THE ALTADENA TALKS FOUNDATION, INC

California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) issued a sharp rebuke of federal immigration authorities following the release of Pasadena resident Rami Othmane, who was detained for nearly two weeks in downtown Los Angeles. Othmane, a classical Arabic musician and longtime U.S. resident originally from Tunisia, was apprehended by masked ICE agents on July 13 while driving to a grocery store in Pasadena. His wife, Dr. Wafaa Alrashid — Chief Medical Officer at Huntington Hospital — purportedly witnessed the arrest […] http://dlvr.it/TMnV4S

Renters in Pasadena’s rent-stabilized apartments can now look up the maximum legal rent for their unit and compare it to what they’re actually paying, thanks to newly public data on the city’s Rental Registry portal. The expanded online database reveals previously hard-to-access information about the city’s rent-controlled housing stock: maximum allowable rents, actual rents charged, tenant turnover dates from the past year, and unit sizes and bedroom counts. The transparency push, spurred by Pasadena’s Charter Article XVIII, Section 1812, marks […] http://dlvr.it/TMnTmh

An elderly woman was found dead in a house on fire early Saturday morning in West Pasadena, where hoarding and the absence of a working smoke detector may have hindered her escape, officials said. The blaze broke out around 6:25 a.m. on August 30 in the 1500 block of Lancashire Place, a dead-end street located off Lida Street near its intersection with Wellington Avenue, west of the Rose Bowl. Pasadena Fire Department crews arrived to find the single-story home fully […] http://dlvr.it/TMnT5Z

The 2025 Certificate in Social Media Marketing & Fundraising program covers the fundamentals of social media marketing and fundraising for your nonprofit. The certificate program provides an honest, practical approach to using social media at a time when organic reach and engagement are at an all-time low. http://dlvr.it/TMn8F1

The Pasadena Police Department will hold a public meeting Thursday, Sept. 4, to review its 2024–2025 Military Equipment Annual Report, as required under California Assembly Bill 481. The meeting is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Washington Park Community House, 700 E. Washington Blvd. The department’s report and associated Military Equipment Use Policy are mandated by AB 481, which took effect Jan. 1, 2022, and governs the acquisition and use of military-type equipment by law enforcement agencies statewide. […] http://dlvr.it/TMmpqP

A judge whose home burned in January’s Eaton Fire recently told the board president of the Altadena Town and Country Club that losing the club was just as devastating as losing her house. She wasn’t being overly dramatic. For 115 years, the club had been less country club than heart of the community — the place where Altadena held its proms, graduations, meetings, and weddings, where 120 people worked and thousands gathered. On Sunday, nearly eight months after the fire […] http://dlvr.it/TMmpbC

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed final debris removal in Altadena and neighboring communities impacted by the Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger announced Friday The corps signed off at Eliot Arts Magnet School in Altadena, marking the completion of debris operations in Pasadena and Sierra Madre, according to Barger’s office. Restoration work will continue through the fall at the Altadena Golf Course, with a final handover to the county Department of Parks […] http://dlvr.it/TMmQNy

The Dodgers return to Dodger Stadium tonight riding their hottest stretch in nearly two months, opening a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks on the heels of a four-game win streak and a sweep of Cincinnati. Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over the Reds wasn’t just another tally in the win column — it was a statement. Los Angeles struck out a franchise-record 19 batters in nine innings, got Shohei Ohtani’s first Dodger win, and watched Michael Conforto’s solo blast in the […] http://dlvr.it/TMmQFD

Post pandemic, the Pasadena City College women’s volleyball team has found a real home advantage at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium. The Lancers are 44-12 at “The Pat” since the start of the 2021 season, a sensational .786 winning percentage. On Wednesday, PCC moved to 3-0 overall with yet another home triump, a sweep over Ventura, 25-23, 25-15, 25-13. Led by Payton Scott‘s nine kills and .571 attack efficiency, The Lancers hit an impressive .388 as a team. Bobbie Torres added eight kills, seven digs, and […] http://dlvr.it/TMlxrQ

Last Saturday morning, the freshly restored walls of Sexson Auditorium at Pasadena City College reverberated with applause, and cheers as hundreds of supporters and dignitaries gathered for the ceremonial swearing-in of Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, currently the youngest member of the California State Senate and already one of its most closely watched new voices. The official oath had been administered months earlier in Sacramento, but the belated community celebration carried its own symbolism. “Joy is what will sustain us,” said Juliana Serrano, […] http://dlvr.it/TMlxMK

Pasadena landlords with rent-stabilized units will be allowed to raise rents by up to 2.25% beginning this fall after the city’s Rental Housing Board approved the Annual General Adjustment, but landlords must hurry to comply with the rules. The increase, which takes effect Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2026, was set at 75% of the Consumer Price Index for the Los Angeles—Riverside—Orange County region. The CPI rose 3% in the 12 months ending in March, triggering the 2.25% […] http://dlvr.it/TMlvvD

The Fuller Foundation has appointed Dasha Thomas as its new executive director, marking the first time a woman will lead the organization. The announcement, made following a unanimous vote by the Foundation’s Board, signals a strategic shift aimed at expanding impact and deepening engagement across the Christian philanthropic landscape. Thomas, who previously served as chief development officer, will oversee the Foundation’s charitable giving and investment management services. Her responsibilities include setting strategic direction, cultivating client relationships and aligning operations with […] http://dlvr.it/TMkzNh

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) will visit Pacific Clinics Head Start’s Peoria Early Head Start Center on Thursday to meet with educators, families and children, and participate in a community roundtable focused on the future of early childhood education. The visit follows federal actions that have jeopardized Head Start programs nationwide, including regional office closures and funding cuts under the Trump administration. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. PT, will spotlight the essential services Head Start provides to […] http://dlvr.it/TMkv8r

Friends In Deed will host its annual Cooking for a Cause fundraising event on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, located at 40 West Green Street in Pasadena. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization’s Food Pantry, the largest food bank in Pasadena. The culinary competition will feature local aspiring chefs preparing appetizers and entrées using pantry staples and mystery ingredients sourced from the Food Pantry. The format is designed to reflect the […] http://dlvr.it/TMkv0k

A community vigil and fundraiser will be held Thursday evening in response to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that resulted in the detention of six car wash workers last week in Pasadena. The incident occurred shortly before noon on Friday, Aug. 22 at the Pasadena Car Wash, located at 164 W. Del Mar Blvd. near Old Pasadena. According to organizers, seven employees were initially detained by individuals believed to be ICE agents. One worker was released shortly after […] http://dlvr.it/TMktnJ

City Hall and most municipal services in Pasadena will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. Essential public safety operations will remain active, while residents should expect changes to transit, waste collection, and parking enforcement, the City has announced. Pasadena Police and Fire departments will maintain full staffing for emergency response, including patrol, jail, paramedic, and fire services. Residents are advised to dial 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies and report suspicious activity to the police non-emergency line at (626) […] http://dlvr.it/TMks40

The Pasadena City Council voted Monday to approve a $32 million contract with New Flyer of America Inc. for the purchase of 17 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, marking a milestone in the city’s transition to a zero-emission transit fleet. The new 40-foot buses are expected to replace aging natural gas models and enter service by spring 2027. The decision followed extensive debate over the costs, environmental benefits and long-term risks of committing to hydrogen while other Southern California transit […] http://dlvr.it/TMjwz6

The Pasadena City Council adjourned in honor of former Mayor William E. Thomson Jr. on Monday, recalling his decades of civic leadership and the role he played in shaping modern Pasadena. Mayor Victor Gordo said Thomson’s tenure “was marked by visionary leadership, tireless advocacy for civic engagement and a profound dedication to the people of Pasadena.” He highlighted Thomson’s efforts to bring major events to the Rose Bowl, including the 1984 Olympics, two Super Bowls and the 1994 World Cup. […] http://dlvr.it/TMjrTj

U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, who represents the Linda Vista area of Pasadena, is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security following the deployment of approximately 100 heavily armed federal agents outside Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Aug. 14 press conference in Los Angeles. Friedman led a letter signed by 14 other members of California’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, questioning the scale, timing and intent of the operation. The lawmakers are seeking a written response from the […] http://dlvr.it/TMjrKl

ForensisGroup, an expert witness referral firm based in Pasadena, is playing a pivotal role in helping local residents affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and their lawyers navigate complex insurance claims and legal disputes, according to a company statement. The firm, which connects attorneys with independent experts across thousands of technical disciplines, said its specialists are assisting with cause-and-origin investigations, fire behavior analysis, construction cost estimating, environmental remediation, and forensic accounting for business interruption claims. These services are […] http://dlvr.it/TMjr4f

Tribute giving is when a donor makes a donation in someone else's name to honor that person or to celebrate a special occasion. Tribute gifts are most often made by supporters with a strong belief in your mission who prefer to donate to a good cause rather than spend money on traditional gifts. http://dlvr.it/TMjncq

Pasadena Water and Power customers who are 62 or older or permanently disabled may qualify for bill assistance through two financial aid programs. The utility announced that eligible customers can receive help through the Cares or Cares PLUS programs. Both programs offer monthly bill credits for qualifying income levels. The Cares program provides monthly bill credits for customers who are 62 years or older or permanently disabled. The program helps reduce electric and water bills and may waive certain charges […] http://dlvr.it/TMhrg5

A Hawthorne man seen in viral footage throwing punches at concertgoers during a Rüfüs Du Sol performance at the Rose Bowl earlier this month appeared before a judge Monday and was released with conditions. Julio Cesar Lopez Zavala, 23, was ordered to wear an ankle monitor but was released on his own recognizance after a judge determined he did not pose a threat to public safety, according to KNBC news. He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 21. Zavala […] http://dlvr.it/TMhlrw

Assemblymember John Harabedian (D–Pasadena) joined wildfire survivors and local officials Monday to demand urgent reforms from the California Department of Insurance, citing widespread delays and denials of claims stemming from the Eaton Fire and other recent disasters affecting residents in Altadena, Pasadena and surrounding communities. Speaking at a press conference held in Altadena alongside the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, Harabedian called on the California Department of Insurance to enforce existing laws, expedite claims, and increase transparency in insurance practices. He […] http://dlvr.it/TMhlhh

Pasadena residents will see cooler temperatures Tuesday before a warming trend resumes midweek and continues for a “high and dry” Labor Day weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Tuesday’s high is expected to reach 91 degrees, down about 6 degrees from Monday. Forecasters attribute the cooling to a weakened marine layer and shifting upper-level patterns. Skies will remain sunny with light south-southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be clear with a low near […] http://dlvr.it/TMhlYf

The 14th annual San Marino Motor Classic raised over $400,000 for local charities during its weekend of events on August 23-24 at Lacy Park. The nonprofit organization hosted thousands of spectators who viewed some of the world’s finest classic cars at the prestigious Concours d’Elegance. “A fabulous weekend was had by all who attended the 14th annual San Marino Motor Classic in Lacy Park on August 24, ending the summer in style by joining us for this classy Classic weekend […] http://dlvr.it/TMhjCy

The Pasadena Housing Department closed its public lobby from Aug. 25 through Aug. 29 as it prepares to relocate to a new office space, according to a notice posted on the department’s website. “Our lobby will be closed to the public the week of August 25–29. You may still reach staff during this time by email and telephone,” the department stated. The department will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 2 at its new location: 199 South Los Robles Avenue Suite 450. The […] http://dlvr.it/TMgpQm

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will hold a virtual meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 7:00 p.m., featuring legislative updates from representatives of Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Assemblymember John Harabedian. Although ACONA meetings are traditionally held bimonthly at the Altadena Community Center, the Aug. 26 session will be conducted via Zoom. The meeting is open to all Altadena residents, and the link is available at ACONAonline.org. Representatives from Pérez and Harabedian’s offices will provide a general overview of active […] http://dlvr.it/TMghqw

The Pasadena Planning Commission will consider extensive amendments to the city’s zoning code when it meets Wednesday evening. These changes target development review processes, signs, temporary uses and housing regulations. The proposals follow two years of zoning updates focused on encouraging housing development and improving review processes. The most significant change would make predevelopment plan reviews optional for new multifamily projects with 10 or more units. The Planning Department, in a report for Wednesday’s meeting, says it found that requiring […] http://dlvr.it/TMghFJ

A gradual cooling trend will begin Tuesday in Pasadena, easing daytime highs from the mid-90s to the lower 90s, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said the high-pressure system that fueled recent heat is weakening and shifting east, allowing cooler air and increased onshore flow. Monday’s high is expected to reach 95 degrees, with southwest winds increasing to 10 mph by afternoon. Tuesday’s high will dip to around 91 degrees, with similar conditions forecast through Wednesday. Overnight lows will […] http://dlvr.it/TMggYr

A 45-year-old man was assaulted likely with a metal pipe while sleeping outside a business on the 1000 block of North Lake Avenue, according to Pasadena Police Lieutenant Matt Campeau. The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, but was not reported until 11:48 a.m. the following day, Campeau said. The victim, described as a transient, was lying in front of the business when he awoke to an unknown man mumbling incoherently. The suspect then allegedly punched and […] http://dlvr.it/TMfvdL

When Kaiy Smith-Biesman launched her businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while her Marine husband was on active duty, she did what seemed impossible: She built three community-rooted brands, navigated through the LA wildfires, all while raising two children. The Chapman University graduate in business management, marketing and entrepreneurship will share her unconventional business playbook at the Pasadena Rotary Club’s weekly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The University Club, 175 N. Oakland […] http://dlvr.it/TMfvVz

LIFT International will mark its 25th anniversary with a special community cookout on Saturday, August 30, dedicated to supporting survivors of the recent Eaton Canyon Fire. The free event at Eaton Blanche Park will provide a day of healing, connection, and celebration for local residents. The nonprofit is a vibrant church and community hub dedicated to serving the Altadena and Pasadena communities. “For 25 years, LIFT International has been committed to being a light in the community—bringing hope, restoration, and […] http://dlvr.it/TMftBS

The Editors of Pasadena Now go through over 100 articles published this week on our site and cull the top 20 most newsworthy, informative, and readable. Pasadena’s City Hall Boxing Show Celebrates Decade of Community Impact Tonight Holden Block Party Postponed as Pasadena Braces for Triple-Digit Heat Gordo Remembers William E. Thomson Jr. as ‘Visionary Leader’ Man Arrested in Brutal Rose Bowl Concert Assault That Left Woman Unconscious William Thomson Jr., Pasadena Mayor Who Revitalized “Old Town” District, Dies at […] http://dlvr.it/TMft4J

In a bulletin issued at 3:07 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley, forecasting dangerously high temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees through 9 p.m. Sunday. The warning cites elevated risk of heat-related illness, especially for children, older adults, outdoor workers, and residents without access to air conditioning. Overnight lows are expected to remain warm, with temperatures around 69 degrees Saturday night and 67 degrees Sunday night. Sunday’s […] http://dlvr.it/TMfsdt

When Senator Sasha Renée Pérez takes her ceremonial oath of office Saturday at Pasadena City College for California’s 25th State Senate District, she will do so as one of California’s most progressive voices on immigrant rights and housing reform, carrying legislation that would ban algorithmic rent manipulation at a time when many of her constituents are still reeling from January’s devastating Eaton Fire. Her outspoken pushback against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions make her among the most vocal of […] http://dlvr.it/TMfC5N

These seven principles, rooted in behavioral science and backed by sector-wide data, show how nonprofits can strengthen emotional connections with supporters — making it easier for them to give, and to give again. http://dlvr.it/TMdz5x

Every ten years, following the national census, states across the country face the consequential task of redrawing their legislative and congressional districts—a process known as redistricting. While it may seem technical or bureaucratic, the way these new boundaries are constructed can profoundly shape political representation, community cohesion, and the health of democracy itself. In some states, lines are drawn by legislators with vested interests; in others, by independent commissions or panels intended to reflect a broader, more impartial perspective. California […] http://dlvr.it/TMdGzH

A non-injury traffic collision on the eastbound Interstate 210 occurred Thursday morning at the Seco Street on-ramp, the California Highway Patrol reported. Initial dispatch logs at 7:18 a.m. indicated a Camry was pinned beneath a semi-truck, with one person unable to get out of the car. The CHP requested a hard closure of the on-ramp and issued a SigAlert, which was expected to cause a two-hour shutdown. Traffic lanes were cleared and fully reopened within approximately 20 minutes, and no […] http://dlvr.it/TMdGqm

A redrawn congressional district map aimed at shifting five U.S. House seats to Democrats will go before California voters this November, a move some Republican state legislators — including Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach — said violates the state constitution. State lawmakers voted Thursday to put the newly proposed California congressional map — a direct counter to legislative redistricting efforts in Texas to increase the number of GOP House seats there — before voters in a Nov. 4 special election. […] http://dlvr.it/TMdGc9

A 23-year-old Hawthorne man was arrested Thursday in connection with a violent assault at a sold-out Rüfüs Du Sol concert at the Rose Bowl that left a woman unconscious and injured two others, Pasadena police said. Julio Cesar Lopez Zavala was taken into custody five days after the August 16 incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. in a stadium seating area and was captured on video that later went viral. The footage, posted by the victim on social media in […] http://dlvr.it/TMdGHb

Victor Gordo on Thursday remembered former Mayor William E. Thomson Jr. as a “visionary leader” whose legacy shaped the city’s future, following news of Thomson’s death. “Mayor Thomson was more than a public servant—he was a builder of community, a champion of progress, and a steward of Pasadena’s future,” Gordo said in a statement. “Pasadena is better because of Thomson, and his legacy will live on in every corner of our city.” Thomson served as Pasadena’s mayor from 1988 to […] http://dlvr.it/TMczHx

This guide is designed to help nonprofit boards navigate this transformation responsibly. We’ll explore practical use cases for AI in the boardroom, the benefits it offers, the risks to be aware of, and 6 actionable steps to help you adopt AI in a secure, thoughtful, and mission-aligned way. http://dlvr.it/TMMcP4