Thursday, May 8, 2025

Sycamores to Break Ground on New Children’s Crisis Programs in Altadena

Project aims to address rising youth mental health needs with expanded crisis services

Health care and social services provider Sycamores announced it will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 16 for new Children’s Crisis Programs at its El Nido campus in Altadena.

The nonprofit’s expansion responds to unprecedented increases in youth depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts by creating dedicated facilities that include crisis beds, a Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and a Children’s Psychiatric Health Facility to strengthen the crisis care system for young people in the Altadena/Pasadena area and across Los Angeles County.

“Too many children and teens in crisis are falling through the cracks of a fragmented mental health system. Sycamores’ new Children’s Crisis Programs will help change that,” Sycamores explained in their announcement of the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony will mark the renovation of existing buildings at the El Nido site to accommodate these essential new services.

Special remarks will be delivered by Assemblymember John Harabedian (41st Assembly District),

Thursday, May 8, 2025

California’s Fourth-Ranked Economy Is Also Tops In Unemployment, Poverty And Deficits

By Dan Walters, CALMATTERS

California’s economic output has surpassed $4 trillion a year and in doing so slipped past Japan to become, were it a nation, the globe’s fourth largest economy, surpassed only by the United States, China and Germany.

The news was an opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom to exercise his penchant for braggadocio.

“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace,” Newsom declared. “Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation.”

It was also an opportunity for Newsom to take another shot at President Donald Trump, saying, “while we celebrate this success, we recognize that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration. California’s economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.”

If California’s economy is booming, as Newsom boasts, one might wonder why the state’s unemployment rate is the third highest in the nation,

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Four Months After Eaton Fire Erupted, LA County Supervisor Reaffirms Support for Wildfire Survivors

Barger highlights rebuilding efforts, mental health resources on anniversay date

Wednesday marked four months since the Eaton Fire erupted and began its massively destructive and deadly rampage through Altadena and surrounding foothill communities. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger marked the occasion by announcing new initiatives to speed up recovery efforts and provide mental health support to survivors.

“Four months later, our residents are still facing tremendous pressure,” said Supervisor Barger. “The financial burdens of rebuilding, combined with the emotional toll of losing homes and memories, have created a stressful and uncertain environment. One of my top priorities is to make sure the County is doing everything possible to lift those burdens and walk alongside my constituents during their recovery.”

Barger recently introduced and passed a motion establishing a Unified Permitting Authority to streamline and centralize all permitting efforts related to fire recovery. The new framework aims to improve coordination, reduce delays and create accountability to one entity for all County Departments involved in the process.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Local Gas Prices Could Exceed $8 By 2026 As Refineries Close, Report Warns

STAFF REPORT

Pasadena residents could soon be paying a lot more at the pump. According to one study, gasoline prices in California could surge past $8 per gallon by the end of 2026 due to upcoming oil refinery closures that could slash the state’s refining capacity by more than 20%.

The analysis by Michael A. Mische, senior lecturer at USC’s Marshall School of Business, warns that the scheduled shutdowns of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero facility in Northern California could leave the state with a significant daily supply deficit.

“The estimated average consumer price of regular gasoline could potentially increase by as much as 75% from the April 23, 2025, price of $4.816 to between $7.35 and $8.43 a gallon by calendar year end 2026,” the report states. Mische also cautioned that prices could be even higher in remote areas.

California currently consumes more than 13.1 million gallons of gasoline each day, but produces just under 24% of its crude oil needs.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Altadena Devastation Spurs L.A. County to Launch Self-Certification Program for Post-Fire Rebuilding

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

In response to the widespread destruction from January’s Eaton Fire, which devastated large swaths of Altadena and surrounding communities, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new pilot program aimed at accelerating residential rebuilding.

The Self-Certification Program, introduced by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, will allow licensed professionals to certify that home construction plans meet County building codes—bypassing the traditionally lengthy plan check process.

The move is intended to fast-track reconstruction in fire-scarred neighborhoods like Altadena, where residents continue to grapple with the loss of homes and community infrastructure.

“Our residents can’t afford to wait months or even years to begin rebuilding their homes,” said Barger in a statement. “This pilot program is about empowering qualified professionals, cutting red tape, and putting families on a faster track to recovery—without compromising safety.”

The Eaton Fire alone left a trail of destruction in Altadena, damaging or destroying more than 9,000 structures.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Nate Holden, Trailblazing L.A. Politician and Crenshaw Rebuilder, Dies

Holden remembered for decades of public service and post-riot leadership

Nate Holden, a longtime Los Angeles political figure who played a central role in rebuilding the Crenshaw area after the 1992 Los Angeles riots and helped shape public policy in California for more than three decades, died Wednesday. He was 95.

Holden is survived by his sons Reginald Holden and Chris Holden, a former Pasadena Mayor, Councilmember and State Assemblymember.

Holden’s public service career spanned more than 30 years, including roles as a California State Senator, Los Angeles City Councilmember, and assistant chief deputy to a Los Angeles County Supervisor. From 1987 to 2003, he represented Los Angeles’ 10th District on the City Council, where he chaired key committees including Transportation, Air Quality and Waste Management, and Inter-Government Relations.

According to his website, during his time on the City Council, Holden introduced a gun buyback program in partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department and sponsored legislation requiring toy guns to be brightly colored to avoid confusion with real firearms.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Pasadena Unified Rescinds Dozens of Layoff Notices, Acts to Preserve Jobs Amid Budget Challenges

The Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday that it has rescinded layoff notices for 40 of 66 certificated employees, preserving the jobs of valued teachers and other credentialed staff members even as the district continues to face serious fiscal challenges.

“This was a difficult and complex process that we had to follow because of state law and collective bargaining agreements with our unions. We’re pleased to be able to keep so many of our valued educators,” said Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco.  “That said, we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to our long-term financial outlook.”

The process of determining which layoff notices could be rescinded was complex and determined by state law and the requirements of collective bargaining agreements with unions, the district said in a statement.

The district said it still intends to eliminate 91 certificated full-time positions for 2025-26 as part of its plan to close a $37 million multi-year budget deficit. However, through a combination of retirements,

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Authorities Search for Missing Teen from Altadena Area

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issues critical missing juvenile alert for 16-year-old with mental health conditions

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has issued a special bulletin seeking public help in locating Jonathan Guzman, a 16-year-old resident of Los Angeles County who was last seen on May 3  in the unincorporated area of Altadena.

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department say Guzman has been diagnosed with mental health conditions. His family is concerned for his well-being.

Guzman, also known as Eugene Guzman, was last spotted at 10:05 a.m. on the 2900 block of El Nido Drive. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black jacket, gold chain, black t-shirt, and black shoes.

The missing teen is described as a Hispanic man standing 5’7″ and weighing 145 pounds. He has brown hair with blonde highlights, brown eyes, and ear piercings.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Guzman’s whereabouts to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station Detective Bureau at (626) 798-1131.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Another LA County Measles Case Confirmed; Health Officials Urge Vaccination

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A person who traveled to Los Angeles County from abroad has been confirmed to have measles, becoming the fourth case of the disease in a county resident or visitor this year, and prompting health officials Wednesday to urge people to get vaccinated.

According to the county Department of Public Health, the latest patient was not infectious during the time of travel, and there are no public locations in the county where people may have been exposed. Officials at some health care facilities are contacting their own patients and staff who may have been exposed to the traveler.

The health agency issued a statement warning of an increase in measles cases among people who have recently traveled internationally and domestically

“With measles outbreaks happening both in the United States and internationally, an increase in cases in our county highlights how important it is for residents to get protected before residents begin making summer travel plans,” according to the department.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School Celebrates Centennial Milestone

Historic Pasadena institution plans free community event to mark 100 years of educational excellence

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School in Pasadena will host a Centennial Celebration on Friday, May 9, 2025, commemorating 100 years of academic achievement, community service, and artistic excellence. The free event, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the historic Marshall Auditorium, invites students, alumni, families, and community members to participate in this significant milestone.

“We have rescheduled our second day of celebrating 100 Years of Athletics to Fall 2025 and eagerly anticipate another wonderful experience with our school community. We are excited to commemorate this significant milestone with you. Help us spread the word, show your school spirit, and be part of history as we celebrate 100 years!,” a PASADENA UNIFIED official said.

The evening’s program will feature addresses from Marshall alumni, former educators, and administrators, complemented by performances and shared recollections. Attendees will have the opportunity to reconnect with friends and faculty while celebrating the school’s rich history.