Friday, July 11, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivor Is Told State Farm’s $900,000 Check On Hold Due To Insufficient Funds

By Levi Sumagaysay, CALMATTERS

Amelia McDonald couldn’t believe her ears. She had been navigating what she calls “a horrible experience” trying to get her claims paid by State Farm after the Eaton Fire burned down her Altadena home and ranch in January. She, along with her father, daughter and the goats that survived the fire, have been displaced since then.

Now a $876,354.07 check the insurer wrote her wouldn’t clear.

McDonald called the check-hold department of her bank, Chase, Tuesday, asking why the funds from the check she deposited on June 30 were not available more than a week later. She said someone there told her it was because State Farm — the state’s largest property insurer — had insufficient funds. In fact, he told her, the account had a negative balance.

She called the same department today, and reached someone who told her he expected the check to finally clear July 10. (Update: The check, which was also from a Chase bank account,

Friday, July 11, 2025

Stories Rise From the Ashes at Mariposa Night

Altadena voices find healing and unity through storytelling at Caltech

“The big challenge in recovery is keeping people here,” said Lucy Jones. “There is a risk of losing the community when its physical space is damaged. We can’t lose too many people and still be what we were.” That sobering reflection will resonate through Beckman Auditorium on July 12 during Mariposa Night, a free public storytelling event designed to support community healing following the destructive Eaton Fire in January.

Organized by Leadership Pasadena and sponsored by Caltech, Fire Aid, and VFW Lt. Kenneth Bell Post 3208, Mariposa Night offers more than a stage. It offers solidarity. The evening will feature personal stories from residents and workers affected by the fire—stories not centered on loss, but on perseverance, family and hope.

The fire deeply impacted Altadena’s historic Black community. According to research from the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, 61% of Black households were located within the fire perimeter, and nearly half suffered major damage or total destruction.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Hope Returns as Business Expo Unites Altadena in Recovery

Hope Returns as Business Expo Unites Altadena in Recovery

On July 12, the Altadena Library will host the Rebuilding Altadena Businesses Expo, a free recovery-focused event co–organized by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Operation HOPE.

Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the expo will offer direct assistance to entrepreneurs rebuilding after the devastating Eaton Fire.

“We expect a strong turnout of small business owners from Altadena and nearby areas who are seeking assistance during this critical recovery period,” said Judy Matthews, president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. Senator Sasha Renée Pérez named Matthews her Woman of the Year, praising her leadership after the fire. “In the aftermath of the fire, Judy has been a tremendous leader in the community,” said Pérez.

The Eaton Fire, which began Jan. 7, killed at least 18 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings. “I’ve never had to deal with a total loss like this,” said property owner Joey Galloway.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Federal Judge Weighs Restraining Order to Halt ‘Roving’ Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

STAFF REPORT and CITY NEWS SERVICE

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong appeared critical of the government’s defense of immigration officers’ actions in Los Angeles County.

In court Thursday, the judge’s criticism suggested she may order immigration agents to refrain from making stops without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and require that detainees be granted access to legal counsel.

Frimpong said she will decide Friday whether to temporarily halt what civil rights attorneys describe as “roving” immigration raids in Los Angeles, amid growing outcry from public officials and immigrant advocates over alleged racial profiling and violations of constitutional rights.

Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Public Counsel are seeking a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that immigration agents are detaining people without warrants or probable cause—often based on race or perceived ethnicity.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Montebello Mayor Salvador Melendez, Monterey Park Mayor Vinh Ngo, West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers and Culver City Vice Mayor Freddy Puza also voiced support for the legal challenge during an event on Tuesday.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

ACLU to Request Restraining Order Halting Immigration Raids in Court Today

By ANDRE COLEMAN and CITY NEWS SERVICE

Just days after several cities in LA County joined a lawsuit against the federal government, another legal move is scheduled to take place today.

According to City News Service, attorneys representing Southern California residents, workers and advocacy groups are expected to ask a Los Angeles federal judge Thursday for a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to put a halt to what they contend are unlawful immigration enforcement raids targeting local residents based on perceived race and ethnicity.

Locally immigration officers have detained several people including six people at an early morning raid near Orange Grove Boulevard and Los Robles Avenue.

The presence of immigration officers has stoked fear in the community and left some residents afraid to leave their homes.

Earlier this week, Mayor Victor Gordo joined Montebello Mayor Salvador Melendez, Monterey Park Mayor Vinh Ngo, West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers and Culver City Vice Mayor Freddy Puza attended a news conference announcing legal action.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Los Angeles County to Begin Annual Sediment Removal at Devil’s Gate Dam on July 15

County Launches Major Watershed Maintenance Project with Extensive Truck Hauling Plan

Los Angeles County Public Works will begin its annual sediment removal operation on July 15, moving up to 300 trucks daily to transport approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Devil’s Gate Reservoir watershed.

The project will run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

Trucks will follow a designated route west on the 210 Freeway, then via Foothill Boulevard, Osborne Street, Glenoaks Boulevard, and Sheldon Street to Sheldon Pit in Sun Valley.

The maintenance effort stems from a comprehensive restoration project completed in August 2021, which originally removed 1.3 million cubic yards of sediment and restored 70 acres of habitat in the Arroyo Seco Watershed. The annual program aims to maintain flood protection for downstream communities and preserve ecological balance.

“LA County Public Works maintains a sustainable Devil’s Gate Reservoir to provide flood protection to downstream communities while preserving the ecological value of the Hahamongna Watershed,”

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Pasadena Community Foundation Awards $395,000 in Education Grants to Local Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations receive funding to support student success across Greater Pasadena

The Pasadena Community Foundation has awarded $395,000 in education grants to 11 local nonprofit organizations to support student success in the Greater Pasadena area.

The 2025 Education Grants will support dynamic educational initiatives targeting early childhood learning, youth development, academic interventions, and college access. Programs range from STEAM education to literacy support across the Pasadena Unified School District community.

“After six months of healing and rebuilding from the devastating Eaton Fire, we recognize the extraordinary challenges each organization continues to face—whether it’s trauma-affected students, damaged facilities, or interrupted programming,” said Jeannine Bogaard, PCF’s Vice President of Community Impact. “These grants are a commitment to restoring strength, stability, and hope in our educational community.”

Grant recipients include programs like the Girls’ Empowerment Program at YWCA Glendale and Pasadena, which provides leadership skills and STEAM education for girls in grades 6-9. Partnership for Success! will receive funding for its summer educational experience,

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Fire Survivors to Learn About Affordable Housing Options

Pasadena Senior Center forum will feature four organizations offering lower-cost rebuilding solutions

Homeowners affected by the Eaton fire can learn about affordable rebuilding options at a free forum next week.

The Pasadena Senior Center will host the “Rebuilding our Community” forum Tuesday, July 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event targets Altadena and Pasadena residents considering reconstruction after the fire.

The Assistance League of Pasadena is presenting the forum. Four organizations will share information about cost-effective housing alternatives.

The Foothill Catalog Foundation will discuss more than 30 design concepts. The nonprofit helps fire survivors rebuild while saving money, particularly when rebuilding together.

CityLAB-UCLA will present modular housing options. The research center operates within UCLA’s Architecture and Urban Design Department. Officials will explain how modular construction can reduce both time and costs.

Habitat for Humanity representatives will address affordability and sustainability options.

Sunset Mesa Collective will explain their single point of contact approach to reduce and control costs.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

First California Care Convention Brings Free Health and Wellness Event to Pasadena

Community-focused gathering aims to connect adults and seniors through healthcare innovation and local business networking

The first annual California Care Convention will open its doors July 19 at the Pasadena Convention Center, offering free admission to community members seeking health and wellness connections.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 300 E. Green Street. Doors open at 9:45 a.m.

Organizer Neo Nalu LLC describes the convention as focused on “creating community connections — helping adults and seniors connect, learn, and grow together.”

Neo Nalu, LLC is a Camarillo-based health and wellness company dedicated to a holistic approach that blends mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being. Through initiatives like the California Care Convention and the “Spring Wellness Challenge,” Neo Nalu aims to empower individuals – especially seniors – to live healthier, happier lives.

The free event features local businesses and community members centered on health and wellness. Attendees can explore healthcare industry innovations and network with vendors showcasing medical care and wellness products.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Pasadena Unified School District Marks Six Months Since Eaton Fire

Academic progress continues as community rebuilds from devastating wildfire

On Monday, PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco joined Gov. Gavin Newsom and other leaders to discuss ongoing wildfire recovery efforts statewide as Pasadena Unified acknowledged the six-month mark since the Eaton Fire 

The January fire disrupted education across the district and displaced numerous families, a PUSD statement said. All school properties have since been cleared and tested for safety by district teams, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and public health agencies. 

“Six months ago, the Eaton Fire disrupted lives and learning across our district,” Blanco said. “Today, we reflect on how far we have come.” 

Schools reopened just 23 days after the fire through coordination between district staff, local agencies and community partners. 

The Pasadena Educational Foundation established the Eaton Fire Response Fund two days after the fire started. The fund has distributed more than $3 million to support affected employees, students and families. 

Emergency housing and financial support reached more than 150 district employees impacted by the fire.