Sunday, July 6, 2025

In A First, California Moves Toward Paying Incarcerated Firefighters Minimum Wage

By Cayla Mihalovich, CALMATTERS

In a historic policy change, California is moving to pay incarcerated firefighters the federal minimum wage during active fires.

The wage increase, funded through the new state budget, follows years of advocacy to improve pay and working conditions for incarcerated labor. That effort took on a new urgency after hundreds of incarcerated firefighters were deployed to battle deadly wildfires that hit Los Angeles in January.

Incarcerated firefighters currently earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. During active emergencies, Cal Fire compensates them an additional $1 per hour.

That appears to be changing. Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed a new state budget with $10 million to pay incarcerated firefighters $7.25 an hour when they’re on a fire. It will take effect Jan. 1 as long as the Legislature passes a bill that would mandate the policy.

“It’s the right thing to do and it’s long overdue,” said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan,

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Prominent Endocrinologist’s Death in San Marino House Fire Leads to Arrest of Estranged Husband

A six-month investigation into a deadly house fire has led to the arrest of a 62-year-old man accused of murdering his estranged wife, a respected endocrinologist, whose body was found in their burned San Marino home earlier this year.

Yoon Lai, also known as Kevin Lai, was arrested Thursday morning at his San Gabriel residence on suspicion of killing Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai, 56, on Jan. 6. He is being held without bail pending a case presentation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on July 8, authorities said.

Dr. Gaw-Lai, also known professionally as Dr. Irene Gaw Gonzalo, was found dead inside her burning home on the 2000 block of Lorain Road. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 9:45 a.m. and discovered her body with severe burns and upper body trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Initially treated as an accidental fire, the case shifted to a homicide investigation the following day after a medical examination reportedly revealed suspicious injuries.

“There was trauma to her upper body,” said Lt.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Updated: Two Men Hospitalized After Brenner Park Shooting, Suspects at Large

[Editor: New information from authorities has resulted in significant new details that correct and expand the original story on this incident]

[Updated 7:08 a.m.] Two men were hospitalized after a shooting late Friday night at Brenner Park, and police are searching for two suspects, authorities said.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 11:08 p.m. near Mountain Street and Sunset Avenue, according to Pasadena Police Lt. Anthony Russo.

SoundThinking, a gunshot detection system used by Pasadena police that was formerly called ShotSpotter, detected 10 rounds fired in the area.

By the time officers arrived, both victims had already been taken to Huntington Hospital by acquaintances, Russo said.

An 18-year-old Altadena man suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the arm, chest, and shoulder and remains hospitalized with major injuries. A 32-year-old Pasadena man was shot in the hand. Both are expected to survive.

Police are seeking two Black male suspects. One was last seen wearing a white tank top,

Friday, July 4, 2025

Down-Home Celebrations In and Near Pasadena Mark Independence Day

July 4th activities will bring local communities together

Neighborhood spirit, innovative light displays, and community pride will define this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Pasadena and surrounding cities, as residents will mark the Fourth of July with events ranging from drone shows to homegrown parades and family barbecues.

At the Rose Bowl, thousands will gather for a high-tech twist on tradition. The stadium will replace fireworks with a synchronized drone light show, capping a three-day international street food festival dubbed FoodieLand. The event, which will run from July 4 through July 6, will offer more than 200 food and craft vendors and will feature live music, games, and cultural performances.

The aerial show, designed by Pyro Spectaculars—the team behind displays at Dodger Stadium and Macy’s NYC celebration—will use hundreds of drones to animate patriotic scenes above the Arroyo, creating a visual experience only visible to those inside the stadium. Tickets are $12 and include access to both the food festival and drone show.

Friday, July 4, 2025

‘DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze,’ Pasadena Police Caution Ahead of Holiday

First-time arrest can cost $15,000-$20,000; drug-impaired crashes rising statewide

Pasadena police are warning drivers that DUI enforcement during Independence Day celebrations will target not just drunk drivers but those impaired by marijuana and other drugs.

The department’s Fourth of July safety campaign emphasizes that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze” as officers prepare for increased patrols during the holiday week.

“When celebrations associated with Independence Day—fireworks, backyard barbecues and pool parties—wind down, it’s vital we all work together to spread this life-saving message,” the department stated.

Pasadena Police Department reported 225 DUI investigations in 2024, up from 194 in 2023, with 83 DUI-related collisions.

The department emphasizes that impairment from any substance poses significant risks to public safety. This message aligns with the ongoing effort to educate drivers that impairment extends beyond alcohol to include marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances that can compromise driving ability.

Statewide statistics underscore the dangers. California Highway Patrol arrested 1,336 motorists for DUI during the 2024 Fourth of July holiday period,

Thursday, July 3, 2025

California Groups Partner to Help LA County Businesses Recover From Wildfires

CALED redirects federal grant funding to provide technical assistance through PCR Business Finance

The California Association for Local Economic Development is redirecting federal grant money to help small businesses through Los Angeles County recover from recent wildfires.

CALED announced it is pivoting funding from a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to support technical assistance services for fire-affected businesses through its Outsmart Disaster program.

The Sacramento-based organization is partnering with PCR Business Finance to help LA County businesses apply for funds and receive technical assistance for resilience planning. The effort operates through a program managed by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate under the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

“This is a strong example of how we’re leveraging our partnerships across the state to respond to the needs of small businesses,” said Tara Lynn Gray, director of CalOSBA. “CalOSBA is proud to support Outsmart Disaster and ensure businesses in LA County have access to the resources they need to recover,

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Metro Board Approves Union Deal, Expands Transit Ambassador Program

In-house department will add 85 positions to enhance safety coverage on buses and trains

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board approved a collective bargaining agreement effective Tuesday, July 1, thereby creating an in-house Transit Ambassador department and expanding the safety program to more bus lines and rail stations.

The Board approved 85 additional Ambassador positions and a contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to represent Transit Ambassador personnel effective July 1. The moves allow Metro to begin building an in-house department the Board approved in October 2023.

“I’ve been impressed by the support the Metro Ambassadors provide to transit riders,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and Whittier Council Member. “They connect riders to resources they need and provide a welcoming and visible presence that customers rely on.”

The agreement adds 388 contract positions comprised of 309 current Transit Ambassador staff and 79 new ambassadors. The program will expand to cover the Metro/LAX Transit Center,

Thursday, July 3, 2025

California’s Mental Health Phone Lines Begin Layoffs, Brace For More

By Lynn La, CALMATTERS

Faced with steep budget cuts, phone lines that provide free mental health support to tens of thousands of residents across California have begun layoffs and the elimination of crucial services, reports CalMatters’ Jocelyn Wiener.

These so-called “warm lines” assist people during non-emergencies, offering emotional support and mental health resources. Parents Anonymous’ helpline, which serves about 24,000 people a year and is endorsed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has already laid off staff. The organization requested $3 million a year from the state, but the budget deal Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers hammered out last week did not include funding.

Pomona resident Antonia Rios said she contacts the helpline as much as seven times a week. Rios is a mother of seven, and lives with anxiety, depression and other mental health afflictions. For Rios, “it breaks my heart they want to cut” the helpline.

• Rios: “The helpline was a safe haven for me.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Our Christian Call to Compassion and Companionship

By Fuller Theological Seminary

Christians around the world wrestle with the moral dimensions of national and international policies and practices. During the week in which many across the United States will celebrate the Declaration of Independence, with its commitments to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, many Christians are grieved about current immigration practices in light of their commitments to faithful compassion and civil engagement.

Most of us are not policy makers with the requisite education and experience for shaping strategy and executing programs related to immigration laws or appropriate processes for fair adjudication. However, we do have the competence and should have the commitment to insist on ethical and humane principles that do not terrorize and traumatize children and adults. The integrity of our Christian witness in a fractured and fearful world requires followers of Jesus to call for reasonable resolutions that provide security and stability for all.

Governments have the responsibility to uphold law, security, and order.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Pasadena Unified Faces Surprise $1.2 Million Federal Funding Freeze

District joins California in losing millions as Department of Education halts grant releases

Just four days after the Pasadena Unified School District finalized its budget, it suddenly faces a $1,202,482 revenue shortfall after the U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly halted $6.8 billion in federal K-12 education grants nationwide for Fiscal Year 2025.

The funding freeze affects programs for teacher training, English learners and immigrant students across the district’s schools. California stands to lose more than $800 million of the frozen funds designated for fiscal year 2025.

“This is not just a budget issue, this is about our children, our employees, and our commitment to equity,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement on Tuesday. “We call on the federal government to honor its promise.”

In Pasadena, the halted grants for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 include $604,612 for teacher development under Title II Part A, $211,452 for English learner programs under Title III, $47,782 for immigrant student services under Title III Immigrant,