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.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Free Vaccine Clinic Offers Multiple Immunizations to Altadena Residents

Event partnerships with local pharmacy to provide flu, COVID shots and vaccines for seniors

A free vaccine clinic will open its doors to all community members next week, offering everything from flu shots to specialized immunizations for older adults.

Pasadena Village and Webster’s Community Pharmacy are hosting the clinic Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes place at 2333 Lake Ave.

No appointment is necessary. The clinic is open to everyone.

Attendees can receive flu shots and the latest COVID vaccine. Adults 65 and older have additional options: tetanus, RSV, shingles and pneumonia vaccines.

The collaboration aims to make preventive health care more accessible. Webster’s Community Pharmacy is handling the vaccinations at no cost to participants.

The timing comes as flu season intensifies and health officials continue encouraging updated COVID immunizations. Having multiple vaccines available at one location removes barriers for busy residents.

Those with questions can contact Webster’s at (626) 797-1163.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Federal Government Shutdown Ends, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits to Resume

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

More than 17,000 Pasadena residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program assistance will soon find some relief.

The federal government shutdown ended Wednesday after President Donald Trump signed a funding package to reopen agencies, clearing the way for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that did not go out in early November to be released as federal systems come back online.

For Pasadena, where roughly 11% of households rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food insecurity remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, the shutdown intensified pressure on already stretched local resources. In the two weeks since the benefits failed to load, Pasadena food pantries reported some of their heaviest demand since early 2021.

According to Pasadena officials, the Friends In Deed Food Pantry, Foothill Unity Center, Salvation Army Pasadena Corps, and Lake Avenue Church’s pantry program all saw sharp increases in walk-ins and emergency requests.

The House voted 222–209 Wednesday to approve the deal to reopen the federal government after a record 43-day shutdown.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Guest Opinion | Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, PUSD Superintendent, and Jennifer Hall Lee, President, PUSD Board of Education: Protecting Students in a Time of Hard Choices

The Pasadena Unified School District is at a critical moment. Earlier this fall, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) required our district to submit an updated, Board-approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan (FSP) by December 5, 2025, identifying $30-35 million in reductions and/or new revenue for 2026-27 to ensure the district remains financially stable in the coming years.

To confront this challenge, we are guided by PUSD’s Graduate Profile, developed by this community, which calls for graduates who are critical thinkers, strong communicators, and culturally competent global citizens with a heart for their communities. Together with our district’s commitment to equity, these form our north star and guide our every decision and action.

At our Town Hall on November 10, 10th-grader Matea Miyake-Trapp, a student leader and member of the PUSD Student Think Tank, placed students at the center of the conversation.

“Now is the time for bold and visionary leadership,” she said. “We, as student leaders, call upon everyone, the Superintendent and Board,