Monday, July 7, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivors to Gather to Mark Six-Month Anniversary, Push for Accountability

Fire survivors will host press conference and call for action from insurers and government officials.

The Eaton Fire Survivors Network will host a special gathering Monday to mark six months since the devastating wildfire that killed 18 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings. The event aims to connect survivors while holding insurers and government officials accountable for ongoing recovery challenges.

“We’ll connect, share hugs, hold a survivor-led press conference, and write postcards to hold insurers and government accountable,” the Eaton Fire Survivors Network said in describing the July 7 anniversary event.

The grassroots organization has scheduled the “6-Month Fire Anniversary: Survivor Press Conference & Postcard Party” earlier in the day in Altadena.

Six months later, many survivors continue struggling with insurance claims and housing issues.

Many survivors are still struggling to find permanent housing, with some living in cars or hotels. The rebuilding process is being complicated by government red tape and permit delays.

Joy Chen,

Monday, July 7, 2025

Mayor Victor M. Gordo: Six Months After the Eaton Fire

Six months ago, the Eaton Fire tore through our foothill communities—scorching the land, damaging homes, and forcing families in Altadena and Pasadena to flee with little more than hope in their hearts. But the greatest loss, the most painful wound, was the loss of 18 precious lives. They were mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers, neighbors—people who mattered. And they are deeply missed.

And yet, out of that destruction, we witnessed something remarkable: the strength, resilience, and deep connection that define our community. We saw neighbors reaching out to help neighbors. We saw strangers become family. And we saw the incredible strength of a community that, even in the face of devastation, refused to be broken.

As we mark this six-month milestone, I want to thank Governor Newsom for his leadership and steadfast support from day one. I also want to express tremendous appreciation for our federal, state, and local partners—including Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Sasha Renee Perez, Assemblymember John Harabedian, Supervisor Kathryn Barger and her team,

Monday, July 7, 2025

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK | Covering the Eaton Fire: Altadena’s Silent Firestorm

By EDDIE RIVERA

I thought I could get back home early.

I set my alarm for 3:30 a.m. on the morning of Wednesday, January 8, some ten hours after the start of the fire, thinking that I could dash out the door by 4 a.m., hopefully grab some fire footage,  and maybe interview a fire captain at a street command post somewhere in Altadena.

I was already far too late. I was somewhere near the middle of the worst of the Eaton Canyon fire. And things were only growing from there. The firestorm had already blown from east to west through Altadena like a hurricane, and by the approaching dawn, nearly a thousand homes had already been wiped out.

Leaving my home about 18 minutes away from the heart of the firestorm, flaming ashes were already swirling everywhere, and as I headed up Lake Avenue, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped me and told me to turn around. I explained that I was part of the media and needed to cover the fire.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Altadena Sheriff Station Hosts “Guac With a Cop” Community Event

Deputies invite residents to join them for food and conversation at local restaurant

Deputies from the Altadena Sheriff Station will host a community engagement event Tuesday, July 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at El Patron Restaurant. The “Guac With a Cop” event aims to strengthen the bond between local law enforcement and the community through informal dining and conversation.

The event encourages residents to bring their appetite and questions to connect with deputies in a relaxed setting. The gathering provides an opportunity for community members to enjoy delicious food and get to know the faces behind the badge.

El Patron Restaurant, located at 2555 Lake Avenue in Altadena, will serve as the venue for this community policing initiative. The restaurant reopened in March after surviving the Eaton Fire that devastated Altadena in January.

The Eaton Fire began on January 7 and was fully contained on January 31, burning 14,021 acres and destroying over 9,000 structures in Altadena and surrounding areas.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Huntington Health Hosts Virtual Event to Combat Rising Elder Financial Abuse

Senior Care Network addresses $36.5 billion annual problem nationwide, which affects local community

Huntington Health will host a free virtual educational event this week addressing financial elder abuse as reports of exploitation continue to surge nationwide.

The Senior Care Network’s Noon Hour Series presentation on July 9 aims to help community members recognize warning signs and take protective action against a crime affecting more than six in 100 elderly Americans.

Financial elder abuse happens when someone illegally or improperly uses an older adult’s money, property, or assets—often through scams or manipulation. Financial abuse is more common than you think and often goes unnoticed, according to event materials.

The session will focus on scams targeting older adults, including how participants can protect themselves from exploitation after a disaster strikes. Elder Abuse Prevention Advocate Alisa “Lisa” Anderson from Bet Tzedek Legal Services will lead the 12:30 p.m. Zoom presentation.

The event targets caregivers, family members, and anyone working with older adults,

Sunday, July 6, 2025

In A First, California Moves Toward Paying Incarcerated Firefighters Minimum Wage

By Cayla Mihalovich, CALMATTERS

In a historic policy change, California is moving to pay incarcerated firefighters the federal minimum wage during active fires.

The wage increase, funded through the new state budget, follows years of advocacy to improve pay and working conditions for incarcerated labor. That effort took on a new urgency after hundreds of incarcerated firefighters were deployed to battle deadly wildfires that hit Los Angeles in January.

Incarcerated firefighters currently earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. During active emergencies, Cal Fire compensates them an additional $1 per hour.

That appears to be changing. Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed a new state budget with $10 million to pay incarcerated firefighters $7.25 an hour when they’re on a fire. It will take effect Jan. 1 as long as the Legislature passes a bill that would mandate the policy.

“It’s the right thing to do and it’s long overdue,” said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan,

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Prominent Endocrinologist’s Death in San Marino House Fire Leads to Arrest of Estranged Husband

A six-month investigation into a deadly house fire has led to the arrest of a 62-year-old man accused of murdering his estranged wife, a respected endocrinologist, whose body was found in their burned San Marino home earlier this year.

Yoon Lai, also known as Kevin Lai, was arrested Thursday morning at his San Gabriel residence on suspicion of killing Dr. Irene Gaw-Lai, 56, on Jan. 6. He is being held without bail pending a case presentation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on July 8, authorities said.

Dr. Gaw-Lai, also known professionally as Dr. Irene Gaw Gonzalo, was found dead inside her burning home on the 2000 block of Lorain Road. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 9:45 a.m. and discovered her body with severe burns and upper body trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Initially treated as an accidental fire, the case shifted to a homicide investigation the following day after a medical examination reportedly revealed suspicious injuries.

“There was trauma to her upper body,” said Lt.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Updated: Two Men Hospitalized After Brenner Park Shooting, Suspects at Large

[Editor: New information from authorities has resulted in significant new details that correct and expand the original story on this incident]

[Updated 7:08 a.m.] Two men were hospitalized after a shooting late Friday night at Brenner Park, and police are searching for two suspects, authorities said.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 11:08 p.m. near Mountain Street and Sunset Avenue, according to Pasadena Police Lt. Anthony Russo.

SoundThinking, a gunshot detection system used by Pasadena police that was formerly called ShotSpotter, detected 10 rounds fired in the area.

By the time officers arrived, both victims had already been taken to Huntington Hospital by acquaintances, Russo said.

An 18-year-old Altadena man suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the arm, chest, and shoulder and remains hospitalized with major injuries. A 32-year-old Pasadena man was shot in the hand. Both are expected to survive.

Police are seeking two Black male suspects. One was last seen wearing a white tank top,

Friday, July 4, 2025

Down-Home Celebrations In and Near Pasadena Mark Independence Day

July 4th activities will bring local communities together

Neighborhood spirit, innovative light displays, and community pride will define this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Pasadena and surrounding cities, as residents will mark the Fourth of July with events ranging from drone shows to homegrown parades and family barbecues.

At the Rose Bowl, thousands will gather for a high-tech twist on tradition. The stadium will replace fireworks with a synchronized drone light show, capping a three-day international street food festival dubbed FoodieLand. The event, which will run from July 4 through July 6, will offer more than 200 food and craft vendors and will feature live music, games, and cultural performances.

The aerial show, designed by Pyro Spectaculars—the team behind displays at Dodger Stadium and Macy’s NYC celebration—will use hundreds of drones to animate patriotic scenes above the Arroyo, creating a visual experience only visible to those inside the stadium. Tickets are $12 and include access to both the food festival and drone show.

Friday, July 4, 2025

‘DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze,’ Pasadena Police Caution Ahead of Holiday

First-time arrest can cost $15,000-$20,000; drug-impaired crashes rising statewide

Pasadena police are warning drivers that DUI enforcement during Independence Day celebrations will target not just drunk drivers but those impaired by marijuana and other drugs.

The department’s Fourth of July safety campaign emphasizes that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze” as officers prepare for increased patrols during the holiday week.

“When celebrations associated with Independence Day—fireworks, backyard barbecues and pool parties—wind down, it’s vital we all work together to spread this life-saving message,” the department stated.

Pasadena Police Department reported 225 DUI investigations in 2024, up from 194 in 2023, with 83 DUI-related collisions.

The department emphasizes that impairment from any substance poses significant risks to public safety. This message aligns with the ongoing effort to educate drivers that impairment extends beyond alcohol to include marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances that can compromise driving ability.

Statewide statistics underscore the dangers. California Highway Patrol arrested 1,336 motorists for DUI during the 2024 Fourth of July holiday period,