Friday, January 31, 2025

As LA Fires Burn, SoCal Edison Allowed to Raise Rates for 2017 Blaze

By MALENA CAROLLO, CALMATTERS

State utility regulators on Thursday approved a settlement that will require Southern California Edison customers to foot about $1.7 billion in claims from the 2017 Thomas Fire and the resulting 2018 Montecito Debris Flows.

The company’s equipment, investigators previously found, caused the December 2017 fire, which burned more than 280,000 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, killing two people. Rainfall the following month led to debris flows that killed 23 people.

“It’s an agreement to settle contested claims that would have been litigated with an unknown result if this settlement is not adopted,” Alice Reynolds, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, said after the vote.

The settlement comes as Edison disputes evidence that its power lines may have ignited the Eaton fire in Los Angeles County earlier this month.

The agreement between the utility and ratepayers representative Cal Advocates is about $1 billion less than the utility originally requested be passed to customers.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Grammy Winner The Game Joins Pasadena Credit Union’s Fire Relief Efforts

Local financial institution transforms into hub for emergency aid distribution as wildfires impact community

Grammy-winning rapper The Game visited Pasadena Federal Credit Union’s Lake Ave. Branch Community Center on Wednesday to support residents affected by the recent Eaton Fire disaster.

The artist joined local leaders, business owners, and community members alongside Inglewood Mayor’s Chief of Staff Sharis Rhodes, representatives from radio station 95.5 KLOS, and Altadena Chamber organizers.

During his visit, The Game distributed air purifiers to local businesses and listened to accounts from victims who lost their homes, sharing his experiences growing up in Los Angeles.

According to credit union officials, The Game and his team have actively delivered essential supplies, including food, drinks, and blankets, to firefighters battling blazes on Pasadena’s front lines.

“We are incredibly grateful for The Game’s compassion and for everyone who came together to support those in need,” said James Chang, Pasadena Federal Credit Union’s CEO.

Chang emphasized that the Community Center has become a central distribution point for donations from the Altadena Chamber,

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Per Person Water Use Drops to Lowest in 35 Years in Southern California

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Southern California residents reduced their per person potable water use by 45% since 1990, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts, a state agency announced Thursday.

The SoCal region used a record-low 114 gallons per capita per day during the 2023-24 fiscal year, down from 209 GPCD in 1990, according to an annual report from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In part, this achievement was made as a result of more than $750 million the water agency has invested in recycling and groundwater-replenishing projects.

Water officials also noted continued conservation practices that were in place from the last drought as well as winter weather in 2024 contributed to a reduction in water use.

“California has always had variability in how much rain and snow it gets from year to year; that variability is only going to become more extreme with climate change. By becoming more water efficient, we’re less stressed by the drought years,”

Thursday, January 30, 2025

PUSD Board to Vote on Extending Wildfire Emergency Powers

District scrambles to remediate extensive smoke and fire damage as emergency repairs top $2.8 million

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education is scheduled to vote Thursday on extending emergency measures enacted in response to January wildfires that caused widespread damage across the District. The measures, initially authorized on January 16, allow officials to continue expedited contracting and remediation work without standard competitive bidding requirements. 

The District reported smoke damage at all school sites and facilities, with complete campus losses at Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, Edison Elementary School, Loma Alta Elementary School and Noyes Elementary School. Franklin Elementary School sustained 80 percent damage during what officials termed the “Fire Emergency.” 

Under the emergency authorization, the District has approved contracts totaling $2,883,593.87 for equipment, supplies, and remediation services. Major expenditures include $2.06 million to CTI Group for computer equipment and $282,845 to Staples for equipment under $5,000. Emergency change orders added another $41,785.86. 

The Board must vote by a four-fifths majority to extend the emergency powers at every regularly scheduled meeting until the action is terminated.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Pasadena Humane Leads Massive Animal Rescue Effort During Eaton Fire

Local animal welfare organization reunites over 1,000 pets with families as emergency continues

Pasadena Humane reports it mounted an extensive emergency response operation, mobilizing to rescue and care for a total of over 400 animals displaced by the Eaton Fire.

The organization’s comprehensive rescue program included field operations and emergency sheltering for a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, bunnies, goats, and even more unusual animals like cockatoos and a pony.

“Since the fire began, we have taken in nearly 1,000 animals. Our commitment to reuniting pets with their families has resulted in more than 1,000 successful reunifications, including more than 800 through our Strike Team in the field and fire zone,” the nonprofit shared.

The organization’s emergency response includes a dedicated Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Hotline at 626-577-3752 for reporting found or lost animals. For injured wildlife assistance, residents can contact 626-344-1129.

Pasadena Humane’s efforts have gained recognition from the Pasadena Community Foundation, which selected the organization as one of 20 nonprofits supported in the first round of grants from the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Fund.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Hazardous Waste Removal Efforts Continue with LA Fires Mostly Contained

CITY NEWS SERVICE

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews were continuing efforts Thursday to identify and remove hazardous wastes from properties ravaged in this month’s wildfires, as many residents returned to sift through the rubble of what used to be their homes.

Questions continued to linger about exactly how long it would take for residents to begin the rebuilding process, but county and federal officials said Wednesday that process was being expedited as much as possible. The first phase of the cleanup effort — the removal of hazardous materials from properties in the burn area — was underway, with the EPA under demand to complete the work in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones within 30 days.

Status updates on the EPA’s work, including an interactive map of individual fire-affected properties, are available online at https://www.epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires.

As that process continued, officials urged affected residents to fill out “Right of Entry” forms to either opt in or out of a free debris-clearance program offered by the U.S.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Altadena Sheriff’s Station Asks Public’s Help in Case of Jewelry Stolen While Eaton Fire Blazed

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating stolen jewelry following a residential burglary in Altadena earlier this month, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station reported. 

The burglary occurred on January 8, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of Lincoln Avenue in Altadena, according to a statement from the Altadena Sheriff’s Station. 

Detective J. Lohmann, who is leading the investigation, released images of the stolen items, which include various pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. 

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of these items to come forward.

“We are asking for the community’s help in recovering these stolen possessions,” said Detective Lohmann of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station. “Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to our investigation.” 

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station has set up a dedicated line for this case. Individuals with any information regarding the stolen property are encouraged to contact Detective J. Lohmann directly at (626) 296-2114 or via email at jlohmann@lasd.org. 

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Amazon To Distribute School Supplies, $150,000 Grant, To Muir Students Affected By Wildfires

Relief event to provide immediate help to over 350 high school students

Amazon is scheduled to host a give-back event at John Muir High School in Pasadena on Thursday, distributing hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Muir students affected by recent Los Angeles wildfires.

The event will include the presentation of a $150,000 donation to the Pasadena Educational Foundation to support ongoing educational programs for wildfire-impacted families.

Local officials, school administrators, community leaders and Amazon representatives are expected to attend.

This initiative is part of Amazon’s broader $10 million commitment to wildfire relief efforts across Los Angeles. The company is providing both monetary support and essential items through their recently-opened Wildfire Relief Hub.

“The safety of Amazon employees and partners remains top priority, and they are continuing to closely monitor the situation and taking the necessary safety precautions,” according to company representatives.

The $10 million commitment includes direct funding to organizations including The American Red Cross of Southern California,

Thursday, January 30, 2025

LA County Platform Helps Wildfire-Displaced Businesses Find Free Commercial Spaces

As part of its ongoing efforts to support small businesses impacted by recent windstorms and wildfires, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) recently announced the launch of Business-to-Business Space Share. This free exchange platform connects displaced businesses, including nonprofits, to temporary workspaces generously donated by other businesses throughout LA County.

This platform is a critical resource to help displaced businesses maintain operations, safeguard livelihoods, and drive economic resiliency. Powered by the County’s Internal Services Department (ISD), the platform will be available for a limited time, as part of a coordinated County effort to support the economic ecosystem affected by the disasters.

Through the user-friendly Space Share portal, businesses with available space can post listings, providing details such as location, capacity, and availability. Displaced businesses can browse these listings to find spaces that best meet their needs. While the platform facilitates the connections, the County does not participate in or oversee the terms of any agreements made as a result. It ensures businesses retain full autonomy in negotiations.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

SBA Sets March Deadline for Eaton Fire Disaster Loans

Local businesses have until March 10 to apply for physical damage assistance, while economic injury applications will continue through October

The Small Business Administration has approved nearly $240 million in disaster assistance loans for Los Angeles County residents and businesses affected by recent fires, with officials urging affected parties to apply before key deadlines expire. Physical damage loan applications must be submitted by March 10, while economic injury applications will be accepted through October 8.

“We want to make sure the businesses can cashflow additional debt, but yes, you certainly can apply for additional assistance and any of the programs,” said Julie Clowes, Small Business Administration District director for Los Angeles.

The Small Business Administration has received almost 11,000 completed applications and approved approximately 800 loans so far. Business owners can apply for up to $2 million in physical damage loans and additional working capital through Economic Injury Disaster Loans, even if they haven’t experienced direct property damage.

A survey of Pasadena’s 14,000 licensed businesses reportedly revealed that 75% had to close temporarily due to the emergency,