Monday, November 17, 2025

State Senator Pérez Urges Utilities Commission to Reject Utility Profit Hike, Citing Harm to Altadena’s Eaton Fire Victims

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) is calling on the California Public Utilities Commission to reject proposed profit increases by investor-owned utilities, warning the move would further burden Altadena residents affected by the Eaton Fire and exacerbate energy affordability statewide.

In a letter to the CPUC, Pérez criticized Return on Equity (ROE) proposals submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, and San Diego Gas and Electric. The utilities are seeking ROEs between 11% and 11.75%—figures Pérez described as “unjustifiably high,” based on outdated financial data and flawed methodology. ROE represents how much profit a company makes for each dollar invested by its shareholders and is expressed as a percentage.

The letter, released as part of a public statement from Pérez’s office, also urges the Commission to conduct an independent analysis of ROE benchmarks to ensure fairness and accuracy.

“In this critical moment, we cannot allow excessive utility profits to stand in the way of affordable recovery and living,” Pérez wrote.

Monday, November 17, 2025

Cold Front to Bring More Rain, Flood Risk to Altadena and Pasadena Monday Afternoon

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND CITY NEWS SERVICE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT

With increased traffic at the start of the work and school week and more rain on the way, a city official urges residents not to “let their guard down”

A brief morning lull in storm activity Monday is expected to give way to renewed and intensified rainfall across Pasadena and surrounding foothill communities, with the National Weather Service warning of advisory-level flooding, debris flows and hazardous travel conditions during the afternoon and early evening commute.

The forecast, issued by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office at 3:29 a.m. Monday identifies a cold, moisture-laden storm system moving southeast into Los Angeles County.

Altadena and Pasadena, already saturated from historic weekend rainfall, faces elevated geotechnical and hydrological risks, especially in areas near recent burn scars in the San Gabriel foothills.

Meteorologists warn that the region’s saturated soil will amplify the impact of even moderate rainfall.

“It will not take as much rainfall to cause additional flooding/rockslides,” the NWS stated in its Area Forecast Discussion.

Monday, November 17, 2025

Supervisors to Vote on Immigration Protections, Veteran Homelessness, and Major Land Use at Tuesday Meeting

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday morning

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:30 a.m. to vote on motions addressing immigration enforcement, veteran homelessness, labor protections, and land use.

A motion by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Hilda L. Solis proposes legal protections for County workers involved in immigration-related incidents and mandates new protocols in County health facilities. The acting chief executive officer would develop a federal law enforcement response plan.

Supervisor Janice Hahn’s motion aims to end veteran homelessness, citing a 10 percent drop in homeless veterans and 1,197 permanent placements since October 2024. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs would coordinate services for non-VA eligible veterans.

Solis and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath introduced a motion requiring labor peace agreements for janitorial and security vendors. A draft policy and fiscal analysis are due in 90 days.

The Board will also vote on the Entrada South/Valencia Commerce Center project,

Monday, November 17, 2025

Altadena Town Council to Certify Election Results, Hear Flood Control Update at Tuesday Meeting

The meeting will include committee reports, public safety updates and a presentation from Public Works

The Altadena Town Council will certify recent election results and receive a special presentation on flood control and debris flow mitigation during its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.

The meeting will be streamed live via Pasadena Media’s YouTube channel.

Civil Engineer Michael Miranda of Los Angeles County Public Works is scheduled to present on mud and debris flow risks and flood control measures. The Council will also hear reports from public safety agencies, including the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Council committees will deliver updates on land use, renters protection, education, holiday party planning and slate nominations. Diane Marcussen will report as Land Use Chair, Darlene Greene as Renters Protection and Recovery Chair, and Isis Moulden as both Election and Education Chair. Chair Victoria Knapp will lead the slate nomination process and oversee holiday party planning.

Monday, November 17, 2025

Hearing Today in Lawsuit Over Pasadena School Closures That Displaced Latino Students

A motions hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday in Department 49 of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles in a discrimination lawsuit filed against the Pasadena Unified School District by seven Latino parents whose children attended Roosevelt, Jefferson and Franklin elementary schools — all shuttered by the district in 2019.

The plaintiffs — David Chavez, Danae Tapia, Luz Becerra, Jose Flores, Belen Cid-Garcia, Carla Ponce and Jessenia Mancia — allege the school board’s decision to close the three majority-Latino campuses was unconstitutional and disproportionately harmed Latino students. The closures forced hundreds of children to transfer to Madison, Longfellow and Altadena elementary schools, which the lawsuit claims were already over-enrolled and unfamiliar to many of the displaced students.

The parents are seeking a court order requiring Pasadena Unified to implement a more equitable school closure process. The case, filed in December 2022, is being led by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), with attorneys Erika Cervantes and Ernest Herrera representing the families.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Coast Live Oak Crushes Car in Altadena During Saturday Storm; No Injuries Reported

A towering coast live oak tree fell during Saturday’s atmospheric river storm and crushed a white Toyota RAV4 rental vehicle near the intersection of Allen Avenue and Meadowbrook Road, according to multiple media and local eyewitness accounts. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred in the early-to-mid afternoon hours. The vehicle was reportedly a rental car hired by an East coast visitor.

The tree was identified as approximately 80 years old and more than 100 feet tall. Saturated soil and rain-heavy canopies can make them lopsided and prone to toppling.

Emergency response was coordinated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, and the California Highway Patrol, all of which confirmed their involvement through official statements.

County public Works crews equipped with chainsaws worked for nearly seven hours to chop and remove the tree, according to NBC4. Meadowbrook Road was closed during that time, with the tree and vehicle blocking traffic lanes.

The incident occurred during what the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office described as “the strongest storm of the season.” Meteorologist Ariel Cohen reported that the multi-day atmospheric river system brought 2 to 6 inches of rain to most of Southern California on Saturday.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

They Want To Be California’s Next Governor. Here’s What They’d Do About Health Care

By Ana B. Ibarra, CALMATTERS

Every day, Californians struggle to afford medications or wait weeks or months for mental health appointments. Thousands in the “sandwich generation” juggle caring for elderly parents with raising children.

Those are top health care issues Californians want to see the next governor address, according to a recent poll. The candidates vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom offered views on them – and addressed the Trump administration’s coming cuts to safety net programs – at a recent forum at UC Riverside organized by philanthropic foundations.

“The reality is too many Californians face barriers to health and wellness in our state,” said Richard Tate, president and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, one of the organizations sponsoring the event. He said the forum was planned to take place in the Inland Empire, where residents experience some of the largest disparities in health outcomes.

Four candidates, all Democrats, took part in the forum. Former U.S.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Forecast Prompts Numerous Events Cancellations

The prospect of a significant storm system bringing heavy rainfall to the Pasadena and Altadena area on Saturday has prompted the cancellation or postponement of multiple community events, with organizers citing safety concerns and dangerous weather conditions.

Armenian Festival Postponed Until Spring 2026

The 2nd Annual Pasadena Armenian Festival, scheduled for Saturday at Centennial Plaza in front of Pasadena City Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., has been postponed until Spring 2026. Organizers announced the decision Thursday, citing concern for attendee safety and logistical complications posed by inclement weather.

The free outdoor event had been expected to draw hundreds for cultural performances, Armenian food, vendors, dance performances, live music, and family activities celebrating the deep cultural roots and contributions of Pasadena’s Armenian community. Organizers said they are considering rescheduling the festival in the spring, though no new date has been confirmed.

Mariposa Junction Reopening Celebration Rescheduled

The “Rising Together” celebration marking the grand reopening of five small businesses in Altadena’s historic Mariposa Street corridor has been postponed from Saturday,

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Rain Threatens Altadena School Fundraiser

Community pancake breakfast pushed back as weather threatens outdoor event

Weather concerns have forced organizers to postpone a community pancake breakfast scheduled for Saturday morning, Nov. 15.

The Altadena Arts Magnet PTA planned to serve pancakes, coffee and juice at Good Neighbor Bar’s outdoor patio. A new notice cited rain as a threat to the fundraiser.

The event was set for 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 2311 Lincoln Ave. Tickets cost $5 per person.

All proceeds benefit the school’s annual fund.

Organizers recommended buying tickets in advance. They also planned to sell them at the door.

Good Neighbor Bar can be reached at (626) 704-0164. Questions about the event can be directed to altadenaaf@gmail.com.

No new date has been announced for the rescheduled breakfast.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Flood Watch in Effect as Heavy Rain Threatens Pasadena and Altadena Saturday

[Updated   5:55 a.m.] Pasadena and Altadena are under an areal flood watch until 10 p.m. Saturday, with the National Weather Service warning of heavy rainfall, saturated soils, and the potential for flooding in low-lying and urban areas.

“Concerned about what today will entail, so [we] encourage residents to remain vigilant, especially if in the burn scar or flood-prone areas,” Pasadena Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian said early Saturday. “Please allow extra time driving and greater distance between vehicles because traffic accidents always rise during rain and excess water on roads.”

Forecasters predict 1 to 2.5 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible. Rainfall rates could reach 0.5 to 1 inch per hour, raising the risk of excessive runoff and flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, streets, highways, underpasses, and areas with poor drainage. The flood watch was issued early Saturday morning by the National Weather Service, which noted that “excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.”

The ground in the San Gabriel Valley is already saturated from recent storms,