Tuesday, November 25, 2025

California Community Foundation Releases $6 Million in Fire-Related Grants

STAFF REPORT

The California Community Foundation awarded $6 million in grants to 14 nonprofit organizations who will provide direct assistance for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires, it was announced Tuesday.

Nearly a year after the fires, many survivors — particularly those with household incomes under $100,000 — are heading into the holidays with depleted savings, rising debt and growing concerns about affording essentials like food, according to foundation officials.

A recent survey conducted by the nonprofit Department of Angels found that 27% of those with incomes below $50,000 have had to cut back on food. Among those with incomes between $50,000 to $90,000, 22% have cut back on food.

“As we approach the holiday season, we are providing immediate relief as families struggle to meet their basic needs while also confronting the long road to rebuilding,” Miguel Santana, CEO and president of the foundation, said in a statement.

The foundation is expected to award grants to the following nonprofits:

• Altadena Chamber of Commerce
• The Change Reaction
• CORE Community Organized Relief Effort
• Eaton Fire Collaborative
• Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges
• Lift International
• Malibu Chamber of Commerce
• Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group
• Pacific Palisades Long Term Recovery Group
• Pasadena Altadena Coalition of Transformative Leaders
• Pasadena Village
• Project Passion
• Villa Esperanza Services;

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

LA Metro Hails Success of Low-Income Rider Passes

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More than one million people have signed up for programs that provide free rides and discounted passes to students, low-income and fire-impacted Angelenos since 2021, Metro announced Tuesday.

In total, these two programs — Low Income Fair is Easy and GoPass — have provided more than 92 million free rides and 14 million rides on discounted passes, officials said.

“Transportation costs can eat up a significant portion of a household budget, second only to housing, and programs like these help riders get to where they need to go while saving money that can instead go toward groceries, medical care, education expenses and other basic necessities,” Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilman Fernando Dutra said in a statement.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins hailed the success of the programs, noting it was a “major focus” of the agency to grow them out over the last few years.

“It’s very satisfying to see how far we’ve come in a relatively short period of time,”

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Supervisor Barger Recognizes Tribal Firefighters Who Helped Save Communities During January Wildfires

STAFF REPORT

As Native American Heritage Month draws to a close, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger honored the tribal nations whose fire departments stepped forward to help battle the Eaton and Palisades wildfires earlier this year.

When the fires swept through communities in January, fire crews from 15 tribal nations traveled from across California, Oregon, and Arizona to protect lives, homes, and natural resources during an unprecedented and dangerous chapter in the region’s history.

“In January, tribes came to our aid in our time of need,” Barger said. “Their response reflects generosity, partnership, and a shared commitment to co-stewarding this land. Our Los Angeles County Fire Department relied on the incredible support of these tribal fire departments to provide mutual aid when it mattered most. I’m honored to welcome representatives from several of these tribal nations here today.”

Representatives from the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation joined Barger in person to take part in the recognition ceremony.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Carving up a Happy Thanksgiving

By EDDIE RIVERA

Volunteers gather to prepare turkeys for Union Station’s ‘Dinner in the Park’ this week

The corridors beneath the Pasadena Convention Center were buzzing on Monday morning, filled with the metallic percussion of carving knives and the low hum of walk-in refrigerators. Deep in the center’s basement kitchen, about a dozen volunteers lined up at a large work table, quietly reducing whole roasted turkeys into neat piles of white and dark meat.

The annual turkey carving effort — now in its 13th season — is led by Union Station Homeless Services, which this year began receiving and roasting more than 200 turkeys last Friday. The birds will continue to be carved through Wednesday, ultimately forming the centerpiece of thousands of Thanksgiving meals distributed across Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley.

“This is my sixth year of doing this, and this is such an amazing opportunity for us to get together with Union Station and OVG Hospitality to give back to the community,

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Union Station Homeless Services Still Seeking Pies, Donations for Thanksgiving

By KATHLEEN CASTIGNOLI

Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) says it is still in need of community support ahead of its annual Thanksgiving meal service set for Tuesday anf Wednesday, Nov. 25-26, asking for pies and monetary donations to ensure hundreds of unhoused and low?income residents can celebrate the holiday.

The nonprofit, based at 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd., has hosted Pasadena’s largest series of Thanksgiving giveaways and gatherings for decades, serving meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.

The nonprofit’s staff report dessert donations remain short, and financial contributions are critical to cover rising food costs.

Founded in 1973, USHS serves 32 cities across the San Gabriel Valley. Its Dinner in the Park Thanksgiving meal is one of its most visible traditions, drawing volunteers and donors from across the San Gabriel Valley.

• Donate pies: Drop off at Union Station Homeless Services, 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

• Make a monetary donation here: Your contributions help cover food,

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Turkey Day Travel Rush Kicks into High Gear

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Thanksgiving holiday travel rush is expected to kick into high gear Tuesday, with about 6.78 million Southern California residents expected to hit the roads or airways.

According to the Auto Club of Southern California — which defines the holiday travel period as Tuesday through Monday — the number of projected travelers is about 7% higher than the pre-pandemic level in 2019.

The projected number of travelers is a 2.8% increase from last year.

The vast majority of travelers — 5.88 million — are expected to travel by car, while 704,000 will fly and 196,000 will take other forms of travel such as train, bus or cruise ship.

Nationally, 81.8 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the holiday, also a record number that tops last year’s figure by 1.6 million, according to the Auto Club.

“Thanksgiving travel has always been popular, but has grown into an even greater priority in recent years after the pandemic limited those opportunities to connect with family and friends,”

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Guest Opinion | Dr. Julianna Delgado: No Longer Sleeping in My Car

Since I was a teenager—and at times homeless—I learned early that the ability to sleep safely, even without a home, is essential for human survival. It is the fragile line between moving toward the American Dream and falling into despair. I worked my way through school, juggling multiple jobs.

But even then, I survived by sleeping in the old Chevy Nova my grandfather left me. I often parked at a 24-hour Ralph’s because it offered what every human being needs at night: lights, bathrooms, food, and the comfort of not being entirely alone. A kind security guard turned a blind eye.

I slept as safely as one can in a car until financial aid allowed me to move into a dorm. That experience—combined with both trauma and resilience—shaped my life as a planner, educator, and advocate.

It taught me that a just city must center on dignity, safety, and compassion, especially for people who cannot or simply do not show up at public hearings.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

San Gabriel Valley COG President Stresses Collaboration, Pasadena’s Role in Regional Projects

San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President Ed Reece told the Pasadena City Council on Monday night, Nov. 24, that regional collaboration is delivering multimillion-dollar projects and policy gains, with Pasadena playing a central role in shaping decisions and implementation.

Reece, who represents Claremont and chairs the Gold Line Construction Authority and Joint Powers Authority, said the COG unites 31 cities, two county supervisorial districts and local agencies to improve transportation, housing, sustainability and quality of life for nearly 2 million residents.

“By working together our collective voice is louder, our reach is farther, and we deliver projects and services no city could do alone,” he said.

He highlighted the COG’s construction authority — the only COG in Los Angeles County with one — which is delivering 19 grade separation projects costing $100–$200 million each at little or no cost to member cities. Reece added the authority is expanding to highway improvement projects, transit facilities and active transportation projects. Other achievements include tripling business compliance with SB 1383 food-waste rules while equipping food banks with refrigeration,

Monday, November 24, 2025

First United Methodist Church in Pasadena announces Advent and Christmas Events

First United Methodist Church Pasadena will host a series of Advent and Christmas events in December, including concerts, family programs and worship services, according to a press release from the church. All events are free to attend.

The season begins Dec. 7 with the Alternative Christmas Market, held from 11 a.m. to noon in Fellowship Hall following worship. The event offers attendees the chance to support charitable organizations as gifts for loved ones. Partner groups include FUMC’s Food Pantry, Union Station Homeless Services, Door of Hope, Friends in Deed, San Gabriel Habitat for Humanity, Learning Works Charter School, Give Ye Them to Eat and Friends of Padhar Schools. Donors may receive gift cards to present to family or friends in recognition of contributions made in their honor.

On Dec. 13, the church will present “Brunch in Bethlehem” from 10 a.m. to noon. The interactive program invites participants to “walk through Bethlehem” and learn the story of Jesus’s birth through vignettes, games, crafts and costumed storytellers.

Monday, November 24, 2025

LA Galaxy, City National Bank Donate $30,000 to Support Pasadena, Altadena and La Cañada Youth Soccer Families Affected by Fires

The LA Galaxy announced that City National Bank, the team’s official bank and wealth management partner, has donated $30,000 to support AYSO Region 13, the American Youth Soccer Organization chapter serving Pasadena, Altadena and La Cañada, after the communities were dramatically affected by this year’s Los Angeles-area fires.

The contribution, detailed in a press release from the team, includes $25,000 in LA Galaxy tickets for local youth players and their families to attend matches throughout the season, along with $5,000 in soccer equipment to replace gear lost in the fires. The donation comes during the season of giving as families prepare for the holidays and is part of City National’s broader wildfire recovery efforts across Southern California.

“We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside our partner City National Bank in supporting AYSO Region 13, an area that was ravaged by the fires earlier this year,” said Tom Braun, LA Galaxy president and chief operating officer.

AYSO Region 13 serves over 3,000 children year-round and has operated for more than 50 years on a volunteer-run,