Monday, August 18, 2025

5 Things To Know About Gavin Newsom’s Plan To Redraw California’s Election Maps

By Alexei Koseff, CALMATTERS

The fight over redistricting is about to hit overdrive in California.

As the Legislature returns to Sacramento today for the final month of session, Democrats are racing to finish a plan that could tilt the state’s congressional map in their favor — and thrust California into another confrontation with President Donald Trump.

Republicans, who stand to lose more than half their seats in the state, decry the scheme as a self-serving power grab. But supporters, led by Gov. Gav Newsom, contend they are saving democracy by stopping Trump from rigging the outcome of the 2026 midterms.

Ultimately, California voters will likely decide in a special election this November.

Here’s what you need to know:

The governor is leading the charge for the Democratic response in a burgeoning partisan showdown that could effectively determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives before a single vote is cast next November.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Pasadena Unified Welcomes 13,591 Students Back to School Amid Recovery, Renewal, Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Monday is back to school, featuring community celebrations, environmental updates, expanded student services, and a district coping with regional immigration enforcement

The Pasadena Unified School District will welcome an estimated 13,591 students across 34 campuses on Monday, launching the new academic year under the theme “The Power of Pasadena Unified School District: Rising Together.” The day will be marked by community celebrations, environmental recovery updates, expanded student services, and district reassurances that it is doing all it can to shield students from immigration enforcement.

At John Muir Early College Magnet High School, students will be greeted as they arrive with the annual “clap in” —  a spirited tradition featuring choruses of cheers from school leaders, alumni, and civic officials.

Later in the morning, Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School will welcome students into vibrant classrooms prepared, the district said, for a year of growth and success.

“Our theme this year, The Power of Pasadena Unified School District: Rising Together, reflects the unity and strength of our students,

Monday, August 18, 2025

Altadena Town Council Returns to In-Person Meetings Following Eaton Fire Disruptions

For the first time since the Eaton Fire, the Altadena Town Council will meet in person Tuesday evening, marking a key moment in the community’s recovery and civic engagement.

The meeting is scheduled for August 19 at 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive. The agenda includes public safety updates, fire recovery reports, and committee presentations.

“We’re back in person, and you’re #invited!” the Council announced via Instagram. “The Altadena Town Council is gathering to share important updates and hear from YOU—our community.”

“Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda,” the Council continued in its post. “Public safety updates from the Sheriff’s Station, CHP, and LA County Fire. Recovery and community reports from local organizations. Special presentation from the Department of Economic Opportunity. Updates from Council Committees, including #Education, #Parks, Communication, and #Fire #Recovery. #Community voices during public comment.”

The meeting opens with a flag salute led by Scouting America Troop 1, followed by roll call and agenda approval.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Leaders Reassure Pasadena Families: Schools Are Protected From ICE Raids

By EDDIE RIVERA

PUSD press conference is a show of solidarity as a new school year begins

On the eve of a new school year, the rotunda of Pasadena City Hall filled with the sound of collective resolve. Nearly a hundred local leaders — from elected officials to clergy, educators and community advocates — stood shoulder to shoulder Sunday afternoon in a symbolic show of unity, sending one message to families across the city: Pasadena schools will remain havens protected from federal immigration enforcement.

The press conference, convened by the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), came against a backdrop of heightened federal activity by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. For immigrant families, that activity has stirred fear at a moment that would otherwise be marked by the joy of returning to classrooms.

State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who chairs the California Senate Education Committee, set the tone with an urgent call to action.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Teddy Bears That Help Heal Broken Hearts, Literally, Reach Local Fire-Traumatized Students

Weighted teddies trigger hormone release to ease stress cardiomyopathy in 1,000 Pasadena-area students and staff

When Marcella Johnson lost her infant son George, her grief led her to create something unexpected: a teddy bear that hospitals, the FBI, and trauma centers now use to heal broken hearts — literally.

On Wednesday, Johnson’s nonprofit delivered 1,000 of these weighted therapeutic bears to Pasadena Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, supporting students and staff traumatized by January’s devastating fires in Pasadena and Altadena. 

The Comfort Cubs, as they’re known, aren’t ordinary stuffed animals. When pressed against the chest, their weight triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin — hormones that calm the nervous system and can even ease stress-induced cardiomyopathy, known as Broken Heart Syndrome.

“This is more than just a stuffed bear,” said Johnson, who founded The Comfort Cub in 1999 and personally delivered the donation during a midday event at Pasadena High School.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Covered California Health Insurance Will Cost More iIn 2026. Here’s What’s Behind The Double-Digit Increase

By Kristen Hwang, CALMATTERS

Californians who get their health insurance through the state’s marketplace will see premiums increase by an average of 10.3% next year.

Covered California officials on Thursday announced the first double-digit rate increase since 2018, saying it represents a “confluence” of factors putting upward pressure on the market.

Rising health care costs, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and policy-driven market uncertainty together are fueling the hike, Covered California Director Jessica Altman said.

Insurers in recent years have expected health care costs to increase by about 8% each year. That makes up the bulk of next year’s increase. But Altman said about 2% of the rate increase in the state’s version of the Affordable Care Act marketplace is based on federal financial assistance that expires at the end of the year.

President Donald Trump’s signature spending and tax reform bill — the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — left out funding for enhanced premium tax credits used by more than 90% of Affordable Care Act enrollees nationwide.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Pasadena Assemblymember Condemns Fatal ICE Raid in Monrovia, Calls for Immigration Reform

Assemblymember John Harabedian (D–Pasadena) on Thursday denounced a federal immigration enforcement operation in Monrovia that resulted in the death of a man who fled the scene, calling the incident “chaos and cruelty” and urging sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy.

The fatal August 14 incident began in the parking lot of a Home Depot in Monrovia, where federal agents reportedly detained more than 10 individuals. According to preliminary reports, one man fled in fear toward the 210 Freeway, where he was struck and later died at a hospital. The City of Monrovia confirmed it was not notified in advance of the operation.

“This is chaos and cruelty,” Harabedian said in a statement issued Thursday. “America’s promise has always been that if you work hard and contribute, you can build a better life. But under Donald Trump’s barbaric policies, those same hard-working neighbors are hunted, detained, and—in this case—driven to a fatal end.”

Harabedian, who represents Pasadena and surrounding communities in the 41st Assembly District,

Friday, August 15, 2025

Dena Community Will Unite to Support Students at Annual Welcome Back Day

The event will bring together families, educators, and neighbors to show students they are not alone

Community members will gather at John Muir High School on Monday, August 18, for the annual Dena Community Welcome Back Day, a celebration aimed at uplifting students as they return to school following months of hardship.

The event, hosted by Brandon Lamar, founder of Project Passion, and Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton, begins at 8:30 a.m. at 1905 Lincoln Ave. Organizers say the gathering is more than a traditional back-to-school welcome—it’s a collective affirmation of hope, unity, and support.

“This year’s Welcome Back Day is more than just the start of a new school year; it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and support,” Lamar said. “Our students need to see that their community believes in them—especially after everything we’ve been through. Welcome Back Day is about more than first-day smiles; it’s about letting our young people know they are valued, supported, and never alone.”

The community has endured significant challenges over the past seven months,

Friday, August 15, 2025

How Safe is the Soil?

By EDDIE RIVERA

Residents demand soil testing and action at town hall

More than 200 Altadena residents gathered in a meeting room at the Salvation Army Tabernacle Thursday with a mix of worry, exhaustion, and resolve. A Soil Testing Town Hall, organized by the LA Fire Justice law group, drew an array of environmental experts, scientists, and advocates — including consumer advocate Erin Brockovich — to confront an unsettling question lingering since January’s devastating fires: What toxins remain in the soil where we live, play, and rebuild?

In April, federal funds for soil testing were dramatically reduced, forcing the County Board of Supervisors to provide $3 million to pay for soil testing in the Altadena burn areas.

Joshua West, a professor of earth sciences and environmental studies at USC, whose own home burned in January, described the launch of a community-led testing initiative called Clean to offer free soil analysis, particularly for residents in the Eaton Fire burn area.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Senator Pérez Demands Trump Administration Halt Immigration Raids After Monrovia Fatality

The lawmaker says the raids violate a federal court order and have led to deadly consequences

State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) is calling on the Trump administration to immediately stop immigration raids in Los Angeles County following Thursday’s death of a man during an enforcement action in Monrovia.

The man was reportedly killed on the 210 Freeway after fleeing into traffic during a raid.

Pérez, who represents communities including Pasadena and Altadena, condemned the incident as part of “President Trump’s terror campaign,” and urged federal compliance with a court order barring such operations.

“President Trump’s terror campaign has taken another life,” Pérez said in a statement Thursday. “My heart goes out to the family of the man killed today on the 210 freeway in my district. There is such incredible fear in our immigrant communities, so much so that people will run into freeway traffic out of fear when all they want is a chance to support their family and seek the American Dream.”

Pérez spotlighted that the raids violate a federal court order issued by the U.S.