Sunday, November 16, 2025

Coast Live Oak Crushes Car in Altadena During Saturday Storm; No Injuries Reported

A towering coast live oak tree fell during Saturday’s atmospheric river storm and crushed a white Toyota RAV4 rental vehicle near the intersection of Allen Avenue and Meadowbrook Road, according to multiple media and local eyewitness accounts. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred in the early-to-mid afternoon hours. The vehicle was reportedly a rental car hired by an East coast visitor.

The tree was identified as approximately 80 years old and more than 100 feet tall. Saturated soil and rain-heavy canopies can make them lopsided and prone to toppling.

Emergency response was coordinated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, and the California Highway Patrol, all of which confirmed their involvement through official statements.

County public Works crews equipped with chainsaws worked for nearly seven hours to chop and remove the tree, according to NBC4. Meadowbrook Road was closed during that time, with the tree and vehicle blocking traffic lanes.

The incident occurred during what the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office described as “the strongest storm of the season.” Meteorologist Ariel Cohen reported that the multi-day atmospheric river system brought 2 to 6 inches of rain to most of Southern California on Saturday.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

They Want To Be California’s Next Governor. Here’s What They’d Do About Health Care

By Ana B. Ibarra, CALMATTERS

Every day, Californians struggle to afford medications or wait weeks or months for mental health appointments. Thousands in the “sandwich generation” juggle caring for elderly parents with raising children.

Those are top health care issues Californians want to see the next governor address, according to a recent poll. The candidates vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom offered views on them – and addressed the Trump administration’s coming cuts to safety net programs – at a recent forum at UC Riverside organized by philanthropic foundations.

“The reality is too many Californians face barriers to health and wellness in our state,” said Richard Tate, president and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, one of the organizations sponsoring the event. He said the forum was planned to take place in the Inland Empire, where residents experience some of the largest disparities in health outcomes.

Four candidates, all Democrats, took part in the forum. Former U.S.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Forecast Prompts Numerous Events Cancellations

The prospect of a significant storm system bringing heavy rainfall to the Pasadena and Altadena area on Saturday has prompted the cancellation or postponement of multiple community events, with organizers citing safety concerns and dangerous weather conditions.

Armenian Festival Postponed Until Spring 2026

The 2nd Annual Pasadena Armenian Festival, scheduled for Saturday at Centennial Plaza in front of Pasadena City Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., has been postponed until Spring 2026. Organizers announced the decision Thursday, citing concern for attendee safety and logistical complications posed by inclement weather.

The free outdoor event had been expected to draw hundreds for cultural performances, Armenian food, vendors, dance performances, live music, and family activities celebrating the deep cultural roots and contributions of Pasadena’s Armenian community. Organizers said they are considering rescheduling the festival in the spring, though no new date has been confirmed.

Mariposa Junction Reopening Celebration Rescheduled

The “Rising Together” celebration marking the grand reopening of five small businesses in Altadena’s historic Mariposa Street corridor has been postponed from Saturday,

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Rain Threatens Altadena School Fundraiser

Community pancake breakfast pushed back as weather threatens outdoor event

Weather concerns have forced organizers to postpone a community pancake breakfast scheduled for Saturday morning, Nov. 15.

The Altadena Arts Magnet PTA planned to serve pancakes, coffee and juice at Good Neighbor Bar’s outdoor patio. A new notice cited rain as a threat to the fundraiser.

The event was set for 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 2311 Lincoln Ave. Tickets cost $5 per person.

All proceeds benefit the school’s annual fund.

Organizers recommended buying tickets in advance. They also planned to sell them at the door.

Good Neighbor Bar can be reached at (626) 704-0164. Questions about the event can be directed to altadenaaf@gmail.com.

No new date has been announced for the rescheduled breakfast.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Flood Watch in Effect as Heavy Rain Threatens Pasadena and Altadena Saturday

[Updated   5:55 a.m.] Pasadena and Altadena are under an areal flood watch until 10 p.m. Saturday, with the National Weather Service warning of heavy rainfall, saturated soils, and the potential for flooding in low-lying and urban areas.

“Concerned about what today will entail, so [we] encourage residents to remain vigilant, especially if in the burn scar or flood-prone areas,” Pasadena Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian said early Saturday. “Please allow extra time driving and greater distance between vehicles because traffic accidents always rise during rain and excess water on roads.”

Forecasters predict 1 to 2.5 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible. Rainfall rates could reach 0.5 to 1 inch per hour, raising the risk of excessive runoff and flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, streets, highways, underpasses, and areas with poor drainage. The flood watch was issued early Saturday morning by the National Weather Service, which noted that “excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.”

The ground in the San Gabriel Valley is already saturated from recent storms,

Saturday, November 15, 2025

‘A Flood On Steroids’: What To Know As Storm, Debris Flows Threaten LA

By Rachel Becker, CALMATTERS

An unusually strong storm system has reached Southern California, raising fears that the rain could unleash a threat that has been lingering in the burn scars of wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles communities in recent years.

Called debris flows, these fast-moving slurries of floodwater and sediment can hurtle down slopes carrying cars, trees and even boulders with them.

They’re like “a flood on steroids,” said Jason Kean, a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s landslide hazards program. “It’s really hard to stop these things. The best thing to do is get out of the way.”

Forecasters expect the heaviest rain Friday into Saturday night; predictions are for wet days through next week. Storms may stretch from Santa Barbara County south to Los Angeles County, and could spread inland to parts of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Burn scars — slicked by fire and stripped of plants — are especially vulnerable.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Altadena Sheriff’s Station Issues Friday Afternoon Storm Alert for Burn Areas

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued an alert Friday afternoon about 3 p.m. urging residents in recent burn areas to prepare for possible mudslides and flooding as a storm system moves into the region.

A Flood Watch is in effect from late Friday through Saturday evening, with rain expected to continue into next week.

Officials warn that neighborhoods impacted by the Jan. 7 wildfires remain highly vulnerable to debris flows.

Deputies will begin targeted outreach, including door knocks, at 8 p.m. Friday to pre-identified, vulnerable residences recognized by Public Works as at risk.

The Office of Emergency Management and law enforcement agencies warned residents in at-risk areas to evacuate. The Winter Shelter Program has been activated, with augmented shelters open for unhoused residents. Locations are available at lahsa.org/winter-shelter, and residents can call 2-1-1 for bed availability and transportation.

Authorities urge residents to sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov, download the Genasys Alert mobile app,

Friday, November 14, 2025

Community Pushback Confronts School Board As Members Meet to Review Fiscal Plan

County watchdog representatives say district is on the ‘Right Trajectory’

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education spent five hours Thursday reviewing a fiscal stabilization plan that would cut $30.5 million from the 2026-27 budget, drawing sharp community opposition to reductions in arts, athletics, libraries and bilingual support services. The board will vote on the plan Nov. 20.

The proposal combines $25 million in spending cuts with $5.6 million in new revenue and grants to meet Los Angeles County’s requirement that PUSD identify $30 million to $35 million in savings to avoid state intervention. County officials attending the meeting said the district is on the “right trajectory” but will not decide whether to approve the plan until reviewing PUSD’s first interim financial report, due Dec. 15.

More than 40 speakers addressed the board during a two-hour public comment period, urging protection of school-based programs. Students from Thurgood Marshall Fundamental High School defended the Academy for Creative Industries,

Friday, November 14, 2025

Archbishop Gomez Says Nation Must Fix `Broken Immigration System’

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A day after U.S. Roman Catholic bishops delivered a rare “special pastoral message” on immigration, Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez said Thursday that the nation must come together “to reform our broken immigration system.”

Gathering for its fall meeting in Baltimore, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Wednesday addressed its concern for the federal government’s enforcement actions, which have sown fear and family separation in targeted communities. The message marked the first time in a dozen years the USCCB has invoked the urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops.

In its message, the bishops said “human dignity and national security” should not be in conflict.

“We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement,” the bishops’ message reads. “We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care.

Friday, November 14, 2025

LA County Opens Investigation into State Farm’s Handling of Wildfire Claims

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County attorneys Thursday launched an investigation into State Farm over their handling of insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by January’s wildfires following growing complaints from residents about delays, underpayments and denials of legitimate claims.

The investigation is expected to focus on potential violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. County Counsel stated that it has formally notified State Farm, the largest insurer in California, that if it is engaging in any unlawful or unfair business practices, the company must immediately stop such conduct and follow state laws.

County Counsel is empowered by statute to investigate and prosecute violations of the Unfair Competition Law on behalf of the residents, and seek restitution, civil penalties and injunctive relief for any violations.

“Altadena residents have already endured unimaginable loss and they shouldn’t have to fight their own insurance company to recover,” according to a statement from L.A. County Board of Supervisor Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena.