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,”

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

State Farm Approved for Unprecedented Rate Hike

By Lynn La, CALMATTERS

Three months after first making the request, California’s largest insurer received approval Tuesday to temporarily raise its rates following the deadly Los Angeles County wildfires in January, writes CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay.

Starting June 1, State Farm can hike up its rates by an average of 17% for homeowners, 15% for renters and condos and 38% for rental dwellings. The insurer said it needed emergency interim rate increases “to help avert a dire situation” for its customers and for California’s strained insurance market.

Besides getting the final sign-off from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, State Farm also had to get approval from an administrative law judge, Karl-Fredric Seligman.

• Seligman, in his decision: “Taken as a whole, it represents a fundamentally fair, adequate, and necessary measure — effectively functioning as a rescue mission to stabilize State Farm’s financial condition while safeguarding policyholders.”

Seligman’s decision also addressed the possibility that this approval could lay the groundwork for other insurers to request emergency interim rate increases following major wildfires.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

New AI Tool Will Fast-Track Rebuilding For Eaton Fire Victims

County launches free software to streamline permit process and reduce delays for fire-affected homeowners

Los Angeles County has launched an innovative AI-powered tool to help victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires navigate the complex rebuilding process. The software, called AAR, allows residents to upload building plans and receive instant feedback on code compliance before they finalize their official submission of plans, potentially reducing review times from weeks to days or even hours.

“AAR is a software tool that allows residents to upload copies of their proposed site and building plans using AI,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger during Monday’s  Altadena Community Meeting. “The software checks whether the plans meet code and tells the user if changes are needed to come into code compliance.”

The tool was developed through a collaboration between the state of California, philanthropic organizations, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles. It represents part of a broader effort to streamline rebuilding after the devastating fires that destroyed thousands of homes in the region.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

L.A. County Supervisors Back State Bill To Combat Rampant Copper Theft

Motion supports stricter regulations on metal recyclers as county faces increasing infrastructure damage and public safety risks

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion supporting Assembly Bill 476, legislation aimed at curbing the rising threat of copper and nonferrous metal theft across California. The motion, introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, seeks to close loopholes enabling the resale of stolen metals and establish clearer pathways for prosecution to address a problem that has caused millions in damages.

“Copper theft is far from a petty crime, it’s a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Supervisor Barger.

“Supporting this bill reflects our shared commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and supporting stronger enforcement tools that will deter this type of theft. We need clear recordkeeping, tighter restrictions, and better coordination with law enforcement to stop these dangerous crimes.”

The approved motion directs the County’s Legislative Affairs branch to support AB 476,

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Sheriff’s Altadena Station Launches Email Tip Line for Altadena Residents

New digital tool aims to strengthen community policing efforts

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station has established a new dedicated email address where Altadena residents can report suspicious activity and share digital evidence to aid investigators.

The new initiative, AltadenaTips@lasd.org, allows community members to submit photos or videos that might assist in solving crimes or identifying public safety concerns.

“Our goal is to empower the community to be proactive in public safety,” said the Altadena Station Captain. “We view our residents as partners — extra eyes and ears who can help us act quickly and effectively to keep Altadena safe.”

The sheriff’s department encourages residents to send photos or videos capturing suspicious or criminal activity, include specific location information such as street addresses or cross streets.

When submitting tips, it’s preferred if contributors provide their names and contact information, but they may remain anonymous if preferred.

Officials described the email system as part of the department’s ongoing commitment to community-based policing and increasing transparency and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.