Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Given Its Failures, Can California Manage A Transition To A Carbon-Free Future?

By Dan Walters, CALMATTERS

It’s become painfully obvious in recent years that California officialdom lacks the ability to plan and deliver major projects.

While examples abound, the state’s woebegone bullet train project, its tortuous efforts to implement information technology and the financial and managerial meltdown of its unemployment insurance program are among the most egregious.

Given that sorry record, why should we believe the state’s plans to completely overhaul California’s economy by eliminating hydrocarbon-based energy will be any more successful?

Over the next 20 years, California wants to replace nearly 30 million gasoline and diesel-powered cars and light trucks with those using batteries or hydrogen. Simultaneously California is supposed to wean itself from natural-gas-fired electric power generation and increase power output, to recharge many millions of car batteries and service houses and commercial buildings that will no longer use gas.

The mileposts on the road to a carbon-free California are beginning to appear,

Monday, April 14, 2025

Property Owners Who Fail to Submit ROE Forms Could Be On the Hook For Debris Removal Costs

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

According to the County’s recovery website, local property owners that do not turn in the required Right of Entry forms could be left with a bill if the Army Corps of Engineers is forced to remove debris from their land.

“If your property was affected, you must choose a debris removal option by April 15, 2025,” according to a statement at https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe/.

“If you do not submit an Opt-In or Opt-Out form by April 15, 2025, the government will initiate a process to remove fire debris from your property to protect public health and safety.

“In such event, you will be responsible for the full cost of the government’s fire debris removal activities at your property, and a lien may be placed on your property to recover those costs.”

As of Sunday morning, 95 property owners had not filled out the necessary forms. Property owners are required to fill out the forms even if they wish to opt out of the Army Corps of Engineers removal program.

Friday, April 11, 2025

First Rebuild Permit Issued in Altadena

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

LA County has issued the first permit to rebuild a home lost in the Eaton Fire

The nonprofit Habitat for Humanity said they received the permit in a press release on Thursday.

“This is not just about rebuilding homes—it’s about restoring hope, stability, and a future for families who have lost everything,” said SGV Habitat CEO Bryan Wong.

The property is located on North Olive Avenue. Habitat for Humanity built the home previously and will handle the rebuild for the family.

The announcement came just days after Los Angeles County received criticism after local media outlets, including Pasadena Now, reported that no permits had been issued despite promises of an expedited process while the fire was still burning.

Earlier this week, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced a motion to create a Unified Permitting Authority (UPA) within the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center to expedite the residential rebuilding process.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Debris Could be Cleared From Most Altadena Properties by Late Summer

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The Army Corps of Engineers continues to track ahead of schedule on Phase 2 of the debris removal in Altadena.

“We are going to be complete January 1, 2026,” said Col. Sonny Avichal at the annual Altadena Community meeting. “However we do expect that for the great majority of property owners, we should be complete late summer early fall.”

As of Monday there were 123 debris removal crews and 92 asbestos abatement removal teams working in Altadena.

Debris has been removed from 1900 properties, Avichal said.

The two stage process began in February after the devastating Eaton Fire broke in January. In Phase 1, teams from the Environmental Protection Agency removed hazardous materials from local properties.

After that was completed Phase 2 began. In that phase, local property owners were required to fill out forms allowing contractors with the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct comprehensive debris removal, including foundations and six inches of soil.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Deadline to Submit Debris Removal Form Just One Week Away

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Local property owners who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire have just one week left to submit Right of Entry forms for debris removal by United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Residents in Altadena and Pasadena have until April 15 to turn in the Right of Entry (ROE) form that allows crews onto their properties.

In total, 8,276 ROE forms have been transmitted to the Army Corps by local residents and people living in the Palisades for cleanup. The department is processing hundreds of ROEs daily and transmitting over 200 each day, ensuring that the cleanup continues at a steady pace.

Local residents can hire a private contractor for debris removal to opt out of the Army Corps of Engineers. However, they are still required to fill out an ROE.

The Army Corps of Engineers has significantly expanded its debris removal efforts in the Eaton footprint, with more than 80 crews now working to clear affected properties,

Sunday, April 6, 2025

New Fire Maps Put Nearly 4 Million Californians In Hazardous Zones. What Does That Mean For The People Who Live There?

By Ben Christopher, CALMATTERS

New bursts of yellow dot the hills of Mendocino County.

Smears of burnt orange now span the aqueduct near Bakersfield.

A fresh splash of crimson juts east of Chico like a fresh wound.

With the release of its fourth and final round of color-coded hazard maps this morning, California’s firefighting agency is showing just how much of the state is prone to wildfire — and how much that computationally-modeled danger zone has grown since the state issued its last round of local hazard maps more than a decade ago.

With a few notable areas where the orange and red tide receded, like the hills above Berkeley and Oakland, territory deemed “high” or “very high” hazard exploded across the state, increasing by 168% since 2011.

All told, the size of these orange and red patches on the new maps is 3,626 square miles — an area nearly twice the size of Delaware.

Friday, April 4, 2025

Caltech to Host Webinar Series Pulling Focus on Lead Contamination Following LA Fires

Researchers to share findings from environmental samples collected during recent blazes

In the wake of the 2025 Los Angeles fires, Caltech is launching a webinar series to explore the environmental impacts of urban blazes, beginning with a session focused on lead contamination.

The first installment of “Conversations After the Fires” will take place Thursday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., featuring Caltech geochemist Francois Tissot and graduate students Merritt McDowell and Isaac Aguilar. They will be joined by Christine O’Connell, assistant professor of Biological Sciences at Chapman University.

The researchers will discuss their analysis of ash, soil, and water samples collected during the fires to determine lead levels released into the environment. The session will be moderated by Caltech science writer Lori Dajose.

“When the 2025 Los Angeles fires broke out, Caltech researchers on campus and at JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA, jumped into action, collecting and analyzing data as soon as flames erupted,” Caltech said in the event announcement.

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Altadena Residents Express Concerns Over Noise, Air Quality Amid Eaton Fire Cleanup Efforts

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Residents of Altadena near the Altadena Golf Course are raising concerns over noise and air quality as crews work to clean up properties damaged by the Eaton Fire.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to begin crushing concrete and recycling metal on the golf course starting next week.

The fire, which started in Eaton Canyon on Jan. 7 led to 17 deaths, destroyed 9,000 structures and scorched 14,000 acres, left tons of debris in Altadena and forced the Corps to find a location to move the devastation as it clears local properties.

Homeowners whose properties are still standing are worried, and have expressed concerns over the potential hazards posed by the cleanup operations.

The Army Corps maintains that the operation will be safe, despite its proximity to residential areas. Officials say air quality will be closely monitored, and the noise level will be kept to a minimum, comparable to the sound of “loud traffic”

Thursday, March 27, 2025

How Much Lead and Other Toxic Metals are Present after the Eaton Fire?

Courtesy of CALTECH

On the evening of January 7, 2025, Caltech professor of geochemistry François Tissot evacuated his Altadena home with his family as the Eaton fire spread. Fires in Altadena and surrounding communities ultimately took 17 lives and destroyed over 9,000 buildings, causing widespread damage estimated to cost more than $10 billion. Tissot’s home sustained heavy smoke, ash, heat, and fire damage: melted windows and roofing, compromised waterproofing, cracks in several walls, and more.

The Eaton fire was unique in that 90 percent of the homes that burned had been built before 1975, meaning that they likely contained some amount of lead paint and asbestos, building materials that are now banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their danger to human health. In the aftermath of the fire, Tissot saw an opportunity to help by leveraging his laboratory’s state-of-the-art techniques to measure the presence of toxic metals like lead in the debris. As a geochemist, Tissot has deep expertise in studying the chemical signatures of elements like lead and uranium in meteorites to learn about the early solar system,

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Will This Bill Be The End Of California’s Housing VS Environment Wars?

By Ben Christopher, CALMATTERS

For years California has been stuck in a recurring fight between legislators who want the state to turbocharge new home construction and legislators determined to defend a landmark environmental protection law.

The final showdown in that long-standing battle may have just arrived.

A new bill by Oakland Democratic Assemblymember Buffy Wicks would exempt most urban housing developments from the 55-year-old California Environmental Quality Act.

If it passes — a big if, even in today’s ascendent pro-building political environment — it would mean no more environmental lawsuits over proposed apartment buildings, no more legislative debates over which projects should be favored with exemptions and no more use of the law by environmental justice advocates, construction unions and anti-development homeowners to wrest concessions from developers or delay them indefinitely.

In short, it would spell the end of California’s Housing-CEQA Wars.

“If we’re able to get it to the governor’s desk,

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Deadline to Submit Form Allowing Fire Debris Removal Just Five Days Away

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

There are just five days left for local property owners affected by the Eaton Fire to submit forms for debris removal.

Residents in Altadena and Pasadena have until March 31 to turn in the Right of Entry (ROE) form that allows crews onto their properties.

As of last week, 5,087 ROE forms had been submitted and 3,080 of them had already been transmitted to the Army Corps for cleanup. The department is processing hundreds of ROEs daily and transmitting over 200 each day, ensuring that the cleanup continues at a steady pace.

Local residents can hire a private contractor for debris removal, but they must still opt out of the Army Corps of Engineers program. They are still required to fill out an ROE.

The Army Corps of Engineers has significantly expanded its debris removal efforts in the Eaton footprint, with 80 crews now working to clear affected properties, a major increase from the 34 crews operating just two weeks ago.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

New Podcast Focuses on Caltech Scientists’ Race to Conduct Research after the January Fires

By Andrew Moseman, CALTECH

In the aftermath of the fires that raged across Los Angeles County in January—and in particular the Eaton fire that burned through parts of Altadena and got close to NASA’s JPL, which is managed by Caltech—the Institute did what it does best: came together as a community to support individuals touched by the tragedy and started asking and addressing the most critical research questions.

In just the past couple of months, Institute scientists have deployed sensors to collect information on air quality, tested samples of soil and ash from the burn zone and beyond, monitored debris-flow models that predict areas of concern, studied how the mountains react to rains after fires, and contributed to conversations about community resilience and rebuilding.

To bring those efforts, and the information they are garnering, to public attention, the Caltech Science Exchange has launched a limited-series podcast, After the Fires, to highlight what Institute scientists and engineers have learned.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Cal Fire Releases Revised Fire Hazard Zones for LA County

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Cal Fire released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for Los Angeles County Monday, using various criteria to identify wildfire hazard areas and ranking them on a three-tiered scale.

The maps, generally updated every decade, can impact building and clearance requirements in areas deemed to be in particular hazard areas.

According to Cal Fire, the determination of “hazard” is based “on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30- to 50-year period, without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfire or fuel reduction efforts.”

Identified hazard zones are divided into three levels — moderate, high and very high. The determination is made based on a variety of factors, including terrain, fire history, weather patterns and the presence of fire fuels such as thick vegetation.

Once the hazard zone maps are released by the state, local jurisdictions can adopt them or amend them by increasing the hazard level for particular areas.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

As Temperatures Rise, So Do Concerns About Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes

Vector control officials warn about mosquito risks in Eaton fire burn area

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District has issued an urgent warning about unmaintained swimming pools in the Eaton fire burn area becoming potential breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes as temperatures warm across the region. District officials are taking proactive measures to prevent a public health crisis, emphasizing that a single unmaintained pool can produce up to 3 million adult mosquitoes in just one month.

“After a wildfire, pools and other large water sources may become stagnant, creating conditions for mosquitoes to grow,” according to District officials. “These mosquitoes can spread quickly throughout the community and can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue, posing an additional risk to the community.”

Beginning March 17, vector control technicians started to directly treat identified sources of standing water within the burn area. The treatments included larvicides, other mosquito control products, and the distribution of mosquitofish where appropriate.

Monday, March 24, 2025

Cal Fire Releases Newly Updated Wildfire Hazard Maps for Altadena and Pasadena

Maps reflect increased fire risks following January’s devastating Eaton Fire

California officials are releasing updated fire hazard maps for Southern California counties on Monday, expanding areas classified as high and very high risk zones in the first such revision in over 14 years.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) maps identify areas most vulnerable to wildfires over the next several decades based on vegetation, terrain, fire history and local weather patterns. The timing is particularly relevant following January’s destructive Eaton and Palisades fires, which devastated Altadena.

“We are living in a new reality of extremes. California’s resilience means we will keep updating our standards in the most fire-prone areas,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

The maps cover eight southern counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Mono and Inyo. They categorize wildfire vulnerability into moderate, high and very high risk zones, with the updated designations expected to more than double the land area subject to stricter building codes.

Friday, March 21, 2025

Recent Rains Boost Stormwater Capture in LA County

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The series of late-winter storms that brought much- needed rain to the region last week raised the total volume of stormwater captured by Los Angeles County to 11.9 billion gallons just weeks before the end of storm season on April 15, but officials said dire drought conditions persist Friday.

To date, downtown Los Angeles has received only 6.5 inches of rainfall since Oct. 1, 2024, less than half the annual average of 15.4 inches, according to L.A. County Public Works.

By contrast, downtown L.A. received 21.2 inches of rain last year, enabling the county to recharge its groundwater aquifers with more than 117 billion gallons of stormwater — enough to meet the needs of nearly 2.9 million people for a year, according to the county.

The unusually dry winter underscores the need for continued investments in stormwater management and water conservation, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.

“While recent storms have boosted our local water supply,

Friday, March 21, 2025

Harnessing Sunlight to Make Sustainable Fuels

By Kimm Fesenmaier, CALTECH

Increasing energy demands and problems associated with burning fossil fuels have heightened interest in more sustainable energy sources, such as sunlight. But there are still areas where carbon-based fuel remains the standard, such as in the aviation industry. To address this need, scientists have been working to devise a way to use sunlight to generate solar-thermal heating that could then drive the chemical reactions that are needed to make jet fuel with net-zero carbon emissions.

Now, a team at Caltech that is part of a Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Innovation Hub known as the Liquid Sunlight Alliance, or LiSA, has developed such a solar-thermal heating system on a small scale and demonstrated that it can successfully drive an important reaction for jet fuel production. Completely powered by solar energy, the so-called photothermocatalytic reactor incorporates a spectrally selective solar absorber to maximize the generation of solar-thermal heating. The modular design of the reactor takes advantage of current fabrication technologies and existing silicon solar panel production infrastructure.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Tenants Return to Fire-Damaged Apartments in Altadena, Seek Help with Toxic Cleanup

Comité de Inquilinos 403 highlights environmental dangers faced by residents living in aftermath of Eaton Fire

Tenants who have returned to live in fire-damaged apartments in Altadena said they are seeking urgent help from government officials and landlords to address toxic contamination and safety concerns in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.

The Pasadena Community Job Center, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and allied organizations will join the a tenants’ rights group called Comité de Inquilinos 403 on Thursday at 5 p.m. on Figueroa Drive to highlight the environmental hazards that the residents face.

“We were forced to return to our apartments, even though we knew they might be contaminated, because we have nowhere else to go,”said Brenda Lopez-Ardon, a tenant representative of the Comité de Inquilinos 403.

“We know we are putting our health at risk, but we don’t have the resources to do anything else. What’s most heartbreaking is that the company that owns the building is lying to us and offering no help.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Caltech Team Launches Air Quality Monitor Network in Altadena to Monitor Dust, Ash Levels

Community-based sensors track particulate matter during Altadena recovery efforts

In response to the Eaton fire that destroyed air quality monitoring equipment in Altadena, Caltech researchers have established a new PHOENIX network of particulate air quality sensors to provide residents and officials with real-time data on airborne dust levels as debris removal and rebuilding continue in the affected areas.

“With phase-2 debris removal underway, we wanted to give the community a source of independent air-quality measurements,” says Haroula Baliaka, a graduate student in environmental science and engineering at Caltech who has been working to install the PHOENIX sensors.

“At the same time,” Baliaka said, “the data can be used by agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers to gauge how well dust-mitigation efforts are working.”

The network — whose name stands for Post-fire airborne Hazard Observation Environmental Network for Integrated Xposure-monitoring — consists of 19 sensors strategically placed across Altadena, including one at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Report: Records Show Edison Towers in Altadena Fire Zone Had ‘Ignition’ Risk

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Some Southern California Edison power lines near the suspected origin of the Eaton Fire were flagged as fire hazards and overdue for maintenance, raising questions about the utility’s role in the catastrophic Jan. 7 blaze, according to company records cited Wednesday by the Los Angeles Times.

As investigations continue and lawsuits mount, the utility insists it took all necessary precautions to prevent a wildfire. However, company records filed with the state and uncovered by the Times reveal that Edison was aware some of its towers near the suspected ignition point posed fire hazards, the newspaper reported.

According to the Times, two power lines remained active until after the fire started, while a third line, decommissioned in 1971, had not carried electricity for decades. Yet some investigators and attorneys suing the utility believe the Mesa-Sylmar transmission line may have somehow become energized on Jan. 7.

Records show that 94 open work orders along these lines were still pending as of Dec.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

First Wave of Financial Aid Reaches Altadena Fire Victims, Larger Distribution Coming Soon

Altadena residents impacted by the recent wildfires have begun receiving critical financial assistance, with officials announcing that the first $2.7 million in grant funds has been distributed to businesses, nonprofits, and individual workers affected by the disaster.

During the March 17 Altadena Community Meeting, Supervisor Kathryn Barger reported that these initial funds were awarded to 82 businesses and nonprofits, with each organization receiving grants of $25,000. Additionally, 324 workers received individual grants of $2,000 each.

“I’m committed to getting these public dollars into your hand as quickly as possible to meet your needs,” Supervisor Barger said during the meeting.

The first round of grants prioritized those who suffered the greatest impacts from the fires and those who submitted their applications most promptly. However, applicants not selected for the first phase will have another opportunity soon, as officials announced that an additional $15.9 million in grants will be released this week of March 31st. Any applicant not selected for phase one will automatically be considered for phase two.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Two Altadena Water Districts Lift “Do Not Drink” Orders, But One Remains Off Limits

Two major water providers in Altadena have lifted their “Do Not Drink” orders, allowing thousands of local residents to safely use their tap water again following the Eaton Fire that devastated most of the town earlier this year.

During the March 17 Altadena Community Meeting, officials from several local water districts shared updates on the status of drinking water safety throughout the area.

Jennifer Betancourt Torres, General Manager of Lincoln Avenue Water Company, announced that as of last Thursday, March 13th, the “Do Not Drink” order has been lifted for their entire service area.

“Residents within the Lincoln Service area may now safely resume use of their tap water for drinking and all of the purposes,” Betancourt Torres said during the meeting.

Armando De La Paz, Assistant General Manager of Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association, delivered similar good news, stating their system is now entirely potable after receiving clearance from authorities on Monday.

“We are also happy to report we received our lift for our Marine Corps on Monday month,

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Altadena Debris Removal Effort Continues as Right Of Entry Deadline Approaches

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The Department of Public Works provided an update on the ongoing debris removal efforts in Altadena during a community meeting on Monday.

According to Chris Shepherd, an engineer with the department, 8,854 Right of Entry (ROE) submissions have been collected to date. Of those, 5,177 have been processed and sent to the Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal operations.

For the Altadena area specifically, Shepherd reported 5,087 ROE submissions, with 3,080 of them already transmitted to the Army Corps for cleanup. The department is processing hundreds of ROEs daily and transmitting over 200 each day, ensuring that the cleanup continues at a steady pace.

“We continue to put a lot of resources into this effort,” Shepherd said. “We’re reviewing hundreds of ROEs per day and we’re transmitting ROEs at a rate of over 200 ROEs per day over to the Army Corps for cleanup and continue to work through that.”

The Army Corps of Engineers has significantly expanded its debris removal efforts in the Eaton footprint,

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Investigation into Power Line as Possible Cause of Eaton Fire Ramps Up

STAFF REPORT

After initially claiming there was no evidence its equipment was at fault in the Eaton Wildfire that left more than a dozen people dead, Southern California Edison (SCE) is now investigating one of its power lines as the possible origin of the blaze.

The utility is checking a “zombie” power line. According to SCE spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy, zombie power lines are no longer energized.

The fire, which broke out in early January, was driven by intense winds and killed 17 people, destroyed 9,000 structures in Altadena and Pasadena, and burned more than 14,000 acres.

At least two videos appear to show sparks coming from the power line, and then the fire breaking out on the hillside in Eaton Canyon.

At least 50 law firms appeared in court on Monday, representing Altadena and Pasadena residents who have filed lawsuits against Edison. The City and the Pasadena Unified School District have also filed lawsuits.

SCE is gathering evidence and inspecting its equipment in the area where the fire started.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

USC Launches Free Lead Testing Program for Los Angeles Communities Affected by Wildfires

New CLEAN project allows residents to mail or drop off soil samples at three locations including Altadena

The University of Southern California (USC) has launched a new initiative offering free lead testing of soil samples from areas potentially affected by recent Los Angeles wildfires. The Contaminant Level Evaluation & Analysis for Neighborhoods (CLEAN) project is now accepting samples by mail or at three community drop-off locations, including Altadena.

The program, developed by USC’s Department of Earth Sciences and Public Exchange, aims to rapidly evaluate and communicate lead contamination levels in soils and playgrounds in fire-impacted areas. Anyone in Los Angeles concerned about fire impacts on soil can participate in the cost-free program, the project announcement said.

“This is a developing initiative that aims to quickly evaluate and communicate the levels of lead contamination in soils and playgrounds in fire-impacted areas in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires in January,” the CLEAN project team said.

USC said while they’re currently only testing for lead contamination,

Friday, March 14, 2025

What to Know About Two New Measles Cases in California

By Lynn La, CALMATTERS

California public health officials are closely monitoring two residents who recently tested positive for measles. Officials are on high alert given ongoing measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and abroad.

The Los Angeles and Fresno public health departments each disclosed a case on Tuesday. In both cases, the infected individuals had traveled internationally, officials said. So far this year, the California Department of Public Health has confirmed a total of five cases. No deaths have been reported here. Nationally, more than 250 cases have been confirmed, the vast majority out of West Texas, where last month one unvaccinated child died.

L.A. health officials in their announcement said the individual who tested positive for measles arrived at LAX on March 5 on a China Airlines flight. The city’s public health department is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to notify people who were on that flight and may have been exposed,

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Vector Control Team Launches Mosquito Treatment Campaign In Eaton Fire Burn Area

Effort aims to prevent disease spread from unmaintained pools and standing water

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will begin direct treatments on March 17 to combat potential mosquito breeding sites in areas affected by the Eaton Fire, the District announced Tuesday.

The initiative targets unmaintained swimming pools and large sources of standing water that could become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

“Unmaintained pools pose a high public health risk. A single pool can produce up to 3 million mosquitoes in just one month,” District officials stated. “These mosquitoes can spread quickly throughout the community, putting residents at risk.”

Vector control technicians will apply temporary mosquito control measures at identified locations, including larvicides, other mosquito control products, and mosquitofish where appropriate. The treatments aim to prevent the spread of diseases like West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

District personnel are already active at the Altadena Disaster Resource Center, providing guidance to affected property owners and assessing water sources within the burn area.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

City Cautions Residents, Urges Preparation for Rain and Mudslides Especially in Eaton Fire Burn Areas

Officials urge residents to get ready for week of rain, offering sandbag locations and safety guidelines for potential hazards

Pasadena is urging residents to take immediate precautions as rain is expected all this week, with particular concern for homes near the recent Eaton Fire burn area. The City’s announcement said preparation is essential for protecting both lives and property in the face of potential mudslides and flooding.

Of greatest concern, are residents living closest to the burn area from the Eaton Fire.

The city is providing free pre-filled sandbags and self-serve sand and sandbags at multiple locations throughout Pasadena while supplies last:

Robinson Park south parking lot at 1081 North Fair Oaks and Victory Park parking lot along Altadena Drive at 2575 Paloma Street are offering these resources from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, self-serve sand and sandbags ONLY are available at Fire Station 37 3430 E. Foothill Boulevard and Fire Station 38 1150 Linda Vista Avenue.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Army Corps Ramps Up Eaton Fire Debris Removal Operations

Work crews double in number

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has nearly doubled its debris removal workforce in the Eaton Fire zone over the past week and plans further expansion as recovery efforts intensify, officials announced at a special community meeting Monday, March 10.

Colonel Sonny Avichal told Altadena residents that crews conducting debris removal have increased from 35 to 65 in just one week, with projections to deploy between 80 and 100 crews in the coming weeks.

“We are ramping up operations significantly,” Avichal said during the virtual meeting organized for homeowners and renters whose structures survived the wildfire by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger.

The Army Corps is moving forward with preparation of the Altadena Golf Course to serve as a temporary debris storage and reduction site, though Avichal noted, “It is not an operation right now, it is only being prepared.”

The facility is “essential for us meeting our goal of debris removal by January,

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Wildfire Victims, Activists to Rally for Fossil Fuel Accountability in Pasadena

Climate change protesters to draw link between recent fires and corporate policies

People who lost their homes in recent Los Angeles County wildfires will join environmental activists and union members Tuesday at the Pasadena Community Job Center for a rally and news conference aimed at drawing the connection between fossil fuel corporations and the recent wildfire which destroyed Altadena and parts of Pasadena.

The “Invest in Communities, Not Fossil Fuels” demonstration will begin at 11 a.m. and continue onwards at the center, located at 500 N. Lake Ave., as part of a coordinated day of action across California.

A similar rally is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in Northern California, at the Richmond Chevron Refinery.

Protesters will call on CalPERS, the state’s largest pension fund, to divest from fossil fuel investments that they say are “further fueling the fires,” according to event contacts.

The rally is being organized by several groups, including Fossil Free California (FFCA), California Common Good,

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Army Corps Clears Hazardous Materials From 50% of High-Risk Wildfire Sites

Los Angeles County recovery efforts advance as engineers tackle properties deemed too dangerous for standard cleanup

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has cleared household hazardous materials from 2,269 properties affected by Los Angeles wildfires, marking 50% completion of sites initially too dangerous for standard cleanup. This milestone comes just one week after the Environmental Protection Agency’s deadline for completing Phase 1 hazardous materials removal in wildfire-affected areas.

“We know how much these families and communities have already been through, and we are working with a sense of urgency to help them move forward,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office.

“Safely removing household hazardous materials is a critical first step, and we are pushing forward to complete Phase 1 as quickly as possible. At the same time, we are making steady progress in Phase 2 debris removal, with more than 125 properties completed and returned to the County,

Thursday, March 6, 2025

LA County Officials Urge Residents to Meet March 31 Debris Removal Deadline

New hazardous tree removal waiver gives local homeowners control over which trees stay during cleanup process

Los Angeles County officials are pressing remaining Altadena fire victims to opt into the Army Corps of Engineers debris removal program before the March 31 deadline. At a Wednesday press conference marking the two-month anniversary of the Los Angeles County wildfires, officials announced a new hazardous tree removal waiver while reporting that over 75% of Altadena residents have already submitted their forms.

“Residents deserve a sense of ownership over the entire debris removal process,” said the County Board Chair Kathryn Barger at the press conference. “I want Altadena residents to know that when the debris is removed from your property, you’ll be able to have full control over what trees are taken out and which you want to stay.”

The newly introduced hazardous tree removal waiver allows property owners to specify exactly which trees they want to keep, even those identified as hazardous. The form is now available at recovery.lacounty.gov,

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

City of Pasadena Files Lawsuit Against Southern California Edison for Damages to Public Infrastructure in Catastrophic Eaton Fire

The City of Pasadena today filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) seeking compensation for extensive damages sustained to municipal property and infrastructure during the devastating Eaton Fire that began on January 7, 2025.

The Eaton Fire, which spread rapidly through wind-driven conditions, destroyed critical community assets throughout the city, including police facilities, water infrastructure, and multiple public service buildings. The fire burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed approximately 9,400 structures, damaged over 1,000 structures, claimed 17 lives, and affected thousands of residents throughout the region.

“The destruction of public facilities essential to Pasadena’s operations requires significant investment to restore and rebuild,” said Lisa Derderian, Public Information Officer for the City of Pasadena. “While our restoration efforts continue, we have a responsibility to pursue appropriate compensation for the costs of rebuilding the public infrastructure our community relies upon.”

The filing details extensive damage to several key municipal assets including, among others:

• The Pasadena Police Department’s Advanced Officer Training Facility
• The Pasadena Municipal Assistance,

Monday, March 3, 2025

Who Should Pay Billions for Climate Disasters? California and Others Take Aim at Big Oil — Will the Strategy Work?

By Alejandro Lazo, CALMATTERS

Big Oil faces mounting lawsuits as extreme weather worsens, with California leading efforts to make fossil fuel giants pay billions of dollars for the climate damage they have long denied.

Across the country, states, cities, tribes and environmental groups have filed dozens of lawsuits against oil companies alleging that they misled the public about the dangers of their products. These cases share a core argument: Oil companies knew fossil fuels were driving climate change and lied about it.

California and other plaintiffs are recycling a legal strategy deployed during the 1990s, when states alleged that tobacco companies knew cigarettes cause cancer. Four large companies settled the cases by paying billions to fund states’ anti-smoking campaigns and other efforts. The manufacturers also must make annual payments to the states as long as they sell cigarettes in the United States.

The settlement set a powerful precedent for using litigation to hold industries accountable for public harm caused by deceptive practices.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

California Lacks the Capacity to Store Water that Atmospheric Rivers Dump on the State

By Dan Walters, CALMATTERS

President Donald Trump is obsessed with how California manages its water supply, demanding changes as one price of giving the state billions of dollars in aid to cope with Southern California’s deadly and destructive wildfires.

However, Trump’s specific complaints are not grounded in hydrologic or managerial reality — such as his insistence that a lack of water from Northern California was a factor in either the fires’ eruption or the firefighting efforts. Hydrants dried up largely because systems were designed to deal with individual structure fires, not widespread wildfires involving thousands of buildings.

That said, there’s much to criticize in how California, once a global leader in large-scale water management, has faltered. Population growth and evolving agricultural practices have increased demand, while federal and state environmental laws, judicial decisions, political foot-dragging and climate change have restricted supply.

One major failing has been a slow response to an obvious need for more water storage — either in reservoirs or underground aquifers — to capture winter rains and spring snowmelts as a buffer for dry years.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Even In Wet Years, Wells Are Still Dry. Why Replenishing California’s Groundwater Is Painfully Slow

By Alastair Bland, CALMATTERS

After abundant rain and moderate snowfall this year in the northern half of the state, California’s largest reservoirs are holding more than 120% of their historical average. But underground, the state’s supply of water for drinking and irrigating crops remains depleted.

Even after multiple wet winters, and despite a state law that’s supposed to protect and restore the state’s precious groundwater, thousands of wells — mostly in rural, low-income communities in the San Joaquin Valley — have gone dry because of over-pumping by growers.

So why hasn’t the recent bounty of rain and snow replenished the state’s underground supplies?

The Newsom administration has been pushing for more groundwater storage and investing hundreds of millions of dollars in solutions, but most stormwater flows into the ocean. Some of this is intentional — the water has to be routed quickly away from communities to prevent flooding,

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clarifies Tree Removal Procedures for Eaton Fire Cleanup

Altadena property owners assured of consultation rights before any trees are removed

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has established clear guidelines for tree removal during the Eaton Fire debris cleanup in Altadena, prioritizing both public safety and tree preservation. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger secured these clarifications and announced them during her weekly Monday community briefing on Monday.

Col. Sonny Avichal confirmed that only hazardous trees posing threats to public safety will be considered for removal, as directed by Federal Emergency Management Agency orders.

“We recognize the value trees have in the Altadena community and that we must take a balanced approach that errs on the side of preserving trees as much as possible,” said Col. Sonny Avichal, commander of the USACE’s field operations for the cleanup.

The USACE currently has 16 crews working in the area with more expected to join in coming days, according to a federal source.

Col.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Unusual “Heat Wave” to Push Temperatures Near 90° Next Week

Get ready for Spring-like conditions well ahead of schedule

An unseasonal late February warming trend is set to bring near-record temperatures to Pasadena and surrounding areas, with forecasters predicting highs reaching 88° degrees by mid-week, the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office said today.

The warm spell, driven by building high pressure and offshore wind patterns ranking in the 97th percentile for this time of year, is expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday.

Current conditions show temperatures Friday will reach the mid-70s under sunny skies.

While recent rains have helped minimize fire concerns, officials noted humidity levels will remain relatively low during this warm spell.

The detailed forecast shows a steady climb in temperatures: Friday reaching 79 degrees, Saturday also near 79, and Sunday hitting 81. Overnight lows will range from 50 to 57 degrees through the period. By Wednesday, temperatures could reach 88 degrees, with Thursday showing a slight cooling to 82.

The Weather Service has issued Wind Advisories for nearby mountain areas,

Friday, February 21, 2025

Should Fossil Fuel Companies be Forced to Pay for Los Angeles Wildfire Losses?

By DAN WALTERS, CALMATTERS

As wildfires swept through Los Angeles County last month, the New York Times published a commentary by former insurance commissioner Dave Jones, who suggested that oil companies should pay for the disaster’s immense losses of human life and property, not insurance companies.

“Major oil and gas companies have known for decades that burning their products could lead to potentially catastrophic events like the higher temperatures and abnormally dry conditions that fed the fires still being battled in Los Angeles,” Jones, now director of the Climate Risk Initiative at UC Berkeley, wrote, adding, “We should require these highly profitable companies to compensate communities, homeowners, businesses and even insurers for the losses.”

Jones cited what happened after the Camp Fire destroyed the rural community of Paradise in 2018 as a model for going after the oil industry. After paying the claims of Paradise property owners, insurers recovered $11 billion from PG&E because the failure of a single metal hook on a transmission tower was deemed to have ignited the fire.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

New Cal Fire Maps Could Expand Altadena’s High-Fire Zones

Local rebuilding efforts may face additional requirements as the state prepares to release updated hazard assessments

The Altadena Town Council learned at its Tuesday, February 18 virtual meeting that California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (known as Cal Fire) will release new fire hazard maps next month that could significantly expand the town’s designated high-fire zones, potentially affecting rebuilding requirements for residents recovering from recent fire damage.

“I can almost promise that whatever Altadena fire zone was or is at this moment, it’s going to be larger when that map comes out,” Maria Grycan, Los Angeles County Fire Dept. representative, told the Town Council. “If there were homes that burned that were technically outside of the fire zone during this fire when they go to be rebuilt, they could very well be in the fire zone when these maps come out.”

The new maps for Southern California are scheduled for release on March 24, following Cal Fire’s ongoing rollout of Northern California maps.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Three Altadena Water Companies Face “Significant Damage” Following Wildfires

Agencies work to restore drinking water and fire suppression capabilities as state coordinates recovery

Three mutual water agencies serving the Altadena area – Rubio, Lincoln, and Los Flores Water Companies – sustained significant infrastructure damage during January’s Eaton Fire, County officials said during Monday’s Altadena community meeting.

The damage affects the companies’ drinking water supply and fire suppression capabilities are affected.

“We’ve had formal discussions with all three mutual water Districts and have come to learn that they have significant damage to their systems,” reported Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works during the meeting.

“Currently they are assessing those systems and they are governed by the State of California. [The] State Water Board has been notified and the State Water Board is working with all three agencies to understand what it will take to get them back up and running.”

The restoration of both drinking water and fire suppression systems is clearly critical for home occupancy in affected areas being repopulated.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Army Corps Launches Interactive Map to Track Wildfire Cleanup Progress

Residents can monitor debris removal progress in real-time across affected neighborhoods

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has unveiled a new digital tool to help Los Angeles County residents track wildfire debris removal operations in their communities. The Phase 2 Debris Removal Viewer, now available at the top of the Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Wildfire Debris Removal Mission page, provides real-time updates on cleanup efforts through a color-coded mapping system that displays the status of affected properties.

“Transparency and timely information are critical as we work to safely and quickly remove wildfire debris,” said Col. Eric Swenson, Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office. “This new viewer gives residents a clear picture of where their property stands in the Phase 2 process, reinforcing our commitment to keeping the community informed every step of the way.”

The interactive map identifies three categories of properties: parcels submitted by Los Angeles County for Phase 2 debris removal,

Friday, February 14, 2025

Storm Pummels Pasadena and Altadena, Triggers Mudslides and Debris Flows

CITY NEWS SERVICE and PASADENA NOW

Officials urge continued vigilance because mud/debris flows can still occur several days after the rain stops

A destructive storm is making its way out of Southern California Friday, but not before flooding streets, neighborhoods and freeways, causing crashes and congestion, and leading to evacuation warnings and orders in recent burn areas.

Heavy rain pummeled most of the Southland Thursday and intensified late in the day and evening, sparking flooding and mud flows in Altadena and Pasadena.

“We survived the Eaton fire, and now we have flash floods,” lamented one X follower who lives in Kinneloa Mesa.

“We did have moderate mud/debris flow on Park Vista where mandatory evacuations had already occurred, and a few other residents voluntarily left after the slide between two homes.  There will be clean-up this morning on streets especially near foothills of Upper Hastings Ranch but no other major storm-related incidents we’re aware of yet,” Pasadena City spokesperson Lisa Derderian told Pasadena Now early Friday.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Evacuation Warnings Issued in Altadena and Pasadena as Major Storm Bears Down on Southland

Ten Pasadena homes issued mandatory evacuation orders

With a potentially dangerous storm bearing down on the Southland, evacuation warnings will take effect in multiple areas Thursday amid fears that steady downpours could spark flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

Much of the northern portions of Altadena and the Kinneloa area of Pasadena are under Evacuation Warnings which were to take effect at 7 a.m. this morning and remain in force until 2 p.m. on Friday.

Pasadena police and Altadena Sheriff’s deputies went door to door Wednesday evening in affected areas issuing evacuation warnings.

Fire officials said specific homes considered to be at high risk will be subject to mandatory evacuation orders.

Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said 10 homes in Pasadena were issued mandatory evacuation orders.

The brunt of the storm — which began with generally light rainfall across the region Wednesday — is expected to hit the Los Angeles area around mid-afternoon Thursday,

Thursday, February 13, 2025

LA County Deploys Unprecedented Storm Runoff Protection System Ahead of Major Storm

Officials brace for most intense rainfall of recent atmospheric river series with unprecedented environmental protective measures

Los Angeles County crews have rushed to implement extensive and unprecedented measures to protect Altadena and Pasadena from flooding, mudslides, and debris flows as the region faces its third and most intense atmospheric river storm this week.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch through Thursday evening, with the heaviest rainfall expected Thursday afternoon into Friday.

The Eaton Fire burn zone devastation creates a situation fraught with potential dangers and damage.

“This is unusual. We don’t … want any debris to end up in the streets. We do use the streets to drain the area clear flow,” Mark Pestrella, Director of Public Works and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, said at livestreamed meeting early Wednesday morning.

The County has installed thousands of linear miles of K-rails and hundreds of thousands of sandbags in a temporary system across burn scar areas,

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

LA County: Prepare For And Stay Safe During Rainy Weather

The National Weather Service has issued a high-risk alert for significant road flooding and burn scar debris flows in areas recently affected by fires. During storms, there is increased potential for flash floods, falling rocks and mud and debris flows. Everyone should be aware of the weather forecasts and associated impacts where they live, work, and play and take steps to be prepared and stay safe. Use the resources below to prepare for and stay safe during rainy weather.

Law enforcement personnel are in the field notifying residents of identified at-risk properties in recent burn areas that they are under evacuation order beginning at 7 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Please follow all instructions if you are contacted by law enforcement or receive an evacuation order flyer on your door.

Evacuation warnings are likely to be issued in areas that could be cut off from roadway access due to mud and debris flows. Have an emergency plan in place, keep emergency supplies on hand,

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Light Rain Soaks Southland, with Brunt of Storm Expected Thursday — Evacuations Possible

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Light rain fell across most of the Southland Wednesday, but it was only a precursor to what forecasters are calling a potentially dangerous storm expected to arrive by late Thursday, raising fears of flooding, mudslides and debris flows, particularly in the recent burn areas, where evacuations could be ordered.

Los Angeles County and city public works crews have been working for days to prepare for the storm — emptying debris basins, clearing storm drains and distributing sandbags to residents. In the Eaton Fire burn zone, the county Department of Public Works and the sheriff’s department have also been warning residents living in homes that may be at high risk of damage from mudslides or flooding, and advising them to prepare to evacuate.

Sheriff Robert Luna said formal evacuation warnings will likely be issued sometime Wednesday, possibly followed by evacuation orders depending how the storm develops Thursday.

“Please, if evacuation orders are made, … keep your safety in mind,”

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Federal Agencies Begin Fire Debris Cleanup on Private Properties, Hailed As Major Milestone

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Efforts to clear debris from residential properties in the Eaton and Palisades burn areas were continuing Wednesday, with the start of such operations hailed as a major milestone achieved in record time.

“Today we take another step toward rebuilding not just homes and businesses, but hope itself,” Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator Bob Fenton said at a news conference Tuesday at the Eaton Fire burn area in Altadena.

He said the debris-removal process “is about making properties safe, restoring the land and preparing for what comes next.”

FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with L.A. County and impacted municipalities, began debris-clearance work Tuesday on properties of survivors who submitted a form, known as a Right of Entry form, to remove fire-damaged structures such as concrete and metal, ash and hazardous trees.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the beginning of Phase 2 debris-removal work was occurring with “unprecedented” speed, beginning just 35 days since the fires erupted.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Day-By-Day, Play-By-Play Forecast For This Week’s Potent Inbound Rain Storm

A storm system will drench Pasadena and Altadena with several rounds of steady rainfall and possible thunderstorms through Friday, before conditions improve for the weekend.

Forecasters expect persistent rain to begin Wednesday, with rainfall totals building significantly through Thursday when 1 to 2 inches could fall. Gusty south winds up to 20 mph will accompany the heaviest precipitation, with thunderstorms possible late Thursday night into early Friday morning.

The wet weather pattern is predicted to gradually wind down Friday, giving way to partly cloudy skies Friday night and mostly sunny conditions by Saturday when temperatures will climb to around 65 degrees. The break in rainfall offers residents a respite after what could amount to over 3 inches of rain during the three-day stretch.

Here is the latest forecast for Pasadena as of 3:14 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Rain. High near 54. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Powerful Storm Expected Starting Wednesday

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Local authorities are urging residents Wednesday to prepare for what could be a potentially dangerous storm set to slam the region, potentially triggering flooding, mudslides or debris flows, particularly in the recent wildfire burn zones.

“I want to really urge everyone to take the alerts seriously here,” National Weather Service meterologist Ariel Cohen said during a Tuesday morning news conference with Mayor Karen Bass at Los Angeles City Hall. “… We have a return to some potentially dangerous weather conditions across the area. Most places are not going to experience those dangerous weather conditions, and it’s possible we get through this rain event without any significant problems, but the potential is there. And those across the region … are encouraged to be taking the weather alerts seriously.”

The NWS has already described the multi-day storm system as likely to be “the biggest precipitation producer so far this season.”

Cohen said it will be the “most significant storm”

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Federal Agencies Set to Begin Fire Debris Cleanup on Private Properties Tuesday

By JOSE HERRERA, City News Service

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin removing fire debris starting Tuesday from private properties damaged or destroyed by the January wildfires, officials announced Monday.

The two federal agencies in partnership with L.A. County and impacted municipalities will enter the properties of survivors who submitted a form, known as Rights of Entry, to remove fire-damaged structures such as concrete and metal, ash and hazardous trees.

During a news briefing, federal officials noted the announcement represented a major milestone in the wildlife recovery process.

“Residents in impacted areas will notice an increase in truck traffic, equipment movement and work crews over the coming days, weeks and months,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the USACE’s Recovery Field Office. “We do ask for your patience and understanding as we work to remove debris and reduce the long-term risk for the entire L.A. County community.”

Right of Entry forms are available at any FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

What Data-Driven Science Reveals About the Twisted Saga of Western Water Rights

By Sabrina Pirzada, CALTECH

In the American West, water is a sacred and scarce resource plagued by pollution, shortages, and contentious fights over legal rights, often between Indigenous peoples and business groups. At Caltech, Laura Taylor, a postdoctoral instructor in the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, conducts data-driven research that combines satellite imagery with historical and economic analysis to point to policy solutions for fairer resource allocation and cleaner water.

Through her work, Taylor has demonstrated that the processes tribes must go through to have their long-established legal rights to water quantified and enforced may actually be contributing to the degradation of this resource.

Water shapes life, economy, and power, Taylor notes. But decades of overuse, drought, and inequitable allocation have made water a fiercely contested resource, particularly in the West.

Under the “first in time, first in right” doctrine, a principle of prior appropriation used in Western United States water law, the first person to divert water from a natural source and put it to “beneficial use” secures the legal right to that water.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

‘Phase 2’ Wildfire Debris Removal Expands as Cleanup Advances

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Despite the rain, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is continuing its “Phase 2″ wildfire-debris removal efforts Thursday, with work advancing at five Pasadena Unified School District campuses destroyed or damaged in the Eaton Fire.

The start of Phase 2 was announced Tuesday, with the work initially involving two PUSD campuses — Loma Alta Elementary School in Altadena and Edison Elementary in Pasadena.

Army Corps of Engineers Col. Eric Swenson told reporters Wednesday that crews were working at five PUSD campuses. It was unclear which other campuses were being cleared. Swenson said no clearance work had yet begun on any residential properties, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still conducting its Phase 1 removal of household hazardous wastes from destroyed properties.

Officials have said that individual properties could move into the Phase 2 debris-removal stage, even as Phase 1 cleanup continued in the burn Palisades and Eaton burn areas.

EPA officials said Wednesday there were more than 1,000 people working on the hazardous waste removal effort,

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Corps of Engineers Begins Phase 2 of Debris Removal in Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially begun Phase 2 of wildfire debris removal in Los Angeles County, marking a critical step in the region’s recovery efforts. The first sites to undergo clearing are two schools in the Pasadena Unified School District, where crews will remove hazardous debris to ensure a safe path forward for rebuilding.

The Army Corps of Engineers is leading this effort in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with state and local partners. The work involves clearing fire-damaged properties of hazardous ash and debris while adhering to strict environmental and safety protocols.

FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton emphasized the importance of this phase: “Debris removal is a critical step toward rebuilding these communities. FEMA remains committed to supporting local communities in their recovery every step of the way.”

The Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office Commander, Col. Eric Swenson, underscored the Corps’ commitment to the mission: “Beginning Phase 2 means we’re making tangible progress toward recovery.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

“Atmospheric River” Bears Down on Altadena and Pasadena

CITY NEWS SERVICE AND NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

A pair of storm systems are expected to dump rain on Southern California beginning Tuesday, again raising fears of possible debris or mud flows in recent burn areas.

The first system is scheduled to arrive sometime Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Los Angeles will see rainfall, likely receiving one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch in most areas, but as much as 1.5 inches in “favored hills and mountains, which includes the … Eaton burn scars.”

“This will generally be a beneficial rain for the region,” according to the NWS. “Snow levels will be very high and above any major roads. The risk for burn scar debris flows is very small. Flooding impacts should be minor and confined to localized roads and clogged storm drains. …”

A second storm system is projected to drop more rain from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.

Although rainfall totals were still being calculated,

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Begins Assessment of Heavily Damaged Eliot Arts Magnet School Today

The United States Army Corps of Engineers is set to begin assessing the condition of heavily damaged Eliot Arts Magnet School in Altadena today.

The assessment aims to develop a plan for fire debris removal while maintaining, to the extent possible, the architectural and historical integrity of the Altadena campus, largely destroyed on January 8 by the Eaton Fire.

This evaluation is a critical component of the federal debris removal initiative following the devastation wrought by the Eaton Fire, which affected five District schools.

“As we continue to move forward in restoring and rebuilding our PUSD community, I want to update you on work at Eliot Arts Magnet, which was damaged by the fire,” said Pasadena Unified School District Elizabeth Blanco on Monday Feb. 3. She added, “As previously announced, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has prioritized our area for the removal of fire debris from our five schools that were destroyed or significantly damaged by the Eaton Fire.”

Personnel in hard hats and safety vests will conduct evaluations at the Eliot site,

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

How Communities Recover from Disasters with Lucy Jones

Courtesy of CALTECH

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After the January 2025 LA fires burned thousands of homes in Altadena, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades, the Caltech Science Exchange asked Lucy Jones to share her insights on how communities recover from natural disasters. A seismologist, Jones is a visiting associate in geophysics at Caltech and the founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society.

Read on for more of the conversation:

We sometimes talk about the three Rs of disasters: resilience, response, and recovery. Resilience is what you do before a disaster so that when it does happen, you can come back more quickly. Response is what happens during the disaster: the firefighters coming out, the cleanup of the toxic waste, and those sorts of things. Recovery is the process of coming back to what we were before but more resilient. We call it recovery to resilience.

These three Rs of a disaster are treated very differently within our political system.

Monday, February 3, 2025

Southern California Burn Areas Brace for Rain This Week

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A storm system is expected to bring widespread rain and gusty winds to Southern California beginning Tuesday, raising fears of possible debris flows in recent burn areas.

The National Weather Service expressed “high confidence in widespread periods of rain in the Tuesday through Friday” period. Early estimates suggest most areas will see moderate rainfall, with about an inch in coastal and valley regions and two to three inches in the foothills and mountains.

Forecasters said the rainfall poses minimal threat of triggering destructive mudslides or debris flows in Southern California’s recent burn areas. However, some risk remains, and officials were taking pains to provide every precaution possible.

“The peak of the event will be from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning,” the NWS said, adding that the chance of rain and the rainfall intensity will decrease Wednesday afternoon and evening. Another bout of rain is expected either Thursday or Friday, with dry skies returning by Saturday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is cleaning drainage facilities and debris basins,

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Eaton Fire Reaches Full Containment After Devastating Altadena and Portions of Pasadena

The Eaton Fire was declared 100% contained by fire officials late Friday night. The wildfire, which started on January 7 above Eaton Canyon near Altadena Drive at Midwick Drive, consumed 14,021 acres. As it burned, it claimed at least 17 lives, destroyed over 9,400 structures, and changed Altadena and Pasadena forever.

“I am incredibly grateful to the courageous firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to contain the Eaton Fire,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents both Altadena and Pasadena. “Their hard work and perseverance is world class.”

Investigators continue to examine the cause of the blaze, with current suspicions focused on an electrical tower owned by Southern California Edison.

Massive recovery efforts by federal, state, county and local agencies are now underway. A flood of donations of money, food, and supplies has poured into the area to help those who lost their homes and possessions.

Insurance companies have paid out hundreds of millions to Eaton Fire victims so far.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Hazardous Waste Removal Efforts Intensify

CITY NEWS SERVICE

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews continue working Friday to identify and remove hazardous waste from properties ravaged in this month’s wildfires, as many residents return to sift through the rubble of what used to be their homes.

Questions continued to linger about exactly how long it would take for residents to begin the rebuilding process, but county and federal officials said Wednesday the process was being expedited as much as possible. The first phase of the cleanup effort — the removal of hazardous materials from properties in the burn area — was underway, with the EPA under demand to complete the work in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones within 30 days.

Status updates on the EPA’s work, including an interactive map of individual fire-affected properties, are available online at https://www.epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires.

As that process continued, officials urged affected residents to fill out “Right of Entry” forms to either opt in or out of a free debris-clearance program offered by the U.S.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Per Person Water Use Drops to Lowest in 35 Years in Southern California

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Southern California residents reduced their per person potable water use by 45% since 1990, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts, a state agency announced Thursday.

The SoCal region used a record-low 114 gallons per capita per day during the 2023-24 fiscal year, down from 209 GPCD in 1990, according to an annual report from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In part, this achievement was made as a result of more than $750 million the water agency has invested in recycling and groundwater-replenishing projects.

Water officials also noted continued conservation practices that were in place from the last drought as well as winter weather in 2024 contributed to a reduction in water use.

“California has always had variability in how much rain and snow it gets from year to year; that variability is only going to become more extreme with climate change. By becoming more water efficient, we’re less stressed by the drought years,”

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Hazardous Waste Removal Efforts Continue with LA Fires Mostly Contained

CITY NEWS SERVICE

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews were continuing efforts Thursday to identify and remove hazardous wastes from properties ravaged in this month’s wildfires, as many residents returned to sift through the rubble of what used to be their homes.

Questions continued to linger about exactly how long it would take for residents to begin the rebuilding process, but county and federal officials said Wednesday that process was being expedited as much as possible. The first phase of the cleanup effort — the removal of hazardous materials from properties in the burn area — was underway, with the EPA under demand to complete the work in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones within 30 days.

Status updates on the EPA’s work, including an interactive map of individual fire-affected properties, are available online at https://www.epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires.

As that process continued, officials urged affected residents to fill out “Right of Entry” forms to either opt in or out of a free debris-clearance program offered by the U.S.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Cooler Weather Dominates as Fires Near Full Containment

CITY NEWS SERVICE

With the Los Angeles area’s major wildfires all nearing full containment Wednesday, cooler and drier weather will dominate for the next few days — with no signs of any immediate return of dangerous Santa Ana wind conditions or precipitation that could spark debris flows.

National Weather Service forecasters said Tuesday’s high temperatures will be about 3 to 6 degrees below normal, followed by “chilly” overnight temperatures into Wednesday, possibly meaning more frost or freeze warnings in some areas.

Cooler temperatures “will remain over the next several days with daytime temperatures remaining below normal for this time of year,” according to the NWS.

A warming trend is anticipated by the weekend, pushing temperatures back into the 70s for most coastal and valley areas, thanks to a “weak offshore flow” between Saturday and Monday.

Forecasters said there is a potential for some rain by the middle of next week, but it was still too early if it will actually develop and how strong the system might be.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Eaton Fire Nears Full Containment; Evacuation Centers Remain Open

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The deadly Eaton Fire in the Pasadena and Altadena areas is almost fully contained Wednesday, and fears of flooding or debris flows from weekend rains are easing as the storm system moved off to the east.

The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least 17 people dead, according to Cal Fire. Nine firefighters were injured battling the blaze. It has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,073. The fire was 99% contained as of Wednesday.

An evacuation center remained open at the Pasadena Convention Center at 300 E. Green St., although all evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.

Southern California Edison reported that service has been restored to 12,422 structures, with 6,961 remaining without power.

SoCalGas officials temporarily shut off natural gas service to thousands of customers in the Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities as a safety measure. As of Tuesday, the utility had restored service to 7,188 of them.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Four Cities Unite in Opposition to EPA’s Hazardous Waste Site Decision for Eaton Fire Debris

Local municipalities challenge federal agency’s plan to process Eaton Fire debris near residential areas

The Environmental Protection Agency’s unexpected designation of Lario Park in Duarte as a collection and processing site for hazardous debris collected in Altadena and Pasadena from buildings damaged or destroyed by the Eaton Fire has provoked strong opposition from four cities.

Four California municipalities—Azusa, Irwindale, Baldwin Park, and Duarte—issued a forceful joint statement Monday condemning the lack of prior consultation about the project’s potential impact on their residents. 

“The Cities of Azusa, Irwindale, Baldwin Park, and Duarte (Cities) did not receive advanced notification nor were given an opportunity to express concerns regarding the cities’ close proximity to the site, and the potential negative effects this could have on its communities,” the cities said in a statement Monday. 

The cities formally oppose both the Lario Park operation and any other sites they believe could negatively affect their communities. 

The federal agency announced its decision on January 23 to commence operations at the site likely next week. 

Monday, January 27, 2025

LA County Works to Fast-Track Wildfire Debris Removal Program

Right of Entry Forms will be available online for property owners affected by recent wildfires

Los Angeles County is helping to expedite wildfire recovery efforts by making Right of Entry debris clearance forms available online to property owners starting this coming Tuesday, January 28. The initiative, a collaboration between the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles County Public Works, aims to accelerate debris clearance for wildfire survivors and facilitate rebuilding processes.

“I want to commend the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles County Public Works for expediting the availability of Right of Entry forms. This is a critical milestone and first step forward towards ensuring wildfire survivors can begin clearing debris and rebuilding their homes without delays,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger.

“President Trump was right to highlight the importance of accelerating recovery work—wildfire survivors should not have to wait 18 months to have their debris cleared. Obtaining signatures for these forms,

Monday, January 27, 2025

Chance of Rain Monday Edges Down to 40%, as Eaton Fire Containment Grows to 98%

CITY NEWS SERVICE with PASADENA NOW STAFF

As firefighters Monday improved containment of the massive Eaton Fire burn area to 98%, and continued to root out hot spots, the National Weather Service said the cold winter storm that dropped rain on Altadena over the weekend will head out today.

Only light showers are expected by Monday afternoon. For most areas there will be a chance of partly cloudy skies late in the afternoon.

A new Disaster Recovery Center will open in Altadena on Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be available to residents seven days a week. The new center will be located at 540 W. Woodbury Road. Both the Pasadena and Altadena locations will be open through the end of January, but beginning Feb. 1, the Pasadena location will close and all services will shift to Altadena.

On Monday, the Pasadena Unified School District, which includes schools in Altadena, will reopen Field Elementary School,

Sunday, January 26, 2025

The Threat of Flooding Hangs Over the Eaton Fire Area

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Forecasters have issued a flood watch Sunday for the devastated Eaton Fire area in Altadena as firefighters got the massive burn area 95% contained by fire lines and continued to root out hot spots.

With rain expected through Monday, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon for the Eaton burn scar.

“Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible in and near the burn scars,” the NWS said. ”  …Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”

Pasadena Water and Power lifted the do-not-drink water notice for the remaining areas in its service territory Friday, while the Foothill Municipal Water District said it will be able to fully pressurize the water system this weekend. Testing will then take up to two weeks before that do-not-drink order can be lifted.

The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan.

Saturday, January 25, 2025

LA County Deploys Protective Measures to Safeguard Communities Ahead of Weekend Storm

As the LA County region prepares for a weekend of rain, Los Angeles County Public Works is collaborating with state and local partners to protect people, property and the natural environment from potential mud and debris flows following a spate of deadly wildfires. Flood control dams, river channels, and stormwater capture facilities are fully operational, and maintenance crews are prepared to mobilize 24/7 patrols in advance of the incoming storm.

The mud and debris forecast, released by LA County Public Works engineers, calls for Phase 1 conditions for the Eaton burn area. Small isolated debris and mudflows are expected.

In addition to clearing debris from streets, prepping debris basins in the foothills, and protecting the storm drain system from ash and debris, LA County Public Works is coordinating with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to deploy a wide range of protective measures. LA County Public Works engineers continue to assess burn areas for where these measures should be strategically placed to safeguard homes and infrastructure.

Saturday, January 25, 2025

USGS Models Show Critical Debris Flow Risk in Altadena and Parts of Pasadena Over Coming Days

Hydrologist warns of heightened landslide potential as weekend storms approach

United States Geological Survey models indicate that as little as 0.2 inches of rain within 15 minutes could trigger dangerous debris flows in local Eaton Fire burn areas, representing one of the lowest thresholds observed in the region’s recent fire-affected zones. 

“A large fraction of the Eaton burn area has burned at least moderate burn severity, leaving bare soil vulnerable to erosion,” said United States Geological Survey Research Hydrologist Jason Kean. He added, “The combination of increased potential for runoff and easily eroded sediment substantially increases the

susceptibility of the burn area to floods and debris flows relative to what it was before the fire.” 

Kean explained that the burn area faces both immediate and long-term risks. 

“For recent burn areas … it is the rainfall intensity that matters, not the total precipitation,” he said. “Intense bursts of rainfall can come in localized thunderstorms, or it can be embedded in long-duration rainstorms.” 

Saturday, January 25, 2025

14,000-Acre Eaton Fire Winds Down as Recovery Begins

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The devastating Eaton Fire that claimed at least 17 lives and destroyed more than 9,400 structures reached 95% containment Saturday as officials push forward with recovery operations amid an approaching cold front and threat of rain.

The 14,021-acre blaze that began Jan. 7 in Altadena and Pasadena has also injured nine firefighters and left thousands without basic utilities. Cal Fire reports 1,837 personnel remain assigned to the incident.

Pasadena Water and Power lifted its do-not-drink order Friday, while Foothill Municipal Water District announced system pressurization this weekend, though testing could take two weeks before restrictions end.

Southern California Edison has restored power to 12,422 structures, with 6,961 still in the dark. SoCalGas resumed service to 6,094 customers after widespread shutoffs in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities.

The Pasadena Convention Center continues housing 571 evacuees across six shelters as recovery efforts progress.

Southern California Edison reported that service has been restored to 12,422 structures,

Friday, January 24, 2025

Caltech Expert Tells City Council Air Quality Returning to Normal After Eaton Fire, City Eyes Enhanced Monitoring

STAFF REPORT

At a special Pasadena City Council meeting Thursday, a Caltech atmospheric chemistry expert assured members that local air quality has largely normalized following the Eaton Fire, even as local officials consider deploying additional monitoring equipment across affected neighborhoods.

“And so the good news is that the amounts of lead and other indicators of ash and dust in the air now this is in the particles smaller than 2.5 microns, suggest that the mobility of the ash and dust has not affected air quality terribly downwind of Altadena,” said Paul Wennberg, the R. Stanton Avery Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Science and Engineering at Caltech.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates both fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5), which can be deposited deep in the lungs, and particles under 10 microns (PM 10) that tend to deposit higher in the respiratory system.

During the special meeting focused on environmental monitoring and testing, Pasadena Public Health Acting Director Manuel Carmona presented plans to potentially expand the city’s network of “Purple Air”

Friday, January 24, 2025

EPA To Begin Hazmat Removal At 614 Eaton Canyon Fire Sites in Pasadena

STAFF REPORT

Federal officials outline two-phase cleanup strategy as assessment begins for fire-damaged properties across Pasadena

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has completed initial assessments of 614 Pasadena parcels damaged in the recent Eaton Canyon Fire, with hazardous materials removal set to begin Monday as part of a comprehensive cleanup strategy across Pasadena and Altadena.

The information came to light during a Thursday special meeting of the Pasadena City Council. The Council discussion focused on actions set to occur in Pasadena, not in Altadena, which faces substantially greater losses.

“As of this morning, there’s 614 parcels that have been reconned as it relates to the Eaton fire,” said Israel Del Toro, Deputy Director with Pasadena’s Planning Community Development Department. “The EPA currently has 35 staff members and contractors out there completing this task, and they’re continuing to ramp up on that process.”

The Council heard that cleanup will proceed in two phases, beginning with EPA-led hazardous waste removal from residential properties.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Eaton Fire Remains 95% Contained as Rains Bear Down on Pasadena

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Eaton Fire was 95% contained as firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.

The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least at least 17 people dead, according to Cal Fire. Nine firefighters have been injured battling the blaze. It has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,073.

There were 1,837 personnel assigned to the firefighting effort as of Thursday morning, Cal Fire reported.

County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.

Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads,

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Forecast of 3 Days of Rain Starting Saturday Prompts Mud and Debris Flow Concerns

Even as Santa Ana winds continued to blast parts of the Southland, helping to fuel new brush fires in the Castaic area and Sepulveda Basin, local authorities are turning their attention Thursday to the probability of rain hitting the area this weekend, potentially triggering mud or debris flows in recent burn areas. 

In the wake of the recent devastating fires, local authorities on Wednesday urged residents to be prepared for weekend rain that could send debris coursing into streets or down mountain slopes. 

According to the National Weather Service, a “significant change in the weather” is anticipated by the weekend, with temperatures likely struggling to get out of the 50s, along with a “high to likely chance of rain,” including a chance of thunderstorms in the L.A. area, most likely between Saturday and Monday evening. 

The rainfall is expected to start Saturday with an 80% chance of light precipitation of less than a tenth of inch. Saturday evening rain continues and a thunderstorm is possible,

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Eaton Fire 95% Contained as Santa Ana Winds Persist and Rainfall Approaches

The Eaton Fire is 95% contained Thursday as firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service predicts rain will fall from Saturday to at least Monday, prompting mudslide and water flow concerns.

The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least at least 17 people dead. Eight firefighters have been injured battling the blaze. It has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,073.

There were 1,837 personnel assigned to the firefighting effort as of Wednesday night, Cal Fire reported.

County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures”  meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.

Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads,

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

2025 Greater LA Homeless Count Rescheduled for February Following Wildfires

CITY NEWS SERVICE AND PASADENA NOW

The 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, postponed due to recent fire emergencies that displaced thousands of residents, has been rescheduled to February, officials announced Tuesday.

Separately, Pasadena’s Housing Department and the Pasadena Partnership to End Homelessness announced Pasadena’s Homeless Count will now take place on the evening of Wednesday, February 19 and the morning of Thursday, February 20. In addition, the City reported, a supplementary count focusing on Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) aged 18-24, will be conducted on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 19.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, originally set to conduct the count from Jan. 21-23, rescheduled the annual event to take place over three nights next month:

• Tuesday, Feb. 18: San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, and Metro Los Angeles;
• Wednesday, Feb. 19: San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles; and
• Thursday, Feb. 20: Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, South Los Angeles and South Bay/Harbor areas.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Eaton Fire 91% Contained as All Areas Opened for Returns

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More residents in the Altadena area returned to their properties as firefighters neared full containment Wednesday of the Eaton Fire that has destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 17 people.

County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.

Containment of the deadly and destructive blaze climbed to 91% Wednesday. Firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.

Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads, city officials said Monday.

Parking will be restricted “on posted narrow and/or winding roads within Pasadena’s urban-wildland interface areas,”

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Eaton Fire 89% Contained as All Areas Opened for Returns

CITY NEWS SERVICE

With containment of the Eaton Fire at 89%, Los Angeles County announced that all Altadena communities are now open for residents to return while a new wind event was moving into the Southland that could further challenge firefighters or spark new blazes Tuesday.

In a post on social media, the county Monday afternoon said that, while all residents evacuated from the Altadena area my now return, some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.

Containment of the deadly and destructive blaze climbed to the 89% level Monday with firefighters using water-dropping helicopters to extinguish hot spots in steep, inaccessible canyons near Winters Creek, Mt. Lowe and Mt. Wilson, as a new wind event moved into the region.

Meanwhile, another Santa Ana wind event moved into the area, with high winds expected into Tuesday, creating a high risk for critical fire weather conditions and rapid fire spread of any new fires.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Winds Challenge Firefighters as Residents Urged to Stay Alert Amid Eaton Fire Efforts

By EDDIE RIVERA

Residents should already be in ‘set’ position for any evacuations

Nearly two weeks after the Eaton Fire erupted in the Angeles National Forest and destroyed much of Altadena, a high wind alert and a rare January red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service have prompted renewed vigilance.

While firefighters have brought it largely under control, as of Monday, the blaze has consumed 14,022 acres and is 87% contained.

However, the incident command station at the Rose Bowl is still busy as officials work to keep the fire within its current perimeter. While containment lines on the southern end of the blaze are secure, three small pockets in the rugged northern terrain still lack complete containment.

“The burning is pretty much in the interior of the fire’s perimeter,” said Daron Wyatt, public information officer for the California Incident Management Team, on Monday.

“There’s no expectation that it will increase in size or move outside its current footprint,

Monday, January 20, 2025

High Winds, Fire Danger to Strike Pasadena Area Monday Through Tuesday

STAFF REPORT

National Weather Service forecasters are warning Pasadena residents of an approaching strong Santa Ana wind event beginning Monday morning, with potentially damaging wind gusts that could reach 60 to 80 miles per hour.

The NWS issued a High Wind Warning for the area from Monday morning through early Tuesday afternoon.

The powerful offshore winds will combine with extremely low humidity to create dangerous fire weather conditions that could persist through Thursday.

Monday morning starts with low clouds across the region, but conditions will change dramatically as strong northeast winds develop, NWS forecasters said.

Temperatures will remain below normal, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid-60s under increasingly clear skies.

The next 24 to 48 hours will bring significant changes to Pasadena and surrounding areas. Forecasters expect wind speeds to increase sharply Monday afternoon, with the strongest gusts occurring between 4:00p.m. Monday and 1:00 a.m Tuesday.

The La Crescenta-Altadena corridor could see particularly strong ‘mountain wave’ wind activity during this period.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Crews Forge Ahead With Complex Eaton Fire Recovery Operation; Death Roll Rises to 17

STAFF REPORT

Thursday afternoon fire officials reported significant progress containing the Eaton Fire while launching extensive recovery operations, with damage inspection teams documenting over 7,500 destroyed structures.

The fire, which has burned through steep terrain around Mount Wilson and Altadena, is now 65% contained with approximately 3,400 personnel working to control the 14,117-acre blaze.

The death toll rose to 17 and more evacuation orders lifted on the outskirts of the deadly burn area near Altadena and Pasadena.

There are 24 active missing-person cases from the Eaton Fire, Sheriff Robert Luna said.

“Crews continue to grow, direct and improve our hand line that’s all around this fire,” said Operation Section Chief Jed Gaines. “The total fire perimeter around this whole incident is just over 60 miles, so it’s taken some time, especially at the top of Mount Wilson, to get in some of these areas.”

Urban Search and Rescue teams have completed more than 8,800 home searches and over 1,100 miles of grid searches.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

County Health Officer Issues Order Prohibiting Removal of Fire Debris

CITY NEWS SERVICE

An order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of debris from critical fire areas, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed was issued Wednesday by Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis.

Fire debris, ash and dirt from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Exposure to those toxic substances can occur through inhaling ash and fire dust particles, contact with skin or contamination of drinking water supplies.

Improper handling or disposal of fire debris can increase these risks, spreading hazardous substances throughout the community and endangering workers, residents and the environment, the statement said.

Removal of fire debris will be conducted in a two-phase process.

The first phase will consist of a hazardous materials assessment of all burned properties by the Los Angeles County Fire Health &

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Eaton Fire 55% Contained, Death Toll Backs Down to 16 But 18 Remain Missing

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More evacuation orders were lifted Thursday on the outskirts of the deadly Eaton Fire burn area in and near Altadena and Pasadena, with containment of the blaze steadily increasing and Santa Ana winds finally backing down.

As of Wednesday evening, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres, with containment at 45%, up from 35% Tuesday night. By 6 a.m. today, Cal-Fire raised containment to 55%.

The break in the winds is expected to be a major boon for the firefighting effort, which was hampered over the last three days due to escalating winds, even though the Santa Anas never reached the previously anticipated strength.

The County’s red flag warning of critical fire danger expired in the San Gabriel Valley, but it will remain in effect until 3 p.m. Thursday in the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, with winds of 15 to 25 mph anticipated, along with gusts of up 40 mph.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

County Health Officer Issues Order for Safe Removal, Transport, and Disposal of Fire Debris

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued a new order in preparation for fire recovery operations and to ensure the safe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris resulting from recent wildfires. This order aims to protect public health and safety during the cleanup process for fire debris.

The devastating fires throughout Los Angeles County have caused the destruction of thousands of residences and other structures, leaving behind fire debris and ash that pose significant threats to public health. To ensure public health and safety, the Health Officer has issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris at fire damaged and burned properties located in Critical Fire Areas, including the areas of the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia Fires, among others, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an approved government agency.

Fire debris removal activities must be approved and comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The County has requested state and federal assistance to expediate recovery activities and ensure the safe removal of fire debris from structures damaged by the fires.

Monday, January 13, 2025

LA County Bans Leaf Blowers During Fire Recovery

STAFF REPORT

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a temporary ban on leaf blowers and similar air-blowing devices to protect public health during post-fire recovery efforts. The ban comes in response to hazardous air quality conditions, increased ash accumulation, and disrupted health services caused by recent strong winds and fires.

“Ash is like a fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands. It’s not just dirt,” said County Health Officer Muntu Davis, M.D., M.P.H.

The prohibition applies to all power air blowers throughout Los Angeles County and will remain in effect until the County Health Officer determines fire recovery conditions have improved sufficiently to permit safe operation of these devices. The measure aims to limit health impacts from fire ash, smoke, and particulate matter resulting from Critical Fire Events and Windstorm conditions.

The Department of Public Health has made additional guidance available in both English and Spanish to help residents navigate the emergency period.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Not Uncommon for Pollutants to Enter Water Supply After a Fire

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The City is testing the drinking water today amid concern that ash may have made its way into the supply.

Last week the City’s utility told local residents not to drink or cook with the water after the massive fire broke out in Eaton Canyon, which prompted a massive response from firefighters in Altadena and Pasadena.

Local residents should not use tap water for drinking and cooking. Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation.

Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe to drink.

It is not uncommon for wildfires to impact drinking water.

The Woolsey Fire in Malibu in 2018 contaminated drinking water with bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals.

The fire released VOCs like benzene, toluene, and styrene into the water,

Monday, January 13, 2025

Health Officials Warn of Toxic Hazards in Eaton Fire Zone as Recovery Begins

Residents face dangerous levels of lead, arsenic and asbestos contamination in fire-impacted areas

Public health officials issued stark warnings about toxic contamination in areas devastated by the Eaton Fire during a community meeting at Pasadena City College’s Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on January 12, as local authorities detailed plans for repopulating evacuated neighborhoods.

“It’s incredibly important that you follow this order. The water is — as stated before — contaminated at this point and not being treated to state standards,” warned Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, addressing widespread water safety concerns.

The fire remained 27% contained, with firefighters battling challenging conditions including forecasted wind gusts of 40-50 mph and red flag warnings continuing through Thursday morning.

Officials warned of potential spot fires up to two miles away. Adding to the hazards, crews discovered an underground lithium battery storage facility in the burn area.

“Ash is particularly toxic to young children, so we’re going to urge that young children not be touching any of this contaminated debris because it’s filled with lead asbestos,”

Friday, January 10, 2025

Deadly Eaton Canyon Fire Expands, Threatens Mount Wilson

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Eaton Fire that has caused multiple deaths and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures remained 0% contained Friday despite Santa Ana wind conditions diminishing slightly in many areas.

However, gusty conditions persisted on the mountaintop Thursday, hampering aerial firefighting efforts as flames crawled through treetops and thick vegetation toward the peak of Mount Wilson, threatening the observatory and a series of broadcast towers critical for local television and radio outlets.

Sheriff’s officials called for immediate evacuations of any people on the mountain. Authorities said at an afternoon briefing that none of the major infrastructure on the mountain had been damaged despite the encroaching flames.

The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday morning the spread of the fire had been significantly slowed in most areas thanks to efforts of firefighters and diminishing winds.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Pasadena Public Health Suggests Steps to Prevent Inhaling Smoke and Ash From Eaton Fire

STAFF REPORT

As part of the response to the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Public Health Department urges residents affected by wildfire smoke to take steps to protect their health by staying indoors and avoiding outside activity, if possible, to prevent the inhalation of smoke and ash.

Smoke and ash from wildfires can be unhealthy, particularly for vulnerable people such as older adults, children, individuals with respiratory illnesses or asthma, and pregnant people. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles which are respiratory irritants, and when inhaled deeply, can affect the lungs and the heart. Exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Urban wildfires can lead to potentially greater risks to health because they often release more toxic pollutants, due to the burning of synthetic materials like plastics and metals found in buildings.

Smoke from wildfires can also cause eye irritation, reduced lung function, and bronchitis. Breathing smoke can also make asthma symptoms worse. People with underlying lung or heart problems should limit their exposure by staying indoors.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

The Moment the Eaton Fire Ignited

By JAMES MACPHERSON

Pasadena couple saw the start of the Eaton Fire, called 9-1-1, alerted neighbors, and took two photographs, before fleeing flames

A Pasadena couple who witnessed the initial moments of the devastating Eaton Fire on Tuesday evening called 9-1-1, alerted neighbors, and took cell phone photographs before grabbing go-boxes and fleeing the racing flames.

Jennifer Errico and her husband Marcus, residents of the 2100 block of Canyon View Drive at the very end of a point that juts out into Eaton Canyon, were among the first to spot and report a wildfire that has grown into one of the most devastating fires in County history.

“My husband came home at 6:15 and ran in and said the … electrical tower that’s across the canyon and up from us, is on fire,” Jennifer Errico told Pasadena Now. “I called 9-1-1 and within 10 minutes the fire was down across the canyon.”

Errico is Director of Communications for Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge and a former Pasadena Star-News writer.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Deadly Eaton Canyon Fire’s Advance Slows, Still No Containment

STAFF REPORT

Authorities provide few new details

Some evacuation orders in Glendale were lifted Thursday as fire crews worked to establish containment around a 10,600-acre brush fire in the Eaton Canyon area that has left at least five people dead and destroyed or damaged about 1,000 structures.

The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire.

By 11 p.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire reported the fire had grown to 10,600 acres and was 0% contained. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday morning the spread of the fire had been significantly slowed thanks to efforts of firefighters and diminishing winds.

He noted that there have been numerous injuries, although no specific numbers were provided, and he said more than 1,000 structures were damaged or destroyed in the fire.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said Wednesday between 200 and 500 structures had been destroyed,

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Eaton Fire Rampages Through Altadena and Pasadena Burning Dozens of Homes, Forcing Massive Evacuations

1,000 acres burned so far

[Updated]  The fast-moving Eaton Fire continues to rage in Altadena and Pasadena on Wednesday morning, forcing widespread evacuations and school closures while destroying an unknown number of homes and other structures. 

The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena, according to Cal Fire.

One of the structures that was destroyed in the fire was the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, NBC4 reported.

Initially dubbed the Close Fire but later changed to the Eaton Fire, the blaze was initially estimated at about 10 acres, but it quickly exploded across 200 acres, then to 400 acres by 8 p.m. Tuesday, driven by Santa Ana winds that prompted critical fire danger warnings throughout the region. As of 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire reported the fire was 2,227 acres and was 0% contained.

The fire expanded rapidly during the late night and early morning hours —

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Hellish Wednesday Dawns in Altadena and Pasadena

The Eaton Fire destroyed dozens of homes as thousands evacuate

Pasadena and Altadena suffered a hellish night of loss and fear as fierce winds pushed fires into residential neighborhoods and burned dozens of homes.

Houses of worship were not spared by the flames, which have now consumed 1,000 acres. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center was badly burned.

Thousands were ordered to evacuate, many of whom headed towards the Pasadena Convention Center, which was designated as an evacuation center. Some reportedly refused to leave their burning neighborhoods before police required them to do so.

Late Tuesday afternoon winds crescendoed and sparked a large number of fires, at one point igniting a dozen fires around Pasadena in less than 1 hour.

Now dawn is approaching and the full devastation will soon be in sunlight. This was a night many feared might someday happen, but most never believed it could.

On Wednesday, winds will continue to incite the Eaton Canyon flames,

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Fires, Windstorm Force Suspension of Transit Services in Pasadena

Pasadena Transit announced Wednesday the suspension of all public transportation services due to severe weather conditions.

The transit agency confirmed that both regular bus routes and Dial-A-Ride services would cease operations on January 8, with essential medical transportation being the sole exception.

“Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride (except essential medical trips, if conditions allow) are suspended Wednesday January 8, 2025 due to hazardous windstorm event,” Pasadena Transit announced.

The agency indicated that regular service could potentially resume on Thursday, January 9, depending on weather conditions.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Brush Fire Erupts in Eaton Canyon in Hills Above Altadena

CITY NEWS SERVICE

[7:18 p.m.] A brush fire erupted Tuesday evening in the Eaton Canyon area, with flames fanned by gusting Santa Ana winds.

The fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena, according to Cal Fire.

Initially dubbed the Close Fire but later changed to the Eaton Fire, the blaze was initially estimated at about 10 acres, but it quickly exploded across 200 acres thanks to Santa Ana winds that prompted critical fire danger warnings throughout the region.

Angeles National Forest officials said evacuations were under way, but it was unclear how many people were impacted.

The fire broke out as emergency crews were already stretched thin due to a massive blaze burning in the Pacific Palisades area.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Firefighters Battle Dozen Fires Amid Windy Conditions in Pasadena Area

STAFF REPORT

Pasadena firefighters responded to 12 separate fires within a 50-minute period Wednesday, as gusty conditions complicated firefighting efforts across the city and neighboring South Pasadena.

The fires included five vegetation blazes, four outside fires, two residential structure fires, and one traffic collision requiring expanded response, according to Fire Department dispatch records.

Two of the vegetation fires were confirmed as significant incidents, with one located in the 2100 block of Canyon Close Road in Pasadena and another in the 1500 block of Santa Teresa in South Pasadena. Both required multiple fire units for response.

The residential structure fires occurred near Asbury Drive and Sinaloa Avenue, and at North Martelo Avenue and Casa Grande Street, drawing substantial firefighting resources to both locations.

Additional outside fires were reported at major intersections including North San Gabriel Boulevard and East Colorado Boulevard, Highland Street and Santa Rosa Avenue, and North Hill Avenue and East Washington Boulevard.

The rapid succession of incidents within a concentrated time frame tested the Department’s resource allocation capabilities,

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Pasadena Firefighters Dispatched to Help Fight Palisades Fire

By Andrè Coleman and City News Service

A strike team has been dispatched to help battle the blaze in Palisades according to Fire Chief Chad Augustin.

Austin told Pasadena Now that before the fire broke out, the Pasadena Fire Department had a team on standby due to the weather forecast of fast moving Santa Ana winds.

A strike team was placed in a hotel last weekend and ready to assist if the need arose.

And that’s what happened on Tuesday when the fast moving fire aided by Santa Ana winds broke in that area.

Five engines carrying 22 local firefighters were immediately dispatched to Palisades to assist in the fight to save homes and local structures.

The fire has scorched 1,262 acres.

Air tankers and water-dropping helicopters could be seen making drops as firefighters from the area rushed to the scene from across the Southland.

The orders essentially cover the bulk of Pacific Palisades.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

PWP May Need To Shut Off Power To Decrease Fire Risk

By André Coleman and City News Service

According to Pasadena Water and Power, the City may need to implement power shutoffs to decrease the risk of fires.

“The safety of our community is the City of Pasadena’s top priority,” Pasadena Water and Power officials said on Tuesday. “High winds and fire risk conditions are forecasted from Tuesday through Thursday afternoon. Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) may need to implement public safety power shutoffs to decrease potential fire risk. If this occurs, PWP will restore power as soon as it is safe.”

Many local residents received an alert from AT&T regarding possible shutoffs on their cell phones.

“I urge residents to exercise caution as we experience this windstorm if you are able to remain at home and work,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “You should do so. Be on the lookout for falling trees and limbs and downed power lines, and if you happen to see any of the dangerous situations do not try,

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Winds Have Died Down, but Santa Anas Will Return, National Weather Service Says

STAFF REPORT

The winds have died down, but they are forecast to return according to the National Weather Service.

“A very strong, widespread, and destructive north to northeast windstorm will bring Extremely Critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon,” according to the National Weather Service. “This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) Red Flag Warning event in many areas, with the combination of very strong upper level wind support, tightening offshore pressure gradients and moderate cold air advection.”

“The strongest winds with this event are expected to be Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon when widespread damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are likely,” forecasters said. “The San Gabriel mountains, Santa Susana mountains, and foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see areas of destructive wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph. … The strong winds will likely result in widespread downed trees/power lines,

Monday, January 6, 2025

Forecast of Potentially Dangerous Wind Storm Prompts Emergency Alerts From City of Pasadena

STAFF REPORT

The City of Pasadena has issued an emergency alert for severe winds and heightened fire danger expected to impact the area from Tuesday, January 7, through Wednesday, January 8.

Strong winds, ranging from 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 to 80, with isolated gusts between 80 to 100 mph are possible, the City said in a statement.

Pasadena emergency officials are urging the community to take steps now to ensure their safety.

Combined with dry conditions, the winds may create hazardous situations, including an increased risk of wildfires, downed trees, and power outages.

The City’s emergency response departments have mobilized in advance of the dangerous conditions.

“The Pasadena Fire, Police, Water and Power, and Public Works Departments are on heightened alert and ready to respond to any emergencies related to the high winds,” City officials announced. “Crews are conducting pre-storm assessments of trees, utility lines, and roadways to minimize potential hazards.”

Thursday, March 14, 2024

California Weakens Plan For Mandatory Cutbacks In Urban Water Use, Yielding To Criticism

By RACHEL BECKER, CALMATTERS

Facing criticism over their ambitious plan to curb urban water use, California’s regulators today weakened the proposed rules — giving water providers more years and flexibility to comply.

Cities and urban water districts welcome the changes to the state’s draft conservation rules, which they said would have been too costly for ratepayers, estimated at $13.5 billion, and too difficult to achieve.

But environmentalists are dismayed by the revisions, which they said won’t save enough water to weather shortages as climate change continues to squeeze supplies.

“It’s really looking like this is a ‘do nothing’ regulation,” said Tracy Quinn, CEO and president of Heal the Bay, a Los Angeles County environmental group. “The updated standards are weak, and the regulation includes semi-truck sized loopholes that make it too easy for water suppliers to shirk their obligation to use water more efficiently.”

Mandated by a package of laws enacted in 2018,

Sunday, December 31, 2023

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County has reinstated a mask-wearing requirement for staff and visitors at all licensed health care facilities in light of an upswing in coronavirus metrics, officials said Saturday.

The county recently entered the “medium” level of COVID-19 hospital admissions, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Over the past week in Los Angeles County, there have been notable, yet not unexpected, increases in COVID-19 reported cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement. “While recent increases are significant, they remain considerably below last winter’s peak and common-sense protections are strongly recommended to help curb transmission and severe illness as the new year begins.”

The threshold for the CDC’s medium level is between 10 and 19.9 new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 population over seven days. The CDC reported 10.5 new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 people in Los Angeles County for the week ending Dec.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Caltrans Activates Statewide Electronic Highway Signs Due to Severe Weather

STAFF REPORT

In response to the oncoming powerful storm, this morning Caltrans activated approximately 1,200 electronic highway signs statewide to display urgent safety messaging.

“Safety is always Caltrans’ priority, so as a violent storm deluges our state, today we activated our electronic message signs to advise everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “If travel cannot be postponed, we urge motorists to drive slowly, allow themselves plenty of time and be especially alert.”

Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation throughout California to support the ongoing response to recent winter storms. Caltrans has activated its district emergency operation centers and is working with local partners to respond to the storm and be poised to recover from its damage. In addition, the department is:

• Prioritizing staffing, with more than 4,000 crew members working 12-hour shifts.
• Placing equipment at critical locations to prepare for flooding and mudslides to quickly respond to emergencies.

Friday, September 2, 2022

Flex Alert in Effect for 2nd Day; Another Conservation Alert Called for Friday

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A Flex Alert calling for voluntary power conservation to reduce strain on the state’s electricity grid took effect for a second consecutive day Thursday, and the high heat prompted yet another alert that’ll be in effect Friday afternoon.

Responding to the heat wave that has driven up temperatures and demand for air conditioning, the California Independent System Operator — which manages the state’s power grid — issued the first Flex Alert of the week on Wednesday, urging residents to reduce electricity use from 4 to 9 p.m. The alert worked, and the state avoided any involuntary blackouts.

Another Flex Alert took effect at 4 p.m. Thursday, again continuing until 9 p.m. And with the forecast still calling for high heat, Cal-ISO issued yet another Flex Alert for Friday.

“Flex Alerts have been resulting in some helpful conservation and grid operators and an emergency proclamation from Gov. Gavin Newsom, requested by the ISO, has also freed up some additional resources,”

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Heat Wave Prompts Flex Alert Calling for Voluntary Power Conservation

CITY NEWS SERVICE

With searing heat expected to drive up air- conditioner use across California, the manager of the state’s power grid issued a Flex Alert Wednesday calling on residents to conserve as much electricity as possible from 4 to 9 p.m.

The California Independent System Operator issued the Flex Alert “due to high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies.”

“With excessive heat in the forecast across much of the state and Western U.S., the grid operator is expecting high electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand,” according to Cal-ISO.

The power system operators warned that more Flex Alerts are likely to be posted in the coming week and through the Labor Day weekend.

During the alerts, residents are urged to take power-saving steps such as

— setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher;

—

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Poor Air Quality Likely to Accompany Heat Wave

CITY NEWS SERVICE

If the heat wasn’t bad enough, Southland residents were being warned Tuesday about the likelihood of poor air quality over the next week that could reach unhealthy levels in some areas.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an ozone advisory, warning of potentially unhealthy air quality most afternoons, exacerbated by the rising temperatures, through at least Sunday.

“Elevated temperatures increase emissions of chemicals leading to ozone formation and enhance ozone formation rates,” according to the AQMD advisory. “This long duration and intense heat wave will likely cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution.”

The AQMD noted that ozone, or smog, pollution can lead to problems such as difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and lung damage.

According to the agency, poor air quality is possible over the coming week in the entire San Gabriel Valley — as well as central Los Angeles, southeastern L.A. County, the east and west San Fernando Valley,

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Four Million in LA County Urged To Suspend Outdoor Watering Next Month

STAFF REPORT

More than four million residents in Los Angeles County were urged Tuesday to suspend outdoor watering for 15 days next month while the Metropolitan Water District repairs a leak in a water delivery pipeline.

The repairs will take place from Sept. 6 thru 20, and will impact the cities of Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Long Beach, San Fernando and Torrance.

Pasadena Water and Power described the MWD’s request as “voluntary.” The City already has already moved ahead with its new 1-day-a-week watering restriction.

“During this two-week shutdown period, Metropolitan will not be disrupting deliveries to Pasadena. What is going to be happening is they’re going to have to switch to a more limited supply source — from Colorado River supplies to State Water Project supplies, which are even more limited,” Stacie Takeguchi of PWP said on Aug. 15. “It’s even more important for us to save water during that time, which is why we’re trying for this call for action during that time,

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

County Bans Single-Use Plastics in Food Service

The County Board of Supervisors Tuesday gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance requiring that all food-service containers, cups, dishes and cutlery distributed by restaurants and food facilities in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County be recyclable or compostable.

The ordinance, which will be phased in starting in May 2023, will also prohibit retail stores from selling “expanded polystyrene,” or Styrofoam, products such as coolers, packing materials, cups, plates and pool toys, unless they are encased in a “durable material.”

It also requires that full-service restaurants with sit-down service provide customers with reusable “multi-service” utensils and plates.

The board, which tentatively approved the measure two weeks ago, voted 4-1 Tuesday without comment to give it final approval. Supervisor Kathryn Barger was the dissenting vote.

The ordinance will take effect May 1, 2023, for all food facilities operating in a permanent location, and for all retail stores. It will take effect for food trucks on Nov. 1, 2023, and on May 1,

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

No-Burn Order Extended for Much of Southland Through Wednesday

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The South Coast Air Quality Management District today extended a mandatory prohibition on indoor and outdoor wood burning in much of the Southland through tomorrow night due to a forecast of high air pollution in the area.

The residential wood-burning ban is in effect through at least 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. It affects all those in the South Coast Air Basin, including the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and all of Orange County.

The order does not apply to mountain communities above 3,000 feet, the Coachella Valley or the high desert. Homes that rely on wood as a sole source of heat, low-income households and those without natural gas service also are exempt from the requirement.

The no-burn rule prohibits burning wood as well as manufactured fire logs, such as those made from wax or paper. Gas and other non-wood burning fireplaces are not restricted, the SCAQMD said.

Fine particles in wood smoke,

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

COVID-19 Deaths Linked to Poor Air Quality

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A research project led by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health found that Los Angeles County neighborhoods with poor air quality had the highest coronavirus death rates, it was announced today.

“Our findings imply a potentially large association between exposure to air pollution and population-level rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths,” said Dr. Michael Jerrett, a Fielding School professor of environmental health sciences and the project’s leader. “These findings are especially important for targeting interventions aimed at limiting the impact of COVID-19 in polluted communities.”

The research — “Spatial Analysis of COVID-19 and Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Los Angeles” — is being published in the August edition of the peer-reviewed journal Environment International and is now available online.

One example of the findings is Los Angeles County neighborhoods with the worst air quality saw a 60% increase in COVID-19 fatalities when compared with communities with the best air quality.

“In the U.S.,

Thursday, October 24, 2019

High Winds Expected through Friday, Millard Campground Closed to Vehicles, and Campfires

Starting this evening 10/23/19 Altadena Sheriff’s Station and United States Forest Service will be closing the Millard Canyon Campground along with many portions of the Angeles National Forest to be under red flag fire warning. The National Service has issued a Santa Ana wind condition and red flag warning.

The conditions could exist in the next few days through Friday. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times, extreme caution is urged by all residents because fires are more likely to ignite and those that do are more likely to spread rapidly and be more difficult to control, therefore the area will be closed and the Chaney trail gate remain locked. The area is closed to vehicles however pedestrians / hikers are still able to visit the area.

Also the Angeles National Forest will be under fire restriction starting today, asking people not to build maintain or attend any campfire, fire, or stove fire within the forest boundary.

“We thank everyone for their cooperation.”

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Authorities Prepare for Possible Electrical Outages

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station issued a statement Wednesday night saying deputies were “doing everything we can to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise” during a potential electrical power shutoff by Southern California Edison (SCE) Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11.

SCE said that in response to the Santa Ana conditions, it is considering widespread Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce risk of wildfires.

“During these events, we will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires,” an SCE statement said. “Turning off our customers’ power is not something we take lightly, but PSPS events are one of the ways we can better ensure the safety of the public, our customers, and our employees.”

The electrical shutoffs would not affect customers of Pasadena Water and Power.

Altadena Station deputies reminded Altadenans to make sure that their residences are locked and secured as alarm systems may not work during power outages.

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Some Things Are Too Toxic to Trash

Residents of Altadena will have the opportunity to safely discard of their household hazardous waste, such as antifreeze, unused pharmaceuticals, car batteries, used motor oil, paint and pesticides, among others, during a free Household Hazardous and E-Waste collection event on Saturday, May 11, at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, located at 252 West Mountain View Street in Altadena.

The free event is part of LA county’s Household Hazardous and E-Waste Roundup Program, presented by the Department of Public Works and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, in cooperation with the Altadena unincorporated community.

Residents can also bring their home-generated sharps waste such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, syringes, lancets, and intravenous needles to the event, as well as universal waste including household batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic waste such as TVs and monitors, computers, VCRs, stereos, and cell phones.

More than 50 of these free household hazardous waste and e-waste roundups are conducted throughout the county each year to provide residents with a convenient way to rid their homes of these unwanted hazardous materials.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Los Angeles County Announces Holiday Tree Recycling Information

Los Angeles County residents can once again conveniently recycle their Holiday trees this year, County officials said.

Most areas throughout the County provide curbside recycling services and/or drop-off sites, where trees can be recycled.

Both Altadena and Kinneloa Mesa will be served with curbside pick-up service, with slightly different rules.

Altadenans will be served from December 26 through January 26, 2019. The trees should be placed by the curb by 6 a.m. on the service day.

In Kinneloa Mesa, service will be available from December 26 through January 12, 2019. Trees must be cut if taller than six feet in height, officials said, and flocked trees and tress wrapped in plastic will not be picked up.

The pickups in both communities will be conducted by Athens Services. Their phone number is 1-888-336-6100.

Officials asked residents to please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, plastic containers, and plastic or metal tree stands.

The Holiday trees can then be placed at curbside next to the recycling and waste containers on scheduled trash collection day during the time period noted.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

“California Friendly” Landscape Training to be Held at La Canada Presbyterian Church

On Saturday, December 1, 2018

Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is hosting a “California Friendly” Landscape training class on December 1st, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church located at 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

Get a jump on your planting while Green Media Creations teaches you about right plants for the right places; using rainwater as a resource; managing irrigation, rethinking site elements and sustainable garden approaches. Also, view examples of some “California Friendly” gardens.

Don’t Wait… Sign Up Now and RSVP to Karen Oblak at koblak@fmwd.com or (818) 790-4036 at least one week in advance.

Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Mesa Crest Water Company, Valley Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association. Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail agency, takes no water from Foothill.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Altadena’s Air Quality Ranked Healthiest in L.A. County

A recent USC study found Altadenan’s enjoy the healthiest air quality in L.A. County.

The community was ranked number one for air quality, based on the amount of time residents and visitors spend breathing air that’s low in dangerous particle pollution, according to Gabriel Kahn, a professor of professional practice at USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism.

“So, yes, some bragging rights are in order,” he said.

Small particles in the air have been declining at the nationwide level for three decades, with pollution levels dropping by around half in many areas, the study found. But L.A. ranks among the worst.

The professor cautioned against over-simplifying the matter.

“Air quality and lung health are both complicated issues, and we don’t want to reduce it to just clean (versus) dirty. However, in looking over a lot of data, we can say that air quality levels are generally better in (Altadena).”

So just how tiny are these harmful particles?

Friday, May 4, 2018

Free Household Hazardous and E-Waste Roundup in Altadena on May 12, 2018

Altadena residents can safely discard their household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, unused medicines, car batteries, used motor oil and pesticides during a Household Hazardous Waste Roundup on Saturday, May 12, at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard in Altadena.

Other hazardous waste that residents can bring to the event for disposal include unused paint, home-generated sharps waste such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, syringes, lancets, and intravenous needles, fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic waste (e-waste) such as TVs and monitors, computers, VCRs, stereos, and cell phones.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County conduct more than 50 free Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundups annually throughout the County to provide residents with a convenient way to rid their homes of unwanted hazardous materials.

Because hazardous waste can pollute the environment, it is illegal to discard these items in trash cans, sinks and storm drains.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Will Thrall: Hiker, Writer, Conservationist, Explorer

Sometimes called “Southern California’s John Muir,” Will Thrall dedicated his life to the preservation of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Thrall’s acclaimed biographer, Ronald C. Woolsey, will present a program on his life story at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, sponsored by the Altadena Historical Society.

Woolsey will accompany his talk with an exhibit of memorabilia about Thrall, and copies of his book will be available for purchase.

The program will be free and open to the public.

From his arrival in the 1880s to his death in the 1960s, Thrall reveled in and defended the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains, documenting the Great Hiking Age, working on the Mount Lowe Railway, organizing hiking clubs and promoting conservation of natural resources.

“He embraced the spirit which connected people with the San Gabriels, and his life is a study in Southern California itself,” said Woolsey, a history professor at Citrus College and El Camino College and author of the book “Will Thrall and the San Gabriels;

Monday, December 26, 2016

Altadena Store Gutted by Fire

A fire heavily damaged a discount store in Altadena Friday night, a report from the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

The report said the fire on the commercial structure was first reported at Fair Oaks Avenue and Woodbury Road about 11:03 p.m. Firefighters arrived on scene a few minutes later and saw heavy smoke and fire inside the building.

The structure, located at 2211 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, was occupied by Joon’s Discount.

Responding units had to use cutting tools to gain access inside and saw nobody was inside.

The statement said the exact cause of the fire is unknown and investigation is continuing.

“Early signs show it does not appear to be suspicious circumstances,” the statement continued.

Fire, smoke and water damaged most of the contents of the store, the county fire department said, although an estimate of the cost of the damage was not available at the time.

Friday, December 9, 2016

The Altadena Library Presents the [i] cell Interactive Kiosk

The Altadena Library District is excited to announce the installation of a new interactive kiosk. The [i]cell Interactive Kiosk is programmed with California-specific water conservation information and is available for use by all patrons.

Over the last year, Altadena Library worked to install a drought-tolerant, water conservation demonstration garden on its grounds. Working with the Foothill Municipal Water District and using grants awarded by local organizations, the garden was ready and open to the public as of July. The Library is committed to becoming more energy efficient, including more water-wise. The installation of the Demonstration Garden helps the Library to lead by example and to engage the community through educational events about the importance of water conservation. Events have ranged from installing a drought-tolerant garden to tips on water saving at home.

The [i]cell Interactive Kiosk gives the Library an opportunity to continue the work it has been doing with the water conservation garden. As California’s drought is estimated to continue for the foreseeable future,

Friday, December 2, 2016

High Winds Expected Through Saturday Morning

Winds have topped 32 MPH here in Altadena and we have had some power lines fall onto a metal fence off of Lake Ave. Other than lots of trash cans and debris on the road, we have been free from major damage to Altadena. Thanks for the local weather info Bill, http://www.westphalfamily.com/wxdata2.html

Tips:

Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and objects can be blown off roofs during strong wind gusts. Dust may also be blown up into air and into unprotected eyes.

In the event of a downed power line:

– Call for help. Report downed lines to Southern California Edison or Altadena Sheriff’s Station. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself. Report an Outage (24-hours a day, 7-days a week): 1-800-611-1911. If you see a downed power line, call 911 immediately.

– Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Warn others to stay away.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Altadena Library Presents Gardening with California Natives with Maureen Taylor

Join Altadena Library as instructor Maureen Taylor gives an overview workshop of California native plant horticulture, for beginners. Saturday, November 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Learn why native plants are important and how to successfully grow them in your garden. Class topics will include plant selection, planting techniques, establishment, and irrigation. The second portion of the class will be held outdoors with a hands-on planting demonstration. Please wear closed-toed shoes, and bring a shovel and watering can if you have them. Everyone is invited to this free event.

Maureen received her BA in Environmental Studies/Biology from UC Santa Cruz. After graduating she was hired by the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants, which expanded her love for nature into the realm of gardening. Maureen now operates her own landscape maintenance business for clients with mostly native gardens. She recently became a UC Master Gardener Volunteer in order to learn about growing food. In her free time, Maureen enjoys making art inspired by nature.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

California ISO Declares a Statewide Flex Alert Due to High Temperatures

The California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) is declaring a Flex Alert, a request for consumers to conserve electricity today, especially during peak demand time from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Electricity supplies statewide are expected to be tight because of high summer temperatures driving up demand, power plant outages, and transmission line import capacity reductions. Power imports may be limited today because of high temperatures in neighboring states.

Consumers are urged to conserve electricity today, especially during the late afternoon when air conditioners push power consumption to the highest point of the day. Find Flex Alert tips at www.caiso.com.

Outlook for July 27, 2016 Flex Alert
High temperatures are forecast for the entire state. Energy demand is expected to be high and consumers are urged to conserve electricity until after 9 p.m.

Forecast peak demand: 45,867 megawatts between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Outlook for July 28, 2016
Temperatures will continue to be hot.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Eaton Canyon Nature Center’s Monthly Twilight Program Kicks Off with Special Guests The Animal Guys

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the first 2016 Twilight Program is scheduled for Saturday, July 30th starting at 7:00 p.m. This family-friendly special program, developed by the Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates, will include a visit from The Animal Guys, the wildlife outreach team from the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, California.

The Animal Guys teach children about the fascinating world of wildlife biology with the help of rescued and captive bred wild animals as visual aids including a porcupine, grey and red foxes, snakes and more. They aim to inspire youngsters to develop a deep interest in natural sciences through exciting interactive experiences.

The Twilight Program takes place monthly, during the summer months, at the Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park which is located at 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena in the Cynthia Null Outdoor Classroom. The suggested donation is $3.00 per person, children under 2 free, family discounts are available upon request.

For more information contact Eaton Canyon Nature Center staff at (626) 398-5420 or Helen Wong at hwong@parks.lacounty.gov.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Altadena Library Water Conservation Demonstration Garden

The Altadena Library District celebrates the Grand Opening of its new Water Conservation Demonstration Garden on Saturday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Altadena Library. Supervisor Mike Antonovich will be in attendance as well as the Altadena Library District Staff and Board and community members.

The garden includes such features as a Swale [a trench that follows the contour of the landscape to capture water and alleviate runoff], a Hugelkultur [a passive water collection technique with stacked logs covered in soil], and an Infiltration Pond [to collect water and allow for water percolation].

Visitors can learn about these techniques, along with many others, including drought tolerant plant selection, that can be used in home landscaping projects.

Major Funding for this project has been provided by a Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation District Proposition A Grant, District 5, Michael D. Antonovich, Supervisor.

Additional Funding and Support has been provided by:
• The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through its member agency,

Friday, May 13, 2016

“Altadena Goes Green” at E-Waste Recycling Event

Sunday May 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Altadena Goes Green,” Electronic Waste Center, Inc. Recycling all electronic devices in an environmentally safe manner. Recyclable materials include but are not limited to TVs, monitors, computers, printers, keyboards, mouse, copiers, A/V equipment, cell phones, etc. (No fluorescent light bulbs, alkaline batteries.) 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Altadena Adventist Church, 2609 Lincoln Ave. Info: (626) 794-3953.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Bird Walk and Habitat Restoration at Rubio Canyon

Saturday, May 14th, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Rubio Canyon Nature Preserve

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty with a day of birding and habitat restoration.

Join the Pasadena Audubon Society and the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy at Rubio Preserve on May 14th. This is an all ages event (but please, no dogs). There will be a bird walk from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and then help restore Rubio Canyon’s bird habitat by either removing invasive plants or planting native plants from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Wear clothes that you are okay getting dirty, sturdy shoes, and a hat. Organizers ask that participants bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen. Water and light snacks will be provided.

“Whether you’ve been birding for years or just want to learn who is visiting your backyard feeders, we welcome anyone with a love for our feathered friends.”

Rubio Canyon is at Rubio Vista Road in Altadena.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Los Angeles County Fire Department Encourages Residents to be Prepared for Distasters on the One-Year Anniversary of the Nepal Earthquake

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck central Nepal. Within hours of the April 25, 2015, earthquake, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) deployed a 136-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) comprised of 22 USAID disaster experts and two urban search and rescue (USAR) teams from Los Angeles County and Fairfax County, Virginia. Twelve search dogs also accompanied the DART.

Since 1988, USAID has deployed USAR teams abroad 16 times for disaster assistance, with only a 72-hour window to quickly rescue trapped victims from precarious situations before they succumb to dehydration or further injury.

Five days after the tremor initially hit, USAR teams pulled a 15-year-old boy out of the rubble in north Kathmandu. After a large aftershock, USAR specialists from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) also rescued a 41-year-old woman from a collapsed four-story building in the remote village of Singati. During its deployment, USAR team members provided triage and much-needed medical treatment to dozens of survivors.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Altadena Heritage’s Third Thursday Series: Toward a Zero-Waste Future

Join Altadena Heritage on Earth Day Eve, Thursday, April 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center – 730 East Altadena Drive .

Bring your questions about recycling, landfills, pollution, green shopping, climate change and more for our environmental and conservation experts, including:

Marialyce Pedersen is an environmentalist, journalist, author, researcher, teacher and Altadena resident who serves as a senior representative for the Walt Disney Company’s Corporate Citizenship Environment and Development Team. She will focus on how every individual can practice a zero-waste lifestyle at home, work, school and in the community.

Morey Wolfson has 40 years of experience in energy and environmental policy, including a stint at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and is currently a member of Pasadena’s Environmental Advisory Commission, serving as its representative on the Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee. He will provide background information and updates about the status of Pasadena’s delayed polystyrene (aka Styrofoam™) ban.

Additionally,

Monday, February 29, 2016

Free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup for Altadena, 3/12

There will be a free Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Recycling Roundup for Altadena area residents on Saturday, March 12, at Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252 West Mountain View Street, in Altadena from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, unused pharmaceuticals, car batteries, used motor oil, paint, pesticides, home-generated sharps waste, e-waste, and more. It’s a free and easy way to safely dispose of items that are too toxic to trash.

For more information, contact the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works at 1(888) CLEAN LA or www.CleanLA.com or the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at 1 (800) 238-0172 or www.lacsd.org.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Altadena Public Library Presents “The Art and Delight of Water Harvesting” with Leigh Adams

On Tuesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m.  in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room of the Main Library, join Altadena Library for an invigorating evening with local artist, educator, and water conservationist, Leigh Adams.

Leigh has reconfigured her Altadena yard to capture and hold as much water as possible. She utilized resourceful measures to turn an arid hillside into an oasis of fruit trees, herbs, and edibles. Leigh will explain water capturing techniques you can try at home; such as bioswales, hugelkultur, French drains, grey water, and more. She will also speak of conservation measures that have worked for her…and the enjoyment she has experienced along the way.

Leigh Adams’ love of art and children and her commitment to doing public art with children have resulted in a variety of differing art installations and activities. Although most of her work is done in the Pasadena, California area, Leigh has traveled and worked with children in Mexico, China and Central America for many years.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

January Water Savings Improve to 25%

Water savings for the Foothill Municipal Water District service area ended at 25% for the month of January 2016, which improved from the 20% savings achieved in December 2015. FMWD supplies water to three major Altadena water companies.

The State is using calendar year 2013 as the benchmark for measuring water savings for water agencies throughout California. Compliance with the mandate is determined on a cumulative basis starting with June 1, 2015. Cumulative water savings for the District since the State-mandated reductions began is 29%.

As with other water providers in the State, some local agencies did not meet their State-mandated targets for the month of January. However on a cumulative basis, which accounts for all water savings achieved from June 2015 to December 2015, most agencies are on track in compliance. Below are the numbers for agencies within the FMWD service area:

*The State allows smaller agencies to choose between two days a week watering or 25% reduction.

“During the winter months,

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Eliot Arts Magnet School’s Free E-waste Recycling Event

The public is invited to drop off their electronic waste at Eliot Arts Magnet School’s Free E-Waste Recycling Event on Saturday, January 16, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2184 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.

Electronic Items accepted are computers, monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, copiers, televisions, LCDs, PC peripherals, VCR/VCD Players, Facsimile Machines, Power Supplies, Auto/Rechargeable Batteries, and Cell/Landline Phones.

We do not accept: Light bulbs, Oil, Household batteries likd (AAA, AA, C, D), Hazardous Waste, and All Medical Waste. **$5 fee for microwave ovens.

For more information, contact 1-909-591-8408 or visit attanrecyclingcorp.com.

Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, 2184 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena, (626) 396-5680 or visit eliot.pasadenausd.org.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

State of the Mulch

“If we haven’t already converted our lawns, we will soon, so we need to get new plants started. We understand that el Nino will bring heavy rains, so we need ways to capture that water. But soil experts explain that the drought has actually made flooding more likely by diminishing the soil’s capacity to soak up moisture.”

Whether Nature sends too little or too much rain, it also provides trees to help. Placing chipped tree-wood mulch on soil enable heavy rain to land on many surfaces, which breaks its velocity and allows the rain to stay and soak in instead of racing off to the ocean. It provides water for trees long after the rainy day and some reaches the aquifer to be pumped out and purified for the drinking water no longer available to import.

So how to get enough of this versatile mulch to cover all bare soil? Pasadena provides some free mulch and can learn from other cities ways to provide more.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Architect, Horticulturist Dispense Water-Wise Garden Design Tips at Altadena Heritage Landscaping Workshop

By NADRA KAREEM NITTLE

If you’ve ever been tempted to buy a bunch of different plants and cram them together in your yard, Mark Goldschmidt has one word of advice: Don’t.

The former landscape architect outlined the basics of site design Thursday night at Altadena Heritage’s second water-wise landscaping workshop, which also featured horticulturalist Debby Figoni discussing low-maintenance plants and irrigation at the Altadena Community Center.

“You really do need some kind of structure,” Goldschmidt said of cluttered yards. Hardscapes, pavement, walls and hedges can organize a disordered front lawn, he continued.

“You need something to contrast with the plants,” he said while presenting a slide show highlighting a variety of landscapes found in Altadena yards.

While the former architect appreciates gravel, rocks and dry stream beds in front lawns, he warned the several dozen people gathered in the community center for his talk not to use rocks in excess. In addition to those materials, Goldschmidt suggested that audience members give concrete,

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Altadena Heritage’s Pours Out Water-Wise Landscaping Workshop Series

Altadena Heritage will be conducting a series of water-wise landscaping workshops on transforming your front yard into a beautiful and sustainable garden.

The series will have three sessions on September 12 and 17 and on October 24.

“Early sessions of workshops almost sold out, but we still have room in 11:30-1:30 sessions,” Michele Zack said recently.

The first and third sessions will be on-site workshops and the second session will be a free presentation by experts about designing your front yard using drought-tolerant plants. This presentation will be held at the Altadena Community Center, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Horticulturist Debby Figoni is leading the hands-on workshop and is offering up her lawn as the main “classroom.” She will be providing quick reference design sheets focusing on water-wise plants and irrigation, and share her experiences with project changes and lessons learned.

Figoni is a water conservation analyst who practices what she teaches. She has transformed her lawn-dominated yard into an award-winning water wise wonderland.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Family Program Focuses on the World of Wolves by Bringing Real Wolf “Ambassadors”

Eaton Canyon Nature Center delves into the World of Wolves on Saturday, July 25 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The World of Wolves is an exciting presentation which gives an overview about wolves and discusses topics such as wolf habitat, diet, physical characteristics, pack structure, and the ways in which wolves communicate through fun and interesting facts.

“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education” said David Polis of Wildsong.

To bring these words to life, Wildsong brings objects that can be held and touched to help foster a deeper and meaningful connection between two worlds.

Project Wildsong was created in the belief that rather than forcefully mitigate nature, mankind must strive to coexist with wildlife. To do this,

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Demand for MWD Turf Rebate Program Exhausts Supplies, Program Closes

Facing unprecedented public demand for incentives to transform the region’s landscapes, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California announced today it will be closing its turf rebate program to new applications later this week because available funding has been fully allocated.

Metropolitan’s $450 million conservation program, the largest of its kind in the nation, will focus remaining available funds on rebates for water-saving devices and a multi-media outreach campaign to promote greater water conservation in homes, gardens and communities throughout the Southland. The district will also maintain a waiting list of interested turf rebate applicants in the event that some of the approved projects do not move forward with their planned landscape changes.

“We knew that the popularity of the turf program would exhaust the available funds at some point, but even we didn’t predict just how popular turf rebates would become,” said Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. “Metropolitan is proud to have accelerated the movement by hundreds of thousands of Southern Californians to embrace a new outdoor aesthetic and lock in water savings permanently.”

Last December,

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Jeffrey Vail Named New Forest Supervisor for Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Jeffrey Vail has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Angeles Natio nal Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. He took the helm on Friday, June 5.

“I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the Angeles and the new Monument bring,” said Vail, “I’m excited and humbled to have the opportunity to oversee one of the most complex urban places in the nation. I look forward to working closely with communities, partners and stakeholders to cooperatively manage our majestic mountains.”

Vail has extensive experience having worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 24 years. Since 2012, he served as Director of Lands, Minerals, & Uses (Rec and Lands) for the Southern Region of the Forest Service. In that role, he provided program and policy oversight for land adjustment, boundary and title management, recreation and lands special uses, valuation services, and all minerals and geology management activities in the Region.

He also served as Assistant Director of Lands and Realty Management in the Washington Office overseeing the agency’s real property program,

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Altadenan Meredith McKenzie to Speak on Water Issues at All Saints Church Forum

California water expert Meredith McKenzie will speak about California’s prolonged drought, its ramifications and just how large the crisis has grown on June 18, 7 p.m. in a forum at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena.

McKenzie is a local realtor and a member of the board of the Altadena Library District. She is also a lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona.

As part of her discussion, McKenzie will touch on how the people can support effective water availability and environmental justice. The event is also sponsored by Sustainable World, Environmental Defense of the Earth Now (EDEN), Transition Pasadena, The Arroyo Interfaith Environmental Coalition.

Contact Norma Sigmund for more information at (626) 583-2734 or nsigmund@allsaints-pas.org.

All Saints Church is located at 132 North Euclid Avenue in Pasadena.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Woodbury House, Storied Altadena Landmark, Reportedly Wins Reprieve from May 14 Foreclosure Auction

The owner of Woodbury House, a storied landmark important to the history of Altadena, said today the May 14 foreclosure auction of the property has been postponed by the foreclosure trustee.

Peter Leissos said that although the auction of the property at 2606 Madison Avenue still appears on the auction.com website he was told in a May 4 telephone conversation that its foreclosure sale will be postponed in order for the mortgage servicer, Nation Star, to complete a review of the property’s files.

Neighborhood concern spread in late April when passersby say they noticed and photographed a foreclosure notice posted on the front door of the National Historic Register-listed property.

That notice indicated the six bedroom, five bathroom, 6,159 square foot residence would be sold at a live auction for a minimum bid of $863,097.03 on May 14 in Norwalk.

In response, the Altadena Historical Society and Altadena Heritage announced cooperation and established a “joint watch” of the property,

Saturday, May 2, 2015

SCE Helicopter Work Set for May 5 Has Been Postponed, No New Date Set

Southern California Edison Public Affairs spokesman Francisco Martinez announced yesterday afternoon that work by a low-flying helicopter which would have forced some neighborhood evacuations on Tuesday, May 5 has been postponed.

“We are in the process of scheduling a new date and sending an updated notice,” Martinez wrote in an email. “Once I have the new date I will let you know.”

SCE still plans to use a helicopter to help in replacing 2 deteriorated wooden poles behind a residence in the 800 block of La Vina Lane.

Earlier, SCE said a low-flying helicopter is required to remove the current wood poles and install new poles due to the “restricted access” of the poles. Actual helicopter flight time is under 15 minutes per pole, the company said.

17 homes are inside the operational area which will be evacuated during external load operations.

The company said in a press release “at no time will our helicopter over fly any residence with a load attached.”

Originally,

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Altadena Heritage asks: Know of a big, beautiful tree that adds to Altadena’s character?

Do you know of a big, beautiful tree that adds to Altadena’s character? You have until May 16 to nominate it for our first ever Altadena Heritage Big Tree Contest! Tree owners (who must consent) will be fêted at the Golden Poppy Garden Awards and Celebration Sunday, May 31st. Get your nominations in! Self-nominations are fine.

Here is the form you can use:  Tree Nomination Form

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Updated: Tuesday Night’s Special Foothill Municipal Water District Board Meeting to Include Discussion of State’s Draft Emergency Regulations

A special Foothill Municipal Water District Board Meeting Tuesday night at 6 p.m. is expected to include public comments and discussion of emergency drought water conservation regulations.

SEE THE PRESENTATION THAT WILL BE SHOWN TUESDAY NIGHT: Click Foothill Presentation

Observers anticipate plenty of public input, noting that the agency is holding their meeting at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church, rather than at their regular meeting location on Hampton Road, an indication that they expect significant public attendance, input and comment.

Foothill Municipal Water District General Manager Nina Jazmaderian said the format will be more of a public forum, rather than a board meeting.

“The special meeting is a workshop intended to inform the public regarding the hydrology, water supplies, the State’s draft emergency regulations, Foothill’s retail agency conservation plans and steps consumers can take to conserve,” said Jazmaderian. “The President of the District’s Board, Richard Atwater and the General Manager of Metropolitan Water District, Jeff Kightlinger will be speaking along with myself.”

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Fire Clearance and Water Conservation Meeting Tuesday Night at Farnsworth Park

A community meeting focused on fire safety and water conservation has been scheduled for 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Farnsworth Community Room Tuesday, April 28.

Four organizations will present important information:

• Fire Clearance (Los Angeles County Fire Station 12)

• Water Conservation and Lawn Removal (Metropolitan Water District)

•Native Plants (Theo Payne Foundation)

• Fire Safety Programs, (Meadows Fire Safe)

The public is invited to attend. For more information, please email Meadows Fire Safe at wmr83@earthlink.net.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Foothill Municipal Water District Announces Special Board Meeting, Water Officials Will Be on Hand to Answer Questions From the Public About the Drought

A Special Board Meeting of the Foothill Municipal Water District next Tuesday, April 28 will be the setting for a Community Drought & Water Allocation Workshop open to all Altadena residents.

The discussion will focus on the statewide drought, water supplies and conservation.

Regional and local water officials have been invited so residents can ask them questions about the drought, the Governor’s Executive Order, anticipated cutbacks in water use and other timely topics.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Boulevard, in La Cañada Flintridge, in Fellowship Hall (around back). No RSVP is needed.

Further infgormation is available here.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Master Gardener Yvonne Savio Returns: “Recycling Household Throwaways Into New Garden Tools”

Master Gardener Yvonne Savio focuses her inventiveness on “Recycling Household Throwaways Into New Garden Tools” in a hands-on talk at the Altadena Library scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Last fall Yvonne, who is Master Garden Volunteer Training Program Coordinator at the UC Cooperative Extension of Los Angeles County spoke at the library on planting fall vegetables and flowers and the audience clamored for more.

In March of this year, she gave us detailed info on what to plant for Spring and Summer. This time she will teach us how to create new uses for recycled household items to use in our own gardens.

Yvonne will also be showing an episode of Huell Howser’s “California’s Green”, in which she shows Huell her garden and shares her specialty of turning household items into new “garden tools.” Bring your gardening questions — she’s got the answers!

The event will be in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room of the Altadena Public Library,

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Seven Green Tips for Celebrating Earth Day

Tips courtesy of Waste Management

Earth Day is just around the corner and people everywhere are becoming more and more conscious of how their actions are impacting the planet. So just in time for the 45th anniversary of the global observance of sustainability on April 22, Waste Management of Southern California is sharing seven easy-to-implement ideas to reduce your environmental footprint every day.

“As the largest recycler in North America, we are committed to the environment and we are asking community members to join in our efforts to conserve natural resources,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California. “This year, we’re inviting community members across Southern California to make this Earth Day the best ever by implementing some of our top tips to help reduce their carbon footprint and make a big impact.”

Residents can help make the Earth a cleaner, greener place by implementing these suggestions on a regular basis:

•Reduce your shower time: California is in the middle of one the worst droughts in recent history and residents of the state have been mandated by Governor Jerry Brown to reduce water consumption by 25 percent in addition to other measures.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

“Water, Water, Everywhere” On ACONA Agendas, Including Upcoming May 26 Meet

Elliot Gold urges Altadenans to mark their calendars in “water-resistant ink [since we’re in a drought]” that next Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meeting will be May 26  from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Altadena Library Conference Room, 600 E. Mariposa Street.

Gold is a co-founder of ACONA.

The agenda again is damp with water-related issues, starting with an update on the crippling drought.

Gold says the water companies which serve Altadena will address these drought-related topics:
• Specifics? Rules? Penalties?
•Landscaping on the cheap, rebates, other programs available to property owners
•Is there really a moratorium on building during the drought?

Additionally, and on a completely unrelated matter, Gold says the meeting will turn to discussing telephone “robo-calls.”

“We have a ‘commitment from an expert who will tell us how to FINALLY get those calls to stop!
I’ll have the speaker name and confirmation later this week… keep your fingers crossed,'”

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Looking at “Altadena’s Urban Forests” on April 16

Altadena Heritage Presents Altadena’s Urban Forests

Thursday, April 16, 7 to 9 pm

Altadena’s Heritage of Abundance includes its trees, from native California scrub oaks, sycamores and certain palms to the eucalyptus, silk, carob and fruit trees introduced later … and don’t forget our mile-long stretch of giant deodars known as Christmas Tree Lane!

Come to the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, on Thursday, April 16, to hear from two experts about what we all can do to help preserve and revitalize this precious heritage.

Don Hodel is an environmental horticulturist for the University of California Cooperative Extension, Los Angeles County. His presentation will focus on:

the beauty and benefits of trees in urban areas;
drought-tolerant, sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping techniques; and
how to select trees that are suitable for Altadena’s climate, along with tips for planting, irrigation, feeding and mulching.
Frank McDonough is the botanical information consultant for the L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.