Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Hands-On Summit Returns to Bring Fire Recovery Resources Directly to Black Seniors Affected by Deadly Eaton Fire

A hands-on summit returns Saturday for the second time to bring fire recovery resources directly to Black seniors struggling to rebuild after the Eaton Fire, recognizing that many lack the digital access needed to navigate online disaster assistance programs.

The Eaton Fire Senior Summit Series #2, themed “Rebuilding with Resilience,” continues its mission of supporting Black seniors impacted by the deadly fire. Hosted by Community Women Vital Voices, the event ditches web portals for printed guidebooks and replaces online forms with in-person services—including free Family Trust creation onsite—specifically designed for seniors who can’t or won’t go online for help.

“Our seniors are the most vulnerable citizens affected by the LA Fires. The Eaton Fire ranks the deadliest. We are the voice for the people who need their voices heard. The summit will provide answers,” said Lena Louise Kennedy, CEO of Community Women Vital Voices.

The Aug. 2 event will bring together elected officials including Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Federal Appeals Court Reviews Immigration Arrest Quota in Wake of Pasadena ICE Raids

A federal appeals court panel on Monday heard arguments in the Trump administration’s bid to reinstate immigration patrols across Southern California, including recent controversial detentions made in Pasadena, but issued no immediate ruling.

The hearing before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco comes amid heightened concern in Pasadena, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents reportedly conducted at least three documented raids in Pasadena during June and July 2025, resulting in a minimum of 12 confirmed detentions.

The first incident, in which agents detained six individuals at a bus stop near Madison Elementary School on June 18, was captured on video and widely circulated online. The action prompted vigils and protests throughout the city, with local leaders and residents expressing alarm over what they described as indiscriminate enforcement tactics.

The court is reviewing a temporary restraining order issued July 14 by U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who found that roving immigration patrols were “illegally conducted without reasonable suspicion.”

Federal attorneys argued the stops were legal and based on probable cause,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Court Hearing Set for Woman Convicted in Fatal Altadena Shooting

Case of Mesha Arshaz Dean to Be Reviewed in Criminal Courts Building

A court hearing is scheduled Tuesday for Mesha Arshaz Dean, a woman convicted of second-degree murder in a fatal shooting in Altadena.

The hearing will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Department 110 of the Criminal Courts Building, located at 210 W. Temple St.

Dean, then 25, was convicted on March 26, 2012, for the fatal shooting of Monroe Miles Jr., 32, during a confrontation in 2007.

According to court documents, Dean and her girlfriend Vanessa Marie Ochoa traveled from Nevada to Altadena on the day of the shooting.

Miles was caring for Ochoa’s 4-year-old son Manaen while the boy’s father was out of town at the time of the incident.

Dean was arrested two days after the shooting, on March 20, 2007, in Las Vegas with Ochoa and the child.

The boy was found unharmed.

In August 2010,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Pasadena Nonprofit Announces Plans Second Annual Clothing Sale for Children’s Healthcare

Event coincides with National Thrifting Day to support medical services for uninsured families

Young & Healthy will hold its second annual clothing sale next month to raise money for healthcare services provided to low-income children and families.

The Aug. 16 event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 136 W. Peoria Street in Pasadena. The sale falls on National Thrifting Day.

Shoppers will find new and used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages. The timing appeals to families preparing for back-to-school shopping.

Vintage fashion influencer Annette Vartanian returns this year to curate designer pieces. Her section will include brands such as Diane von Furstenberg, St. John, Isabel Marant and Oscar de la Renta.

“Whether you’re making a fashion statement, reducing waste, or giving back—this event gives you the chance to do all three,” said Shelley Boyle, interim co-executive director of Young & Healthy.

Money raised supports the nonprofit’s work with underserved children in the greater Pasadena area.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

LA County Supervisors to Vote Tuesday on Ordinance Prohibiting Masked Law Enforcement

Proposal would require federal agents, officers to display visible identification during public interactions

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on an ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty in unincorporated areas like Altadena.

Supervisor Janice Hahn’s motion comes after residents reported disturbing encounters with plainclothes or masked agents since ICE raids began in early June. Many agents refused to identify themselves or display official credentials.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public. Limited exceptions would include medical protection, fire and smoke safety, or undercover operations.

The measure would also require all law enforcement officers to visibly display identification and agency affiliation while performing duties in public spaces within unincorporated County areas.

“These incidents have sparked fear and confusion over potential impersonation and abuse,” according to Hahn’s motion.

ICE raids began in Los Angeles County on June 6.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Wildfire Survivors in Altadena and the Palisades Face Second Crisis: Insurance Delays

Delayed payments, denied claims and rate hikes are compounding financial and emotional fallout from January’s wildfires

Survivors of the January Palisades and Eaton wildfires are confronting a second catastrophe: delayed, denied or slashed insurance payouts that have stalled recovery and pushed many toward financial ruin.

Former Insurance Commissioner and current U.S. Representative John Garamendi condemned the crisis as “systemic bad-faith behavior” that “undermines the very promise of recovery” at a July town hall in Altadena.

The California Department of Insurance launched a formal market-conduct exam into State Farm’s claim practices in June, following more than 1,000 complaints. Survivors detail experiences of repeated adjuster turnover, below-market estimates and unexplained denials.

One homeowner, writing to Commissioner Ricardo Lara via the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, reported, “We’re on our seventh adjuster. Each time we make progress, another one shows up and says we have to start over.”

Survivors describe “fantasy” rebuild estimates pegged at $350 per square foot—about 40 percent below market rates,

Monday, July 28, 2025

The Eaton Fire: Recovery, Recrimination, and Resilience

The aftermath of the January Eaton Fire remains the single most dominant issue shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of Pasadena and Altadena, according to a recap of top news stories last week.

Many of last week’s top topics and trends circled around recovery on multiple fronts, from contentious financial negotiations and grassroots healing initiatives to the starkly divergent futures facing different segments of the fire-scarred region.

On the immigration front, raid and detention fears and a report that the Huntington Hospital Chief of Staff’s husband was taken into custody by ICE added to the local tension.

The Compensation Battleground: SCE, Politicians, and Lawyers

The biggest news of last week on the Eaton Fire front was the newly announced Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program from Southern California Edison (SCE). Rather than being received as a step toward financial resolution for many people, the program has been met with immediate and sharp criticism.

Local attorneys have publicly cautioned that the program could “further victimize people who lost”

Monday, July 28, 2025

California Schools Regain Federal Money They Counted On After Trump Releases Hold

By Adam Echelman, CALMATTERS

After withholding billions of dollars in school funding for nearly a month, the U.S. Education Department said today it would release the money, starting next week.

But some school officials are still waiting until they have cash in hand before celebrating.

“The only way to know is next week, which is when these funds are supposed to arrive, but I am worried about what sort of hoops they want us to go through to be compliant,” said Kindra Britt, a spokesperson for California County Superintendents, an organization that includes all of the state’s 58 county superintendents.

Normally, California’s department of education begins working with the federal government in the spring so that K-12 and adult schools can start spending federal money on July 1 — but this year is different. On June 30, the state education department learned that the Trump administration planned to withhold more than $800 million intended to support a slew of essential services in California,

Monday, July 28, 2025

Newsom Ramps Up California Redistricting Threat As Texas Weighs New Republican Maps

By Alexei Koseff, CALMATTERS

What seemed a few weeks ago like a far-fetched political fantasy ahead of the 2026 midterms has quickly evolved into a high-stakes showdown enveloping states across the country.

As Texas this week began an off-cycle redistricting process meant to shore up Republicans’ slim House majority, Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared Friday with a group of Democratic legislators from that state, reaffirming his intention for California to respond with new maps of its own that would benefit Democrats.

Following a meeting with the Texas lawmakers at the historic governor’s mansion in downtown Sacramento, Newsom told reporters that “everything is at stake if we’re not successful next year in taking back the House of Representatives” — not only blunting President Donald Trump’s agenda, but protecting American democracy.

“If we don’t put a stake into the heart of this administration, there may not be an election in 2028,” he said. “They’re not screwing around. We can’t afford to screw around either.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Architects Panel to Address Altadena Rebuilding Efforts

Community event focuses on role of design professionals in post-fire recovery

[UPDATED] A panel of architects and designers will discuss their role in Altadena’s rebuilding efforts Wednesday evening, July 30, as the community continues recovery seven months after devastating fires.

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) will lead the discussion at Morning Star Church in Pasadena. The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

A statement from Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (POP) said the panel aims to educate residents about working with architects during the rebuilding process. Topics include finding the right architect and understanding the design and building phases.

Each panelist brings deep expertise in the field of architecture and design. Charles T. Bryant and Winston Thorne both serve as Principal Architects, holding architectural licensure. Elisabeth Soto D. Angelo is a Principal Designer, and Gary Cheek contributes his perspective as Vice President of Marketing and Design.

Moderating the session is Nicole Buhles, an Associate Principal Practice Technology Leader.