Thursday, July 31, 2025

Altadena Included in Fire Zone Exemption from State Housing Law

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an executive order exempting fire-ravaged areas of Los Angeles County — including sections of Altadena — from Senate Bill 9, a controversial state law that allows the construction of up to four housing units on lots previously zoned for single-family residences.

The temporary exemption comes as communities across the region assess damage from January’s devastating wildfires.

Newsom’s order permits local governments to suspend SB 9 provisions in burn zones, giving municipalities more discretion over rebuilding efforts. Areas named in the exemption include Pacific Palisades, parts of Malibu and Altadena — all of which fall within high fire hazard severity zones.

“This executive order responds directly to requests from local officials and community feedback, recognizing the need for local discretion in recovery,” Newsom stated in a press release issued Wednesday. “Not all laws are designed for rebuilding entire communities destroyed by fires overnight.”

The order is effective for the duration of Newsom’s declared state of emergency in Los Angeles County and initiates a seven-day pause on SB 9-related development in affected neighborhoods,

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

LA County Again Extends Price Gouging Protections on Housing

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday extending price-gouging protections on local rental housing through Aug. 30 in accordance with an emergency declaration sparked by January’s wildfires.

On Jan. 7, a state of emergency was declared in the county following the windstorm and deadly wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, activating price gouging protections that barred price hikes of 10% or more on critical goods and services, including housing.

While the declaration remains in effect, the county can continue to extend the protections every 30 days.

“Seven months in, our residents still need protection from predatory practices that make housing even more unaffordable and unattainable in these times of crisis,” Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath said in a statement after Tuesday’s vote. “By extending these protections, we’re helping ensure that every family has the chance to rebuild without fear of being priced out. If you suspect price gouging, report it to our Department of Consumer and Business Affairs so we can hold these bad actors accountable.”

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

West Nile Virus Returns to San Gabriel Valley

First mosquito sample of season tests positive in El Monte as officials urge prevention measures

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes for the first time this year, after officials collected the positive sample from a surveillance trap in El Monte, roughly 11 miles south of Pasadena.

The discovery marks the seasonal return of the virus to the region.

West Nile virus appears annually in the San Gabriel Valley during warmer months.

“West Nile virus is a recurring concern in our region,” said Tristan Hallum, director of scientific programs for the district.

“It’s endemic to the San Gabriel Valley, meaning we expect to detect it every year in mosquitoes, birds, and occasionally humans.”

Higher overnight temperatures during summer accelerate mosquito breeding and viral transmission.

“There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus in humans,” Hallum said. “The best method of protection is prevention.”

Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Trade Show for Fire Survivors This Weekend

Event aims to help families displaced by Eaton Fire explore rebuilding options

Fire survivors in Altadena will have access to rebuilding resources at a community trade show this weekend.

The Altadena Rebuild Trade Show will take place Sunday, Aug. 3, at Loma Alta Park Gymnasium. The free event runs from noon to 4 p.m.

Multiple community organizations are hosting the trade show for families displaced by the Eaton Fire. Attendees can examine building materials, architectural displays and design concepts.

The event differs from typical information fairs. Visitors will be able to touch and see physical rebuilding solutions rather than just read about them.

Day One is organizing the trade show. The group aims to provide hope and confidence to residents facing post-disaster recovery challenges.

The event will showcase affordable rebuilding options and fire hardening techniques. Long-term recovery support and expert guidance will also be available.

Eight local organizations are partnering for the event: the Altadena Rotary Club,

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

LA County Board to Receive Weekly Budget Updates Amid Fiscal Crisis

New standing agenda item aims to boost transparency as county faces multi-billion-dollar pressures

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will begin receiving weekly budget updates during regular meetings as the county grapples with severe fiscal challenges.

Board Chair Kathryn Barger announced the new standing agenda item Tuesday. Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport will deliver the weekly reports.

The updates will provide real-time information about the county’s financial condition and will also address the impacts of potential spending cuts.

“Understanding the County’s financial standing in real time is critical for us to make responsible, informed decisions,” Barger said.

The supervisor said the weekly briefings would keep both board members and the public informed about fiscal realities. She emphasized the county’s commitment to transparency during difficult financial times.

Los Angeles County faces multi-billion-dollar budget pressures from several sources. Recovery costs from January wildfires have exceeded $1 billion. The county also faces a $4 billion AB 218 settlement.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Altadena Residents Seal Prayers Into Mural Layers After Devastating Wildfires

Behind a vegan café in fire-scarred Altadena, residents spent four days in July embedding their personal prayers between layers of paint on a new community mural—a ritual act of recovery that brought together a war survivor artist and a neighborhood still grappling with displacement.

The mural, titled “Prayer for the Earth,” emerged from an unlikely collaboration. John Hopkins, a 70-something café owner who has long used his former Oh Happy Day Vegan Café space for spiritual gatherings, invited artist Ekaterina Sky to create the work. Sky, who survived two wars, said she approached the project “as someone who deeply identifies with the Altadena community’s experience of disruption and resilience.”

The project, organized by Oh Happy Day founders John Hopkins and Sev Dhar, invited Altadena residents, volunteers and nonprofit groups to participate.

Over four days ending July 27, participants helped build the wall, paint Sky’s design of sacred geometry and nature symbols, and—most significantly—seal written prayers into the mural’s layers. The non-denominational prayer text at the mural’s center,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Hands-On Summit Returns to Bring Fire Recovery Resources Directly to Black Seniors Affected by Deadly Eaton Fire

A hands-on summit returns Saturday for the second time to bring fire recovery resources directly to Black seniors struggling to rebuild after the Eaton Fire, recognizing that many lack the digital access needed to navigate online disaster assistance programs.

The Eaton Fire Senior Summit Series #2, themed “Rebuilding with Resilience,” continues its mission of supporting Black seniors impacted by the deadly fire. Hosted by Community Women Vital Voices, the event ditches web portals for printed guidebooks and replaces online forms with in-person services—including free Family Trust creation onsite—specifically designed for seniors who can’t or won’t go online for help.

“Our seniors are the most vulnerable citizens affected by the LA Fires. The Eaton Fire ranks the deadliest. We are the voice for the people who need their voices heard. The summit will provide answers,” said Lena Louise Kennedy, CEO of Community Women Vital Voices.

The Aug. 2 event will bring together elected officials including Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Federal Appeals Court Reviews Immigration Arrest Quota in Wake of Pasadena ICE Raids

A federal appeals court panel on Monday heard arguments in the Trump administration’s bid to reinstate immigration patrols across Southern California, including recent controversial detentions made in Pasadena, but issued no immediate ruling.

The hearing before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco comes amid heightened concern in Pasadena, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents reportedly conducted at least three documented raids in Pasadena during June and July 2025, resulting in a minimum of 12 confirmed detentions.

The first incident, in which agents detained six individuals at a bus stop near Madison Elementary School on June 18, was captured on video and widely circulated online. The action prompted vigils and protests throughout the city, with local leaders and residents expressing alarm over what they described as indiscriminate enforcement tactics.

The court is reviewing a temporary restraining order issued July 14 by U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who found that roving immigration patrols were “illegally conducted without reasonable suspicion.”

Federal attorneys argued the stops were legal and based on probable cause,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Court Hearing Set for Woman Convicted in Fatal Altadena Shooting

Case of Mesha Arshaz Dean to Be Reviewed in Criminal Courts Building

A court hearing is scheduled Tuesday for Mesha Arshaz Dean, a woman convicted of second-degree murder in a fatal shooting in Altadena.

The hearing will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Department 110 of the Criminal Courts Building, located at 210 W. Temple St.

Dean, then 25, was convicted on March 26, 2012, for the fatal shooting of Monroe Miles Jr., 32, during a confrontation in 2007.

According to court documents, Dean and her girlfriend Vanessa Marie Ochoa traveled from Nevada to Altadena on the day of the shooting.

Miles was caring for Ochoa’s 4-year-old son Manaen while the boy’s father was out of town at the time of the incident.

Dean was arrested two days after the shooting, on March 20, 2007, in Las Vegas with Ochoa and the child.

The boy was found unharmed.

In August 2010,

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Pasadena Nonprofit Announces Plans Second Annual Clothing Sale for Children’s Healthcare

Event coincides with National Thrifting Day to support medical services for uninsured families

Young & Healthy will hold its second annual clothing sale next month to raise money for healthcare services provided to low-income children and families.

The Aug. 16 event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 136 W. Peoria Street in Pasadena. The sale falls on National Thrifting Day.

Shoppers will find new and used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages. The timing appeals to families preparing for back-to-school shopping.

Vintage fashion influencer Annette Vartanian returns this year to curate designer pieces. Her section will include brands such as Diane von Furstenberg, St. John, Isabel Marant and Oscar de la Renta.

“Whether you’re making a fashion statement, reducing waste, or giving back—this event gives you the chance to do all three,” said Shelley Boyle, interim co-executive director of Young & Healthy.

Money raised supports the nonprofit’s work with underserved children in the greater Pasadena area.