Press Releases

:00FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 January 8, 2025 

Contact: Domenica Megerdichian

Phone: 626-403-7210

Email: dmegerdichian@southpasadenaca.gov

Windstorm Update: 01/08/2025 9:00 AM

The City of South Pasadena is committed to serving our community during these challenging times. Our dedicated teams are working tirelessly to respond to a high volume of calls for service. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as our resources are stretched to meet the demands of the situation.

We urge all residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety by preparing and gathering necessary supplies, such as water, food, medications, flashlights, and other emergency essentials.

The South Pasadena Senior Center and South Pasadena Public Library will be open as places of refuge during normal operating hours. The Senior Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Public Library is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mayor Janet Braun added, “The City of South Pasadena is fully mobilized our Emergency Operations Center has been activated and address the current challenges and damages resulting from our extraordinary weather conditions. Our first responders and city staff are working around the clock to ensure your safety and well-being. I encourage everyone to remain calm and united as a community as we navigate through this together. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.”

The City of South Pasadena experienced a brush fire at approximately 5:15 p.m. on January 7, 2025. The Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire and continues to monitor the situation.

For updates and resources, please visit our website at www.southpasadenaca.gov, the City of South Pasadena’s official social media channels, and Nixle. Please stay tuned and stay safe.

Power Outages

The storm has caused widespread power outages across Los Angeles County. Crews are actively working to restore power; however, due to ongoing high winds and hazardous conditions, some areas may experience extended outages. Residents are encouraged to conserve energy, avoid downed power lines, and report outages immediately to SoCal Edison at 1 (800) 611-1911.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates and information regarding windstorms, fires, evacuations, and other emergency services, residents are encouraged to opt in to South Pasadena Police Department communication alerts by texting 91030 to 888777. For updates and resources, please visit our website at www.southpasadenaca.gov, the City of South

Pasadena’s office social media channels, and residents are encouraged to download the City’s mobile app.

We urge all residents to exercise caution, stay indoors during high winds, and follow all safety instructions issued by local authorities.

Our community's safety remains the top priority. Local officials continue to work around the clock to address the ongoing windstorm, fire threats, and evacuations. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 8, 2025 

Contact: Domenica Megerdichian

Phone: 626-403-7210

Email: dmegerdichian@southpasadenaca.gov

Windstorm Update: 01/08/2025 6:00 PM

As the region moves from the response phase into recovery following the ongoing windstorm, the City of South Pasadena is now operating in a recovery phase through its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Local authorities urge residents to stay informed and continue taking necessary precautions. Emergency management teams are transitioning to recovery efforts, while working to address the aftermath of the storm and its impacts. The following important updates are provided for residents:

Current Fire Situation

Multiple wildfires are actively burning across Los Angeles County, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. Authorities have confirmed the following fire locations:

• Palisades Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 15,832 acres burned, and zero percent contained.
• Eaton Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 10,600 acres burned, and zero percent contained.
• Hurst Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 850 acres burned, and ten percent contained.
• Lidia Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 348 acres burned, and 30 percent contained.
• Sunset Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 10 acres burned, and zero percent contained.

Due to the severity of the fires, air quality has significantly decreased in affected areas. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors with windows closed. For updates on air quality, visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.

Evacuation Orders

There are no current evacuation orders for the City of South Pasadena. For resources on preparing for wildfires, please visit ready.lacounty.gov/fire. For the most current evacuation information, please visit southpasadenaca.gov/Windstorm-Event.

Debris Cleanup Guidance

Crews continue to clear roadways and will be making their way around town to pick up and dispose of green waste in the public right-of-way. For debris on private properties, please carefully collect and compile the green waste, fit what you can in bins, and await further direction. City staff have engaged Athens Services for increased capacity, but currently, please anticipate and expect delays in pick-up.

Parking Exemption

In response to the windstorm and potential evacuations, parking restrictions have been temporarily lifted in South Pasadena until Monday, January 13, 2025, to allow for easier movement of emergency vehicles and displaced residents. Please remain alert and avoid blocking emergency lanes and fire access routes.

Fallen Trees

Residents are encouraged to report fallen trees to the South Pasadena Police Department at (626) 403-7270.

Downed Power Lines & Power Outages

The storm has caused widespread power outages across Los Angeles County. Crews are actively working to restore power; however, some areas may experience extended outages. Residents are encouraged to conserve energy, avoid downed power lines, and report outages immediately to SoCal Edison at 1 (800) 611-1911. Never approach or touch downed power lines. Call 911 to report downed power lines.

Public Meeting Cancellations

In light of the ongoing recovery efforts, the following public meetings are cancelled or postponed:

• Community Development Ballot Measure Listening Session on January 9, 2025 is postponed until January 14, 2025.
• Library Board of Trustees on January 9, 2025 is cancelled.
• Public Safety Commission on January 13, 2025 is cancelled.
• Community Services Commission on January 13, 2025 is cancelled.

 Updates on rescheduled meetings will be provided as soon as possible. Residents are encouraged to monitor the City’s website and social media for further announcements.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates and information regarding windstorms, fires, evacuations, and other emergency services, residents are encouraged to opt in to South Pasadena Police Department communication alerts by texting 91030 to 888777. For updates and resources, please visit our website at www.southpasadenaca.gov, the City of South Pasadena’s official social media channels, and download the City’s mobile app. Hard copies of these updates will be posted at four public locations periodically: City Hall Courtyard Bulletin Board, Recreation Center Bulletin Board, Senior Center, and Library.

We urge all residents to exercise caution, stay indoors during high winds, and follow all safety instructions issued by local authorities.

Our community's safety remains the top priority. Local officials continue to work around the clock to address the ongoing windstorm, fire threats, and evacuations. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2025

Contact: Domenica Megerdichian, Deputy City Manager

Phone: (626) 403-7210

Email: dmegerdichian@southpasadenaca.gov

Updates Amid Windstorm Event: 01/09/2025 09:00AM

South Pasadena (Calif.) – As the region moves from the response phase into recovery following the ongoing windstorm, the City of South Pasadena is now operating in a recovery phase through its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Local authorities urge residents to stay informed and continue taking necessary precautions. Emergency management teams are transitioning to recovery efforts, while working to address the aftermath of the storm and its impacts. The following important updates are provided for residents:

Current Fire Situation

Multiple wildfires are actively burning across Los Angeles County, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. Authorities have confirmed the following fire locations:

• Palisades Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 17,234 acres burned, and zero percent contained.

•Eaton Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 10,600 acres burned, and zero percent contained.

•Hurst Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 855 acres burned, and ten percent contained.

•Lidia Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 348 acres burned, and 40 percent contained.

•Sunset Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 43 acres burned, and zero percent contained.

Due to the severity of the fires, air quality has significantly decreased in affected areas. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors with windows closed. For updates on air quality, visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.

Evacuation Orders

There are no current evacuation orders for the City of South Pasadena. For resources on preparing for wildfires, please visit ready.lacounty.gov/fire. For the most current evacuation information, please visit www.southpasadenaca.gov/Windstorm-Event.

Updated Wind Advisory

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025 the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard issued a wind advisory valid from 10:00 p.m. until Friday, January 9, 2025 2:00 p.m. The advisory is for Malibu Coast, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Western San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Southeastern Ventura County

Valleys and Los Angeles. North to northeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 60 mph possible from Thursday night into Friday morning for Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley, Malibu Coast, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, and Western San Fernando Valley until 2 p.m. Friday.

Staffing & City Facilities

The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to operate through Friday and into the weekend to coordinate ongoing response efforts related to the windstorm event. Residents can expect continued support and updates as we work to address the situation. Additionally, the Senior Center and Public Library will maintain regular operating hours on Friday. Please note that City Hall will be closed to the public on Friday, and resume normal operations on Monday, January 13, 2025. For urgent matters during this time, residents should continue to route their calls to the following numbers:

•Police (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7297

•Fire (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7300

•City Service Directory: (626) 403-7200

•To Report Power Outages: 1 (800) 611-1911

•To Report Fallen Trees (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7270

Donations & Volunteer Opportunities

In response to the ongoing windstorm event, City staff are currently compiling a comprehensive list of local donation centers that are accepting items. This list will

include locations for residents to drop off essential goods to support those in need during this critical time. Additionally, information regarding volunteer opportunities will be shared in the coming days. We encourage all community members to stay tuned for updates on how they can contribute to relief efforts.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates and information regarding windstorms, fires, evacuations, and other emergency services, residents are encouraged to opt in to South Pasadena Police Department communication alerts by texting 91030 to 888777. For updates and resources, please visit our website at www.southpasadenaca.gov, the City of South Pasadena’s official social media channels, and download the City’s mobile app. Hard copies of these updates will be posted at four public locations periodically:

1) City Hall Courtyard Bulletin Board- 1414 Mission Street

2) Recreation Center Bulletin Board- 815 Mission Street

3) Senior Center- 1102 Oxley Street

4) Library- 1100 Oxley Street

We urge all residents to exercise caution, stay indoors during high winds, and follow all safety instructions issued by local authorities.

Our community's safety remains the top priority. Local officials continue to work around the clock to address the ongoing windstorm, fire threats, and evacuations. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2025

Contact: Domenica Megerdichian

Phone: 626-403-7210

Email: dmegerdichian@southpasadenaca.gov

Update Amid Windstorm Event: 01/09/2025 12:00 PM

South Pasadena (Calif.) – As the region moves from the response phase into recovery following the ongoing windstorm, the City of South Pasadena’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has transitioned to a Level 3 Recovery. Local authorities urge residents to stay informed and continue taking necessary precautions. The following important updates are provided for residents: 

 Current Fire Situation 

Multiple wildfires are actively burning across Los Angeles County, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. Authorities have confirmed the following fire locations: 

• Palisades Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 17,234 acres burned, and zero percent contained.
• Eaton Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 10,600 acres burned, and zero percent contained.
• Hurst Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 671 acres burned, and ten percent contained.
• Lidia Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 348 acres burned, and 40 percent contained.
• Sunset Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 43 acres burned, and zero percent contained.

Due to the severity of the fires, air quality has significantly decreased in affected areas. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors with windows closed. For updates on air quality, visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.  

Evacuation Orders 

There are no current evacuation orders for the City of South Pasadena. For resources on preparing for wildfires, please visit ready.lacounty.gov/fire. For the most current evacuation information, please visit www.southpasadenaca.gov/Windstorm-Event.  

Water Safety

The City of South Pasadena has its own water operations, and water is regularly tested and is clean and safe to drink. Our water supply is not affected by the evacuations and water quality issues being experienced in Pasadena. Residents can remain confident in the quality and supply of water in South Pasadena. 

Update on Power Outages 

As of 7:45 a.m., a total of 327,654 customers are currently without power across Southern California. In South Pasadena, power remains out in the northwest section of town due to downed power lines. SoCal Edison is aware of the outages and is prioritizing restoration efforts based on the most significant impacts—SCE is working diligently in our community to restore power as soon as possible. Please note that the number of customers without power due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) will change throughout the day as conditions evolve. Residents can stay informed about the latest updates by visiting the Outage Map. For additional safety information and updates, please visit the Major Outages. 

Donations & Volunteer Opportunities 

The City has received an outpouring of generosity from the community for donation of time and resources to assist during this time. While the City of South Pasadena is not currently organizing donation collections or volunteer opportunities, the need will arise in the coming weeks. If you are interested in helping in South Pasadena, we encourage residents to register at: https://secure.rec1.com/CA/south-pasadena-recreation-youth-services-ca/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM0ODQ3NDU=. Once volunteer opportunities arise, we will reach out directly with further details.  

Additionally, below is a list of organizations providing support to those in need during this critical time: 

South Pasadena San Marino YMCA is accepting community donations and will serve as a distribution site.

• Donate to the Red Cross
• Donate to United Way of Greater Los Angeles
• Donate to Emergency Network Los Angeles
• Give to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
• Give to World Central Kitchen
• Donate to California Fire Foundation
• Donate to Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)
• Donate pet supplies to Pasadena Humane
• Support the LAFD Foundation

Staffing & City Facilities 

The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to operate through Friday and into the weekend to coordinate ongoing response efforts related to the windstorm event. Residents can expect continued support and updates as we work to address the situation. Additionally, the Senior Center and Public Library will maintain regular operating hours on Friday. Please note that City Hall will be closed to the public on Friday, and resume normal operations on Monday, January 13, 2025. For urgent matters during this time, residents should continue to route their calls to the following numbers: 

• Police (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7297
• Fire (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7300
• City Service Directory: (626) 403-7200
• To Report Power Outages: 1 (800) 611-1911
• To Report Fallen Trees (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7270

 Stay Informed 

For the latest updates and information regarding windstorms, fires, evacuations, and other emergency services, residents are encouraged to opt in to South Pasadena Police Department communication alerts by texting 91030 to 888777. For updates and resources, please visit our website at www.southpasadenaca.gov, the City of South Pasadena’s official social media channels, and download the City’s mobile app. Hard copies of these updates will be posted at four public locations periodically:  

1) City Hall Courtyard Bulletin Board - 1414 Mission Street

2) Recreation Center Bulletin Board - 815 Mission Street

3) Senior Center - 1102 Oxley Street

4) Library - 1100 Oxley Street

We urge all residents to exercise caution, stay indoors during high winds, and follow all safety instructions issued by local authorities. 

Our community's safety remains the top priority. Local officials continue to work around the clock to address the ongoing windstorm, fire threats, and evacuations. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2025

Contact: Domenica Megerdichian

Phone: 626-403-7210

Email: dmegerdichian@southpasadenaca.gov

Update Amid Windstorm Event: 01/09/2025 6:00 PM

South Pasadena (Calif.) – The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to operate through Friday and into the weekend to coordinate ongoing 

response efforts related to the windstorm event. Residents can expect continued support and updates as we work to address the situation as needed. For urgent matters during this time, residents should continue to route their calls to the following numbers: 

• Police (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7297
• Fire (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7300
• City Service Directory: (626) 403-7200
• To Report Power Outages: 1 (800) 611-1911
• To Report Fallen Trees (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7270

 Current Fire Situation 

Multiple wildfires are actively burning across Los Angeles County, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. Authorities have confirmed the following fire locations: 

• Palisades Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 17,234 acres burned, and zero percent contained.
• Eaton Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 13,690 acres burned, and zero percent contained.
• Hurst Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 671 acres burned, and ten percent contained.
• Lidia Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County. Approximately 348 acres burned, and 40 percent contained.
• Kenneth Fire – Affected Area: Los Angeles County and Ventura. Approximately 791 acres burned, and zero percent contained.

Due to the severity of the fires, air quality has significantly decreased in affected areas. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors with windows closed. For updates on air quality, visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.  

Evacuation Orders 

There are no current evacuation orders for the City of South Pasadena. For resources on preparing for wildfires, please visit ready.lacounty.gov/fire. For the most current evacuation information, please visit www.southpasadenaca.gov/Windstorm-Event.  

National Guard 

In response to the ongoing wildfires exacerbated by recent windstorm conditions, the National Guard has been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts and support emergency response teams. Residents may notice National Guard personnel and vehicles within the city as they work alongside local and neighboring cities' emergency responders to manage the fires and ensure public safety. We ask that the community remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as we work together to navigate this critical situation. 

 Curfews 

Curfews have been issued for areas of Los Angeles County that are experiencing evacuations. However, there is no current curfew in effect for South Pasadena. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow local guidance to ensure their safety. 

Water Safety

The City of South Pasadena has its own water operations, and water is regularly tested and is clean and safe to drink. Our water supply is not affected by the evacuations and water quality issues being experienced in Pasadena. Residents can remain confident in the quality and supply of water in South Pasadena. 

Parking Exemption 

In response to the windstorm and potential evacuations, parking restrictions have been temporarily lifted in South Pasadena until Monday, January 13, 2025, to allow for easier movement of emergency vehicles and displaced residents. Please remain alert and avoid blocking emergency lanes and fire access routes.  

 Stay Informed 

For the latest updates and information regarding windstorms, fires, evacuations, and other emergency services, residents are encouraged to opt in to South Pasadena Police Department communication alerts by texting 91030 to 888777. For updates and resources, please visit our website at www.southpasadenaca.gov, the City of South Pasadena’s official social media channels, and download the City’s mobile app. Hard copies of these updates will be posted at four public locations periodically:  

1) City Hall Courtyard Bulletin Board - 1414 Mission Street

2) Recreation Center Bulletin Board - 815 Mission Street

3) Senior Center - 1102 Oxley Street

4) Library - 1100 Oxley Street

We urge all residents to exercise caution, stay indoors during high winds, and follow all safety instructions issued by local authorities. 

Our community's safety remains the top priority. Local officials continue to work around the clock to address the ongoing windstorm, fire threats, and evacuations. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2025

Contact: Arpy Kasparian, Environmental Services & Sustainability Manager

Phone: (626) 403-7253

Email: akasparian@southpasadenaca.gov

WINDSTORM GREEN WASTE CLEAN-UP – STARTING SATURDAY 01/11/25

South Pasadena (Calif.) – City staff and Athens Services are working together to collect excess green waste in residential areas resulting from the recent windstorm. Efforts will begin Saturday 1/11 and will continue Monday 1/13 and throughout next week. Windstorm Green Waste Clean-Up is for palm fronds, branches, and twigs ONLY. No other waste will be accepted in this collection effort.

If you have large amounts of green waste, please form piles in your parkway near the curb. The parkway is the area between the sidewalk and street curb. If there is no sidewalk on your street, please place debris at the edge of your property where is it visible. Do NOT place piles/debris on the street, this will hinder emergency vehicle access. Athens and City staff will begin driving through the City with collection vehicles starting this Saturday morning to collect piles of green waste. Please be patient with the collection efforts, if your waste is not collected on Saturday, it will be in the coming days. Very large branches may not be picked up on the first round of green waste collection at your residence, as our team may need larger equipment to pick these up next week. If you have small amounts of green waste, please place in your yard waste container for collection on your regular trash day. Regular trash collection services have not been interrupted and continue to operate on schedule.

For other types of debris, including downed fences, please call Athens Customer Service at (888) 336-6100 to schedule a Bulky Item Pick-up. It is important to keep non-green waste, like bulky pick-ups, separate from your green waste pile, otherwise your pile will not be picked up.

All other trash collection services, including collection of holiday trees, continue. Please place your holiday tree with your green waste pile. Street sweeping services continue to operate on schedule. Move cars off streets for an effective sweep. Please keep piles of leaves and branches off the street - they cannot be picked up by the street sweeper, and doing so will only delay the removal of storm debris from the City.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to operate through Friday and into the weekend to coordinate ongoing response efforts related to the windstorm event, Residents can expect continued support and updates as we work to address the situation as needed. For urgent matters during this time, residents should continue to route their calls to the following numbers:

• Police (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7297
•  Fire (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7300
• City Service Directory: (626) 403-7200
• To Report Power Outages: 1 (800) 611-1911
•  To Report Fallen Trees (Non-Emergency): (626) 403-7270

Mayor’s Message

On behalf of the South Pasadena City Council, I want to express our heartfelt concern and support to everyone who has been impacted by the devastating fires and windstorms that continue to threaten our region.  The magnitude of the loss of life, property, homes, and businesses is overwhelming and extremely tragic.  We will continue to address the immediate threats, and we are committed to the monumental task of rebuilding, which will be a long and arduous process.  With resilience, grit and optimism, we will get through this together.

Thank you to our first responders, fire fighters and public safety officers for your steadfast commitment and tremendous efforts to keep us safe and minimize property damage in our city. Thank you to our community members and residents for your incredible outpouring of support and willingness to donate your time and resources to help those in need.  Even during these darkest times, the strength of our community shines.

Currently, there are no evacuation orders or warnings in effect for the City of South Pasadena.  Our water supply remains safe, and we continue to work with Southern California Edison, Athens Services and our arborists to address power outages, debris removal and fallen trees and branches.

Please continue to monitor our website, social media and press releases for further information.  Stay safe!

Janet Braun, Mayor

As a reminder to South Pasadena residents, your water remains safe to drink. Our dedicated Water Division staff are working diligently around the clock to ensure reliable access to clean water. We remain committed to maintaining the safety and integrity of our water supply for the entire community.