Monday, December 29, 2025

New California Law Expands Newsom’s Mental Health Court

By Marisa Kendall, CALMATTERS

In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a new program intended to revolutionize the way counties provide mental health care to some of their most vulnerable residents.

CARE Court provides a new pathway for the courts to coordinate mental health and substance use treatment, medications and housing placements for people in the grip of psychosis, including those sleeping outside on the street. But CalMatters investigations have found that so far, the program is falling short of expectations. It’s helping far fewer people than projected, it’s struggled to help homeless participants, and some families have had their hopes dashed when CARE Court failed to help their loved ones who can’t consent to treatment.

Senate Bill 27, by Democrat Tom Umberg of Santa Ana, seeks to address some of those concerns. The law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, expands who is eligible for CARE Court.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

A ‘Very Different Role': How the Eaton Fire Transformed Pasadena’s Celebrated Tournament of Roses

The Tournament of Roses, the more than 130-year-old organization behind Pasadena’s signature New Year’s Day spectacles, pivoted from parade planning to disaster relief in the months after the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena and surrounding neighborhoods.

“Beginning January 7, we’ve witnessed incredible teamwork throughout our community as people have come together to help those directly impacted by the fires,” Tournament President Mark Leavens said.

The relief work represents what Leavens called a “very different role” for an organization. Tournament volunteer members participated in food and clothing drives with local nonprofit organizations, and the group collaborated with a network of community organizations coordinating relief efforts.

The Albertsons Companies Foundation allocated $1 million in gift cards to the Tournament as part of the relief effort, according to Tournament President Mark Leavens. The organization also partnered with the College Football Foundation to secure funding for Pasadena Unified School District to help rebuild the library at Eliot Arts Magnet School.

The Tournament also created a complimentary ticket program to its events for fire victims.

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Clear Sunny Weather Ahead, as Pasadena and Altadena Largely Avoid Serious Storm Damage

“We’ve been really fortunate so far with no major incidents — hopefully Mother Nature knows we deserve a break this year,” a city spokesperson said

Pasadena and Altadena experienced sharply different impacts from a holiday storm that brought more than a foot of rain to some mountain areas and produced a rare EF0 tornado in Boyle Heights, but both communities are now headed into a dry weekend, according to local officials and the National Weather Service.

Pasadena experienced “no major incidents,” Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian said.

“We’ll still be optimistically cautious what the next few days can bring after the rain subsides,” Derderian told Pasadena Now. “Parade preparations are in full swing and we’re looking forward to a few dry days for the thousands of visitors enroute to Pasadena.”

While K-rails were deployed by the Pasadena Fire Department as a precaution, there were no verified reports of major breaches or home inundations within city limits.

Altadena,

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Lake Avenue Church Service to Mark First Anniversary of Eaton Fire With Special Service and Guest Speaker

A public memorial service marking the first anniversary of the fire that destroyed Altadena and scores of Pasadena homes will be conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. The program will feature best-selling Christian author and speaker Philip Yancey, who is editor-in-chief of Christianity Today.

The 70-minute service, titled “Songs of Remembrance: A Service of Hope and Renewal,” begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center at Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave.

“This will be a meaningful opportunity to come together and find something redemptive in the midst of tragedy,” Yancey said in the announcement. “Ironically, it’s often tragedy that brings people together.”

Yancey is a multiple Gold Medallion Award winner, editor-at-large for Christianity Today, and author of numerous books on faith and suffering, including Where Is God When It Hurts? and Disappointment with God.

Yancey has previously spoken at national memorial events following tragedies such as Columbine and Sandy Hook,

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Altadena’s Saint Mark’s School to Hold Chapel Service Marking One Year Since Eaton Fire

Saint Mark’s School will bring together students, faculty, families and community members for a community chapel service marking the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire, an announcement for the school said.

The gathering is intended to honor the past year’s recovery, acknowledge loss, and reflect on the resilience shown by the school community and surrounding neighborhoods.

According to the release, the service will also look ahead to rebuilding and the eventual return to the school and church facilities.

The chapel service is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, at 8:45 a.m. at EF Academy’s Robinson Gym, 1505 E. Howard St., Pasadena. (Earlier plans had originally called for the service to be held at the Church of Our Savior in San Gabriel).

Saint Mark’s School said it anticipates that students, faculty, staff, families, church leadership and community members will participate.

The school said the event will include reflections, messages of hope and resilience, and symbolic elements recognizing recovery and renewal, including a mindfulness and gratitude exercise with students.

Friday, December 26, 2025

Earlier Dry New Year’s Day Forecast Shifts, Updates Predict Rain is Possible

Earlier long-range forecasts projecting dry weather in Pasadena on New Year’s Day have shifted as updated predictions from major weather services now indicate a chance of rain for Jan. 1, 2026.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office said in a forecast discussion issued at 11:26 a.m. on Dec. 26 that “a chance of rain will develop around New Year’s Day.” 

The agency reported that an upper-level low developing southwest of Los Angeles could bring “2 to 3 inches in the foothills,” while noting the system “will not nearly be as strong as the current one” that affected the region Dec. 24–26.

AccuWeather’s Dec. 26 update forecast “a few showers” during New Year’s Day and “cloudy with showers late” at night. 

These updates contrast with earlier long-range projections.

The National Weather Service now says the European and American models, along with most ensemble members, “agree in principle that an upper low will develop” and move towards Pasadena. 

Friday, December 26, 2025

CHP Alerts Drivers to New State Laws Impacting E-Bikes, School Zones, AVs

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The California Highway Patrol Friday reminded motorists that a series of new traffic and safety laws will take effect in the new year, affecting everything from e-bikes to school zones and autonomous vehicles.

Under Assembly Bill 486, it will be a misdemeanor to possess a key- programming device, key-duplicating device or signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. Violators could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

In response to the growing popularity of electric bicycles, AB 544 requires riders to outfit their bikes with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear at all times — not just during darkness as previously required.

Minors cited for helmet violations will be able to meet safety education requirements by completing an online CHP e-bike safety and training program.

Another bill allows local governments to lower speed limits in school zones from 25 mph to 20 mph by posting signage.

Friday, December 26, 2025

What Pasadena and Altadena Drivers Need to Know About New California Laws Taking Effect in 2026

Pasadena and Altadena drivers, vehicle owners and consumers will see a series of new California laws take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2026, following legislation signed this year by Gov. Gavin Newsom and outlined this week by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The measures affect traffic safety, roadside driving rules, autonomous vehicles, auto sales practices, parking enforcement and DMV services. Several laws have direct implications for Pasadena streets, school zones, and enforcement practices across Los Angeles County.

Safer Streets and Driving Rules
Ignition Interlock Devices — AB 366
Assembly Bill 366 extends California’s statewide Ignition Interlock Device program for certain DUI offenders through Jan. 1, 2033. Drivers required to participate must use a breath-activated device that prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

For Pasadena and Altadena drivers convicted of qualifying DUI offenses, the extension means existing requirements remain in place, continuing a program used statewide since 2019 to reduce repeat impaired driving.

Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated — AB 1087
AB 1087 increases probation terms for those convicted of vehicular manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two years to between three and five years.

Friday, December 26, 2025

Get a Drone for Christmas? Leave It Home for Rose Parade, Rose Bowl, Officials Say

City officials are warning residents and visitors to keep drones grounded during the 2026 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, citing a comprehensive ban and a “zero tolerance” enforcement posture for New Year’s Day events expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.

The City of Pasadena said the prohibition is part of strict federal flight restrictions put in place to protect crowds along the parade route and around the stadium.

Officials emphasized that no drones of any kind will be permitted in the airspace near and over the events.

City officials have said the restrictions apply regardless of device size, operator experience, or intended use.

Federal rules designate the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game as special security events, triggering temporary flight restrictions, known as TFR.

City officials said enforcement will be strict and immediate, with no exceptions.

Friday, December 26, 2025

Burn Scars See Controversial Seed-Paper Card Gesture Amid Wildfire Recovery

In Altadena’s charred hillsides, where the fire season left deep scars, a small but symbolic act is taking root

On Altadena’s charred hillsides, where the fire season left widespreadeep scars, a small but symbolic act is taking taken root.

Huntington Beach-based advertising agency Innocean USA announced on December 22 that it replaced its traditional holiday mailers with biodegradable seed-paper cards, planting them in areas damaged by recent fires in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.

The initiative, called the “Discard Project,” is described by the agency as a gesture toward environmental recovery.

“Instead of sending holiday cards, we planted seed-paper cards in fire-impacted areas and made a donation to Plant Community LA,” Innocean said in its official release.

Jason Sperling, the agency’s chief creative officer, tied the effort to Los Angeles’ creative spirit, saying, “Los Angeles fuels our creativity. This year, we wanted to help fuel its recovery.”

Trade publication Ad Age reported: “Called the ‘Discard Project,’ it involves replacing traditional mailed cards with seed-paper cards that the agency is dropping in areas damaged by recent fires.”

Questions have been raised about whether the agency obtained,