Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Synergy Group to Open Altadena Rebuild Center Aug. 1 Amid Post-Wildfire Recovery

Company aims to support long-term reconstruction efforts with specialized building services

Synergy Group announced it will open its Rebuild Center in Altadena on Aug. 1, offering fire victims streamlined support services for residential reconstruction following recent wildfires in the area.

The Northern California-based firm previously rebuilt more than 200 homes after the 2017 Tubbs Fire and now plans to apply its experience in Southern California, with a particular focus on Altadena and the Palisades. The new office will provide services including site evaluation, architectural planning, permitting, insurance navigation and construction management.

According to Synergy Partner Brian Flahavan, the company intends to remain in Altadena for a minimum of five years to support ongoing rebuild efforts and provide post-construction warranty service.

“We’ve made a commitment that we’re going to be there as long as it takes,” Flahavan said, noting the long timeline many properties face before recovery is complete.

During the Aug. 1 event, residents will have an opportunity to speak with the company’s project managers,

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Pasadena Congresswoman Leads Push for Immigration ID Bill Following Incident in Local District

Chu cites masked ICE agents in Pasadena as evidence of need for officer transparency

Citing a controversial immigration enforcement incident that in her own district, Pasadena Congresswoman Judy Chu has co-sponsored new federal legislation requiring immigration officers to visibly display agency identification during public operations.

The measure, titled the Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of July 23, was introduced Tuesday by Chu, along with Representatives Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California and Veronica Escobar of Texas. A press release from the lawmakers said the bill was developed in response to immigration raids where officers wore unmarked tactical gear and face coverings that concealed their identities.

Chu said the need for clear identification became evident during an incident in her district when masked ICE agents detained community members — including individuals headed to assist in local Eaton Fire recovery — while refusing to identify themselves and brandishing firearms. She described the actions as part of Trump administration raids that “indiscriminately targeted entire communities” and undermined due process.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Barger “Welcomes” State Takeover of County Probation System Amid Deepening Crisis

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger calls state receivership a long-overdue reform effort

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, has endorsed Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request to place the county’s juvenile probation system under state receivership, calling the move a long-awaited response to years of dysfunction.

“I am not surprised by Attorney General Bonta’s request… In truth, this moment has been a long time coming,” Barger said, citing the department’s decline and attributing some of its failure to the Board’s “micromanagement.”

Bonta’s petition seeks a court-appointed receiver with full managerial control over juvenile halls and camps. The plan includes quarterly reports to the court, strict compliance benchmarks, and a $25 million Victims Compensation Fund for youth harmed since 2021. Local oversight would be suspended until the County achieves 90 percent compliance for four consecutive quarters.

“My focus remains unchanged: protecting and supporting the youth in our care,” Barger noted. “If a state receivership is what it takes to finally deliver those reforms… then I welcome this intervention.”

Bonta’s filing follows a series of high-profile failures.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Planned Parenthood of California Loses $300 million in Federal Funding Under Court Order

By Kristen Hwang, CALMATTERS

California Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the state, lost all federal funding this week under a preliminary court order that allows the money to be withheld while a larger legal dispute plays out.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America sued the Trump Administration on behalf of its members earlier in July over provisions of the congressional reconciliation bill — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — that prohibited Medicaid reimbursements for large nonprofit health clinics that provide abortions. The lawsuit argues that the law defunds Planned Parenthood’s services in violation of multiple constitutional amendments.

The ruling, which left both parties dissatisfied, partly blocked the law from taking effect but only for a small fraction of Planned Parenthood organizations. None of California’s Planned Parenthood health centers are included.

In the Monday night ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani stated that Planned Parenthood’s arguments show a “substantial likelihood of success,” but her order did not apply to most of the organization’s nearly 600 clinics.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Remains Found in Eaton Fire Zone; Death Toll Rises to 19

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Human remains discovered in the Eaton Fire burn area in Altadena have increased the death toll from the Jan. 7 wildfire to 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner reported Tuesday.

“The death toll related to the wildfires is now 31 — 19 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades (Fire),” according to a dispatch from the Medical Examiner’s office, which reported the remains found Monday in the 10 block of La Venezia Court, were examined by a six-member Special Operations Response Team.

The individual was not immediately identified and was listed as Doe #431.

The Department of Medical Examiner relies on complex scientific methods of identification in these cases due to the condition of the remains. The methods may include dental record comparison, DNA comparison, medical records review, or use of radiographs to look for medical prosthetics and devices with associated serial numbers.

The Medical Examiner’s office works with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons to conduct follow-ups with families,

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Alex Villanueva Announces 2026 Campaign For Old Job

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has declared his candidacy to challenge Robert Luna in the June 2 primary, despite a 19-percentage point loss in 2022.

“Over the last several years, Los Angeles County has seen the consequences of failed leadership, not just in the sheriff’s department, but across our local government,” Villanueva said in a video released Tuesday night.

“Promises made in 2022 have been replaced with a grim result — over a quarter of the workforce gone, an ongoing exodus of experienced personnel, and a tragedy of deputy suicides and in-custody deaths,” he continued.

“On our streets, lawlessness has become the new normal, with street takeovers, looting, and organized burglary crews terrorizing our communities. Families feel unsafe. Deputies feel unsupported. It’s time to bring steady, proven leadership back to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“We must rescue this department from paralyzing dysfunction, rebuild it back to full strength, and restore our capacity to fight,

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Webinar Will Support Small Businesses, Nonprofits With Immigration Enforcement Guidance

Free online training outlined ICE protocols, legal rights, and policy tools for workplace preparedness

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and Public Counsel’s Community Development Project will hold a free one-hour webinar titled “Know Your Rights: Small Businesses & Nonprofits.” Delivered via Constant Contact, the session aims to help small businesses and nonprofits prepare for immigration enforcement scenarios through practical legal guidance. 

Topics will include recognizing workplace rights during ICE visits, building protective internal policies, and navigating enforcement raids. 

DEO Director Kelly LoBianco and Doug Smith, director of policy and coalition building at Public Counsel, will lead the discussion. LoBianco spotlights the county’s investment in small business aid, stating,”Access to no-cost legal support is crucial for small businesses rebuilding after adversity—our partnership with Public Counsel delivers that help at scale.” 

The webinar builds on Public Counsel’s January FAQ, which details key protections such as the right to remain silent and to bar entry without a judicial warrant.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Wildfire Recovery Roundtable Thursday Will Spotlight Altadena’s Business Rebuilding Priorities

Thursday session will address retention, insurance, capital access and price gouging

A community roundtable scheduled for Thursday, July 24, will focus on supporting Altadena business and commercial property owners impacted by the Eaton Fire. The free event will be held at 2 p.m. in the Westminster Presbyterian Church community room and will tackle issues including employee and business retention, rebuilding, capital access, insurance and price gouging enforcement.

“Our small business owners are the backbone of Altadena’s economy, and we must do everything we can to help them recover,” Barger said during an April motion approving economic aid.

The event is hosted by Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office in partnership with the Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and the Los Angeles County Development Authority. No registration is required.

Since the fire’s containment on January 31, more than $27 million has been distributed in aid to households,

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Altadena WILD President Joins Community Recovery Effort Following Eaton Fire

Environmental nonprofit leader helps shape Altadena’s future after wildfire

Altadena WILD President Michael D. Bicay has joined the Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR), a leadership group chartered by Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger to help guide wildfire recovery following the January Eaton Fire.

CCAR is working with Supervisor Barger’s office to ensure that recovery efforts are systematic, methodical and community-driven. The coalition collaborates with Altadena residents to incorporate their values and perspectives into the rebuilding of the community.

The group meets every two weeks and welcomes dialogue and useful suggestions at altadenawild@gmail.com.

Bicay’s appointment strengthens the link between environmental advocacy and civic leadership in Altadena.

CCAR includes representatives from the Altadena Town Council, Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, Altadena Heritage, Altadena Historical Society, Rotary Club/Altadena chapter, Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association and the NAACP/Altadena chapter.

Altadena WILD is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the San Gabriel Mountains foothills in Altadena.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Pasadena Job Fair Aids Thousands of Wildfire Survivors, Offers Support and Path to Employment

More than 2,417 wildfire survivor families — 6,043 individuals — attended a recovery-focused job fair at PazNaz Church in Pasadena on July 19, according a hosting organization that help stage the event.

Five hundred job opportunities were reportedly pledged and hundreds benefited from access to support services, according to Global Empowerment Mission.

The initiative, titled “Hire a Survivor,” connected 1,035 applicants with dozens of employers offering on-the-spot hiring for roles in public safety, skilled trades, and construction.

Resources extended beyond employment, including resume support, job coaching, free food, family-friendly activities, and access to long-term recovery services. Programs like Los Angeles County’s Youth@Work and the Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program participated in offering tailored support.

Congressmember Judy Chu delivered remarks highlighting the importance of sustainable recovery. Among community volunteers were actress Katie Cassidy, star of CW’s “Arrow” and a third-generation Los Angeles native affected by the Palisades fire, and actor Stephen Huszar of Hallmark Channel.

Global Empowerment Mission reported distributing $986,073.52 in in-kind goods and services and $925,000 in direct cash assistance via BStrong.