Altadena residents impacted by the recent wildfires have begun receiving critical financial assistance, with officials announcing that the first $2.7 million in grant funds has been distributed to businesses, nonprofits, and individual workers affected by the disaster. During the March 17 Altadena Community Meeting, Supervisor Kathryn Barger reported that these initial funds were awarded to 82 businesses and nonprofits, with each organization receiving grants of $25,000. Additionally, 324 workers received individual grants of $2,000 each. “I’m committed to getting these ..read more

The Pasadena Economic Development and Technology Committee unanimously approved significant fee reductions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during its meeting on Wednesday. The proposal, which must still receive final authorization from the full City Council before taking effect, aims to encourage ADU production and increase housing options in Pasadena while preserving the character of residential neighborhoods. It could save Pasadena homeowners thousands of dollars in construction costs for units under 900 square feet. “This is very exciting news for those ..read more

Let’s assume that there’s a theoretical problem that needs to be addressed with a plan of action. Logically, such a plan would define the problem, declare what goals must be reached, list actions to reach the goals and, most importantly, identify the necessary logistical and financial tools required. Humankind’s many armed conflicts have proven that plans lacking all of those elements often fail. The allied invasion to end Nazi domination of Europe on D-Day, June 6, 1944, is a spectacular example ..read more

The City of Pasadena is positioning itself as a hub for serious innovation with its newly launched “Build It in Pasadena” marketing campaign that targets tech and life science companies in competing hubs across Southern California. At the Economic Development and Technology Committee meeting on Wednesday, Committee Members heard an update on the campaign’s progress, which according to a City press release has already generated over one million impressions and led to a 400% surge in engagement since its February ..read more

State law enforcement officials are warning Californians Wednesday to take steps to protect themselves amid new reports of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement officers and other immigration scams. In recent months, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued ways to help California immigrants better understand their rights and protections under the law and assist law enforcement, prosecutors and public institutions in complying with state law. Bonta warned that as scammers and other bad actors seek to capitalize “on ..read more

Two major water providers in Altadena have lifted their “Do Not Drink” orders, allowing thousands of local residents to safely use their tap water again following the Eaton Fire that devastated most of the town earlier this year. During the March 17 Altadena Community Meeting, officials from several local water districts shared updates on the status of drinking water safety throughout the area. Jennifer Betancourt Torres, General Manager of Lincoln Avenue Water Company, announced that as of last Thursday, March 13th ..read more

The City’s Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group will hear a presentation on how local freeway development in past decades contributed to racial segregation in Pasadena when it meets Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Researchers from the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge will deliver its final report titled “Racial Segregation in Pasadena: The Role of Freeway Development and Institutional Mechanisms,” which documents how the construction of the 210 Freeway and SR-710 stub affected demographic patterns in the ..read more

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) will review potential changes to its rules of conduct following the passage of a ballot measure authorizing removal of members for ethical violations. The Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 20, starting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, will include a study session focused on implementing standards mandated by Measure PR, which Pasadena voters approved in November 2024. An agenda report prepared by Helen Morales, Executive Director of the ..read more

A warming trend will bring unseasonably high temperatures to Pasadena and Altadena through the weekend, with highs potentially reaching the mid-to-upper 80s by Monday, National Weather Service forecasters said  today. Temperatures are expected to climb 8 to 12 degrees above normal as a high-pressure ridge builds over Southern California. Wednesday’s conditions in Pasadena feature clear skies with temperatures reaching the mid-70s, a noticeable jump of 4 to 8 degrees from Tuesday. Light northeasterly winds moved through the area in the ..read more

The Pasadena Public Library has launched a Summer Reading Tote Bag Design Contest for its 2025 summer program, offering community members a creative way to participate in the annual reading initiative. The contest invites designs focused on the library, Pasadena, literature, Summer Reading, or an interpretation of this year’s theme, “Level Up.” “The Summer Reading Tote Bag Design contest offers library users an opportunity and a new way to participate in the Summer Reading program,” said Tim McDonald, Director of ..read more