Friday, November 14, 2025

Archbishop Gomez Says Nation Must Fix `Broken Immigration System’

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A day after U.S. Roman Catholic bishops delivered a rare “special pastoral message” on immigration, Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez said Thursday that the nation must come together “to reform our broken immigration system.”

Gathering for its fall meeting in Baltimore, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Wednesday addressed its concern for the federal government’s enforcement actions, which have sown fear and family separation in targeted communities. The message marked the first time in a dozen years the USCCB has invoked the urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops.

In its message, the bishops said “human dignity and national security” should not be in conflict.

“We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement,” the bishops’ message reads. “We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care.

Friday, November 14, 2025

LA County Opens Investigation into State Farm’s Handling of Wildfire Claims

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County attorneys Thursday launched an investigation into State Farm over their handling of insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by January’s wildfires following growing complaints from residents about delays, underpayments and denials of legitimate claims.

The investigation is expected to focus on potential violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. County Counsel stated that it has formally notified State Farm, the largest insurer in California, that if it is engaging in any unlawful or unfair business practices, the company must immediately stop such conduct and follow state laws.

County Counsel is empowered by statute to investigate and prosecute violations of the Unfair Competition Law on behalf of the residents, and seek restitution, civil penalties and injunctive relief for any violations.

“Altadena residents have already endured unimaginable loss and they shouldn’t have to fight their own insurance company to recover,” according to a statement from L.A. County Board of Supervisor Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Stormy Weather to Soak Southland

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Flooding, debris flows, thunderstorms, hail and even small tornados could all be on the horizon across the Southern California region  Friday as a storm system prepares to dump two rounds of sometimes heavy rain on the area, prompting evacuation warnings for residents near recent burn areas.

“Make sure you have to go bags for all family members, including pets. If in the evacuation warning area that will be in effect at 6 p.m. tonight, please evacuate if the weather escalates and officials issue alerts to leave,” urged Pasadena’s Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian.

Derderian said that Pasadena residents can get free sandbags at Fire Station 37 (3430 E. Foothill Blvd.) and Fire Station 38 (1150 Linda Vista Ave.), with a limit of 10 bags per resident. These stations are self-serve locations that are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last. Proof of residency is required.

“The storm will generate periods of moderate to heavy rain this evening through Saturday,

Friday, November 14, 2025

They Rely On Landlines For Emergencies. AT&T’s Political Moves In California Could Take Those Away

By Yue Stella Yu and Malena Carollo, CALMATTERS

Upon hearing her husband’s call for help, Cynthia Halliday came flying upstairs. He was rushing toward the outdoor deck, gasping for air. He was having a heart attack.

Halliday held him and dialed 911 with her cellphone. The dispatcher answered, but within seconds, she said, the call disconnected due to poor reception. Halliday screamed for help, loud enough for her next-door neighbor Larry Williams to hear and dial from his copper landline. This time, it got through.

Halliday’s husband did not survive. But on that day in 2018, Halliday became convinced that copper landlines were her best shot at getting help during emergencies, especially where she lives in Hacienda, a tight-knit community deep in the rural forests of Northern California.

Those landlines, however, are what AT&T — the largest copper landline provider in California — is pushing to retire nationwide.

As California’s largest “carrier of last resort,” AT&T is required by law to provide basic phone service,

Friday, November 14, 2025

Rain Delays Altadena Mariposa Junction Relaunch, Now Postponed to November 22

A storm forecast has pushed back the relaunch of five small businesses in Altadena’s historic Mariposa Street corridor, delaying a community block party originally scheduled for Nov. 15.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that the “Rising Together” celebration will now take place Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2455 Lake Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event had been planned as a reopening for businesses that rebuilt after the Eaton fire in January.

Among those returning are Betsy’s Restaurant, McGinty’s Gallery at the End of the World and Sidecca. Carciofi Design Paper Boutique & Studio and Ms. Dragon Print & Copy are also slated to reopen during the festivities.

The Chamber said the date change is the only adjustment to the program, which will feature food, music and family activities. Local favorites Cafe de Leche and Amara Kitchen are expected to participate through pop-up stands, though their long-term plans in Altadena remain uncertain.

Support for the corridor has also come from outside the community.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Pasadena Unified Board to Weigh $30.5 Million Budget Reduction Plan at Today’s Special Meeting

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will convene a special meeting Thursday to review a proposed $30.5 million fiscal stabilization plan aimed at meeting  county-mandated budget reductions and averting potential state intervention. 

The meeting, scheduled for Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m., will be held at the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room at 351 S. Hudson Ave. in Pasadena. The agenda includes presentation of a districtwide plan that combines approximately $25 million in spending cuts with $5.6 million in new revenue strategies, according to a staff report published by the district and reviewed by Pasadena Now. 

The Los Angeles County Office of Education has directed PUSD to reduce its budget by $30 million to $35 million to maintain fiscal solvency. The proposed plan identifies cost-saving measures across classrooms, administrative offices, and athletic programs. 

The largest share of reductions would come from campus-level adjustments prioritized by a representative advisory committee, according to the district’s published materials. 

The district’s internal framing document,

Thursday, November 13, 2025

County, Local Officials: Significant’ Rain on Tap for Southland; Evacuation Warnings Issued

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Southland could be in for a “significant” soaking of rain over the next few days, beginning Thursday evening, prompting warnings for residents near recent burn areas to be prepared to evacuate due to the risk of flooding or debris flows.

“Take advantage of the anticipated dry day today to safely clear rain gutters of debris,” urged Pasadena’s Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian. “Make sure you have to go bags for all family members, including pets. If in the evacuation warning area that will be in effect at 6 p.m. tonight, please evacuate if the weather escalates and officials issue alerts to leave.”

A large storm system will move into the Central Coast on Thursday afternoon, arriving in the Los Angeles area on Thursday night into Friday, according to the National Weather Service. “The storm will generate periods of moderate to heavy rain Thursday through Saturday, and possibly into early next week.

Derderian said that Pasadena residents can get free sandbags at Fire Station 37 (3430 E.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Altadena Woman Freed From ICE Custody After Judge’s Order

The case has drawn attention to detention conditions and immigration enforcement practices affecting Altadena residents

Masuma Khan, a 64 year old resident in Altadena, is back home with her family after a federal judge ordered her release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, following allegations she was denied access to vital medication while detained.

Khan, who has lived in the United States since 1997 and has no criminal record, was detained Oct. 6 during a routine immigration check?in in downtown Los Angeles. She was held for approximately one month at the California City Correctional Facility in Kern County.

Khan’s family allege she was denied medication for asthma, high blood pressure and pre?diabetes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security dispute these medication access claims, calling them “unfounded.”

On Nov. 6, U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston granted a preliminary injunction ordering Khan’s immediate release and blocking her deportation while her immigration case continues. Khan was reunited with her daughter,

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Pasadena Congresswoman Condemns Federal Budget Deal Ending Historic Shutdown

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) voted against the Republican-led government funding bill passed Wednesday by the House of Representatives, citing concerns over rising health care costs and the exclusion of extended Affordable Care Act subsidies for working families in the San Gabriel Valley.

The House approved the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371 in a 222-209 vote, with nearly all Republicans and a small group of Democrats supporting the measure. The Senate had passed the bill two days earlier in a 60-40 vote, with all Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voting in favor.

The legislation ends a 43-day government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—triggered by partisan gridlock over pandemic-era health care subsidies. The shutdown began Oct. 1 and surpassed the previous record of 35 days set in 2018-2019.

In a statement released by her office Wednesday evening, Chu condemned the legislation and its broader implications for constituents in California’s 28th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and surrounding communities.

“Donald Trump and Republicans have completely betrayed their promise to lower costs,” Chu said.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

California is a High-Tax State. Are More Taxes a Balm for its Budget Deficits?

By Dan Walters, CALMATTERS

California has long had the reputation — backed by copious data — of being a high-tax state, which made Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration last June, in a prerecorded State of the State address, a bit startling.

“Here’s the truth Republicans never tell you: California is not a high-tax state,” Newsom said.

Later he clarified his assertion, saying California’s taxes on low-income residents are relatively lower than those in red states.

“Catering to big business and the rich is also why red states tax their lowest earners far more than California does. They punish you when you’re struggling, but give you a free pass when you’re wealthy,” the governor said.

There’s some truth to that. California’s very progressive income tax system, with the nation’s highest marginal rate of 13.3%, makes its state budget highly dependent on taxing incomes of its wealthiest residents, while those in low- and moderate-income brackets pay little or no income taxes.