Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Kaiser Permanente Subsidized Health Coverage Now Available

Kaiser Permanente Southern California is now accepting applications for its Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP), an initiative providing subsidized high-quality health care to individuals and families who lack access to other forms of coverage.

To qualify for the program, individuals and families must live in one of Kaiser Permanente’s service areas; live in a household with an income limited to up to 300% of the federal poverty level; and being ineligible for other public or private health coverage such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, cannot be enrolled in a job-based health plan, or receiving financial assistance through Covered California.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we believe everyone deserves access to high quality affordable health care regardless of their circumstances,” said Sandra E. Silva, senior director of Community Health at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Through charitable health coverage programs like CHCP, we’re working to break down barriers and support the health of individuals and families across the diverse communities we serve.”

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the CHCP subsidy will become a one-time benefit for adults aged 21 and older,

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivors Demand Attorney General Probe County Response During Eaton Fire

Survivors and activists seek independent investigation, citing failures and inequities in official response to the deadly blaze

‘Survivors of the Eaton Fire’ and advocates from the ‘Altadena for Accountability’ coalition announced plans for a press conference to be held Tuesday, September 30 at 8 a.m. at 425 E. Las Flores in Altadena, standing where homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire once stood. The group will call on California Attorney General Rob Bonta to launch a full investigation into Los Angeles County’s response to the fire, which destroyed thousands of homes and claimed 19 lives.

Shawna Dawson Beer, Beautiful Altadena Community Organizer and total loss fire survivor who lived west of Lake Avenue, said, “The report confirms what we already knew—there was no plan.”

Beer is referring to the County’s after action report on the Eaton and Palisades Fire response, released late last week.

The McChrystal report on the Eaton Fire found no single point of failure but identified a series of weaknesses—outdated policies,

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Altadena Deputies Climb 75 Stories in Full Gear at YMCA Fundraiser

Officers complete 1,664 steps at U.S. Bank Tower event

Deputies from Altadena Sheriff’s Station climbed 75 stories in full patrol gear during the 32nd Annual YMCA Stair Climb & Urban Hike.

The officers tackled 1,664 steps at the U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles on Friday. They participated in the Heroes Challenge, which requires full patrol gear.

The U.S. Bank Tower stands 1,005 feet tall and has the tallest stairwell west of the Mississippi.

About 4,000 participants joined the event. Some raced up the stairs while others walked. Climbers entered the stairwell at eight-second intervals and finished on the building’s roof.

After reaching the top, participants took a second stairwell to a resting floor. They viewed Downtown Los Angeles from nearly 1,000 feet up.

Free snacks and water were available for recovery. Climbers then took elevators to street level.

A block party awaited participants at Maguire Gardens. The event included food, activities, music and a beer garden.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

$3.3 Million Contract Targets Reservoir Damage from Eaton Fire

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The City Council on Monday awarded a five-year, $3.36 million contract to General Pump Company, Inc. for maintenance and repair of the city’s water wells and booster pumps.

The contract with TKE Engineering, Inc. provides  construction management and inspection services tied to reservoir repairs and other water infrastructure projects damaged in the Eaton Fire and windstorm.

The City’s utility, Pasadena Water and Power, operates 14 reservoirs citywide, including the Allen Reservoir, a 4.1-million-gallon concrete storage facility that suffered partial structural damage in the 2025 disaster.

The Don Benito Reservoir’s two steel storage tanks were demolished in August by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after being declared unsalvageable. Both projects — along with upcoming work at the Arroyo Seco Area 2 Intake Structure, expected to begin in fiscal year 2027 — are eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement.

Under the agreement, TKE would handle construction schedules, project coordination and inspection to ensure compliance with safety standards and contract requirements.

Monday, September 29, 2025

From Crisis to Catalyst: Pasadena Community Foundation’s Russo Transforms Fire Recovery Into Long-Term Community Vision

Eight months after the devastating Eaton Fire displaced thousands of residents in Altadena, the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is channeling its record $72 million relief mobilization into a blueprint for long-term recovery.

Eight months after the devastating Eaton Fire displaced thousands of residents in Pasadena and Altadena, the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is channeling its record $72 million relief mobilization into a blueprint for long-term recovery. Under new President & CEO Khanh Russo, who took the helm in June, the foundation continues its traditional grantmaking across many programs while also mobilizing resources for immediate and longer-term fire relief and recovery efforts — an expanded approach Russo calls “advocacy through action.”

“After the Eaton Fire, we raised $72.4 million and quickly distributed $12 million to support food, childcare, and housing needs… That’s more than just grantmaking—it’s advocacy through action,” Russo said.

PCF has committed $4.55 million to its supporting organization, the Altadena Builds Back Foundation to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to rebuild 22 homes in Altadena.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Guest Opinion | Paul Starita: Eaton Fire Victims Should Consult Legal Experts Before Joining SCE’s Compensation Program

Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced a new compensation program for victims of the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through Altadena and Pasadena communities. The fire claimed 19 lives, destroyed nearly 9,500 structures, and caused widespread business disruption throughout the region.

The utility company’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program promises direct payments to survivors for home and business destruction, partial structural damage, business interruption, smoke and ash damage, and injuries and fatalities. SCE has retained experts who previously worked on large-scale compensation funds, including those established for 9/11 victims, to develop the program.

However, experienced wildfire attorneys are strongly urging fire victims to consult with legal experts before participating in the voluntary program. The lack of specific details about the program’s structure raises significant concerns about potential trade-offs that could severely impact victims’ ability to fully recover their losses.

“Victims need to understand what they’re potentially giving up before they make any irreversible decisions about this compensation program,” said Gerald Singleton, founding partner of Singleton Schreiber.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Three Neighbors Who Lost Homes Lead Vision for Altadena’s Public Spaces After Fire

Michele Zack, Mark Goldschmidt, and Hans Allhoff lost their homes in January’s Eaton Fire. Now the three longtime Altadena residents are organizing neighbors to shape their community’s public spaces at an October 4 open house.

The free gathering will bring residents, architects, and County planners together to design parks, streets, and gathering spaces that preserve what made and makes Altadena unique — before market forces decide for them.

“Things are happening in Altadena and following the fire change is inevitable,” Zack said. “We need the community at the table so changes that occur are not just left to pure economic forces.”

SWA architecture/urban design firm and Disney will provide free professional design support at the October 4 event at Loma Alta Park Gym, 3330 N. Lincoln Avenue.

County staff will explain new rebuilding regulations adopted in 2024 but never tested until now. The event includes activities for children. No registration required.

Home rebuilding has consumed about 98 percent of recovery efforts since January,

Monday, September 29, 2025

Workshop Empowers Women to Run for Office, Offers Recovery Resources for Seniors

A civic engagement event will feature elected officials and senior support programming

A workshop titled “Run for Office and Win!” will take place Sunday, Oct. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. The event is open to elected officials, community members and aspiring candidates, offering speakers, networking and lunch. Confirmed speakers include Laura Friedman, Wendy Carrillo, Sabrina Cervantes, Luz Rivas, Lisa Calderon and Blanca Rubio.

“We’re looking for women who want to run for office and win!” reads the promotional announcement. Attendees may RSVP at https://www.nwpcsgv.org/events/run-for-office-and-win or email info@nwpcsgv.org.

Speaker Ursula Hyman, director of the Altadena Recovery and Rebuild Corporation, continues her work supporting civic organizations and housing recovery. Founded by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the nonprofit organization helps secure affordable financing for businesses, churches, schools and community institutions, while seeking innovative housing solutions.

Hyman also leads Fire Recovery Programs at Assistance League of Pasadena, where she developed the Navigator Program to help seniors rebuild after disasters.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Harabedian to Deliver Sacramento Report at Pasadena Rotary Luncheon

Assemblymember set to address legislative updates and community priorities for the 41st District at open-to-the-public event

Assemblymember John Harabedian will speak at the Pasadena Rotary on Wednesday, October 1, presenting his annual Sacramento Report at the club’s weekly luncheon. The event aims to update the public on legislative progress in Sacramento while fostering community engagement across the 41st District, which spans in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, La Verne, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga.

“All are welcome to come and hear the Sacramento Report from Assemblymember John Harabedian at Pasadena Rotary on Wednesday, October 1 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.,” the announcement noted, highlighting the open nature of the session and the importance of community dialogue.

Harabedian was born and raised in Sierra Madre and began his public service as a Sierra Madre Councilmember in 2012, was re-elected in 2016, and served twice as mayor. During his tenure he championed innovative policies to protect the environment, conserve resources and expand municipal services. He led Sierra Madre’s groundbreaking solar energy initiative,

Monday, September 29, 2025

County Supervisors Prepare to Publicly Review Fire Response Failures

Board of Supervisors will examine report on evacuation missteps during deadly January wildfires

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will examine an independent report Tuesday that found significant weaknesses in alert and evacuation systems during January’s deadly wildfires.

The McChrystal Group review examined the county’s response to the Eaton and Palisades fires that killed 31 people and destroyed more than 16,000 properties. The fires hit Altadena, Pacific Palisades and parts of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Malibu.

The after-action report found no single failure point in the county’s warning and evacuation efforts. Instead, it identified multiple problems including outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communication gaps.

Hurricane-force winds on Jan. 7 grounded all firefighting aircraft and caused power outages. The conditions also prevented nighttime aerial surveillance during the critical early hours.

“While frontline responders acted decisively and, in many cases, heroically, in the face of extraordinary conditions, the events underscored the need for clearer policies, stronger training,