Pasadena Unified’s early application window covers siblings and students continuing specialized academic programs

Eligible families in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre can begin applying at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, for priority school placement in the Pasadena Unified School District for the 2027–28 academic year.

The application window closes at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, according to the district’s published enrollment schedule and Pasadena Education Network.

The early application period covers two groups: siblings of students already attending PUSD schools and current district students advancing to another school while continuing an eligible academic program.

To qualify for sibling priority, children must live at the same address and be scheduled to attend the same school at the same time, according to the district.

Continuing-program priority applies to current PUSD students entering sixth or ninth grade who want to remain in the same academic pathway at their next school.

Eligible programs include International Baccalaureate, magnet programs, dual language immersion and Math Academy.

Families must submit applications online at https://pusd.schoolmint.com. The district requires a separate application for each student.

Priority status does not guarantee placement at a requested school. PUSD’s enrollment guidance states that a random lottery is used when applications exceed available seats.

Results Expected in December

Families can view priority lottery results online by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, according to the district’s enrollment calendar.

Those receiving school offers must accept them by Friday, Dec. 11. The district also requires families to complete the registration process described in their enrollment notifications.

Pasadena Education Network cautions that students who receive placement through the priority process are not eligible to participate in the general open enrollment lottery in January.

Families who do not qualify for the October priority window will have another opportunity to apply during the first general lottery, scheduled for Jan. 14–28, 2027.

That lottery includes students requesting a school other than their assigned neighborhood campus, applicants seeking dual language immersion programs and incoming transitional kindergarten students.

PUSD requires an application for all transitional kindergarten students, including those planning to attend their neighborhood school.

The district’s published eligibility rules also include former PUSD residents displaced by the Eaton Fire among those eligible for the first general lottery. That provision applies to displaced families who otherwise meet the district’s enrollment requirements.

A second general lottery, scheduled for Jan. 29 through Feb. 19, 2027, will accept applications from district residents who have not yet applied and students living outside PUSD boundaries, subject to interdistrict permit requirements.

Students already attending their chosen school generally may remain there through the school’s final grade without reapplying, according to the district’s enrollment guidance.

Families uncertain about eligibility or needing application assistance can contact PUSD’s Office of Enrollment at (626) 396-3639.

Applications open Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. and close Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. The application website is https://pusd.schoolmint.com.

Los Angeles County will continue accepting written comments for the public record, but submissions after Tuesday’s cutoff will not reach commissioners before Wednesday’s hearing

Altadena residents who want their written comments on proposed commercial cannabis zoning regulations delivered to Los Angeles County planning commissioners before Wednesday’s public hearing must submit them before noon Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the proposed regulations Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m.

The Altadena Town Council has circulated notice of the hearing because the proposed rules would apply to unincorporated communities, including Altadena.

According to the county’s Office of Cannabis Management, written comments received after Tuesday’s cutoff will still be included in the public record but will not be provided to commissioners before the hearing.

The proposal would amend Title 22 of the Los Angeles County Code to establish land-use regulations governing where licensed commercial cannabis businesses could operate in unincorporated areas.

The proposed zoning framework would identify eligible locations and establish distance restrictions intended to separate cannabis businesses from specified sensitive uses.

Those provisions would affect Altadena because the unincorporated community falls under Los Angeles County’s zoning authority.

The county has published an interactive map showing areas where different types of commercial cannabis businesses could potentially qualify under the proposed rules. Inclusion on the map does not constitute approval of an individual business location.

The broader regulatory program would address cannabis retail sales, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and testing.

A separate proposed ordinance amending Title 8 of the County Code would establish business licensing and operating requirements, along with a Cannabis Social Equity Program.

Commissioners to consider zoning and environmental review

The October 21 hearing concerns the zoning amendments and the Final Program Environmental Impact Report, which examines the proposed program’s potential environmental effects.

Commissioners will also consider a mitigation monitoring program and related environmental findings.

The proposed Title 8 licensing ordinance is available for public review but is not before the Regional Planning Commission for action Wednesday, according to the county.

The commission’s responsibility is to make recommendations to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Final adoption of the proposed regulations would require subsequent board action.

The hearing was previously scheduled for Aug. 26 but was continued without opening public testimony.

How residents can participate

Written comments should be emailed to cannabis@lacounty.gov. The county asks commenters to include their first and last names and telephone numbers.

To ensure comments are provided to commissioners before the hearing, submissions must arrive before noon Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The Regional Planning Commission hearing begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple St., Room 150, Los Angeles.

Residents may attend in person, participate online through the county’s Zoom meeting link, or call 669-444-9171 or 719-359-4580 using meeting ID 858 6032 6429.

The proposed ordinances, environmental documents and additional information are available through the Los Angeles County Office of Cannabis Management.

Revised proposal calls for expanded emergency-response training, annual disaster exercises and a review of potential cooperation with Pasadena researchers

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County supervisors are scheduled to consider a proposal to expand earthquake-response training, establish an annual emergency operations exercise and explore a possible partnership with disaster resilience researchers at Caltech in Pasadena.

The proposal, listed as Item 9 on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda, was introduced Sept. 29 by Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. A supplemental agenda issued Oct. 16 identifies Barger and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell as sponsors of a revised motion that places additional emphasis on accessibility and underserved communities.

The proposal calls for the Sheriff’s Department, working with the county Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management, to examine resources needed to expand and modernize Community Emergency Response Team training.

The original motion calls for a written report within 90 days identifying potential local, state, federal and grant funding, staffing requirements and other resources needed to expand the program.

The revised proposal also calls for an assessment of existing capabilities and recommendations to improve training, equipment, technology and accessibility.

It specifically identifies geographically isolated communities, densely populated areas with limited emergency-preparedness resources, older adults, people with disabilities and residents facing language, economic or transportation barriers.

Community Emergency Response Team programs train residents in basic disaster-response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and emergency medical operations.

Annual earthquake exercise proposed

A second provision would direct the Office of Emergency Management to develop and implement an annual full-scale or functional earthquake exercise separate from the Great ShakeOut.

The county exercise would test departmental response capabilities, emergency operations center functions, communications systems, resource management, logistics and recovery operations.

It would involve multiple agencies and incorporate realistic scenarios informed by current seismic research.

Pasadena encouraged residents, schools and businesses to participate in the Great ShakeOut on Oct. 15, when participants were asked to practice dropping to the ground, taking cover and holding on.

Unlike that public preparedness exercise, the proposed county drill would focus on the operational capabilities of government agencies during a major earthquake.

Caltech named as potential partner

Another provision calls for the Office of Emergency Management to report within 90 days on opportunities to work with academic institutions and state and federal agencies on earthquake risk reduction.

The county’s original agenda specifically identifies the Alliance for Disaster Resilience at Caltech as a potential partner.

The proposed collaboration would connect the county’s emergency preparedness planning with research resources in Pasadena. The motion does not itself establish a partnership agreement with Caltech.

Barger introduced the proposal following a Sept. 29 county earthquake-readiness presentation involving seismologist Lucy Jones, Sheriff Robert G. Luna and representatives of emergency management, fire and public works agencies.

In a statement released by her office that day, Barger emphasized community preparedness.

“We need to educate and empower people so they know what to do,” Barger said.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Board Hearing Room 381B at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.

The proposal remains subject to board consideration.

Children of One Planet’s November event will raise funds for after-school programs and a proposed performing arts and wellness center

An Altadena nonprofit whose office was destroyed in the Eaton Fire is planning a fundraising event in Pasadena on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to support children’s after-school programs and its proposed performing arts and wellness center.

Children of One Planet has announced a gathering from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Western Justice Center, 55 S. Grand Ave. The event announcement lists hors d’oeuvres and wine from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by food, entertainment and guest speakers through 8 p.m.

According to the announcement, all net proceeds will support the organization’s after-school programs and its goal of opening the Children of One Planet Performing Arts and Wellness Center.

The fundraiser comes as the organization continues rebuilding after the January 2025 Eaton Fire, which destroyed its Altadena office, computers, administrative equipment and teaching materials, according to information published on its website.

Founded in 2000 by Azita Milanian, Children of One Planet provides music, dance and wellness education for children. The nonprofit says its programs are offered without charge through partnerships with community institutions, including parks, schools and libraries.

Its Music for Hope America program provides instruction in guitar, ukulele and other music activities, while Dance for Hope America focuses on movement and creative expression. The organization also offers nutrition and wellness education.

Despite its losses in the fire, Children of One Planet reported resuming guitar instruction at a temporary camp in Crescenta Valley Park approximately two weeks after the disaster.

The Altadena Library District has independently documented the nonprofit’s local educational activities, including ukulele instruction for children and free music lessons previously offered at the Western Justice Center in Pasadena.

The Pasadena Community Foundation also listed Children of One Planet among recipients of its 2026 Capital Grants Program, which supports facility improvements and equipment purchases by local nonprofit organizations. The foundation did not disclose the organization’s individual award amount in its announcement.

The November gathering is intended to bring together community members involved in recovery efforts following the Eaton Fire, according to the event announcement.

Additional information is available from Children of One Planet at (818) 960-8654 or (424) 276-0266, or through its website at www.childrenofoneplanet.org.

Public discussion will explore the community’s water history, watershed projects and infrastructure concerns following the Eaton Fire

Altadena Heritage will present a public program Thursday, Oct. 22, examining the community’s water history and efforts to make local water infrastructure more resilient as Altadena continues recovering from the Eaton Fire.

The event, titled “Altadena’s Water Past Present and Future,” is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.

According to Altadena Heritage’s announcement, the program will include a short-film screening, a featured talk, a presentation by the Altadena Community Watershed Alliance on resilient water projects and a question-and-answer session.

The discussion will connect Altadena’s water history with current efforts to manage local resources and develop infrastructure projects.

Altadena Heritage has announced plans to serve as the watershed alliance’s fiscal sponsor, an arrangement the organization says will allow design work to proceed on water infrastructure projects associated with Measure W.

Measure W, approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2018, established the county’s Safe, Clean Water Program. The program funds projects intended to capture and clean stormwater, improve water quality, increase local water supplies and provide community benefits.

County program records identify two water improvement initiatives in Altadena: the Altadena-Lake Avenue Green Improvement project and the Altadena Mariposa Green Street Demonstration Project.

The Lake Avenue project involves capturing and infiltrating runoff from a 262-acre drainage area, according to county planning documents. The Mariposa project is designed to combine stormwater management with streetscape improvements and other community benefits.

Neither project is specifically identified in the accessible event announcement as the initiative the watershed alliance will discuss Thursday.

The program comes as Altadena continues its recovery from the Eaton Fire, which damaged water infrastructure and disrupted service in affected communities.

The California State Water Resources Control Board reported in May following the fire that safe drinking water service had been restored to all public water systems affected by the Southern California wildfires. The restoration followed damage assessments, water testing and repairs.

Altadena Heritage has previously organized educational programs examining where local water comes from, how water infrastructure operates and ways residents can conserve water.

The organization has described water as a recurring subject of its community programming, reflecting longstanding local interest in watershed management and water supply.

NEED TO KNOW: “Altadena’s Water Past Present and Future” is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena. For event information, visit https://altadenaheritage.org/acwa001/ or contact altadenaheritage@gmail.com.

[photo credit: Eventbrite]

The Soil Remediation Halloween Fest is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 503 W. Terrace St.

The organizers said the gathering is free and open to all ages, with free parking.

The public program is expected to include a soil-microbe puppet show, a photo booth, games, lessons about compost and worms, and giveaways of plants and seeds, according to the Eventbrite announcement.

Organizers also list a disc jockey, free lunch and light refreshments.

A demonstration will introduce bioremediation, which uses microorganisms to break down certain contaminants, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The volunteer portion centers on hands-on work and helping visitors understand soil conditions after the Eaton Fire. L.A. Works lists assignments that include assisting a scientist at a free soil-testing booth, making seed balls, distributing plants and supporting the puppet show, photo booth and remediation demonstration. The notice says tools and guidance will be provided, and volunteers do not need prior experience.

Although families with children may attend the festival, the L.A. Works opportunity requires volunteers to be at least 18. Some tasks may involve bending, lifting, raking or shoveling outdoors. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes; the posting also calls for clothing that covers the skin, including long pants and long sleeves. Registration for those roles is handled through L.A. Works rather than the general event listing.

The DENA Soil Project describes itself as a coalition of scientists, educators, environmental planners and community organizations formed after the Eaton Fire to help residents understand soil contamination and reach restoration resources. Los Angeles County public health testing found elevated lead in some soil samples from intact properties downwind of the fire; the department cautions that findings vary by property and do not establish that every site requires remediation.

The Eventbrite announcement names Altadena Seed Library, Altadena Earth Commons and LA Compost among the participating groups. Those signing up to volunteer must log in or register with L.A. Works; the volunteer listing says full directions will be emailed after registration.

NEED TO KNOW

Event: Soil Remediation Halloween Fest. When: Saturday, Oct. 31. Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free. Ages: All ages for festival; volunteers must be 18 or older. Where: 503 W. Terrace St., Altadena. Parking: Free. For more, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soil-remediation-halloween-fest-tickets-2003422755392. For volunteer registration, visit https://volunteer.laworks.com/opportunity/a0CQg0000EBhSqvMQF/dena-soil-project-halloween-block-party-extravaganza.

Pasadena will see a dramatic shift from warm autumn weather to much cooler, wetter conditions this week as the season’s first significant storm system moves into Southern California, according to the National Weather Service.

The forecast calls for temperatures to fall from a high near 84 degrees Monday to 69 degrees by Thursday, with rain likely beginning Wednesday and continuing into Thursday. Forecasters also say there is a slight chance of thunderstorms during the storm’s peak.

Monday is expected to be sunny with a high near 84 degrees. Light northeast winds around 5 mph will become south-southwest in the afternoon. Overnight, skies will remain mostly clear with temperatures falling to around 59 degrees.

Cooling begins Tuesday, when Pasadena is expected to reach a high near 78 degrees under sunny skies. South winds of 5 to 10 mph are forecast during the day. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 57 degrees.

Rain chances increase significantly Wednesday as the storm system approaches. The National Weather Service forecasts showers likely after 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, with a 60% chance of precipitation and a high near 73 degrees.

Rain is expected to become more widespread Wednesday night, when the chance of precipitation rises to 90%. Forecasters say showers could be accompanied by thunderstorms as temperatures fall to around 54 degrees.

Showers are likely to continue Thursday morning before gradually diminishing. Thursday’s high is forecast near 69 degrees, making it the coolest day of the week. A slight chance of lingering showers remains Thursday evening before conditions begin to improve.

The National Weather Service said widespread rainfall associated with the system could total between three-quarters of an inch and 1 inch across much of the region, with higher amounts possible in foothill areas. Forecasters noted some uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing of the heaviest rainfall.

Winds are expected to remain relatively light through the storm, generally from the south at 5 to 10 mph. After the system moves east, breezier northwest to north winds are expected to develop Friday.

The temperature trend will be notable, with Pasadena cooling steadily from Monday’s 84-degree high to 78 degrees Tuesday, 73 degrees Wednesday and 69 degrees Thursday. The National Weather Service attributed the cooling to an upper-level low-pressure system moving down the California coast.

Dry weather is expected to return Friday, with sunny skies and a high near 72 degrees.

The weekend forecast calls for sunny conditions and a modest warmup. Temperatures are expected to reach about 77 degrees Saturday and remain near that level Sunday under mostly clear skies.

For Pasadena residents, the midweek storm could create slick roads and slower travel during Wednesday and Thursday commutes. The cooler conditions will also bring a more autumn-like feel to the city following recent warm weather.

No watches or warnings have been issued for Pasadena. However, residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates as the storm approaches.

Looking ahead, dry conditions are expected to persist into next week as skies clear and temperatures return closer to seasonal levels.

Here is the Pasadena forecast from the National Weather Service as of 2:46 a.m. Monday:  

Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming east southeast after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. South southeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly after 11:00 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thursday: Showers likely, mainly before 11:00 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers before 11:00 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 53.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

District says its systems are currently running as the state’s testing contractor notifies affected families

The Pasadena Unified School District said Saturday it is assessing any potential impact on the District from a statewide breach of student data at California’s testing contractor, adding that its systems “are currently up and running.”

The breach involves Educational Testing Service, the nonprofit that administers California’s statewide tests. According to the California Department of Education, an unauthorized party used a compromised login credential to access an ETS file transfer site and copy files containing California student information at various times between May 22 and Sept. 18.

The department has not released a total number of affected students, and the District did not say how many of its students may be among them. Reuters reported that millions of students’ data was accessed.

The department says affected individuals include current and former students enrolled in California public schools from 2023 through the current school year, and students who left a California school since 2006 and did not confirm a transfer to another school with the department.

The information varies by student but may include names, birth dates, home addresses, schools, grade levels, student identification numbers, gender, race or ethnicity, primary language, country of origin and English learner status. It may also include disability and Section 504 status, testing accommodations, eligibility for programs such as Title I and McKinney-Vento, and state test registration, participation and results. Not every record contained every type of information, the department said.

Social Security numbers, driver’s license and passport numbers, financial account and card information, and passwords were not included, and no parent or guardian personal information was involved, the notice said.

ETS identified the unauthorized activity Sept. 25, disabled the account involved, took the site offline and opened an investigation, the department said. In an Oct. 2 letter to school leaders, the department said ETS had “halted normal enrollment data processing and paused certain testing activities” while its systems’ security was assessed.

ETS began notifying affected students and families Friday; the department expects distribution to continue through early November.

According to the notice, ETS has built a new file transfer site with enhanced security controls and, following regular web monitoring, has to date found no evidence that the information has been made public. In a statement to Reuters, ETS said it has “implemented additional safeguards, including enhanced monitoring, strengthened access controls, and further third-party review of our security practices.”

The department and the State Board of Education are reviewing the incident and ETS’s compliance with applicable data security and contractual requirements.

ETS is offering affected current and former students two years of Experian IdentityWorks identity protection at no cost, with no credit card required. A notification letter or email means a student’s information was in the copied files. Not receiving one does not necessarily mean a student was unaffected, the department said; some students may not get a notice, particularly if their contact information has changed.

The department lists a March 19, 2027, enrollment deadline for students under 18; its notice gives both that date and March 19, 2029, for adults.

The department warns against sharing Social Security numbers, passwords or financial information in response to unsolicited requests about the incident.

Details are at www.cde.ca.gov/ets. Questions: 833-931-8488, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; engagement number B174774 for students under 18 or B174775 for those 18 or over.

Pasadena Unified said it is “monitoring the state’s ongoing investigation” and “will share additional information as it becomes available.”

With music, dancing and a renewed emphasis on voting, Saturday’s demonstration offered a different mood as the November election approaches

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo was dancing on a truck, Congresswoman Judy Chu was chatting with protesters in the street, and all along Colorado Boulevard, hundreds of people were waving flags, carrying signs and reminding one another of the importance of voting in upcoming elections..

It was the fourth “No Kings Day” in Old Pasadena on Saturday afternoon, but this one felt a little different.

The anger and frustration that had marked earlier demonstrations were still there, expressed in signs criticizing President Trump, immigration raids and threats to constitutional rights. But there at the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, the mood was somewhat lighter, the music was louder and the focus had shifted noticeably toward the November election.

Across the street, large orange letters attached to a storefront spelled out the message: “DEFEND DEMOCRACY,” “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF OUR VOTE.”

Other signs were just as direct.

“Your Vote, Your Power,” read one.

“Use Your Power. Vote Early,” said another.

Chu, who moved through the crowd in a bright blue blazer, praised organizers for turning the energy of previous demonstrations toward something more immediate.

“This rally is so important and I really have to give praise to the No King’s organizers because they have channeled the energy of the people,” she said.

“And right now the critical issue is for people to cast their vote, to cast it early, to put it in a ballot box and to make sure that people exercise their rights.”

The afternoon had its lighter moments, too.

Los Jornaleros del Norte, (“Day Laborers”), the musical group associated with the Pasadena Job Center, performed from a stage truck, bringing a festive soundtrack to the political gathering. The group has been performing at numerous demonstrations over the past year, gathering momentum since the increased ICE enforcement raids began last June.

Gordo climbed aboard and joined the dancing, moving to the beat alongside the musicians and other participants. Wearing a light blue shirt with sunglasses hanging from the front, the mayor looked quite at home joining the impromptu dance party.

But he also had a serious message about the importance of continuing the demonstrations.

“It’s important to continue to use our voices to remind the world that democracy is important, that freedom of speech is important, that fairness and equality is important, particularly in our own country and right here in our beautiful, diverse city of Pasadena,” Gordo said.

Asked whether Saturday’s gathering reflected a growing sense of hope about the coming election, he pointed to the possibility of a change in the country’s political atmosphere.

“The beauty of democracy is precisely that. We have an election coming up. I believe that the country is ready for a change, not just in leadership, but in tone. Tone is so important.”

The gathering brought together longtime activists, older residents, younger protesters and people carrying everything from elaborate handmade posters to simple cardboard declarations.

One woman wore a pointed witch’s hat. Others carried American flags, balloons and signs calling for due process, free speech and an end to immigration enforcement operations.

One placard offered a particularly simple list: “We the People,” “Free Speech,” “Due Process,” “No Kings” and “God Bless California.”

Chu expressed confidence that the coming election could bring significant political changes, saying that predictions of Republican losses suggested President Trump’s political influence was weakening.

Gordo, meanwhile, said he hoped voters would reject what he described as the divisive tone of national politics.

“The country, I believe, will send that message, that the tone that has been utilized, the hate and fear mongering that has been effectuated is un-American as it gets,” he said.

As traffic moved through the intersection, protesters lined the sidewalks, holding their signs toward passing motorists. Music drifted from the truck, people stopped to talk, and the crowd stretched along the storefronts of Old Pasadena.

For an afternoon devoted to protesting the direction of the country, there was a surprising amount of smiling, as several standing signs with bright orange letters drove the point home: “Vote Early!”

Altadena residents press LA County Planning Department officials at “Listening Session” at Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Collaboratory Saturday. [Photo by Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]

Questions about zoning and development standards reveal deeper concerns about the community’s future

For Los Angeles County planning officials, Saturday morning’s meeting in Altadena was supposed to be about setbacks, zoning and development standards. For many residents, it was about something considerably more personal: what their neighborhood will look like when the rebuilding is finished.

The county’s second land-use listening session, led by Supervising Planner Jesus Herrera, and held at the Eaton Fire Collective’s Collaboratory, drew several dozen residents seeking answers about rebuilding regulations, proposed developments and the future of a community still recovering from the January 2025 Eaton Fire.

The morning began with three presentations explaining Altadena’s Community Standards District, or CSD, which governs building heights, setbacks, parking and other development requirements.

Clark Taylor, a county planning official, explained that special fire-recovery provisions allow certain homeowners to rebuild under more flexible standards than would ordinarily apply.

But the technical explanations soon gave way to pointed questions.

One resident described a dispute over a neighbor’s rebuilding plans, alleging that an improperly approved setback had forced the matter into civil litigation.

“When the county is wrong, what’s the citizen’s need?” the resident asked, pressing for a community review process.

Taylor acknowledged the concern but offered no immediate solution.

Another resident worried that new construction would gradually eliminate the trees and open spaces that have long distinguished Altadena.

“This community is not about pavement,” the resident said.

Others questioned a proposed five-story, 32-unit development near the Altadena Golf Course and whether existing infrastructure could accommodate additional housing.

Shauna Dawson-Beer, an Altadena resident, questioned why the county was reconsidering standards developed through years of community negotiations.

“Why is this process not following the usual channels?” she asked in an interview.

County officials defended their outreach, emphasizing that no changes had been proposed.

“This is just the beginning of the process,” one official told the audience. “We do not have set changes we want to make.”

Daniel Harlow, who helped develop the earlier community standards, said those regulations were intended partly to discourage oversized homes and preserve neighborhood character.

Throughout the morning, residents gathered around tables covered with discussion sheets and orange sticky notes, debating which regulations should remain and which should change.

The questions were sometimes technical, but the underlying concern was unmistakable.

Altadena residents want to rebuild their homes. They also want to recognize their neighborhood when they return.