had Trump lost to Kamala Harris, it probably would have doomed whatever presidential ambitions Newsom might harbor. She presumably would have run for a second term in 2028. Trump’s win did Newsom a big favor since he can only serve one more term, setting the stage for wide-open scrambles in both parties.

On his first day back on the job, Trump once again singled out California for scorn, thereby burnishing Newsom’s standing within his party.

Trump devoted some of his 30-minute inaugural speech to California, alleging — untruthfully — that the state’s leaders allowed Los Angeles wildfires to burn without “a token of defense.”

“They’re raging through the houses and communities,

Friday, January 24, 2025

State Banks and Credit Unions Offer Mortgage Relief for Fire Survivors

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More than 270 state banks, credit unions and lenders will provide mortgage relief for property owners impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.

Homeowners will have a 90-day forbearance on their mortgage payments, without reporting these payments to credit reporting agencies and the opportunity for additional relief.

The governor noted this decision will provide survivors with the time and relief to address their immediate needs.

“I thank each of the financial institutions that are offering this help for Californians recovering from this catastrophic firestorm,” Newsom said in a statement. “California will continue working with all stakeholders to support survivors, expedite recovery and provide relief.”

As part of the announcement, qualified borrowers will receive the following:

• 90-day mortgage payment forbearance periods, streamlined processes for requesting initial relief without submitting forms or documents, payment options that do not require immediate repayment of unpaid amounts,