Sunday, March 2, 2025

Altadena Church Rallies to Spread Word: SBA Offers Crucial Aid to Homeowners, Too

“So many people do not know”: Altadena Baptist congregation, itself displaced by flames, hosts event to connect fire victims with loans they may not realize they are eligible for

In an act of community service even as they recover from their own losses, members of Altadena Baptist Church have organized a special event today to help wildfire victims discover often-overlooked federal financial aid. The congregation, whose historic building was destroyed in January’s devastating Eaton Fire, is working with the Small Business Administration to raise awareness that disaster loans are available for homeowners and renters—not just businesses, as many assume.

“There are so many people who do not know that the SBA is offering low-interest loans to folks who lost their homes or personal property and valuables in the wildfires. We want to be sure that people have a place to meet with a live person, so the wonderful folks at the SBA offered to have a representative from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet with people who might need their services,”

Friday, February 28, 2025

Event Featuring Former Pasadena Assemblymember Holden Turns Focus to Union Members Who Fell Victim to Eaton Fire

Holden to Make First Appearance as Organization’s CEO

LA Fire Justice will host two town halls this week for union members and their families affected by the Eaton Fire to discuss legal action against Southern California Edison and rebuilding efforts.

The events will mark former State Assemblymember Chris Holden’s first public appearance as CEO of LA Fire Justice, where he will address resources needed for his home community to recover.

“These Town Halls will provide the first opportunity for former State Assemblymember Chris Holden to discuss his new position as CEO of LA Fire Justice, and talk about the importance of getting his home community the resources it needs to rebuild,” the organization said in a statement.

The town halls will focus on what started the Eaton Fire, the case against Southern California Edison, insurance matters, other important considerations, and what people can expect as they rebuild their lives.

The free town halls are open to the public and will be held at Teamsters Local 896 in Pasadena at 2050 Lincoln Avenue,

Friday, February 28, 2025

Altadena Talks Foundation to Host Builders Town Hall to Support Community Rebuilding Efforts

In response to the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through Altadena in January, the Altadena Talks Foundation is organizing a Builders Town Hall event to aid in the community’s rebuilding efforts

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at 1497 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, just north of Washington Boulevard.

The Builders Town Hall aims to bring together residents, industry professionals, and local leaders to discuss strategies for reconstruction, share resources, and foster collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts in construction, design, and urban planning, gaining valuable insights into sustainable rebuilding practices.

Featured speakers include:

• Allison Allain: CEO – PCI Builders. Renowned architect specializing in sustainable design. She founded PCI Builders in 2008 with the sole purpose of understanding every aspect of her clients’ vision. With an extensive background in construction and project management.
• Ariel Babikian: Architect with expertise in community-driven projects with alternative materials. Executive Director at ARDA (Armenian Relief and Development).

Friday, February 28, 2025

Altadena Talks and Altadena Talks Foundation Give Voice to Altadena Residents

STAFF REPORT

After the Eaton Fire ravaged Altadena in January, it left more than just destruction in its wake—it sparked a movement.

Out of the ashes, Altadena Talks was born, a first-of-its-kind podcast dedicated entirely to the well-being of Altadena residents.

Hosted by Brian Baccus and Jamal Smith, both proud Altadena natives, the podcast delivers essential resources, real-time updates, and heartfelt conversations with community leaders, experts, and neighbors.

Broadcasting live Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, the podcast brings residents together like never before—offering hope, information, and a space to heal.

According to the hosts, Altadena Talks is not just a podcast, but a lifeline.

The podcast includes the Toni Talks segment hosted by Altadena native Antoinette “Toni” Bailey Raines.

The segment is dedicated to helping residents navigate change, whether through home design, community developments, or simply finding ways to adapt in an evolving world.

The hosts didn’t stop there.

Friday, February 28, 2025

PUSD Board Approves 151 Potential Staff Cuts Amid Post-Fire Recovery Concerns

District cites financial stability despite pleas from educators impacted by recent Eaton Fire disaster

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education voted 6-1 Thursday night to approve the elimination of approximately 151 full-time equivalent positions for the 2025-2026 school year, including 117.6 certificated staff and 34 classified positions, despite emotional pleas from teachers and parents still recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire.

District officials said these preliminary notices must be issued by March 15 under California Education Code requirements and final layoff determinations made by May 15. Based on historical patterns, the actual number of layoffs is likely to be lower after accounting for vacant positions, retirements, and internal reassignments. Last year, PUSD initially proposed 196 position cuts but finalized only about 90 layoffs.

“We deeply appreciate our staff’s dedication and recognize the impact of this decision,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement after the meeting.

Blanco defended the cuts as necessary for the district’s long-term stability: “We’re going to continue to look for mental health money,

Friday, February 28, 2025

Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan Begins Friday Evening

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, will begin Friday evening upon the sighting of the moon, with fasting beginning on Saturday.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslim adults fast from dawn until dusk each day, unless they are ill, pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding or traveling.

Fasting is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca.

During Ramadan Muslims engage in increased prayer and charity, both financially and feeding and supporting the local unhoused population. Individuals and organizations typically host iftars, the meal eaten when breaking the fast, to benefit those in need.

The end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, which will fall on March 30, according to Fiqh Council of North America, based on calculations determining the lunar calendar, will be marked by communal prayers called Salat al-Eid.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Local Chambers Partner With SBA to Help Altadena Fire Victims

Workshop aims to assist residents and businesses before March 10 loan deadline

The Altadena and Pasadena Chambers of Commerce are teaming up to host a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Application Workshop on March 4 to help victims of the Eaton Fire and other Los Angeles fires access financial assistance.

The event, scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookside Golf Club at 1133 North Rosemont Avenue in Pasadena, will provide on-site SBA counselors to assist applicants before the March 10 deadline.

“We are all working together to make sure assistance is available to everyone who is qualified and wants help,” said Judy Matthews, Executive Director of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. “The deadlines are approaching very quickly and we hope the victims of the Eaton Fire can apply before it is too late to access funds.”

The workshop offers direct support for completing loan applications for those who lost their home, business, nonprofit, or rental apartment.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Ralphs and Food 4 Less Donate Thousands of Cartons of Milk, Boxes of Cereal to Local Schools and Relief Organizations

The grocers noted that milk is one of the most nutritious but least donated items to food banks

Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Grocery Company have donated over 35,000 cartons of shelf-stable Chobani Super Milk and nearly 1,000 boxes of General Mills cereal to schools and relief organizations in Pasadena and Altadena, the grocers announced Thursday.

“Many students rely on their school for their first meal of the day,” said Salvador Ramirez, corporate affairs manager at Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Grocery Company. “With so many schools and community centers impacted by the wildfires, we are grateful to be a part of this effort to donate one of the most essential staples to help feed kids and their families during such a difficult time.”

The donation addresses a critical need identified by Feeding America, which reports milk as one of the most nutritious but least donated items to food banks.

Patrick Conyers, Executive Director of Pasadena Educational Foundation,

Friday, February 28, 2025

Free Application Assistance Available Today for Wildfire-Affected Businesses, Workers

Friday event at Pacific Oaks College offers help with expiring loan, grant deadlines

Local business owners and workers affected by recent wildfires and windstorms can receive free one-on-one application assistance today for disaster relief programs with approaching deadlines.

The in-person clinic runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 28, at Pacific Oaks College, 45 W. Eureka St., Pasadena, offering direct support for applications to disaster relief funds that expire as soon as March 2.

Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Altadena Chamber of Commerce, City of Pasadena, and LA County Department of Economic Opportunity will provide personalized consultations for fire-impacted businesses and workers.

“In anticipation of the forthcoming application deadlines, attendees will receive 1:1 assistance from a business consultant to apply for the following,” according to event organizers.

The event features presentations in Classrooms 7 and 8 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with individual consultations available in Classrooms 9 and 10.

Crucial deadlines include March 2 for the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund and March 10 for SBA Business Physical Disaster Loans.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Altadena Chamber to Host Open Session Board Meeting With Special Guests on Tuesday

Community members invited to virtual event featuring presentations from local leaders and experts

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will hold an Open Session Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m., designed to foster community engagement and transparency. The virtual event will feature presentations from four special guests representing various sectors and aspects of community resilience and development.

“The Open Session allows the Chamber to keep members and the entire community engaged and informed while promoting transparency and encouraging community participation,” states the Chamber’s announcement.

Colonel Eric Swenson, Ph.D., from the US Army Corps of Engineers will lead the presentations, followed by Dan Davidson, Executive Director of the Altadena Business Resilience Project. Other featured speakers include Mark Goeser, CEO of Hope Ventures, and Maria Grycan, Community Service Liaison for LA County Fire Department, Division 3.

The meeting will be accessible to all community members via Zoom. The Chamber will post the link on their website two days before the event,