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.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Altadena Students to Host Free Festival Showcasing Music, Dance and More

Students continue performing despite campus relocation following Eaton Fire

Eliot Arts Magnet will host “Fauxchella,” a free festival showcasing student performances, on Saturday, May 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Blair Amphitheater, despite serious damage to their campus from the Eaton Fire.

The event will feature music from the school’s Rock Band, Choir, Orchestra, Concert Band, Mariachi, Dance program and a performance by the cast of “Shrek Jr., the Musical.”

Eliot Arts students have continued their arts education while relocated to the McKinley campus following the fire.

“We know that maintaining traditions is important at a time like this. Fauxchella creates an opportunity for our students to share their music, art and performance with the community. We can all have some food, listen to some music and enjoy performances from our students! It’s an amazing event and we welcome everyone who can attend!” — Armenui “Amy” Manasarian, Magnet Coordinator at Eliot Arts.

Fauxchella will include free activities such as face painting,

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Fifth Grade Teacher Martin Dorado Named Pasadena Unified Teacher Of The Year

Popular and deserving educator at Madison Elementary recognized during National Teacher Appreciation Week

Martin Dorado, a fifth-grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, has been named Pasadena Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year. The announcement comes as schools across the nation celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 5-9, 2025.

“I was a product of PSD schools. I went to Allen Elementary, Wilson Middle School in Blair High School. And so my motivation comes from the spirit of public education,” said Dorado. “I think education’s a human right. I think that no matter what state students come in, they’re ever welcoming our classroom walls. I like to embody that spirit when the kids come to the classroom. That sense of community.”

Dorado, who has worked in Pasadena Unified School District since 2009, is a proud alumnus of Pasadena Unified School District schools. His recognition follows previous honors he earned, including a Helpful Honda Teacher Appreciation Award last year and being named a Grand Marshal of the 2024 Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade.

Monday, May 5, 2025

L.A. Fire Survivors Accuse State Farm of Delaying Claims. Should it get OK for a Rate Hike?

By Levi Sumagaysay, CALMATTERS

Rossana Valverde’s Pasadena home of 35 years is still standing after Los Angeles County’s devastating January fires — but more than 100 days later, she and her husband still can’t move back in.

That’s because they’re waiting for their insurer, State Farm, to approve and process their claims.

“We were lucky our house made it through,” Valverde said. “At first we thought unscathed. But it definitely still smells like smoke. The windowsills have a thick layer of black ash and soot.”

After getting their home tested for toxins, they discovered it contains high levels of arsenic, lead and nickel. The cleaning, repair and replacement costs for their hardwood floors, carpet, appliances and more total upwards of $300,000, per some written estimates she shared with CalMatters as well as her own estimates of costs to replace things like their bed and upholstered furniture.

So far, she and her husband have received about $40,000 from State Farm but are having trouble getting the insurance company’s adjuster to respond promptly to their requests for more.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Guest Essay | Tina Fredericks: Pasadena USD Board Members Team Up with Hundreds of California School Board Members on Capitol Hill to Protect K-12 Public Education

A delegation of California school board members arrived in Washington D.C. early this week to urge Congress to protect and strengthen K-12 public education, in spite of recent efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. As the only elected officials representing children, school board members are fighting for nearly 6 million K-12 students in the nation’s most populous state.

Considered the great equalizer, public education is a non-partisan issue. California public school districts serve a variety of school districts, from urban to rural, small and large, serving children from diverse communities with a host of political leanings.

On its fourth annual Washington D.C. legislative visit, California School Boards Association (CSBA) and Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) broke its record by turning out 312 California School board members and administrators.  Three Pasadena USD Board members, Tina Fredericks, Scott Harden and Patrice Marshall-McKenzie joined the California delegation. Trustee Fredericks states, “We believe receiving a quality public education is a human right. It’s deeply unAmerican to dismantle this most American of institutions.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Guest Opinion | Chloe Oliveras: AmeriCorps Members Stepped Up for Southern California — It’s Time to Do the Same for Them

By CHLOE OLIVERAS

When wildfires tore through Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Altadena, the damage was swift and unforgiving. Families were displaced. Homes were lost. Schools were shuttered. But amid the smoke and devastation, AmeriCorps members stepped in.

As a former AmeriCorps member and now the Executive Director of Reading Partners Los Angeles, I witnessed firsthand how these service members, in partnership with California Volunteers, mobilized to distribute essential supplies to those affected by the fires. Their work was so impactful that Governor Gavin Newsom visited to personally thank them, honoring their resilience, their compassion, and their commitment to the communities they serve.

Last week, the grants to support these AmeriCorps members were abruptly terminated in Los Angeles and other California communities. It created a ripple effect of damage that now touches not just these service members, but the thousands of students, families, and disaster victims who relied on them.

In Southern California, 28 AmeriCorps members working with Reading Partners are directly affected.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Judge Convenes Case Management Conference in Deadly Eaton Fire Lawsuits Against Edison

Plaintiffs allege utility’s equipment ignited blaze that killed 17, destroyed 9,400 structures

A case management conference is scheduled Tuesday for numerous lawsuits accusing Southern California Edison of responsibility for the devastating January 7, 2025, Eaton Fire that killed 18 people and destroyed approximately 9,400 structures.

The hearing, set for 10 a.m. in Department 17 of the Spring Street Courthouse, will address multiple legal actions filed initially by Jeremy Gursey and joined by hundreds of other plaintiffs who lost their homes in the Altadena blaze.

Plaintiffs contend the wildfire ignited beneath an Southern California Edison transmission tower in Eaton Canyon and rapidly spread through neighboring communities amid wind gusts reaching up to 100 mph.

More than 40 lawsuits representing over 600 residents, along with government entities including Los Angeles County, the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre, and the Pasadena Unified School District, have been filed against the utility.

The lawsuits allege Southern California Edison failed to de-energize its electrical equipment despite repeated National Weather Service warnings about extreme fire danger and high winds.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Warming Trend on Tap for Southern California Later This Week

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Light to moderate drizzle could linger Monday in parts of the West San Gabriel Valley before temperatures begin warming up later this week, forecasters said.

“An unsettled weather pattern will continue into Monday with the possibility of isolated to scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms developing each afternoon and evening,” according to the National Weather Service.

Lowest maximum temperature records were set Sunday in Orange County.

The low in Anaheim was 62, breaking the record of 66 set in 1999. The low in Newport Beach was 59, tying the record set in 1964.

Forecasters said the threat for significant flooding or debris flows is extremely small, with most areas to see 0.10 of an inch of rain or less. Mountain areas could see 0.10 to 0.50 inches.

Snow levels were expected to stay above 6,000 feet.

Most highs were expected to remain in the 60s through Tuesday. Dry weather and a gradual warming trend was expected to begin after that,