Thursday, July 24, 2025

Villanueva, Who Once Threatened Altadena Substation Closure, Launches Bid to Reclaim Sheriff’s Job

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The man who once threatened to shut down the Altadena sheriff’s substation — drawing fierce criticism from county leaders — is now seeking a return to the top law enforcement post in Los Angeles County.

Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced Tuesday night that he will challenge incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna in the June 2, 2026, primary election. Villanueva made the announcement via a campaign video, arguing that the department has faltered under Luna’s leadership.

“Over the last several years, Los Angeles County has seen the consequences of failed leadership, not just in the sheriff’s department, but across our local government,” Villanueva said. “Lawlessness has become the new normal… Families feel unsafe. Deputies feel unsupported.”

In 2020, Villanueva drew sharp rebukes — including from Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger — when he announced the closure of the Altadena sheriff’s station, citing budget cuts. Barger, who represents Altadena, called the move irresponsible and accused Villanueva of ignoring alternatives that would have avoided impacts to public safety.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Pasadena Law Firm Raises $15,000 for Fire Foundation

STAFF REPORT

Charitable arm supports firefighter training and homeless outreach programs

A Pasadena law firm’s charitable organization raised $15,000 for the Pasadena Fire Foundation at a June fundraising event.

Lagerlof Cares, the charitable division of Lagerlof, LLP, held the fundraiser June 26. The event supported the foundation’s community work following recent wildfire activity.

The funds will support two main programs, a statement from lagerlof Cares said. The Pasadena Outreach Response Team connects homeless individuals to housing, healthcare and social services. The team includes staff from the city’s Public Health and Fire departments and Union Station Homeless Services.

Money will also fund leadership training for Pasadena Fire Department personnel. The training prepares firefighters for high-risk environments as wildfires increase in frequency and intensity.

“We are incredibly proud to help raise funds in support of the Pasadena Fire Foundation, whose tireless efforts this past year during the wildfires saved lives, protected homes, and brought comfort to communities in crisis,”

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Pasadena Library Offers Free Therapeutic Art Sessions for Families Affected by Eaton Canyon Wildfires

STAFF REPORT

Families recovering from the trauma of the Eaton Canyon Wildfires are invited to attend free therapeutic art sessions every Friday this summer, through a joint initiative of Maple Counseling and the Pasadena Public Library.

The next sessions will take place on Friday, July 25, and then on August 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Santa Catalina Branch Library.

Open to all ages—ranging from infants and toddlers to teens, emerging adults, adults 50-plus and seniors—the weekly programming is designed to remove financial barriers and support emotional recovery through creative expression. Targeted age groups also include preschoolers, tweens and families with children ages zero to 12.

“Maple Counseling offers evidence-based interventions for depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, stress, and relational problems,” according to the organization’s website maple4counseling.org/about.

The sessions are entirely complementary and guided by mental health professionals from Maple Counseling.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Report: Just One County Fire Truck in West Altadena as Town Burned

There was just one fire truck in west Altadena when flames from the Eaton fire swept through the neighborhood at 3:08 a.m. on Jan. 8 — while more than 100 others were deployed elsewhere, according to vehicle tracking data reviewed by the Los Angeles Times.

As more than 40 Los Angeles County fire engines surrounded the Palisades fire miles away, and another 64 battled the fast-moving flames in east Altadena and neighboring areas, west Altadena — a racially diverse, unincorporated community — was largely left to fend for itself.

Residents say they were abandoned, including one resident who said the county fire department failed her.

Of the 19 people who died in the Eaton fire, 18 were in west Altadena. Thousands of homes and structures were lost.

On Tuesday, the remains of another person were found.

The Times reports that public anger remains high six months later. A local research firm found nearly one in five residents believes the Los Angeles County Fire Department deliberately let the neighborhood burn.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

So Cal Edison Offers Direct Payments and Expedited Claim Resolution to Eaton Fire Victims

Southern California Edison announced Wednesday it will launch a comprehensive Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program this fall, offering direct payments and expedited claim resolution to individuals and businesses affected by the Eaton Fire.

The program will cover a broad range of damages, including total and partial structure loss, commercial property loss, business interruption, smoke and ash, physical injury and fatalities. Participation will be voluntary and open to owners, renters, and those with insurance — with no application, administrative, or legal fees charged by SCE. Participants may apply with or without an attorney.

Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company, emphasized that community members need not wait for conclusions from the fire investigation to receive aid.

“Even though the details of how the Eaton Fire started are still being evaluated, SCE will offer an expedited process to pay and resolve claims fairly and promptly,” Pizarro said. “This allows the community to focus more on recovery instead of lengthy,

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Synergy Group to Open Altadena Rebuild Center Aug. 1 Amid Post-Wildfire Recovery

Company aims to support long-term reconstruction efforts with specialized building services

Synergy Group announced it will open its Rebuild Center in Altadena on Aug. 1, offering fire victims streamlined support services for residential reconstruction following recent wildfires in the area.

The Northern California-based firm previously rebuilt more than 200 homes after the 2017 Tubbs Fire and now plans to apply its experience in Southern California, with a particular focus on Altadena and the Palisades. The new office will provide services including site evaluation, architectural planning, permitting, insurance navigation and construction management.

According to Synergy Partner Brian Flahavan, the company intends to remain in Altadena for a minimum of five years to support ongoing rebuild efforts and provide post-construction warranty service.

“We’ve made a commitment that we’re going to be there as long as it takes,” Flahavan said, noting the long timeline many properties face before recovery is complete.

During the Aug. 1 event, residents will have an opportunity to speak with the company’s project managers,

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Pasadena Congresswoman Leads Push for Immigration ID Bill Following Incident in Local District

Chu cites masked ICE agents in Pasadena as evidence of need for officer transparency

Citing a controversial immigration enforcement incident that in her own district, Pasadena Congresswoman Judy Chu has co-sponsored new federal legislation requiring immigration officers to visibly display agency identification during public operations.

The measure, titled the Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of July 23, was introduced Tuesday by Chu, along with Representatives Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California and Veronica Escobar of Texas. A press release from the lawmakers said the bill was developed in response to immigration raids where officers wore unmarked tactical gear and face coverings that concealed their identities.

Chu said the need for clear identification became evident during an incident in her district when masked ICE agents detained community members — including individuals headed to assist in local Eaton Fire recovery — while refusing to identify themselves and brandishing firearms. She described the actions as part of Trump administration raids that “indiscriminately targeted entire communities” and undermined due process.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Barger “Welcomes” State Takeover of County Probation System Amid Deepening Crisis

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger calls state receivership a long-overdue reform effort

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, has endorsed Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request to place the county’s juvenile probation system under state receivership, calling the move a long-awaited response to years of dysfunction.

“I am not surprised by Attorney General Bonta’s request… In truth, this moment has been a long time coming,” Barger said, citing the department’s decline and attributing some of its failure to the Board’s “micromanagement.”

Bonta’s petition seeks a court-appointed receiver with full managerial control over juvenile halls and camps. The plan includes quarterly reports to the court, strict compliance benchmarks, and a $25 million Victims Compensation Fund for youth harmed since 2021. Local oversight would be suspended until the County achieves 90 percent compliance for four consecutive quarters.

“My focus remains unchanged: protecting and supporting the youth in our care,” Barger noted. “If a state receivership is what it takes to finally deliver those reforms… then I welcome this intervention.”

Bonta’s filing follows a series of high-profile failures.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Planned Parenthood of California Loses $300 million in Federal Funding Under Court Order

By Kristen Hwang, CALMATTERS

California Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the state, lost all federal funding this week under a preliminary court order that allows the money to be withheld while a larger legal dispute plays out.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America sued the Trump Administration on behalf of its members earlier in July over provisions of the congressional reconciliation bill — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — that prohibited Medicaid reimbursements for large nonprofit health clinics that provide abortions. The lawsuit argues that the law defunds Planned Parenthood’s services in violation of multiple constitutional amendments.

The ruling, which left both parties dissatisfied, partly blocked the law from taking effect but only for a small fraction of Planned Parenthood organizations. None of California’s Planned Parenthood health centers are included.

In the Monday night ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani stated that Planned Parenthood’s arguments show a “substantial likelihood of success,” but her order did not apply to most of the organization’s nearly 600 clinics.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Remains Found in Eaton Fire Zone; Death Toll Rises to 19

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Human remains discovered in the Eaton Fire burn area in Altadena have increased the death toll from the Jan. 7 wildfire to 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner reported Tuesday.

“The death toll related to the wildfires is now 31 — 19 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades (Fire),” according to a dispatch from the Medical Examiner’s office, which reported the remains found Monday in the 10 block of La Venezia Court, were examined by a six-member Special Operations Response Team.

The individual was not immediately identified and was listed as Doe #431.

The Department of Medical Examiner relies on complex scientific methods of identification in these cases due to the condition of the remains. The methods may include dental record comparison, DNA comparison, medical records review, or use of radiographs to look for medical prosthetics and devices with associated serial numbers.

The Medical Examiner’s office works with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons to conduct follow-ups with families,