Monday, September 22, 2025

Pair of Century-Old Christmas Traditions Return to Fire-Ravaged Altadena as Symbols of Hope

The return of Christmas Tree Lane and the Star of Palawoo offers hope to a community devastated by the Eaton Fire

When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena on January 7, two century-old landmarks survived: the towering deodar cedars of Christmas Tree Lane and the hillside Star of Palawoo. Their reappearances this December will mark a powerful, hopeful symbols of resilience.

“This season is about more than tradition,” read last week’s official announcement by the Christmas Tree Lane Association. “It’s a time to honor what we’ve endured, reflect on our shared strength, and move forward together.”

The Altadena Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will mark its 105th year with a public celebration scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa Street, according to the Sept. 20 public invitation.

The event, which is free to attend, is widely regarded as Altadena’s informal launch of the holiday season. The tree will remain lit nightly through early January.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Trauma Resource Institute Launches Disaster Recovery Workshops In Altadena

Free workshops teach science-based recovery skills to disaster survivors and first responders starting today.

Disaster survivors in Altadena can learn stress-reduction techniques at free workshops starting today at Alta Design Works. The Trauma Resource Institute and Altadena Coalition offer the sessions to help residents cope with trauma from natural disasters.

“The workshop teaches simple, science-based skills to help communities recover after natural disasters,” organizers said. The program “gives survivors, families and responders practical tools to calm the nervous system, lower stress and support healing together.”

The workshops teach participants how to regulate their nervous systems, manage stress, and build community connections. Sessions include exercises for self-care and group conversations about recovery and preventing burnout.

Ten workshops run through December, with five in-person sessions at Alta Design Works, 409 East Woodbury Road, and five online. In-person sessions are today from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., October 22 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., November 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,

Monday, September 22, 2025

Fire Chief Urges Residents to Sign Up for Emergency Alerts During National Preparedness Month

The Pasadena Fire Department highlights FEMA-led campaign encouraging disaster readiness through alert registration

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin is urging residents to take action during National Preparedness Month by enrolling in emergency alert systems. The campaign, held every September, is led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to spotlight the importance of disaster readiness.

The Pasadena Fire Department is supporting the effort by encouraging sign-ups for alert platforms that deliver timely instructions during wildfires, earthquakes and other emergencies.

“Readiness starts with small steps,” Augustin said. “Signing up for alerts helps protect you and your community when it matters most.”

Local residents can register for several alert systems:

• Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System (PLEAS): Sends Pasadena-specific alerts via text, phone or email. Sign-up is available at www.cityofpasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS.

• Alert LA County: Covers County-wide emergencies. Open to all residents. Click here.

• Nixle: Offers local updates;

Monday, September 22, 2025

Feds, States Sue Live Nation and Ticketmaster Over Ticket Prices

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Live Nation, which promotes major concerts at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, is under fire from federal regulators and state attorneys general who accuse the entertainment giant and its ticketing arm of inflating prices and failing to rein in scalpers.

The company was the promoter in September for the Oasis “Live ’25” world tour, which included two sold-out concerts at the Rose Bowl on September 6 and 7. Last April Live Nation staged AC/DC’s POWER UP Tour at the iconic venue.

Those blockbuster bookings spotlight Live Nation’s dominance in the United States concert business — and the scrutiny it now faces in court.

The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from seven states filed suit Thursday against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, alleging the company allows ticket brokers to skirt purchasing limits and resell seats at inflated prices, forcing fans to “pay substantially more than face value” for popular events.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Curating Joy & Access: Black Education Expo Returns October 4

Southern California Families & Educators Unite for a Joyful Reunion at the Pasadena Convention Center

The free K-12 Black Education Expo (BEE), co-presented by Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, is back on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. Designed as a joyful family reunion, the Expo welcomes families, students, and educators from across Southern California—from Altadena to South Los Angeles to Riverside to San Diego—for a day filled with learning, laughter, and community connection.

“As a community builder with over a decade in higher education, I look forward to welcoming educators, parents, and students who are rebuilding their lives after the LA fires, as well as those eager to connect with new resources or simply reunite with old friends,” said Victoria Williams, Founder of the Black Education Expo. “The Expo is about more than resources—it’s about centering joy, promoting literacy, expanding career pathways, building futures, and bringing our SoCal community together.”

The curated Expo Hall will feature more than 70 exhibitors,

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Altadena Ratepayers Face Electricity Bill Hike as Utilities Commission Approves SCE Request

Southern California Edison customers in Altadena will see higher electricity bills starting Oct. 1 after state regulators approved a 9.1% rate increase tied to wildfire liabilities, including costs from the deadly Eaton Fire.

The California Public Utilities Commission voted 4-0 on Sept. 18 to authorize SCE’s 2025 revenue requirement at $9.664 billion — $819 million less than the utility’s original request of $10.483 billion, but still a 12.61% increase over 2024’s authorized revenue of $8.582 billion. The decision followed public opposition and comes amid growing scrutiny of utility-driven cost burdens in fire-prone communities.

For a typical household using 500 kilowatt-hours monthly, the increase translates to an additional $15.52 per month, or about $186 annually for non-CARE customers. CARE customers — income-qualified participants in California’s discounted rate program — will see monthly increases of $9.79. The rate hike takes effect Oct. 1.

The CPUC’s vote came despite initial reports suggesting a 10% hike and continues a pattern of rising costs for SCE customers.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Newsom Signs Immigration Bills Authored by Pasadena’s Senator Pérez

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two immigration-related bills authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) on Saturday in Los Angeles, enacting measures that immediately affect school safety protocols and law enforcement identification standards across California.

The legislation—SB 98, the SAFE Act, and SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act—both contain urgency clauses and take effect immediately. SB 98 requires K-12 schools and higher education institutions to issue alerts when immigration enforcement authorities are present on campus, mirroring emergency notification systems already in place.

“California must ensure that our schools and colleges remain places where students can learn and thrive, teachers can teach with confidence, and classrooms provide a safe environment for our next generation,” Pérez said. “The SAFE Act will help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family’s safety.”

SB 805 expands existing laws against impersonating peace officers by making it illegal to impersonate federal agents and requiring all law enforcement operating in California to clearly display identification that includes their agency and either a name,

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Metro Celebrates A (Gold) Line Expansion, Begins Rail Service to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Metro celebrated the grand opening of its A (Gold) Line Extension Project Friday, bringing new local rail service through Pasadena to the San Gabriel Valley cities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona.

Metro hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring an inaugural A Line train breaking through a commemorative banner as confetti cannons exploded overhead at the new Pomona North Station, located at 241 Santa Fe St. Following the ceremony, Metro provided an opportunity for guests to explore the four new stations — Pomona North Station, La Verne/Pomona Fairplex, San Dimas and Glendora — as part of its Rock the Rails event, which featured DJs, live local bands and food trucks from the San Gabriel Valley area.

The $1.5 billion light rail project added another 9.1 miles to the 48.5-mile Long Beach to Azusa Metro Line. Completion of the line will boost public transportation access for communities in the SGV, which have lacked rail service since 1951 when the Pacific Electric Railway ceased its operations.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Taste of Dena Returns, Celebrating Altadena’s Resilience

Library Foundation event reconnects community, honors leadership, and supports healing

As Altadena begins a new chapter after the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the Altadena Library Foundation is set to rekindle the community’s spirit through its annual ‘Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter’ event.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Altadena Library, the evening is designed as an act of community healing, honoring leadership and fostering connection among neighbors as Altadena moves forward—lots cleared, hearts mended, and hope renewed.

“Our event is so different this year. The goal is to honor two local heroes who lost homes while continuing to serve others and inviting displaced Altadenans to return for a night,” said Mark Mariscal, president of the Altadena Library Foundation.

Taste of Dena has long served as a celebration of Altadena’s creativity and togetherness, featuring a variety of local food, drink, live music and performances.

This year’s event will take place in the library’s whimsical garden where guests will enjoy a spoken word performance by renowned poet Arielle Estoria and share a meal as a collective act of healing and hope.

Friday, September 19, 2025

AT&T-Backed Bill to Phase Out Landline Phone Service Advances in California Legislature

STAFF REPORT

After being rebuffed last year by state regulators, telecommunications giant AT&T is pressing forward with a new plan to end most of California’s traditional landline service.

Assembly Bill 470, which passed the Assembly in June and is now before the state Senate appropriations committee, would allow AT&T to drop its “carrier of last resort” obligation requiring it to provide copper-wire phone service to anyone who wants it.

The company says only about 5% of Californians still use landlines, mostly older residents.

Supporters say the bill would speed the replacement of aging copper wires with fiber-optic networks and expand broadband service to underserved communities. Opponents warn the measure could strip hundreds of thousands of Californians of a reliable communications lifeline, particularly during disasters when cell towers and internet service can fail.

The legislation, authored by Assembly Member Tina McKinnor, D-Inglewood, would require AT&T to invest heavily in fiber expansion, with half of that investment directed to areas with poor service.