Tuesday, July 15, 2025

CalPERS Recovers from Tariff Plunge and Notches a Big Investment Gain

By Adam Ashton, CALMATTERS

California’s largest public employee pension fund recovered from a spring stock market plunge and notched its second-best investment return in a decade, at least temporarily easing concerns about economic volatility in the new Trump administration.

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System announced today that it gained 11.6% on in its investments over the past financial year, eclipsing its target of 6.8%.

That’s a critical number in California government government finance both because CalPERS funds retirement plans for some 2 million people and because it charges government agencies more money to make up for losses when it misses its annual investment target.

CalPERS saw a steep drop in its portfolio in April after President Donald Trump announced tariffs against nearly every country. CalPERS lost about $25 billion that month, but regained the value and then some as Trump put off his most expensive tariffs and global markets adjusted to his tariff threats.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Altadena Town Council to Convene for July Meeting, Address Community Affairs and Elections

The Council will meet virtually Tuesday evening to discuss public safety, community updates and election results.

The Altadena Town Council will hold its monthly meeting virtually Tuesday evening to discuss a range of civic matters affecting the unincorporated Los Angeles County community. The Council, a locally elected volunteer advisory body, represents residents in Altadena in the absence of a formal city government, functioning as a liaison to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live via Pasadena Media’s YouTube channel. Residents may submit public comments by email until noon today.

A notable portion of the meeting will center on the Council’s election process. Election Chair Town Councilmember Isis Moulden will introduce candidates, oversee voting procedures and announce results. Newly elected Councilmembers will be sworn in by Council Chair Victoria Knapp.

Other agenda items include reports from the Council’s officers and committee chairs, public safety updates from the Altadena Sheriff’s Station,

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Honoring the Heart and Soul of a District

By EDDIE RIVERA

Nine community members and groups recognized by Congresswoman Judy Chu at Congressional Leadership event

In a year marked by the devastation of the Eaton Fire and its aftermath, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) honored individuals and organizations who stepped up for their communities.

Chu’s annual Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards Ceremony, held in Arcadia for constituents in California’s 28th Congressional District (which includes Pasadena), celebrated those whose contributions touched nearly every corner of the San Gabriel Valley.

The event was emceed by actress and community advocate Tamlyn Tomita, known for her roles in “The Karate Kid Part II,” “The Joy Luck Club,” and “Star Trek: Picard.”

“After everything our communities have been through, especially in the wake of the Eaton Fire, these leaders stepped up,” Chu told the audience. “Many of our honorees have helped families rebuild, uplifted young people, supported our seniors, empowered immigrant communities, and brought hope during some of the hardest times.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Bill to Ban Use of Masks By Law Enforcement During Public Interactions Gains Council Backing

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The City Council on Monday voted to support state legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public, with limited exceptions.

Senate Bill 627, introduced by state Senators Scott Wiener, Jesse Arreguin, and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, seeks to increase transparency and accountability by ensuring officers can be visibly identified during public duties.

Mayor Victor Gordo will send letters to lawmakers stating Pasadena’s support for the bill.

SB 627 would make it a crime for any officer — local, state, or federal — to wear a mask while interacting with the public, unless the officer is engaged in an undercover operation or wearing protective gear.

Specific exceptions include the use of medical-grade masks to prevent disease transmission, equipment for protection from wildfire smoke, and gear used by SWAT teams.

The move comes in response to community concerns following several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Pasadena in recent weeks.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Los Angeles County Supervisors to Vote on Immigration Aid, Safety Net Protections Tuesday

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote Tuesday on four motions aimed at mitigating the effects of intensified immigration enforcement and newly enacted federal funding restrictions. The measures, introduced by Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, target urgent needs created by recent raids and the federal “Big Bill,” which includes significant cuts to Medicaid, nutrition support and other safety net programs.

One motion proposes launching a cash aid fund within 30 days to assist workers and families impacted by immigration raids. It also calls for an expansion of the County’s Small Business Interruption Fund starting in August, and directs the development of a recovery program to return work equipment left behind during detentions. Resources for families with pets — including an expanded foster program — are also included, specifically for households affected by enforcement actions.

A second motion seeks to expand access to the County’s Restaurant Meals Program, encouraging restaurant owners to enroll and provide meals to vulnerable residents.

Monday, July 14, 2025

County to Explore Boosting Life Sciences Ecosystem with Ambitious Funding Strategy

Supervisors set to vote on comprehensive plan to attract, support, and grow biotechnology industry in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, July 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration to consider a transformative life sciences initiative proposed by Supervisor Holly Mitchell. The comprehensive strategy aims to position the county as a competitive biotechnology hub by deploying $5,792,000 from the County Bioscience Loan Fund and investing up to $2,000,000 in targeted workforce development programs.

The proposed plan goes beyond simple funding, creating a multifaceted approach to support emerging life sciences firms. It includes prioritizing loans for graduating incubator companies, developing multi-tenant spaces for growing businesses, and establishing a clear permit classification system. The strategy emphasizes supporting historically underrepresented communities and creating a comprehensive business attraction and retention program.

Alongside the life sciences initiative, the board will address several critical issues. Supervisors will consider supporting state and federal legislation to enhance transparency during immigration enforcement,

Monday, July 14, 2025

Global Outpouring Helps Rebuild, Restore Altadena’s Bunny Museum After Devastating Fire

STAFF REPORT

Six months after the Eaton Fire reduced the world’s largest bunny collection to ash, The Bunny Museum has received more than 22,000 replacement items from donors around the globe.

Co-founder Candace Frazee reports an outpouring of support from around the world.

The Bunny Museum at 2605 Lake Avenue was among the last buildings in Altadena to burn when the Eaton Fire swept through the town on January 7 and 8.

Frazee said the museum and its contents burned to the ground after she and co-founder Steve Lubanski spent the night trying to protect it, only to see winds shift and flames rush in.

“We stayed up all night with a garden hose saving the museum and the apartment building to the north of the museum,” Frazee recalls.

Frazee and co-founder Steve Lubanski lost more than 60,000 bunny-themed artifacts in the fire — including catalogued figurines, jewelry, toys, books, paintings and personal items such as wedding albums and Frazee’s wedding dress.

Monday, July 14, 2025

California’s Wind and Solar Projects Face New Federal Hurdles

By Alejandro Lazo, CALMATTERS

California’s drive to run its electric grid entirely on wind, solar and other clean sources of energy just got harder after President Donald Trump signed a sweeping new budget law.

The changes in federal tax incentives could affect the feasibility of new solar and wind projects as the state is counting on them to provide more electricity for Californians. A state law requires 100% of electricity to be powered by renewable, carbon-free sources by 2045, at the same time it’s moving to electrify cars and trucks.

Incentives championed by former President Joe Biden were rolled back, shortening the timeline for the industry to obtain tax credits. Developers of wind and solar projects now face a new, shorter deadline for obtaining tax credits — most now expire at the end of 2027 instead of no sooner than 2032.

In addition, the new federal rules bar companies from accessing tax credits if they rely on major components from China or other “foreign entities of concern.” This restriction could hit California’s solar and wind industry especially hard,

Monday, July 14, 2025

One-Click Charity Drives Friends In Deed’s Back-to-School Push for Educational Equity

Friends In Deed, a 131-year-old Pasadena nonprofit, is leveraging Amazon wishlists to accelerate community giving for its annual Back-to-School backpack and supply drive. The organization hopes to distribute 400 complete kits to students from local low-income families by August 9, with priority access for food pantry clients on August 2.

After launching their digital call for donations on June 10, Friends In Deed saw Amazon deliveries start to arrive within 24 hours—a shift Food Pantry Program Director Tim Nistler calls “pretty quick” and a rewarding indicator of strong community engagement.

The deadline for donating backpacks is August 1, while school supplies must be received by July 25, Nistler said.

Distribution will occur at 444 E. Washington Blvd. during the first two Saturdays in August, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday collection times available in July.

The dual-distribution model prioritizes food pantry families before opening to the broader public, a structure intended to balance accessibility with resource availability.

The nonprofit’s Amazon wishlist offers an immediate way for donors to contribute items such as sturdy backpacks,

Monday, July 14, 2025

“Fighting Back Against ICE” Talk Anchors Foothills Democrats’ July Gathering

The Pasadena Foothills Democrats will center their July 17 general meeting around a keynote address by Jose Madera titled “Fighting Back Against ICE.” The event, held at 505 Lakeview Road in Pasadena from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., is expected to draw local activists, residents, and officials concerned with immigration justice and enforcement reform.

Madera, director of the Pasadena Job Center and a representative of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), will speak at 7:55 p.m. on the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in local communities. He will also represent the Immigration Justice Working Group of DSA–LA. A Q&A will follow his remarks.

Before the main program, a potluck social mixer will take place from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

At 7:15 p.m., the general meeting will begin with sign-in, a land acknowledgment, and approval of June minutes and officer reports. Committee updates will be presented at 7:30 p.m., covering campaigns, legislation, and digital media efforts.

Members will consider several motions,