Friday, May 16, 2025

Newsom Moves to Close Another State Prison. That Makes 5 Since He Took Office

By Nigel Duara, CALMATTERS

Gov. Gavin Newsom today called for the closure of another prison in his new budget proposal, which would be the fifth facility closed under his watch, though he didn’t specify which institution now has a target on its back.

The closure, which Newsom proposed take place by October 2026, would happen despite the implementation of Proposition 36, a new California law that is predicted to briefly increase the number of people in the prison system.

“While Proposition 36 is expected to increase (the prison) population, the population should continue its downward trend over the long-term,” Newsom said in the proposal.

Newsom’s proposed budget pledges that a  prison closure would save about $150 million annually. He called for the shutdown as part of his plan to close a $12 billion deficit.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office has calculated that California’s prison population — which, despite Prop 36’s additional inmates,

Friday, May 16, 2025

Report: Altadena Leaders Request $200 Million State Funding to Counter Post-Fire Real Estate Speculation

Community coalition says investment crucial to prevent displacement after devastating Eaton Fire

More than 500 Altadena residents and community leaders — together with allies from across the region — sent a letter to state officials calling for $200 million to combat real estate speculation and preserve community control of land following the devastating Eaton Fire, according to a statement issued Thursday afternoon by representatives of State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Inclusive Action for the City, and the California Community Land Trust Network.

The funding, championed by Senator Pérez, would support mission-driven nonprofits committed to preserving the economic and racial diversity of Altadena to acquire fire-damaged properties for redevelopment as affordable housing or community ownership models, the statement said.

“The people of Altadena suffered the worst of the Eaton Fire’s devastation. Now, they are being victimized a second time by outside real estate speculators who see a path to get rich on others’ pain,” Senator Pérez said in the statement.

“We must protect Altadena fire victims from harassing and predatory corporate buyers making low cash,

Friday, May 16, 2025

Pasadena Church to Host Day of Restoration for All Youth Impacted by Eaton Fire

All Saints Church Pasadena’s Children, Youth, and Families Ministry will offer a free day of self-care to all youth in 5th-12th grades who were impacted in any way by the Eaton fire. On Sunday, May 25, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the church, youth from the Altadena/Pasadena community are invited to have hair styling/haircuts and make-up sessions offered by Paul Mitchell School, to participate in creative activities and art therapy, and to just relax with therapy dogs.

“We all know today’s kids are carrying a lot—and for youth impacted by the fires, that weight can feel even heavier,” said Amanda Baughman, All Saints’ Director of Children, Youth and Families Ministry. “That’s why we wanted to create a space where they can take a breath, reset, and enjoy some much-needed fun. I hope youth from all over Altadena and Pasadena come through for a fresh cut, a brand-new book, or to hang out with friends in our art studio space.”

Parents are welcome to stay and spa water and light refreshments will be offered.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Numerous Kaiser Permanente Southern California Hospitals Earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

STAFF REPORT

New Grade for Spring 2025 is a National Recognition of Kaiser Permanente’s Commitment to Patient Safety

Eleven Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals earned an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog. Kaiser Permanente Southern California is based in Pasadena.

Leapfrog assigns an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals receiving an ‘A’ grade included Anaheim, Baldwin Park, Downey, Fontana, Irvine, Los Angeles, Ontario, Panorama City, Riverside, San Diego and Zion medical centers.

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Kaiser Permanente Southern California, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors,

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Health Care, Prisons and More Cut in Newsom’s New Budget Plan

By Lynn La, CALMATTERS

When Gov. Gavin Newsom released his preliminary $322 billion state budget plan in January, he projected a “modest surplus.” But many things have changed since then: A general economic slowdown in the U.S. economy; an estimated decline in income tax revenue due to the stock market fallout from President Donald Trump’s tariffs; and an unprecedented Medi-Cal budget shortfall to name a few.

Now — as Newsom on Wednesday unveiled his updated budget plan — California is facing a $12 billion budget deficit, writes CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff.

Newsom’s budget proposal paints an economic outlook that, at best, is unclear, and at worst, is grim. For instance, Trump’s ongoing tariff policies (which Newsom described in the plan as “remarkably inconsistent”) could have “broad-reaching impacts” on nearly all of the state’s imports and could worsen inflation in California. The state’s job growth is also expected to slow through 2026.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Some Pasadena Schools Reopen Outdoor Areas Following Fire-Related Soil Testing

Other campuses show elevated substance levels, will undergo remediation

The Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday that several schools have been cleared to fully reopen outdoor areas following soil testing conducted after the recent Eaton Fire.

Soil samples from the cleared schools showed no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances, allowing students to immediately resume normal outdoor activities including recess, physical education classes and team sports, according to a letter from Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco.

“I am pleased to share that many of our schools have been fully cleared, with soil samples showing no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances. These campuses have been deemed safe, and effective immediately, all outdoor areas, including bare soil spaces, playfields, and athletic facilities at these schools will fully reopen,” Blanco wrote.

However, testing revealed elevated levels of certain substances in specific outdoor areas at other schools. Those areas will remain closed until further testing and remediation are completed.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

County Closes Lincoln Ave Bridge to Repair Fire Damage

Altadena route shutdown affects disaster corridor with no reopening date set

Los Angeles County Public Works has temporarily closed the Lincoln Avenue bridge in Altadena due to fire damage requiring repairs. The closure, which began on May 13 at 6:30 a.m., affects a key segment between West Altadena Drive and West Palm Street in the unincorporated region of Los Angeles County. County officials have yet to determine when the bridge will reopen.

The emergency closure impacts a designated disaster route in Supervisorial District 5, potentially affecting emergency response capabilities in the area.

The damaged bridge is one of six current closures affecting disaster routes throughout Los Angeles County’s unincorporated areas.

County officials have not provided an estimated reopening date, listing the timeline as “to be determined” on the official closure documentation. The shutdown was not planned but implemented as an emergency response to the fire damage, officially designated as “fire damage to bridge” in Los Angeles County Public Works documentation.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Khanh Russo Named New President & CEO of Pasadena Community Foundation

STAFF REPORT

The Board of Directors at the Pasadena Community Foundation announced Wednesday that following a nationwide search, Khanh Russo has been selected to serve as PCF’s  next President and CEO following the retirement of Jennifer DeVoll. Khanh currently serves as Vice  President of Policy and Innovation at the San Francisco Foundation (SFF), where he has led regional and  statewide initiatives that advanced racial equity and economic inclusion, among many other  accomplishments. Khanh will assume his new role at PCF on June 9, 2025. 

The PCF Board’s Executive Search Committee, with support from Blair Search Partners, conducted a  comprehensive search over the course of several months. The Committee selected Khanh because of his  extensive leadership in philanthropy, public policy, and community engagement, as well as his deep  commitment to building resilient, thriving communities through strategic grantmaking, collaborative  partnerships, and systems change. 

Moreover, with nationwide challenges like affordable housing, health  equity, and workforce opportunity also impacting the Greater Pasadena area, the Committee recognized  Khanh’s compelling track record of addressing those issues and many more by strategically aligning policy, 

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

LA County Declares May 2025 Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Supervisors unanimously approve motion to honor patients and recognize healthcare professionals fighting brain cancer

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors yesterday unanimously approved a motion to proclaim May 2025 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, the declaration aims to raise awareness, honor the resilience of individuals living with brain tumors, and recognize the vital work of healthcare professionals and researchers in the fight against brain cancer.

“Brain tumors affect thousands of lives across our County and beyond, often with devastating physical and emotional impacts,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “By declaring May as Brain Tumor Awareness Month, we’re standing in solidarity with patients, survivors, families, and medical professionals who courageously confront this disease every day. I’m proud to recognize the USC Brain Tumor Center for its groundbreaking work and commitment to care.”

The proclamation aligns with a national movement recognizing May as Brain Tumor Awareness Month, also known as #GrayMay.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

LA County Supervisors Call for Assessment of In-Custody Deaths

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday ordered a comprehensive assessment of in-custody deaths and efforts to reduce fatalities in county jails, following what officials described as a troubling rise in deaths.

“Almost a week ago, another person died in our jails — marking the 20th in-custody jail death this year,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said. “To put that into perspective — in 2024, there were 32 deaths for the entire year.”

Hahn noted that many incarcerated individuals suffer from untreated mental health conditions, are noncompliant with prescribed medications, or arrive with undiagnosed health issues due to lack of consistent access to primary care.

She also cited the continued presence of illegal substances in jails, contributing to a rise in substance-related deaths.

According to the motion, 63% of people serving sentences in L.A. County jails meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.

“This year is becoming one of the deadliest years for people incarcerated in the Los Angeles County jails,”