Thursday, June 12, 2025

Pasadena Urges Calm Amid Regional ICE Raids and Unrest; City Reaffirms Commitment to Civil Rights

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

As federal immigration raids and resulting protests roiled Los Angeles, Pasadena officials urged calm on Wednesday following a weekend demonstration at a local hotel.

“We at the City of Pasadena are deeply saddened and concerned by the events that have taken place in the region over the past several days surrounding the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities and the unrest that has taken place in downtown Los Angeles and in other locations.”

The statement comes ahead of planned events in the city. Local leaders are encouraging all events to remain peaceful.

“We are aware of planned gatherings here in Pasadena in the coming days,” the statement said. “We want to assure you that the city respects everyone’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest.?However, anyone taking advantage of these situations to commit crimes in our City will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.?”

The Police Department will be monitoring gatherings to ensure public safety and the protection of property.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

LA County Offers Free Blood Lead Testing For Wildfire Survivors on Friday

STAFF REPORT

Health safety initiative addresses post-fire exposure concerns at Altadena location

Los Angeles County is providing free blood lead testing for wildfire survivors as part of a health safety initiative addressing post-fire exposure concerns.

The testing aims to help residents who may have been affected by the devastating wildfires that struck the region earlier this year.

According to a June 11 report in the Los Angeles Times,

Free blood lead testing will be available for wildfire survivors at the Altadena Community Center, located at 730 East Altadena Drive.

The testing event is scheduled for Friday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This health safety initiative represents part of ongoing efforts to address potential exposure concerns that may have resulted from wildfire-related contamination.

The testing is specifically designed for wildfire survivors who may have concerns about lead exposure following the fires.

The Altadena Community Center location provides a convenient and accessible venue for residents in the affected area to receive this important health screening.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Pasadena School District Faces $110 Million Budget Crisis Over Next Three Years

The Pasadena Unified School District is confronting a severe financial crisis with projected operating deficits totaling more than $110 million over the next three years, threatening the district’s fiscal sustainability and likely triggering a downgrade in its financial status.

“This is a very serious fiscal situation,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco wrote in an email letter sent to the community Tuesday.

“We want to be clear: without significant changes, without additional reductions even larger than those recently implemented, our financial trajectory is unsustainable.”

Dr. Blanco said District projections show operating deficits of $37.9 million in 2025-26, $36.7 million in 2026-27, and $36.1 million in 2027-28, with a projected negative ending balance of $78 million by the 2027-28 fiscal year.

The district will present its first budget overview at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, with final budget adoption scheduled for June 26.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education is expected to issue a letter of concern, and while the district “may not be officially assigned a certification at budget adoption,”

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

California Department of Motor Vehicles Launches Online Commercial Driver’s License Renewal Service

California Department of Motor Vehicles Launches Online Commercial Driver’s License Renewal Service

The California Department of Motor Vehicles launched online renewal for commercial driver’s licenses on June 10. The secure, paperless service allows eligible commercial drivers to renew up to 120 days before their license expires without needing to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

“Our commercial drivers keep California’s economy moving,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Director Steve Gordon. “This new online renewal service is another step in making Department of Motor Vehicles services faster, easier and available without a trip to the office.”

The new digital service offers multiple convenience features designed to accommodate busy commercial drivers. Commercial driver’s license holders can complete their transactions on mobile devices, desktop computers, or tablets using various payment methods.

The system allows customers to upload required documents, including Transportation Security Administration clearance and medical exam records, directly through the online platform.

The online renewal option reflects the Department of Motor Vehicles’

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Local Nonprofit Seeks Back-To-School Heroes For Much-Needed Student Backpack Kits

Friends In Deed launches community drive to help local students start the school year on equal footing with classmates

Friends In Deed has issued an appeal for community donations as the Pasadena-based nonprofit prepares for its annual Back-to-School event, seeking to assemble 400 backpack kits for local students.

“Our annual “Back-To-School” event is our most important Food Pantry event of the year,” Executive Director Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater and Food Pantry Director Tim Nistler said in an email. “Making sure that the young students in our community can start the year on an equal footing with their classmates is critical.”

The nonprofit will distribute backpacks and school supplies on two consecutive Saturdays, Aug. 2 and 9, to Friends In Deed families. Donation drop-offs begin Saturday, July 5, at 444 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, on the corner of Washington Blvd. and Los Robles Ave.

Community members can bring donations Thursday afternoons between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays between 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Two Suspects In Eaton Fire Looting Case Set For Court Hearing

Pair accused of burglarizing evacuated Altadena homes during January wildfire

Two suspects charged with looting homes during the devastating Eaton fire are scheduled for a court hearing Wednesday morning in Pasadena Superior Court.

Lucia Jilrara Perez, 36, and Rudy Salazar, 19, will appear at 8:30 a.m. in Department F at the Pasadena Courthouse, 300 E. Walnut St. Both face two counts each of first-degree residential burglary.

The defendants previously pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Jan. 10, 2025.

Prosecutors allege the pair entered two evacuated homes in Altadena on Jan. 8 and stole property during the wildfire while mandatory evacuation orders were in effect at approximately 2:30 p.m. The defendants were apprehended while allegedly attempting to enter a third residence.

If convicted, each faces up to six years in state prison for each burglary count. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.

The charges are part of a broader crackdown on looting during the wildfires.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Waymo Halts Downtown Los Angeles Service After Five Vehicles Destroyed In Immigration Protests

Self-driving car company suspends operations in protest area following weekend violence

Waymo suspended its ride-hailing service in downtown Los Angeles after its vehicles were set on fire during protests against immigration raids in the area. The Alphabet-owned company removed vehicles from downtown Los Angeles with guidance from the Los Angeles Police Department and won’t be serving the area, according to the company.

Waymo doesn’t believe the protests are related to the company specifically, according to the company. At least five Waymo vehicles had been set on fire as of Sunday evening, according to local news station KTLA.

The destruction occurred on Los Angeles Street as protests against federal anti-immigration efforts escalated with the arrival of California’s National Guard near the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 8The self-driving car service is owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc. E-scooters operated by Lime were also set on fire, according to TechCrunch.

Lime responded to the incidents affecting their vehicles with a safety warning.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

LA County Sheriff’s Department Clarifies Immigration Enforcement Role In Pasadena Area

Department says it does not enforce civil immigration laws, and will protect federal agents from violence

The Altadena Sheriff’s station posted a Sheriff’s Department statement on its social media on Monday clarifying its role regarding federal immigration enforcement operations, acknowledging it is aware of the presence and operations of federal law enforcement agencies within County communities.

The Department said it does not enforce civil immigration laws and does not ask about immigration status when responding to service calls.

“Our focus is to maintain peace, uphold public safety, and protect the rights of all residents,” the statement said.

The Sheriff’s Department emphasized it is not involved in federal law enforcement operations. However, officials said they will provide aid to federal authorities who come under attack.

“However, this does not mean that we are assisting with their immigration actions or operations; rather, our objective is to protect them from any violent attacks,” according to the statement.

The Department said it recognizes constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and will work to facilitate safe environments for demonstrations.

Monday, June 9, 2025

Demonstrators Gather as ICE Agents Sighted in Pasadena

By EDDIE RIVERA, ANDRÈ COLEMAN and CITY NEWS SERVICE

Elected officials encouraged peaceful demonstrations on Sunday as local residents protested outside the AC Hotel at Colorado Boulevard and Madison Avenue after sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at multiple Pasadena hotels.

Dozens of people showed up at the hotel after several ICE agents were reportedly booked as guests at the AC Hotel overnight, with some seen leaving the property in the morning.

“We have received and confirmed reports that federal personnel are present in Pasadena. At this time, no enforcement activity has been confirmed,” said Mayor Victor Gordo.

“We understand the anxiety and fear that these reports can create for many in our community.”

Gordo urged the community to remain calm, united, and peaceful, and not be baited or provoked into violence.

“The right to peacefully assemble and express ourselves is a fundamental part of who we are—not just as Pasadenans, but as Americans.

Monday, June 9, 2025

Local Latino Organization Leader Calls for Nonviolent Resistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Pasadena-based group spokesperson urges citizens to protect day laborers amid chaotic Sunday

The leader of a national Latino organization based in Pasadena issued an urgent call to action Sunday during a chaotic Sunday that saw protests across Los Angeles, urging people to protect day laborers from immigration enforcement actions.

Pablo Alvarado, speaking on behalf of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, called for nonviolent resistance as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents targeted workers at locations including Home Depot stores.

“We need you. We need your help. Today. Now,” Alvarado said. “If you are a person of conscience and you care for your community, the most vulnerable, please go to the streets, to Home Depot, outside the courts and to the places of work where our people are, you need to protect day laborers today.”

The National Day Laborer Organizing Network, headquartered on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena, advocates for day laborers, migrants and low-wage workers nationwide. Founded in 2001, the organization has grown from 12 community-based organizations to more than 65 member organizations across the country.