Thursday, May 8, 2025

Local Gas Prices Could Exceed $8 By 2026 As Refineries Close, Report Warns

STAFF REPORT

Pasadena residents could soon be paying a lot more at the pump. According to one study, gasoline prices in California could surge past $8 per gallon by the end of 2026 due to upcoming oil refinery closures that could slash the state’s refining capacity by more than 20%.

The analysis by Michael A. Mische, senior lecturer at USC’s Marshall School of Business, warns that the scheduled shutdowns of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero facility in Northern California could leave the state with a significant daily supply deficit.

“The estimated average consumer price of regular gasoline could potentially increase by as much as 75% from the April 23, 2025, price of $4.816 to between $7.35 and $8.43 a gallon by calendar year end 2026,” the report states. Mische also cautioned that prices could be even higher in remote areas.

California currently consumes more than 13.1 million gallons of gasoline each day, but produces just under 24% of its crude oil needs.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Altadena Devastation Spurs L.A. County to Launch Self-Certification Program for Post-Fire Rebuilding

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

In response to the widespread destruction from January’s Eaton Fire, which devastated large swaths of Altadena and surrounding communities, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new pilot program aimed at accelerating residential rebuilding.

The Self-Certification Program, introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, will allow licensed professionals to certify that home construction plans meet County building codes—bypassing the traditionally lengthy plan check process.

The move is intended to fast-track reconstruction in fire-scarred neighborhoods like Altadena, where residents continue to grapple with the loss of homes and community infrastructure.

“Our residents can’t afford to wait months or even years to begin rebuilding their homes,” said Barger in a statement. “This pilot program is about empowering qualified professionals, cutting red tape, and putting families on a faster track to recovery—without compromising safety.”

The Eaton Fire alone left a trail of destruction in Altadena, damaging or destroying more than 9,000 structures.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Nate Holden, Trailblazing L.A. Politician and Crenshaw Rebuilder, Dies

Holden remembered for decades of public service and post-riot leadership

Nate Holden, a longtime Los Angeles political figure who played a central role in rebuilding the Crenshaw area after the 1992 Los Angeles riots and helped shape public policy in California for more than three decades, died Wednesday. He was 95.

Holden is survived by his sons Reginald Holden and Chris Holden, a former Pasadena Mayor, Councilmember and State Assemblymember.

Holden’s public service career spanned more than 30 years, including roles as a California State Senator, Los Angeles City Councilmember, and assistant chief deputy to a Los Angeles County Supervisor. From 1987 to 2003, he represented Los Angeles’ 10th District on the City Council, where he chaired key committees including Transportation, Air Quality and Waste Management, and Inter-Government Relations.

According to his website, during his time on the City Council, Holden introduced a gun buyback program in partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department and sponsored legislation requiring toy guns to be brightly colored to avoid confusion with real firearms.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Pasadena Unified Rescinds Dozens of Layoff Notices, Acts to Preserve Jobs Amid Budget Challenges

The Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday that it has rescinded layoff notices for 40 of 66 certificated employees, preserving the jobs of valued teachers and other credentialed staff members even as the district continues to face serious fiscal challenges.

“This was a difficult and complex process that we had to follow because of state law and collective bargaining agreements with our unions. We’re pleased to be able to keep so many of our valued educators,” said Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco.  “That said, we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to our long-term financial outlook.”

The process of determining which layoff notices could be rescinded was complex and determined by state law and the requirements of collective bargaining agreements with unions, the district said in a statement.

The district said it still intends to eliminate 91 certificated full-time positions for 2025-26 as part of its plan to close a $37 million multi-year budget deficit. However, through a combination of retirements,

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Authorities Search for Missing Teen from Altadena Area

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issues critical missing juvenile alert for 16-year-old with mental health conditions

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has issued a special bulletin seeking public help in locating Jonathan Guzman, a 16-year-old resident of Los Angeles County who was last seen on May 3  in the unincorporated area of Altadena.

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department say Guzman has been diagnosed with mental health conditions. His family is concerned for his well-being.

Guzman, also known as Eugene Guzman, was last spotted at 10:05 a.m. on the 2900 block of El Nido Drive. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black jacket, gold chain, black t-shirt, and black shoes.

The missing teen is described as a Hispanic man standing 5’7″ and weighing 145 pounds. He has brown hair with blonde highlights, brown eyes, and ear piercings.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Guzman’s whereabouts to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station Detective Bureau at (626) 798-1131.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Another LA County Measles Case Confirmed; Health Officials Urge Vaccination

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A person who traveled to Los Angeles County from abroad has been confirmed to have measles, becoming the fourth case of the disease in a county resident or visitor this year, and prompting health officials Wednesday to urge people to get vaccinated.

According to the county Department of Public Health, the latest patient was not infectious during the time of travel, and there are no public locations in the county where people may have been exposed. Officials at some health care facilities are contacting their own patients and staff who may have been exposed to the traveler.

The health agency issued a statement warning of an increase in measles cases among people who have recently traveled internationally and domestically

“With measles outbreaks happening both in the United States and internationally, an increase in cases in our county highlights how important it is for residents to get protected before residents begin making summer travel plans,” according to the department.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School Celebrates Centennial Milestone

Historic Pasadena institution plans free community event to mark 100 years of educational excellence

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School in Pasadena will host a Centennial Celebration on Friday, May 9, 2025, commemorating 100 years of academic achievement, community service, and artistic excellence. The free event, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the historic Marshall Auditorium, invites students, alumni, families, and community members to participate in this significant milestone.

“We have rescheduled our second day of celebrating 100 Years of Athletics to Fall 2025 and eagerly anticipate another wonderful experience with our school community. We are excited to commemorate this significant milestone with you. Help us spread the word, show your school spirit, and be part of history as we celebrate 100 years!,” a PASADENA UNIFIED official said.

The evening’s program will feature addresses from Marshall alumni, former educators, and administrators, complemented by performances and shared recollections. Attendees will have the opportunity to reconnect with friends and faculty while celebrating the school’s rich history.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Fuller Seminary Degrees Now More Affordable and Accessible Worldwide

Courtesy of FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Fuller Seminary is pleased to announce the launch of three refreshed degree programs, which have been redesigned to best meet the needs of students seeking preparation for Christian ministry and leadership today. In step with the seminary’s announced transition into a new digital-forward era, Fuller’s Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (MATM), and Master of Arts in Global Missional Leadership (MAGML) will offer revitalized curricula that require fewer credit units, making Fuller’s world-class education more accessible and helping students accelerate their progress toward their vocational goals.

The changes, effective in Fall 2025, reflect Fuller’s desire to more faithfully equip students for lives of ministry, and the seminary sees the revised programs as a streamlined progression of the quality education the institution has offered since 1947. Dr. Jeffrey F. Keuss, dean of Fuller’s School of Mission and Theology, said of the redesigned degrees, “Is this something totally different? No. We’re actually bringing more focus to what we’ve always been about.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Kaiser Permanente, Mental Health Workers Reach Tentative Agreement

By Lynn La, CALMATTERS

After striking for nearly half a year, the union representing Kaiser Permanente mental health workers in Southern California said earlier this week that it has reached a tentative agreement with the company, and expects to vote on the new labor contract Thursday.

But the possible conclusion of a record-breaking work stoppage is not the only thing on Kaiser’s plate: On Tuesday the Assemby’s health committee held an oversight hearing scrutinizing the company’s behavioral health services, writes CalMatters’ Jocelyn Wiener.

The hearing included testimony from union representatives, lawmakers and patients detailing Kaiser’s shortcomings in providing sufficient and timely care. Two years ago, following an investigation by regulators, the company agreed to a historic $200 million settlement to resolve problems with its services, such as delays in patient care.

Kaiser, however, was absent at Tuesday’s hearing. Instead, it sent a two-page letter that said it did not attend because it believed “it would not have been a productive or balanced discussion.” The letter also said the company has invested more than $1 billion in improving behavioral health care since 2020.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

LA County to Review Fire Response, Emergency Preparedness of Altadena’s Mirador Apartments

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County supervisors Tuesday called for a coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations in future emergencies, in a move prompted by shortcomings experienced by older residents of the Mirador Apartments in Altadena during the Eaton Fire.

Introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger, Tuesday’s motion directs the executive director of the county’s Homeless Initiative to report back to the board in 30 days with a review of the incident.

The board also asked for a report by the Department of Aging and Disabilities with recommendations for emergency preparedness for older adult populations.

“Many residents of the Mirador Apartments were left to navigate a dangerous situation on their own, despite being among the most medically and physically vulnerable in our communities,” Barger said in a statement.

“My motion seeks accountability and concrete improvements to ensure safety isn’t compromised in future emergencies.”

The motion also directs the county departments to explore improvements to emergency preparedness protocols and accountability measures for supportive housing providers.