Thursday, February 6, 2025

Philadelphia Churches Rally to Help Local Congregations Hit by Wildfire

Altadena and Pasadena churches to receive two truckloads of emergency supplies from East Coast churches

Several Philadelphia churches have mobilized to send essential supplies to local churches in Altadena and Pasadena affected by the Eaton Fire.

Two 18-wheel trucks filled with vital goods are scheduled to roll into the parking lot at the Grocery Outlet in San Gabriel early Thursday morning.

“We thank the people of Philadelphia for their generosity and this heartfelt mission to donate vital items and fill two tractor-trailers with collected supplies goods to be delivered to the Altadena and Pasadena communities,” said Anthony McFarland, Pastor of LIFT International. “This collaboration delineates God’s grace in having all these churches work together for the good of our communities.”

The East Coast churches leading the relief effort include LIFT International, Northeast Baptist Church, and the Church of Christian Compassion, working to support local congregations including Pasadena Church, Community Bible Church, Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith, and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

DENA Relief Drive Hits Major Milestone in Community Support

Relief organization reports providing 400,000 pounds of essential items, over $75,000 in gift cards while serving 6,000 families affected by Eaton Fire

The founder of The DENA Relief Drive, established in response to the Eaton Fire that burned through local neighborhoods, reported this week that it has distributed 400,000 pounds of essential items while providing critical resources to thousands of families, mobilizing over 1,800 volunteers and securing more than 75 partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

“The DENA Relief Drive is a testament to what we can accomplish when a community comes together,” said Brandon Lamar. “We’ve made a tremendous impact, but there is still more work to be done.”

Lamar said the initiative’s achievements reportedly include providing over 15,000 hot meals and securing more than $75,000 in gift cards for families facing hardship.

Additionally,the drive has supported 250 families with short-term housing assistance and distributed 150 new laptops and 700 pairs of new shoes through its Youth Resource Fair,

Thursday, February 6, 2025

CA Lawmakers Propose $175 Million Increase for Cal Fire Staffing

By LYNN LA, CALMATTERS

Roughly a month after deadly wildfires erupted in Los Angeles County, killing at least 29 people, lawmakers in the state Senate have introduced a proposal to bolster Cal Fire staffing, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is meeting with President Donald Trump over disaster aid.

Joined by several other senators and firefighters in Sacramento, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire unveiled a bipartisan measure Tuesday to keep all 356 of Cal Fire engines staffed year-round, reports CalMatters’ Sameea Kamal. The Santa Rosa Democrat described it as a “modern day staffing plan,” which would transition 3,000 state firefighters who are typically dismissed during the winter to full-time status.

The proposal is estimated to cost at least $175 million, and would also keep Cal Fire’s 38 wildfire vegetation management crews working throughout the year. These crews are responsible for clearing dead trees and creating barriers in cities and towns to slow the spread of wildfires.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

‘Phase 2’ Wildfire Debris Removal Expands as Cleanup Advances

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Despite the rain, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is continuing its “Phase 2″ wildfire-debris removal efforts Thursday, with work advancing at five Pasadena Unified School District campuses destroyed or damaged in the Eaton Fire.

The start of Phase 2 was announced Tuesday, with the work initially involving two PUSD campuses — Loma Alta Elementary School in Altadena and Edison Elementary in Pasadena.

Army Corps of Engineers Col. Eric Swenson told reporters Wednesday that crews were working at five PUSD campuses. It was unclear which other campuses were being cleared. Swenson said no clearance work had yet begun on any residential properties, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still conducting its Phase 1 removal of household hazardous wastes from destroyed properties.

Officials have said that individual properties could move into the Phase 2 debris-removal stage, even as Phase 1 cleanup continued in the burn Palisades and Eaton burn areas.

EPA officials said Wednesday there were more than 1,000 people working on the hazardous waste removal effort,

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today, Rev. Sharpton to Lead Memorial Service for Fire Victims in Pasadena

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Rev. Al Sharpton will lead a memorial service in Pasadena on Thursday for victims of the area’s wildfires.

Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, will lead the service at the First AME Church in Pasadena, where he will be joined by national civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the families of some people who died in the fires.

“The wildfires scourging Los Angeles these last few weeks have been a devastating humanitarian and natural disaster,” Sharpton said in a statement. “People have lost their homes, their memories, and ultimately their lives to this devastation, while some have sought to use this horrific event to score political points. This Thursday, I will join with attorney Crump to bring the community together to mourn those we have lost and galvanize them to recover, restore, and rebuild.”

According to organizers, some relatives of victims who died in the fires are expected to attend, along with people who lost their homes.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Preferred Bank Pledges $250,000 for Southern California Fire Relief

Preferred Bank Pledges $250,000 for Southern California Fire Relief

In response to devastating wildfires affecting Southern California, the Board of Directors of Preferred Bank announced Friday that it would donate $250,000 to four organizations supporting local relief efforts.

The independent California-based bank will distribute funds among Tzu-Chi USA, Pasadena Community Foundation, Alliance for a Better Community, and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

“The recent wildfires in Southern California have been devastating and one of the worst disasters in the history of Southern California,” said Li Yu, Chairman and CEO of Preferred Bank. “As a company headquartered in the heart of Los Angeles, the fires have been particularly impactful for many of our associates, clients and communities.”

The bank announced it would match employee contributions to their chosen wildfire relief organizations, beyond the initial quarter-million-dollar commitment.

“The amount the Bank matches will be awarded to the organization the employee donated to,” Yu said. “We are pleased to be able to make this contribution and look forward to helping the impacted communities of Southern California rebuild.”

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today in Altadena, Wellness Event With Offer Food and Aid

Community organizations unite to provide groceries and disaster relief assistance to vulnerable populations

A coalition of local organizations will host a food distribution and wellness event at Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena on Thursday, Feb. 6, offering essential supplies to residents in need.

The event, organized by Watch It Grow Inc. and supported by multiple community organizations, will provide shelf-stable foods, canned goods, snacks, water, beverages and new clothing items.

Organizers encourage attendees to bring shopping bags and carts to transport their items home from the distribution site at 2560 Fair Oaks Ave.

Priority access will be given to seniors, people with disabilities and families with young children during the first 90-minute session, starting at 1:00 p.m.

A second distribution period, running from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., will prioritize Altadena residents who have Medi-Cal coverage or meet eligibility requirements for the program.

World Food Bank Community Health Workers will be present to assist attendees with benefits applications and provide guidance on disaster relief services for those with proper documentation.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Pasadena Elks Lodge Plans Another (and Last) Aid Distribution For Eaton Fire Victims

Fraternal organization will provide essential supplies to affected residents and first responders

Pasadena Elks Lodge 672 will hold its fourth and final merchandise distribution event for those affected by the Eaton Fire next Saturday.

The charitable organization said it will distribute essential supplies including new shoes, clothing, personal care items, bedding, diapers and bottled water to first responders and community members impacted by the fire.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the lodge’s location at 400 W. Colorado Blvd., with designated vehicle access available from Green Street.

Residents seeking assistance must provide identification showing they live in areas affected by the Eaton Fire to participate in the distribution, according to the announcement.

The Pasadena chapter, established in 1901, operates as a 501(c)(8) charitable organization and currently maintains a membership of more than 1,200 individuals dedicated to community service.

“Pasadena Elks, Lodge 672, is committed to helping those in need during this difficult time,”

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

City Issues Statement On Convention Center Shelter Closure

Officials address concerns about February transition plans

The City of Pasadena issued a statement Wednesday addressing the planned closure of its Convention Center emergency shelter, emphasizing that accurate information is crucial during the transition process.

City of Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian released the communication, which specifically addressed concerns about misinformation regarding the shelter’s planned February 8th transition date.

“In moments like these, accurate information is critical. Misinformation and rumors don’t help the healing process. What does help is knowing that our community is here to support one another, that resources are available, and that no one is facing this alone,” Derderian stated.

The statement outlined the city’s ongoing commitment to shelter residents since the January 7th Eaton Fire, detailing the American Red Cross’s role in managing the facility since January 11th. According to Derderian, shelter residents with questions can reach out to Red Cross staff on-site “who are there to listen, to guide, and to provide the latest information and assistance.”

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Food 4 Less and Ralphs Stores Become FEMA Aid Centers After Southern California Wildfires

Grocery chains partner with federal, Los Angeles County and Small Business Administration to provide recovery resources in three Los Angeles County locations

Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs grocery stores are transforming three Los Angeles County locations into disaster recovery hubs through a partnership with Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and Los Angeles County.

The initiative will station FEMA and SBA representatives to assist wildfire-affected residents, businesses, homeowners and renters with financial guidance and recovery support.

FEMA representatives will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 8 at Food 4 Less at 1329 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena.

The Pasadena location serves the heavily impacted Altadena area, where officials estimate approximately 9,400 residential and business structures have been affected by the recent wildfires.

“We know how overwhelming recovery can be after a disaster, and we want people to know they’re not alone,” said Curtis Brown, Federal Coordinating Officer.

Bracken’s Kitchen,