Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Trump Administration Releases After School Grant Money — With A Catch

By Carolyn Jones, CALMATTERS

California after-school and summer programs will get some of their funding back after the federal government said on Friday that it would restore grants it had previously withheld. But the money is contingent on states complying with Civil Rights laws – a cudgel the White House has used in the past to crack down on diversity efforts.

“It’s a big relief,” said Heather Williams, director of policy and outreach for the California AfterSchool Network. “The funding freeze was very disruptive and there was a level of chaos. We’re hopeful that anyone that canceled or paused programs can jump back in.”

The U.S. Department of Education announced on June 30 – a day before the money was set to be released – it would not give out grant money for after-school programs, migrant education, English learners, professional development for teachers and other programs, pending a review of whether the programs were in line with President Donald Trump’s priorities. The funding freeze affected nearly every school in the state,

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Altadena Recovery Meeting Unveils AI Permitting, Infrastructure Plans

Officials spotlight AI tools and recovery benchmarks in post-wildfire rebuilding push

At a July 21 community meeting, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and regional agency leaders presented key updates on wildfire recovery efforts and introduced tools to fast-track rebuilding in Altadena.

Barger announced the opening of a USPS Village Post Office inside Webster’s Community Pharmacy, restoring convenient postal access to residents. She reiterated her opposition to any new taxes or homeowner costs, stating, “Unlike the Blue Ribbon Commission, my vision for recovery does not include new taxes or added cost to homeowners.”

Barger proposed establishing a dedicated recovery authority to consolidate permitting, inspections, and utility coordination—expanding on the Altadena One-Stop Permitting Center’s success.

A central feature of the meeting was the debut of eCheck, AI-assisted permitting software available at echeck.lacounty.gov.

Created by Archistar, the pilot program currently performs zoning compliance checks for single-family homes in R1 zones. So far, nine plans have been submitted,

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Altadena Detectives, Deputies Travel Six-Hour Round Trip to Arrest Felony Suspect Accused of Exploiting Fire Victims

Altadena Sheriff’s Station detectives and deputies drove six hours round-trip on Thursday, July 17, to arrest a felony suspect accused of targeting Altadena residents recovering from wildfire devastation.

The coordinated multi-location search warrant operation spanned Pasadena and an area near Pismo Beach, leading to the recovery of a firearm, stolen property, and illicit drugs connected to the suspect, who remains in custody, according to station officials.

“This individual took advantage of vulnerable members of our community, and we made sure they were held accountable,” the station said in a statement following the arrest. “Our team’s dedication to justice doesn’t stop at city limits—we go where we’re needed.”

The suspect allegedly stole from victims of the Eaton Fire, a disaster that precipitated a 250% rise in crime in Altadena—including a reported 400% spike in residential burglaries. In response, county officials formed a Looter Suppression Team and intensified patrols in the burn zone.

Altadena Sheriff’s personnel acknowledged assistance from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office in making Thursday’s arrest.

Saturday, July 19, 2025

‘Hire a Survivor’ Job Fair Today Offers Jobs, Services for Thousands of Fire Survivors

Hundreds of fire-affected families are expected to attend the “Hire a Survivor” job and recovery fair today at PazNaz Church, located at 3700 East Sierra Madre Boulevard in Pasadena. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a formal speaking portion scheduled for noon.

Hosted by First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission, Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity, the California Office of Emergency Services, and other organizations, the fair serves families displaced by the devastating January wildfires that scorched over 57,000 acres and destroyed more than 18,000 structures.

Attendees must present two forms of identification confirming residence in the impacted fire zone. Survivors can explore on-the-spot hiring, resume assistance, job coaching, free food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment, including a Kids Zone. A concurrent Recovery Pop-Up will provide giveaways, essential services, and long-term support.

Job opportunities available include roles such as laborer, crew supervisor, intake specialist, case manager, childcare worker,

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Federal Officials Again Ask Appeals Court to Stay Ruling Barring Roving Patrols

By FRED SHUSTER, City News Service

Federal officials Saturday are continuing their push to reverse a Los Angeles federal judge’s ruling barring immigration agents from detaining people without reasonable suspicion beyond their race, ethnicity or occupation.

In their latest move, government attorneys again asked an appeals court to issue a stay of the order, according to court papers obtained Friday.

Government lawyers contend the judge’s order halting so-called “roving patrols” of federal immigration agents in the Los Angeles area is a “straight-jacket” that prevents President Donald Trump “from ensuring that immigration laws are enforced.”

On Thursday evening, U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong denied the government’s request for a stay of the ruling, writing that the government hadn’t shown that it will suffer any harm from the restraining orders she issued last week and because “the federal government did not follow the rules for making this request.”

The judge also denied a request from Southland cities for an expedited hearing on their request to formally participate in the case.

Friday, July 18, 2025

LA County Eyes First-of-Its-Kind Cooling Ordinance for Rentals Amid Rising Heat Risks

The ordinance would allow flexible compliance methods and protect tenants from heat-related vulnerabilities

Los Angeles County Supervisors are preparing to vote on a groundbreaking ordinance that would require landlords to maintain rental units at or below 82°F. The proposed measure—scheduled for a Board vote next month—would apply to homes in unincorporated areas and cities that adopt the County’s code, according to LAist.

The ordinance, if approved, would take effect in September, with enforcement delayed until 2027 to allow time for landlord compliance. Investigations would be triggered by tenant complaints through the Rental Housing Habitability Program, which inspects rental units in unincorporated Los Angeles County every four years, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported.

While it does not mandate air conditioning, the proposal allows landlords flexibility to meet the required temperature using heat pumps, insulation, shade structures, and cool roofs, so long as indoor temperatures stay at or below the threshold.

This approach differs from cities such as Palm Springs,

Friday, July 18, 2025

Scratch Financial Teams Up With CareVet to Upgrade Vet Bill Payment Systems Nationwide

Pasadena company will integrate its payment technology into 200+ animal hospitals

Scratch Financial, a Pasadena-based company that builds payment systems for vet bills, announced Thursday it will integrate its technology into more than 200 CareVet animal hospitals across 35 states.

The deal means pet owners visiting CareVet locations will have more flexible payment options, while clinic staff can process bills faster and with fewer administrative headaches. Scratch’s platform offers customized payment plans and tools that simplify financial workflows — making vet visits easier for both clinics and pet parents.

“We are thrilled to partner with Scratch to bring their advanced integrated payment processing solutions to our veterinary practices,” said Tim Kaufmann, CareVet’s director of revenue and pricing.

Katy Honda, Scratch’s senior vice president of commercial partnerships, praised CareVet’s commitment to helping veterinary teams. “We at Scratch are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their hospitals and look forward to continuing to build with them in partnership,” she said.

Friday, July 18, 2025

California Home Sales Rebound in June; Altadena and Pacific Palisades Markets Still Reel From Wildfires

Statewide recovery contrasts with severe sales and price drops in fire-affected neighborhoods

California’s housing market showed signs of life in June, reversing three straight months of sales declines, according to the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.). Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family homes reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 264,260 units, up 4.0 percent from May but down 0.3 percent from June 2024.

June’s statewide median home price fell slightly to $899,560, a 0.1 percent drop from both the prior month and year. C.A.R. noted the decline did not match the historical average June gain of 0.8 percent, suggesting that “non-seasonal factors such as market uncertainty and elevated mortgage rates had a negative lingering effect on housing demand and home prices.”

“With more properties on the market and price growth flattening, conditions have become more favorable for prospective buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines to re-enter the market and take advantage of increased negotiating power,” said C.A.R.

Friday, July 18, 2025

Pasadena Forum to Explore Affordable Housing Options for Fire Survivors

Event will feature nonprofits and organizations offering lower-cost rebuilding solutions

Homeowners in Pasadena and Altadena considering rebuilding after the Eaton fire can learn about affordable housing solutions at an upcoming forum in Pasadena.

The event will take place Tuesday, July 22, from 1-3 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street. All ages are welcome to attend.

The forum will feature several organizations offering lower-cost rebuilding options for fire survivors.

The Foothill Catalog Foundation, a nonprofit, will present more than 30 design concepts. The organization is dedicated to helping fire survivors rebuild and save money, and emphasizes additional savings when rebuilding together.

Representatives from cityLAB-UCLA will discuss modular housing options and explain how combining traditional construction with modular building can save time and money.

Habitat for Humanity will focus on affordability and sustainability in rebuilding efforts. Representatives will be available to answer questions.

Sunset Mesa Collective will present their approach of using a single point of contact.

Friday, July 18, 2025

50 Local Women Entrepreneurs Whose Business Were Damaged by Wildfire Receive Grants and Fresh Hope

By EDDIE RIVERA

Selected women-owned businesses received $25,000 recovery grants, from GoFundMe.org, Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media Impact Foundation, and Pasadena City College’s Women’s Business Center

On a sparkling late summer afternoon at the Pasadena Museum of History, with the historic Fenyes Mansion serving as backdrop, fifty women entrepreneurs stepped into the spotlight Wednesday to celebrate resilience, recovery, and new beginnings.

They were gathered not just as survivors of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and nearby foothill communities, but as small business owners determined to rebuild their lives and neighborhoods. Each of them received $25,000 recovery grants, made possible by GoFundMe.org and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media Impact Foundation, in partnership with Pasadena City College’s Women’s Business Center.

“This is much more than a mixer,” said Lizzy Okoro Davidson, director of the Women’s Business Center. “This gathering says a lot about who we are as a community and where we’re headed.”

From ice cream shops to home-based childcare providers,