Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Pasadena Firefighters Dispatched to Help Fight Palisades Fire

By Andrè Coleman and City News Service

A strike team has been dispatched to help battle the blaze in Palisades according to Fire Chief Chad Augustin.

Austin told Pasadena Now that before the fire broke out, the Pasadena Fire Department had a team on standby due to the weather forecast of fast moving Santa Ana winds.

A strike team was placed in a hotel last weekend and ready to assist if the need arose.

And that’s what happened on Tuesday when the fast moving fire aided by Santa Ana winds broke in that area.

Five engines carrying 22 local firefighters were immediately dispatched to Palisades to assist in the fight to save homes and local structures.

The fire has scorched 1,262 acres.

Air tankers and water-dropping helicopters could be seen making drops as firefighters from the area rushed to the scene from across the Southland.

The orders essentially cover the bulk of Pacific Palisades.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

City to Activate Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday Night

By ANDRÉ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The City is taking a number of steps to help provide services to local residents.

First, the City’s Cold Weather Shelter was activated at 3 p.m., according to Fire Chief Chad Augustin.

The decision was made to help unhoused residents and those displaced by the current windstorm.

The winds slammed into the City overnight downing power lines and some trees. Although the wind seemed to calm down earlier today, gusts have restarted and are expected to pick up in strength.

The Pasadena Fire Department responded to the 1600 block on Kenilworth after a tree collapsed onto a home. No one was injured.

“We’re doing twice a day City leadership briefings with the National Weather Service to be prepared for what is coming at us,” Augustin told Pasadena Now. “The worst is yet to come. We are activating the Emergency Operations Center this evening.”

The City’s response to the wind storm will go through the Emergency Operations Center which includes a face-to-face coordinated response with representatives from key City departments,

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Pasadena Bad Weather Shelter Opens Early Due To Severe Wind Warning

STAFF REPORT

Temporary shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church to operate through January 10

Local nonprofit Friends In Deed has launched an early opening of its Bad Weather Shelter program in Pasadena, responding to severe high wind warnings threatening the area’s homeless population.

The shelter, located at Trinity Lutheran Church, began operations on January 7 and will remain open through the morning of January 10, providing essential overnight accommodations during hazardous weather conditions.

“We are committed to providing a safe and warm environment for those facing the harsh realities of winter. Our shelter offers more than just a roof — it provides a hot meal, a place to rest, and a sense of security during inclement weather. This wind storm has brought dangerous conditions, and we are grateful to be working closely with the City of Pasadena to ensure our neighbors in need have a safe place to shelter. Thanks to our partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church and the city’s generous support,

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

PWP May Need To Shut Off Power To Decrease Fire Risk

By André Coleman and City News Service

According to Pasadena Water and Power, the City may need to implement power shutoffs to decrease the risk of fires.

“The safety of our community is the City of Pasadena’s top priority,” Pasadena Water and Power officials said on Tuesday. “High winds and fire risk conditions are forecasted from Tuesday through Thursday afternoon. Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) may need to implement public safety power shutoffs to decrease potential fire risk. If this occurs, PWP will restore power as soon as it is safe.”

Many local residents received an alert from AT&T regarding possible shutoffs on their cell phones.

“I urge residents to exercise caution as we experience this windstorm if you are able to remain at home and work,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “You should do so. Be on the lookout for falling trees and limbs and downed power lines, and if you happen to see any of the dangerous situations do not try,

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Winds Have Died Down, but Santa Anas Will Return, National Weather Service Says

STAFF REPORT

The winds have died down, but they are forecast to return according to the National Weather Service.

“A very strong, widespread, and destructive north to northeast windstorm will bring Extremely Critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon,” according to the National Weather Service. “This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) Red Flag Warning event in many areas, with the combination of very strong upper level wind support, tightening offshore pressure gradients and moderate cold air advection.”

“The strongest winds with this event are expected to be Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon when widespread damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are likely,” forecasters said. “The San Gabriel mountains, Santa Susana mountains, and foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see areas of destructive wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph. … The strong winds will likely result in widespread downed trees/power lines,

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

High Winds Prompt Safety Measures at Pasadena Unifed Schools

STAFF REPORT

The Pasadena Unified School District is evaluating unfolding wind events on Tuesday and may use a modified “rainy day” schedule in response to a High Wind Warning and Dust Advisory issued by the National Weather Service for the San Gabriel Valley.

The weather alert, covering January 7-8, 2025, has prompted the District to consider schedule modifications affecting recess, lunch, and physical education. Students and staff should follow regular drop-off and pick-up procedures at the school while using additional caution.

“We are monitoring conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D., said in a statement to the School District community.

District administrators will continue to monitor the situation overnight and through the next couple of days, with plans to keep the School District community informed of any changes.

The modified scheduling represents a precautionary measure as the District works to ensure student and staff safety during the weather advisory period.

Monday, January 6, 2025

Forecast of Potentially Dangerous Wind Storm Prompts Emergency Alerts From City of Pasadena

STAFF REPORT

The City of Pasadena has issued an emergency alert for severe winds and heightened fire danger expected to impact the area from Tuesday, January 7, through Wednesday, January 8.

Strong winds, ranging from 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 to 80, with isolated gusts between 80 to 100 mph are possible, the City said in a statement.

Pasadena emergency officials are urging the community to take steps now to ensure their safety.

Combined with dry conditions, the winds may create hazardous situations, including an increased risk of wildfires, downed trees, and power outages.

The City’s emergency response departments have mobilized in advance of the dangerous conditions.

“The Pasadena Fire, Police, Water and Power, and Public Works Departments are on heightened alert and ready to respond to any emergencies related to the high winds,” City officials announced. “Crews are conducting pre-storm assessments of trees, utility lines, and roadways to minimize potential hazards.”

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

County Supervisor Barger Highlights $45.6 Billion in County Investments for 2024, “Year of Progress”

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger via Facebook

Transportation and housing initiatives lead year’s accomplishments in the Fifth District

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, concluded 2024 by showcasing major investments in transportation, housing, and community development across the Fifth District.

After winning reelection to her third term in the March primaries, Barger managed the nation’s largest County budget of $45.6 billion with a focus on fiscal responsibility and prudence while spearheading critical infrastructure projects and homeless initiatives.

“Without a doubt, 2024 has been a remarkable year of progress,” said Barger. “From supporting our most vulnerable to driving forward regional infrastructure projects that boost economic growth, I’m honored to continue serving the Fifth District and working to ensure a brighter future for all residents.”

Transportation initiatives dominated Barger’s agenda, securing $798 million to complete Metro’s A-Line extension from Pomona to Montclair.

She also negotiated a groundbreaking Community Workforce Agreement with 16 unions for the High Desert Corridor High-Speed Rail Project,

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Altadena Sheriff’s Station Launches Annual Food Drive for Local Families in Need

STAFF REPORT

Local law enforcement partners with community organizations to collect Thanksgiving staples through November

Altadena Sheriff’s Station is now accepting donations for its annual food drive in partnership with the Altadena Rotary Club, and Altadena Town and Country Club.

The campaign, which runs through November 24, aims to provide assistance to families in need across Altadena and unincorporated Pasadena areas, the station said in a post on its Facebook page.

Community members can deliver nonperishable food items to two designated drop-off locations: the Altadena Sheriff’s Station at 780 E. Altadena Drive, and 2290 Country Club Drive.

“A very big thank you to all who have donated in the past,” the station said. “We can’t do this without the support from the community.”

The collection effort seeks holiday staples including stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, bottled juice, jarred gravy, boxed mac & cheese, bagged marshmallows,

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Supervisor Barger Takes Oath in Pasadena For Final Term As Los Angeles County Supervisor

STAFF REPORT

Supervisor Kathryn Barger takes her oath, administered by the Honorable Jackie Lacey, with family members standing by her side. [Office of the Fifth District]

Fifth District representative pledges collaborative approach in ceremony attended by fellow supervisors and County officials

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger was sworn in Saturday for her third and final term representing the Fifth District at Caltech’s The Athenæum. The Fifth District includes Pasadena.

More than 200 community leaders, constituents, family members and officials attended the event, including Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell, Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn.

The Honorable Jackie Lacey administered the oath of office, with Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffery Prang and Sheriff Robert G. Luna among the distinguished attendees at the November 2 ceremony.

“I will face our County’s challenges head-on,” Barger said in her post-oath remarks. “I will continue to use an approach that contains ingredients I believe are essential for success.