Friday, August 15, 2025

Clearing the Last Lot

By EDDIE RIVERA

Final Eaton Fire Property Cleared, Marking a Milestone for Altadena’s Recovery

With empty, open lots in every direction, and the hulks of destroyed businesses still just blocks away, community leaders, elected officials, and recovery workers gathered on Fair Oaks Avenue Thursday to mark a symbolic end to one of the most grueling chapters in Altadena’s, indeed the state’s, history: the beginning of debris removal at the last private property cleared under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Eaton Fire recovery mission.

The site, reduced to ash and twisted metal, was once the family home of the late artist John Outerbridge, a towering figure in the West Coast Black Arts Movement.

His daughter, Tammy Outerbridge, stood before the assembled crowd to explain why her family had asked to be last.

“It’s not random that I am the last house in Altadena to be cleared,” she said. “We needed time to look for items related to my father’s arts legacy.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Altadena’s Bob Lucas Memorial Library Reopens Saturday After Major Renovation

Community celebrates library’s expansion and renewed commitment to literacy; librarians “hustle” to prepare

The Bob Lucas Memorial Library will reopen on Saturday, August 16, marking the completion of a $4.5 million renovation that significantly expands the facility’s capabilities.

The library, located at 2659 Lincoln Avenue in Altadena, emerges from a 16-month transformation that adds approximately 1,000 square feet of space and introduces new community-focused amenities.

“We are hustling this week as we prep for the reopening of our branch, the Bob Lucas Memorial Library and Literacy Center on Saturday, Aug. 16,” the Altadena Library District announced.

The renovation, funded by Measure Z—which was approved by 72.35% of registered district voters in November 2020—has dramatically improved the library’s infrastructure.

The project includes a dedicated children’s area, a new literacy center with classroom and tutoring rooms, upgraded electrical and mechanical systems, and an outdoor reading garden.

The facility is now fully accessible to all Altadena residents.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivors Continue to Target Multiple Insurers Over Alleged Bad Faith and Underinsurance

By ANDRÉ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

A growing wave of lawsuits by Eaton Fire survivors is targeting some of the nation’s largest insurance companies, with plaintiffs alleging that insurers withheld payments, denied legitimate claims, or left them severely underinsured after the Jan. 7 wildfire devastated parts of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre.

“Insurance companies know they have the upper hand in dealing with policyholders,” said Eric Ratinoff, California wildfire insurance attorney on his website. “They delay payments, and sometimes they flat-out refuse to pay. All of these tactics are illegal in California.”

The fire, one of California’s most destructive conflagrations in modern history, burned 14,021 acres in and around Altadena — making it the second?most destructive wildfire in state history.

It destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged 1,073 more, killing 19 people. Over 100,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes.

Damages from the fire are estimated at nearly $27.5 million, leaving homeowners scrambling to file insurance claims.

But in many cases,

Thursday, August 14, 2025

PUSD Marks New School Year with ‘Rising Together’ Celebration

By EDDIE RIVERA

More than 1.900 teachers, staff, and administrators focus on wellness and recovery

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) opened the 2025–26 school year Wednesday welcoming back 1,900 teachers, administrators, and classified employees with a morning of reflection, celebration, and resolve at Pasadena High School. Under the banner “2025 Welcome Back: The Power of Us: Rising Together,” the event served as both a rallying cry for educators and a tribute to the resilience of a community still grappling with the aftershocks of January’s Eaton Fire.

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco led the program, which blended stories of perseverance with public recognition of those who helped guide the district through one of its most difficult years. 

“Every role, every person in this room matters to the success of PUSD,” Blanco told the assembled staff, community leaders, and partners. “Tonight is about celebrating the strength we have found in one another — and finding the tools to keep moving forward.”

Merlyna Valentine,

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Free Golf Clinic Announced for Families Displaced by Eaton Fire

Event offers equipment, financial literacy, and healing through golf in Pasadena

First Tee — Greater Pasadena will host a free family golf clinic to support families affected by the Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,000 buildings and displaced hundreds.

The “Eaton Fire Family Day,” presented by East West Bank, takes place Saturday, August 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Avenue in Pasadena. Families will receive golf equipment, apparel, access to First Tee programs, and financial literacy education. Raffle prizes will be available to those attending the financial session.

“This generous donation means everything to our youth. Beyond the financial help, it sends a powerful message: that their community believes in them and is here to support them through tough times,” said Mark Fritz, director of programs and operations for First Tee — Greater Pasadena.

The clinic is part of a recovery effort following the January 7 blaze that destroyed First Tee’s Altadena facility and $30,000 in equipment.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Soil Contamination Town Hall to Feature Erin Brockovich and UCLA, USC Experts in Pasadena

The event will explore post-fire soil health and community action strategies

A coalition including a local law firm will host a town hall Thursday evening to address soil contamination in Altadena following the Eaton Fire, featuring consumer advocate Erin Brockovich and experts from UCLA and USC.

“This is about empowering communities to understand what’s in their soil and what they can do about it,” said Brockovich, who has firsthand experience with wildfire evacuations. “We fight every day to right corporate wrongdoing against innocent victims.”

Speakers will present recent soil testing results, explain contamination risks, and offer practical steps for residents. The program includes interactive Q&A, case studies from affected neighborhoods, and guidance on community mobilization.

Panelists include:

• Joshua West, professor of Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of Southern California.
• Aradhna Tripati, professor and director of UCLA’s Center for Diverse Leadership in Science.
• Christine Lenches-Hinkel, founder of 301 Organics and post-fire soil restoration specialist.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

LA Sheriff’s Department to Host Public Meeting on Military Equipment Use

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will hold a virtual public meeting Aug. 26 to present its 2024 Annual Report on military equipment.

The online meeting runs from 5 to 6 p.m. Community members can ask questions about the department’s acquisition, funding and use of military equipment.

Assembly Bill 481 requires the annual community meeting. Under the law, all law enforcement agencies are mandated to obtain approval from governing bodies before funding, acquiring or using military equipment.

The sheriff’s department must hold the meeting within 30 days of publicly releasing its annual military equipment report.

AB 481 defines military equipment broadly. It includes unmanned aerial vehicles, armored personnel carriers and mine-resistant vehicles.

The definition covers high mobility vehicles like Humvees with breaching apparatus attached. Tracked armored vehicles and weaponized aircraft also qualify as military equipment.

Specialized weapons fall under the definition too. These include firearms over .50 caliber, assault weapons and explosive projectiles.

Less-lethal equipment is also covered.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

LA County Enacts Plan to Boost School Attendance Ahead of New Academic Year

CITY NEWS SERVICE

With the new school year underway in some area schools, the Los Angeles County Office of Education began a coordinated effort Wednesday to boost student attendance and help children thrive in school.

During a news conference at Madison Elementary School in Pomona, County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo said the campaign will include a new toolkit to build awareness on the importance of attendance. Additionally, an updated student playbook will be circulated, described as a comprehensive roadmap to address the persistent challenge of chronic absenteeism in schools.

According to the Office of Education, both are extensive resources for districts and schools to promote consistent attendance throughout the year, based on data findings and evidence-backed strategies.

The toolkit includes customizable communication materials, data tracking tips, strategies for engaging families and resources to connect students with health and social services.

“Every day in school matters,” Duardo said. “Ensuring students are present is a community-wide effort.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Nationwide Sued for Allegedly Withholding Insurance Payouts to Eaton Fire Victims

The lawsuit claims the insurer withheld payments, forcing a family to pay rent and mortgage after fire contamination

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is being sued for allegedly denying coverage to a family whose home was contaminated by smoke and toxins from the Eaton Fire, leaving them displaced and covering living expenses out of pocket.

Attorneys at Singleton Schreiber LLP filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Greer family, alleging that Nationwide withheld insurance payouts for damages caused by smoke, ash, and other contaminants, despite extensive evidence. The suit seeks compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and punitive damages for alleged insurance bad faith.

The Greers had lived in their home for eight years when the fire deposited ash, soot, char, and heavy metals throughout the property. All four family members developed serious respiratory issues requiring emergency medical treatment.

After filing a claim with Nationwide for property damage, personal property losses, and relocation expenses, the family said the insurer delayed payments for more than a month after the fire was contained.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

California Senator Condemns Trump Immigration Raids as Racial Profiling

Lawmaker cites constitutional violations as case heads to Supreme Court

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents Pasadena and the 25th Senate District, sharply criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts Monday, calling planned raids in Los Angeles County racially motivated and unconstitutional.

The senator condemned what she described as targeting people based on language, profession or neighborhood. The senator chairs the state Education Committee and represents parts of LA County.

“The notion that anyone who speaks Spanish, works in certain professions like construction, or lives in a particular neighborhood deserves to have militaristic and masked forces unleashed on them is racist,” Pérez said in a statement.

The Trump administration plans to restart roving immigration raids in LA County. A federal court previously granted a temporary restraining order blocking such operations.

Pérez argued the raids violate Fourth and 14th Amendment protections. She said targeting people based on characteristics like ethnicity and occupation constitutes illegal racial profiling.

In her criticism,