Courtesy of LACounty.gov via Facebook

Countywide turnout reached 38.58% in the first ballot count update since election night

Los Angeles County election officials have counted 132,507 more ballots in the Nov. 3 general election since election night and estimate that 842,000 ballots remain to be processed and counted, according to an update released at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The update, announced by Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan, was the first since election night. It brings the total number of ballots counted to 2,279,750, representing 38.58% voter turnout.

The registrar’s preliminary estimate of outstanding ballots includes 800,000 vote-by-mail ballots, 37,000 conditional voter registration ballots and 5,000 provisional ballots.

The vote-by-mail estimate includes ballots received from the U.S. Postal Service, as well as ballots returned at official ballot drop boxes and vote centers on Election Day.

The registrar’s office said the figures are preliminary and subject to change as additional ballots are received, scanned, prepared and processed. The estimate does not include eligible vote-by-mail ballots that may arrive after it was prepared, including ballots postmarked by Election Day and received by the statutory deadline of Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Outstanding ballot estimates are countywide and are not currently available by jurisdiction, because ballots are received and processed in batches from locations throughout Los Angeles County.

The next results update is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, and multiple updates will continue throughout the week. The registrar’s office has published a full schedule of canvass updates. Updated results are available at results.lavote.gov.

The registrar’s office is continuing 24-hour ballot processing through Friday, with employees working day and night shifts to receive, verify, process and count ballots.

Election results will continue to change throughout the official canvass as additional eligible ballots are processed and counted. The registrar’s office said it is prioritizing timely processing, verification and counting of outstanding ballots during the canvass, which includes reviewing and verifying outstanding ballots, conducting required reconciliation and auditing procedures, and completing the steps necessary to certify the election.

Ballot processing operations remain open to media and public observation. Media representatives and observers should enter through the public entrance and check in with registrar’s office staff, who will verify credentials as applicable and direct visitors to designated media and observation areas.

Courtesy of County of Los Angeles via Facebook

Los Angeles County election officials are scheduled to release updated results from Tuesday’s general election twice a day starting on Thursday.

Results will be released between 9 and 10 a.m. and a second batch between 4 and 5 p.m.

Locally, Measure PFD remains extremely close. The firefighter initiative needs two/thirds approval to pass and so far is hovering just above 65%.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office announced that election workers will continue processing outstanding ballots.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan announced Wednesday that 2,147,243 ballots had been processed and counted in the Nov. 3 election, representing voter turnout of 36.34%.

The semi-final results remain preliminary and are expected to change as additional eligible ballots are received, verified and counted during the official election canvas.

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office will continue processing ballots around the clock through Friday, Nov. 6, with employees working day and night shifts to receive, verify, process and count ballots.

Additional results updates will continue throughout the official canvass until the election is certified.

Ballot processing operations remain open to media and public observation. Visitors must enter through the public entrance and check in with election staff, who will direct them to designated observation areas.

Updated election results, including vote totals for Pasadena-area races, are available at results.lavote.gov.

The full schedule of upcoming election updates is available through the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office at lavote.gov.

Stephanie A. Capps [photo credit: Ballot Pedia]

Emergency nurse educator leads two challengers for Altadena’s Trustee Area 3 seat in semifinal, unofficial returns

Altadena voters in the Altadena Library District’s Trustee Area 3 gave emergency nurse educator Stephanie A. Capps a 142-vote lead over her nearest challenger in Tuesday’s election, according to semifinal, unofficial results from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk as of 3:11 a.m. Wednesday.

Capps had 608 votes, or 47.87%, in the county’s 3:11 a.m. update. Social work professor Samuel Mistrano had 466 votes, or 36.69%, and Steven M. McCall had 196 votes, or 15.43%. Of the 1,270 votes counted in the contest, Capps led Mistrano by 11.18 percentage points.

Capps’ lead grew from 93 votes to 142 as 291 more votes were counted between an earlier county update and the 3:11 a.m. update. The earlier update showed Capps with 466 votes, or 47.60%, Mistrano with 373, or 38.10%, and McCall with 140, or 14.30%.

The results are not final. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk said election night results “will continue to change as additional eligible ballots are processed and counted” and that it will continue publishing updates throughout the canvass until the election is certified. The office said it would conduct 24-hour, around-the-clock ballot processing through Friday, Nov. 6, with multiple results updates each day.

The contest is the first election for the seat in which only voters living in Trustee Area 3 cast ballots. The seat is now held by appointed Trustee Justin Mahramas under the district’s former at-large system, and its term expires Dec. 4. Mahramas is not on the ballot.

Mahramas was appointed in April of last year after Trustee Jason Capell resigned. When the district advertised that vacancy, it said the seat was at-large but “that in 2026 this seat will only be open to residents in the Altadena Library District Area 3.”

The district said it committed in 2019 to establishing trustee areas rather than at-large seats, in adherence with the California Voting Rights Act. The district redistricted in 2023, establishing five trustee areas, with Areas 1, 2 and 5 up for election in 2024 and Areas 3 and 4 up in 2026, according to district election materials. Under the district’s system, voters may vote only for candidates who live in their own trustee area, and each area elects one trustee.

None of the three candidates is listed by the county as an incumbent.

Capps, 53, said in her official candidate statement that she has worked as a registered nurse for the past 15 years. She wrote that she began her nursing education at L.A. General Medical Center and later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a master’s degree as an acute care nurse practitioner and a post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

“Today, I serve as the Program Coordinator and Lead Educator for the Emergency Nurse Training Program,” Capps wrote.

“My experience caring for marginalized populations has reinforced the essential role public libraries play in strengthening communities. This is especially true as Altadena recovers from the Eaton Fire,” she wrote. “I would be honored to serve as a Trustee for the Altadena Library Board. I am committed to supporting equitable access to library resources and ensuring our libraries continue to meet the evolving needs of our diverse community as we rebuild and move forward together.”

Mistrano is listed by the University of Southern California’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work as an associate teaching professor. His ballot designation is Social Work Professor, and his official candidate statement lists his occupation as “Clinical Assoc. Professor of S.W.” and describes him as an associate professor of social work. His 2021 curriculum vitae lists him as a clinical associate professor. The school states he joined its faculty as an adjunct in 2004 and was elected to full-time associate status in 2010. It also states he was a senior facilities project manager for the Los Angeles Unified School District from 2008 through 2010, creating affordable workforce housing for lower-income teachers and staff on district-owned land.

In his official candidate statement, Mistrano, 58, wrote that he raised his daughter in Altadena for 19 years and that they live within walking distance of the Main Library.

“Our main library is, unfortunately, closed for needed renovations. These will improve the branch, but the process needs strong oversight,” Mistrano wrote. “I am a former senior project manager for LAUSD’s facilities division, and my experience is another reason I can be a helpful Trustee.”

McCall listed no ballot designation, and his official candidate statement does not give his age or occupation. He wrote that he has lived in Altadena for 39 years and that, since retiring 10 years ago, he has served on several nonprofit boards, including the Los Angeles Conservancy, Las Angelitas del Pueblo and the Altadena Historical Society.

“I’m seeking a position on the Altadena Library District Board of Trustees because I am an ardent advocate of the importance of libraries to democratic societies and a believer in libraries’ ability to provide access to information and ongoing learning freely to all who visit,” McCall wrote. “As Altadena rebuilds and reimagines its future, I am eager to support the Library Board, in an official capacity, as that work progresses.”

After the Eaton Fire on Jan. 7 of last year, the Main Library reopened March 4 of that year following post-fire cleaning, according to Pasadena Now. The winner will join the five-member board while the Main Library at 600 E. Mariposa St. is closed for renovation. The district said the building closed for renovation Feb. 1 and that the project should take about 18 months. The Bob Lucas Memorial Library at 2659 Lincoln Ave. and the Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park at 3330 N. Lincoln Ave. remain open during the closure. The Bob Lucas Memorial Library reopened in August of last year after a renovation.

Democrat Xavier Becerra made history Tuesday evening, becoming California’s first Latino elected governor after defeating Republican Steve Hilton in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you have now entered the Becerra era,” the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary told his supporters at a victory party in Sacramento after early returns showed him jumping to a lead projected to be insurmountable for Hilton.

“… I didn’t run to make history,” he said. “I ran to make a difference fro anyone and everyone who calls California home, whether you voted for me or not. For the next construction worker and clerical worker who want to buy their own home. For the first-generation college student who is studying to … become a doctor. For the go-getter with a big idea but little capital to start up the business. For the family with a medical emergency and a rent payment facing the prospect of homelessness.”

Becerra, 68, will succeed Newsom, who will step down due to term limits.

Initial results showed Becerra with 63.7% of the vote, compared to 36.3% for Hilton.

“What a great night to be a Californian,” Becerra said in his remarks at his election night party. “What a great night to be an American, to be the son of immigrants from a union household, to be standing in victory with all of you.”

“Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. These past two years have been tough. Higher prices, more wars, corruption, and lawlessness,” Becerra added. “We fought and we won. Thank you for making tonight’s victory possible. Thank you for making history in this election for governor.”

Becerra is expected to be sworn in to lead the state in early January.

Earlier in the day Tuesday, Hilton said he was incredibly proud of the campaign he ran with his team.

“Our campaign was outspent 20 to one by the corrupt machine backing Xavier Becerra,” Hilton said.

“We always knew that this was an uphill battle. I said that right at the beginning. I said it to every single one of our supporters, right from the start, that this is going to be very difficult to win, but it’s not impossible,” Hilton said.

“…This is not the best year to be running to be as a Republican anywhere,” Hilton added. “But I’m very proud that we’ve put forward a positive, practical alternative to 16 years of one-party rule.”

Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, sought to be California’s first Republican elected governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger won reelection in 2006.

Both candidates proposed plans to build more housing, but differed in their approaches.

Hilton had made a commitment to cap government fees to build a house at $50,000. He argued against building apartment complexes in areas designated as single-family zoning, with the aim of reducing “battles between NIMBY and YIMBYs,” or opponents and supporters of developing in areas designated as single-family zones.

Hilton proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 Californians earn. He previously said he would pay for the proposal by cutting funding for high-speed rail and homelessness nonprofits and reducing state government departments’ budgets by 5%.

The Republican candidate also proposed building 10 new cities.

Becerra, also a former congressman and state attorney general, said he would work to double the rate of home building. He emphasized that it will also take enforcement of state laws to ensure everyday Californians can purchase homes, rather than allowing corporate and Wall Street investors to buy up all the housing stock.

Becerra proposed providing up to two hours of free electricity to low- income households using excess solar power. He has also said he would declare a state of emergency to freeze utility and insurance rates.

Hilton previously criticized Becerra for being part of the Democratic establishment that has led to the state’s high cost of living. Becerra attacked Hilton for supporting President Donald Trump’s views on immigration, data centers and other issues.

Becerra called for stricter regulations on data centers, while Hilton said he would let tech companies lead the way on regulations.

On immigration, Hilton criticized Democrats for failing to enforce federal immigration law in the state. Becerra previously said Hilton would welcome and support federal immigration enforcement operations.

The two candidates diverged in their opinions regarding climate change, with Hilton advocating for more drilling for oil in California, better forest management, and implementing practical and sensible goals.

Becerra had spoken about protecting California by advocating for green energy such as solar power, wind and electricity. Hilton previously criticized Becerra for supporting a proposed tax on mileage as a means to fund the maintenance of roads and highways.

Hilton attacked Becerra and the Democratic establishment for the homelessness crisis and for failing to make significant reductions in homelessness. Becerra blamed the Trump administration for attempting to deny California millions of dollars in federal funding to address homelessness.

Pasadena Now will report up-to-the-minute election results and updates after the polls close at 8 p.m. on trustee races for seats on the Pasadena Unified School District and the Pasadena City College Board, as well as results on Measures PFD and UP.

Stay tuned to Pasadena Now tonight for updates and results.

[Altadena Town Council]

Resident and business survey seeks priorities for recovery, public safety, infrastructure and community well-being

Altadena Town Council representatives for Census Tract 4610 are seeking community input as they explore creating a Lincoln Corridor advisory group focused on the recovery of Lincoln Avenue businesses and surrounding neighborhoods.

Councilmember Isis Moulden announced the effort in a Nov. 2 community newsletter, saying feedback from residents, business owners, workers and neighbors will help identify priorities for the corridor.

The survey also opens discussion of what Moulden described as a proposed “Lincoln Corridor Municipal Advisory group.” The newsletter identifies business recovery, public safety, infrastructure and community well-being as possible areas of focus.

The Lincoln Avenue corridor includes businesses and residential neighborhoods in western Altadena, an area continuing to work through the broader community recovery following the Eaton Fire.

For the current effort, organizers are asking participants to identify what they believe would help Lincoln Avenue’s small businesses and surrounding neighborhoods “recover and thrive.”

Residents, business owners, workers and neighbors may participate through the online Lincoln Corridor recovery survey at https://forms.gle/ZP7e49FmmM9rKrCZ9.

It is not known whether the concept has been submitted to Los Angeles County for formal consideration yet or what relationship, if any, the group would have with existing county agencies or the full Altadena Town Council.

That distinction is significant because Altadena is an unincorporated community governed by Los Angeles County rather than a municipality with its own city council. The Altadena Town Council serves in an advisory and community-representation role, while county agencies retain governmental authority.

Local voters will join others across the state in deciding 14 statewide propositions Tuesday, including measures requiring government-issued identification at the polls and imposing a one-time wealth tax on billionaires.

Proposition 39 would require identification when voting in person and the last four digits of a selected government-issued identification number on mail-ballot envelopes. Election officials would check that number against the voter’s registration record before counting the ballot.

California generally does not require voters to present identification at the polls. Officials verify mail ballots by comparing signatures with those in voter records. U.S. citizenship is already required to register to vote in state and federal elections.

The measure also would require state and county election officials to use government data to make their best efforts to verify registered voters’ citizenship. The state would provide free voter identification cards upon request, and the State Auditor would review compliance every two years.

Additional legislation would be needed to implement the measure, including determining which forms of identification would qualify.

Reform California, which supports the proposition, says the requirements would preserve mail voting while reducing problems caused by mismatched signatures.

“The California Voter ID Initiative is a common-sense and bipartisan way to restore the trust and confidence all voters should have in our election system,” Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, said in a statement posted on Reform California’s website. DeMaio chairs the organization and helped write the measure.

Opponents say eligible voters could lose access to the ballot because they lack identification, have outdated records or make an error when entering an identification number. They also warn that requiring personal information on ballot envelopes could increase identity-theft risks.

“Prop 39 will make voting harder, riskier, and more expensive for Californians because that’s what it was designed to do,” Jenny Farrell, executive director of the League of Women Voters of California, said in a campaign announcement published at lwvc.org.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the requirements would cost state and local governments tens of millions to low hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on how they are implemented.

As for Proposition 40, it would impose a one-time wealth tax on billionaires who were California residents as of Jan. 1, 2026. The tax would be due in 2027, with an option to spread payments over five years at an additional cost. Real estate and some pension and retirement assets would be excluded.

The measure would reserve 90% of the revenue for health care, with the remainder supporting education, food assistance and administration. The revenue would be exempt from existing constitutional spending limits and school- funding requirements.

The Yes on 40 campaign, sponsored by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, estimates about 200 billionaires would pay the tax and projects roughly $100 billion in revenue. Supporters say the money would help offset federal funding cuts and preserve insurance coverage and services at hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms.

“When federal leaders choose tax breaks for billionaires over keeping our hospitals and ERs open, working families pay the price,” Andres Gonzalez, a health care worker from Maywood, said in a statement posted at yeson40.com.

Opponents warn that the tax could drive wealthy residents and investment out of California, reducing revenue available for schools, health care and other public services. They also question how the proceeds would be allocated.

“California’s children deserve a stable, sustainable health care system. The one-time tax proposed by Prop 40 doesn’t provide that stability,” Ann-Louise Kuhns, president and CEO of the California Children’s Hospital Association, said in a statement posted at votenoon40.org.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office projects temporary revenue totaling tens of billions of dollars over several years.

Props. 41 and 42 are also tied to Prop. 40.

Prop. 41 would require audits of programs supported by proposed special-tax initiatives before they reach the ballot, followed by audits every four years for programs receiving revenue from newly approved or increased special taxes. It also would bar new state taxes that are exempt from the state’s spending limit. Prop. 40 would exempt its revenue from that limit.

The campaign at yesonprop41.org says independent reviews would identify waste and improve accountability. The League of Women Voters says the restrictions could prevent revenue approved by voters from being spent on its intended public services.

Prop. 42 would prohibit new state taxes on retirement holdings, individually owned financial assets and other personal savings, while restricting certain retroactive taxes. The campaign at yesonprop42.org says it would protect savings from additional taxation. The League of Women Voters says the constitutional restrictions would limit future voters’ and lawmakers’ ability to respond to changing public needs.

Both Props. 41 and 42 include provisions that would nullify Prop. 40’s one-time tax on billionaires if Prop. 40 and either of the other measures pass, and Prop. 41 or Prop. 42 receives more yes votes than Prop. 40. As a result, Prop. 40 could receive majority support but still not take effect if either competing proposition also passes with a larger number of affirmative votes.

The remaining 10 propositions address housing, state finances, campaign financing, recalls, medical research, local taxes, health care and environmental review:

•  Prop. 1 would authorize $11.25 billion in bonds for affordable housing and veterans’ home loans. Programs would support rental housing, homebuyer assistance, farmworker housing and other housing needs. The Yes on Prop. 1 campaign, at yesonprop1ca.com, says the funding would build and preserve homes for vulnerable residents. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposes the borrowing and its interest costs.
•  Prop. 2 would double the state’s rainy-day fund cap from 10% to 20% of General Fund tax revenue and require larger deposits when capital-gains revenues surge. It also would change how reserve deposits count toward the state’s spending limit. The League of Women Voters says larger reserves would help protect public services during downturns. Reform California’s opposition page says the changes would weaken spending restrictions and reduce potential taxpayer rebates.
•  Prop. 3 would make permanent the higher income-tax rates paid by approximately the wealthiest 2% of taxpayers, which otherwise would expire in 2031. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the measure would preserve $5 billion to $15 billion in annual revenue. The campaign at yesprop3ca.com says retaining current rates would protect schools and health care. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposes converting a temporary tax increase into a permanent one.
•  Prop. 4 would lift the prohibition on public campaign financing for the state and most local governments, allowing them to establish voluntary programs with candidate eligibility requirements and spending limits. Californians for Fair Elections, at cafairelections.org, says the measure would help candidates compete without relying on wealthy donors. The California Taxpayers Association, at caltax.org/prop4, says taxpayers should not finance political campaigns and warns of potentially significant costs.
•  Prop. 5 would remove the replacement-candidate question from recall ballots for governors, state legislators and other elected state officers. Vacancies would be filled through succession, appointment or a later election, depending on the office and timing. The campaign at fixtherecall.com says the change would prevent candidates from taking office with only a small share of the vote. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association says it would deny voters an immediate choice of successor and allow recalled officials to run in subsequent replacement elections.
•  Prop. 37 would authorize up to $25 billion in revenue bonds for second mortgages covering as much as 17% of a qualifying home’s purchase price. Buyers would contribute at least 3%, and their loan payments would repay the bonds. Eligible properties would include newly built homes and newly converted residential units. The campaign at voteyeson37.com says the program would expand homeownership and stimulate construction without direct taxpayer costs. The League of Women Voters opposes the measure, warning that additional monthly loan payments could leave buyers struggling to keep their homes.
•  Prop. 38 would authorize $8.4 billion in bonds for immunology and immunotherapy research, with about half going to a qualifying University of California-affiliated institute and half distributed through research grants. The campaign at yeson38.com says the investment could accelerate treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and other illnesses. The opposition campaign at votenoonprop38.org criticizes the concentration of funding at one institute and the long-term debt. State repayment costs are estimated at $500 million to $600 million annually for about 20 years, potentially offset by revenue from research discoveries.
•  Prop. 43 would require two-thirds approval for new, increased or extended local special taxes proposed by citizen initiative beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Such measures currently can pass with a simple majority. Supporters at yesonprop43.com say it would restore taxpayer protections and require broader agreement before taxes rise. Opponents at noprop43ca.com say it would allow a minority of voters to block funding for emergency response, roads, schools, hospitals and other local services.
•  Prop. 44 would require affected private nonprofit community health clinics to spend at least 90% of annual revenue on health care and qualifying program services. Clinics falling short would face penalties, recoverable if they comply within five years. Supporters at yesonprop44.com say the measure would curb excessive executive pay and direct more money toward patients. Opponents at noprop44.com estimate first-year financial losses of $1.7 billion and warn that penalties could force clinics to reduce services or close.
•  Prop. 45 would speed up environmental reviews for housing and infrastructure projects by limiting procedures under the California Environmental Quality Act. Placed on the ballot by the California Chamber of Commerce, the measure would allow developers to designate qualifying projects as “essential,” including housing, roads, bridges, schools, broadband infrastructure and wildfire mitigation projects. Environmental reviews for those projects would be limited to 365 days, and courts would be required to rule within 270 days on related lawsuits. The campaign at yesonprop45.com says the deadlines would lower construction costs while preserving environmental and worker protections. Opponents at noprop45ca.com say the changes would weaken environmental safeguards and restrict communities’ ability to challenge projects that threaten public health and the environment.

California voters are poised to cast ballots Tuesday and choose between gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

If elected, Democratic candidate Becerra would become California’s first Latino elected governor. Hilton would be the first Republican elected governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger won reelection in 2006.

A poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co- sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, found 61% of likely voters supported Becerra compared to 34% of likely voters backing Hilton, a former Fox News commentator.

The polling figures represent an increase for Becerra, a former U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, congressman and state attorney general, who held a 25-percentage-point lead in a September poll conducted by the institute.

According to the institute’s latest poll, about 40% of likely voters named challenging the Trump administration as their primary concern, while 34% cited reducing the cost of living as their second highest priority.

The Times reported that the top two issues had switched places from the mid-September survey, which found that 44% of likely voters were concerned about the cost of living, compared to 37% who said a top priority was pushing back against Trump.

Other issues that likely voters said were priorities included public safety, creating jobs, improving public education and health care.

The latest poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 19 through Sunday. The Times noted responses came from a weighted sample of 1,477 state residents who already voted or were considered likely to vote Nov. 3, from a larger group of 2,787 registered voters. The poll has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Both candidates have proposed plans to build more housing, but differ in their approaches.

Hilton has made a commitment to cap government fees to build a house at $50,000. He argued against building apartment complexes in areas designated as single-family zoning, with the aim of reducing “battles between NIMBY and YIMBYs,” or opponents and supporters of developing in areas designated as single-family zones.

Hilton has proposed eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 Californians earn. He has said he would pay for the proposal by cutting funding for high-speed rail and homelessness nonprofits and reducing state government departments’ budgets by 5%.

The Republican candidate has also proposed building 10 new cities.

Becerra said he would work to double the rate of home building. He emphasized that it will also take enforcement of state laws to ensure everyday Californians can purchase homes, rather than allowing corporate and Wall Street investors to buy up all the housing stock.

Becerra has proposed providing up to two hours of free electricity to low-income households using excess solar power. He has also said he would declare a state of emergency to freeze utility and insurance rates.

Hilton has previously criticized Becerra for being part of the Democratic establishment that has led to the state’s high cost of living. Becerra has attacked Hilton for supporting President Donald Trump’s views on immigration, data centers and other issues.

Becerra has called for stricter regulations on data centers, while Hilton has said he would let tech companies lead the way on regulations.

On immigration, Hilton criticized Democrats for failing to enforce federal immigration law in the state. Becerra has said Hilton would welcome and support federal immigration enforcement operations.

The two candidates diverged in their opinions regarding climate change, with Hilton advocating for more drilling for oil in California, better forest management, and implementing practical and sensible goals.

Becerra has spoken about protecting California by advocating for green energy such as solar power, wind and electricity. Hilton has criticized Becerra for supporting a proposed tax on mileage as a means to fund the maintenance of roads and highways.

Hilton attacked Becerra and the Democratic establishment for the homelessness crisis and for failing to make significant reductions in homelessness. Becerra has blamed the Trump administration for attempting to deny California millions of dollars in federal funding to address homelessness.

Regional decision sets up transfer of federal funding coordination, housing referrals, data management and homeless count duties from LAHSA

Los Angeles County’s Department of Homeless Services and Housing has been selected to assume four major administrative responsibilities for the region’s homelessness response, a change affecting the system serving Altadena and other unincorporated communities.

The Los Angeles Continuum of Care announced the selection Thursday, Oct. 29, following membership votes that designated the county to take over responsibilities currently held by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, known as LAHSA.

The decision places the county in line to oversee federal homelessness funding applications, the regional database tracking housing and services, the system matching people experiencing homelessness with available assistance, and the annual Point-in-Time homeless count.

For Altadena, the change involves the regional administrative structure supporting homelessness programs. The community falls within the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, which encompasses most of Los Angeles County. Pasadena, Glendale and Long Beach operate separate Continuums of Care.

The selection process concluded Monday, Oct. 26, when members voted 253-43 to designate the county as administrator of the Homeless Management Information System and 219-38 to oversee the Coordinated Entry System, according to LAist. Earlier votes had assigned the county responsibility for coordinating federal grant applications and administering the annual homeless count.

The restructuring follows a federal dispute over LAHSA’s management of homelessness programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended LAHSA from its federal administrative responsibilities in June, citing alleged financial mismanagement. LAHSA challenged the suspension in court.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter subsequently blocked the suspension and directed the Continuum of Care to evaluate replacement agencies. A subsequent court order allows LAHSA to continue operating essential systems while the transition proceeds.

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes Altadena, supported the selection.

“This is a major opportunity to maximize federal funding and strengthen regional accountability,” Barger said in the county’s announcement.

The county department, which began operations Jan. 1, said it intends to maintain uninterrupted services, preserve institutional knowledge and minimize workforce disruptions as responsibilities move from LAHSA.

The four functions include administering federal grant applications, protecting the quality and security of homelessness data, coordinating assessments and housing referrals, and managing the annual enumeration of people experiencing homelessness.

The transfer remains subject to court-related transition arrangements and applicable federal requirements. According to LAist, federal attorneys told the court that the remaining responsibilities would move to the county no later than the end of 2027.

The county has not announced a detailed implementation schedule or identified changes to homelessness services specifically in Altadena. Until the transfer is completed, LAHSA will continue performing responsibilities covered by the court’s order.

Four census tracts have contested races; the other four each list one candidate

Voting for eight seats on the Altadena Town Council takes place Tuesday and Saturday, with 13 candidates running in an election overseen by the council’s Election Committee.

The council is a volunteer, nonpartisan advisory body. Its bylaws record that it exists to convey residents’ needs and wishes to county, state and federal agencies and to provide a forum for a town meeting on community concerns.

Under the bylaws, two representatives serve each of Altadena’s eight census tracts, in two-year terms staggered so one seat per tract opens each year. Each voter casts one vote for one candidate in the voter’s own tract. A winner must receive at least 10 votes, the bylaws say, a threshold that also applies to a candidate running alone.

According to the council’s election page, tracts 4601, 4602, 4610 and 4612 have more than one candidate, while tracts 4603.01, 4603.02, 4611 and 4613 each list one.

Under the 2026 rules, candidates must have lived in Altadena for at least two years before taking office or two years before the Eaton Fire, and those displaced by the fire may list a pre-fire Altadena address.

The descriptions below come from candidates’ written statements to the council, posted on its website.

Tract 4601

Theresa Fuentes says she spent 30 years as a lawyer for public agencies, retiring from the Pasadena City Attorney’s Office in 2024, and cites land use planning as her strength as the County updates the Altadena Community Standards District.

Martha House says she has worked more than 20 years as a community college educator and administrator while living in Altadena. Her listed goals are community advocacy, safe development, and community safety and preparedness.

Arezoo Khodayari, who describes herself as an environmental engineer and Cal State LA professor of more than a decade, says her family was displaced about nine months after the Eaton Fire. She lists safe rebuilding and environmental health among her priorities.

Tract 4602

Nic Arnzen says he has served three terms and was chair this past year. He is seeking another two-year term and says he hopes to continue as chair.

Angelika Erhard says she is a trained electrical engineer with 10 years of experience and a longtime volunteer, including picking up trash and recycling on Altadena streets. She proposes bringing millet, an ancient grain, to the community.

Tract 4603.01

Milissa Marona says she is the council’s vice chair and chairs its Land Use Committee, and she cites her work as co-chair of the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund. If elected, she says, she would focus on open communication, transparency and follow-through.

Tract 4603.02

Darlene Greene, who describes herself as an Eaton Fire survivor, is seeking reelection. She says she chairs the council’s committees on renter protections and on legislative affairs and has served as its treasurer.

Tract 4610

Anthony (Antonio) Becerra says he served on the council for the tract from 2018 to 2020 and has lived in Altadena more than 15 years. He says those who live, work and raise families in Altadena should have the loudest voice in deciding its future identity.

Justin Graham says he bought a home in Altadena in November 2015 and has worked 20 years as a guidance counselor and high school college counselor. He says he wants to preserve the community’s character while advocating for equitable representation.

Tract 4611

Vi-Eyvette Stewart-Gordon says she is a registered nurse with more than two decades of experience, was elected to the council in 2024 and is running again. She lists healthcare, disaster preparedness and resident safety among her priorities.

Tract 4612

Kathleen J. Becket says her law practice is devoted to representing indigent litigants in civil rights and appellate criminal defense. She says she is running to hold higher-level representatives accountable, beginning with the Board of Supervisors.

Justin Mahramas, a land use attorney, says he has served on the council since July. He lists the future of the Eliot Arts Tower and campus, rebuilding Altadena Golf Course facilities and Southern California Edison undergrounding as tract issues.

Tract 4613

Alexandra Kershner says she works on Eaton Fire recovery wellness resources and has served as coordinator of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. She says she would push for transparency and community input on surveillance technology.

Under the rules, a designated deputy takes the ballot boxes to the Altadena Sheriff’s Station at the close of each voting day. The Election Committee counts them, with each box counted twice by different people. Newly elected representatives are sworn in at the December council meeting under the bylaws, and the council is scheduled to consider certification at its regular meeting Dec. 15. Written challenges are due before the Dec. 1 Executive Committee meeting.

How to vote

When: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The same three sites are open both days: Bob Lucas Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave.; Loma Alta Park Library, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave. (the council’s election page calls this site the Loma Alta gym entrance); and Prime Pizza, 1900 Allen Ave.

Who can vote: Altadena residents who are at least 18 and permanent residents of Altadena, casting one vote for one candidate in their own census tract.

What to bring: Proof of name and Altadena residency within the tract, such as a California driver’s license or ID card, checking account documentation or a utility bill.

Not accepted: Absentee and write-in ballots. Voting is in person only.

More information: Candidate statements, the election rules and a link to the Oct. 29 candidate forum are at altadenatowncouncil.org. Questions: info@altadenatowncouncil.org.

Bob Lucas Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave., Altadena; Loma Alta Park Library, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena; Prime Pizza, 1900 Allen Ave., Altadena.