City of Pasadena Files Lawsuit Against Southern California Edison for Damages to Public Infrastructure in Catastrophic Eaton Fire

PASADENA, Calif.— The City of Pasadena today filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) seeking compensation for extensive damages sustained to municipal property and infrastructure during the devastating Eaton Fire that began on January 7, 2025.

The Eaton Fire, which spread rapidly through wind-driven conditions, destroyed critical community assets throughout the city, including police facilities, water infrastructure, and multiple public service buildings. The fire burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed approximately 9,400 structures, damaged over 1,000 structures, claimed 17 lives, and affected thousands of residents throughout the region.

“The destruction of public facilities essential to Pasadena’s operations requires significant investment to restore and rebuild,” said Lisa Derderian, Public Information Officer for the City of Pasadena. “While our restoration efforts continue, we have a responsibility to pursue appropriate compensation for the costs of rebuilding the public infrastructure our community relies upon.”

The filing details extensive damage to several key municipal assets including, among others:

• The Pasadena Police Department’s Advanced Officer Training Facility
• The Pasadena Municipal Assistance, Solutions, and Hiring (MASH) building and fleet
• Critical water management infrastructure including storage tanks

Documentation submitted with the legal filing includes photographic evidence of the fire’s origin point and references to SCE’s own regulatory filings that acknowledge electrical system anomalies coinciding with the fire’s ignition time and location. The city’s complaint notes that Edison filed reports with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) acknowledging that a “fault was detected” on its transmission circuit at approximately the same time and location the fire began. On February 6, SCE sent a letter to the CPUC stating that photographic evidence of its tower shows signs of potential arcing and damage on the grounding equipment.

The lawsuit outlines how weather forecasts in the days preceding the fire had repeatedly warned of extreme fire danger, with the National Weather Service issuing progressively stronger advisories culminating in a Red Flag Warning on the morning of January 7, 2025 when winds reached extreme levels.

The complaint includes claims for inverse condemnation, negligence, trespass, nuisance, premises liability, and violations of Public Utilities and Health & Safety Codes. It addresses both direct fire damage and the subsequent costs of managing post-fire environmental hazards, emergency response, and infrastructure restoration.

Los Angeles County and the City of Sierra Madre also filed similar suits against Southern California Edison today, seeking to recover costs for damages sustained in their respective jurisdictions.

“Our focus remains on the full restoration of services to Pasadena residents and businesses,” Derderian said. “By working collaboratively with neighboring jurisdictions, we can more effectively address the devastating impacts this fire has had on our communities while ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

The City of Pasadena is represented by City Attorney Michele Beal Bagneris, Chief Assistant City Attorney Arnold Lee and Deputy City Attorney Caroline Monroy, with additional representation from outside counsel John Fiske, Torri Sherlin, and Taylor O’Neal of Baron & Budd P.C., and Ed Diab, Rob Chambers, and Kristen Barton of Diab Chambers LLP, the same legal team supporting Los Angeles County and Sierra Madre in the related litigation.

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The planned economic blackout for February 28, 2025, has generated significant attention and discussion. It represents a grassroots movement aimed at demonstrating the collective economic power of consumers. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

Understanding the Economic Blackout

Purpose:
The primary goal is to protest perceived corporate greed, economic inequality, and certain policy changes.
Organizers aim to send a message to major corporations and policymakers about the influence of consumers on the economy.
It is also in part a response to the rolling back of DEI initiatives by some major corporations.
Mechanism:
Participants are encouraged to refrain from non-essential spending for 24 hours.
This includes avoiding purchases at major retailers, online shopping, and spending on non-essential services.
The emphasis is on shifting spending towards local, small businesses for essential needs.
Organizer:
The movement is spearheaded by The People’s Union USA, a grassroots organization.
John Schwarz, also known as “TheOneCalledJai” on social media, is the founder and a prominent figure in the movement.
Proponents and Motivations

Frustration with Economic Conditions:
Many proponents cite rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and increasing economic disparities as key motivators.
There is a sense of frustration with the perceived influence of large corporations on economic policies.
Desire for Economic Justice:
The movement reflects a desire for greater economic justice and accountability.
Proponents believe that collective action can force corporations to reconsider their practices and policies.
Support for Local Businesses:
The blackout encourages support for local businesses, which are often seen as more community-oriented and less exploitative than large corporations.
DEI concerns:
The movement also has roots in concerns about the rolling back of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
Targets and Potential Impacts

Targeted Entities:
Major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy are primary targets.
Fast-food chains and other large corporations are also included.
The movement aims to disrupt the flow of revenue to these entities.
Potential Impacts:
The immediate impact is expected to be a temporary decrease in sales for targeted businesses.
The long-term impact is more uncertain and depends on the level of participation and sustained action.
Organizers hope to raise awareness and spark broader discussions about economic inequality and corporate responsibility.
It is being discussed that unless these boycotts are sustained, that the larger corporations may see a very small, or non existant effect on their overall financial bottom lines. Many financial analysts are suggesting that these large corporations will be able to regain any lost sales, by running sales shortly after the boycotts.
Challenges:
Sustaining widespread participation is a significant challenge.
Measuring the true impact of the blackout can be difficult.
The potential for counter-movements or resistance from targeted corporations exists.
Key Considerations

The economic blackout highlights the growing role of social media in organizing and mobilizing grassroots movements.
It reflects a broader trend of consumers using their purchasing power to express their values and concerns.
The event serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between consumers, corporations, and economic policies.
In conclusion, the February 28, 2025, economic blackout is a significant event that reflects widespread concerns about economic inequality and corporate power. While the long-term impact remains to be seen, it has undoubtedly sparked important conversations about the role of consumers in shaping the economy.

I am very disappointed in the amended ban on leaf blowers. Leaf blowers are bad for the environment and people’s health.
The amended ban needs to be clear that gas blowers are still banned. Gas blowers are being used throughout the city and nothing is being done to stop the use. Better to ban all leaf blowers.

PASADENA, Calif. — The City of Pasadena contracted the services of an industrial hygienist to perform lead and asbestos testing in nine City facilities located in areas closest to the fire perimeter. While there were no specific concerns about environmental hazards at these facilities, the City conducted testing out of an abundance of caution to confirm that the facilities remained safe and to share data with the Pasadena community.

Testing was completed at eight of nine City facilities. Asbestos was not detected and all lead measurements were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Dust Lead Action Level (DLAL) of 5 micrograms of lead per square foot (µg/ft2), a strict standard that was established to protect children in homes and childcare centers. Testing at the final facility is scheduled to be completed this week and the City Facility Environmental Test Results map will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Mobile air monitoring conducted by South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) on January 31, 2025, showed no elevated levels of heavy metals (such as lead or arsenic) or benzene. Overall, the AQMD results were within background levels and below national standards and state health thresholds. Some elevated levels of methane, possibly from gas leaks, were detected in Altadena and AQMD reported the results to utility agencies for further investigation. PurpleAir and AirNow share real-time information helpful for assessing air quality conditions.

“These initial facility and air monitoring test results are promising and should ease our worst fears about environmental impacts of wildfires,” said Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona. “More data is needed to make determinations about the potential risks to public health. The Pasadena Public Health Department continues to work with academic partners and county, state, and federal agencies to understand environmental impacts,” said Carmona.

With AQMD mobile monitoring and City facility test results on hand, the City of Pasadena amended the temporary leaf blower ban to allow the use of power air blowers and air propelling devices (such as leaf blowers) outside the 2025 Eaton Fire perimeter and at least 50 feet from any fire damaged structure. The city-wide temporary leaf blower ban was initially issued on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to help limit the potential health impacts of Eaton Fire ash, smoke, and particulate matter. Ash and debris cleanup efforts and recent rain showers have reduced the presence of dust across the community.

Debris and ash from fire damaged structures may contain lead, asbestos, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, or other toxic materials which can pose serious health risks. In areas where ash and dust are still present, the Pasadena Public Health Department encourages residents to consider alternatives to power air blowers. Residents should gently sweep areas before mopping or using a High Energy Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum and wear a well-fitted NIOSH approved respirator (such as an N95 or P100), long sleeves, pants, goggles, and gloves to protect their skin and eyes from any potential toxic substances.

To safely and properly mitigate health risks posed by the wildfire, the City continues to partner with county, state, and federal agencies to ensure coordination and access to recovery resources. The City of Pasadena remains committed to protecting the community’s public health and safety.

As terms expire for PRHB – Pasadena Rental Housing Board members, the search is on for replacements.

Why are there no landlords or property owners on the board?

PASADENA, Calif.— The Pasadena City Council is accepting applications to fill upcoming vacancies on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, with scheduled term expirations on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Established under Section 1811 of the Pasadena City Charter, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board is responsible for enforcing Article XVIII, “The Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment.”

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board is made up of 11 members:

• 7 Tenant Members: Representing the interests of Pasadena tenants.
• 4 At-Large Members: Representing the broader Pasadena rental housing community.
• 2 Alternates: One for Tenant Members and one for At-Large Members.

These appointments are open to all qualified applicants, as the City Council is considering both new candidates and potential reappointments of current members. The following members are eligible for reappointment:

• Brandon Lamar District 3/Tenant
• Yaneli Soriano Santiago District 5/Tenant
• Deborah Dunlop                  District 7/Tenant
• Allison Henry                       At-Large
• Adela Torres                        At-Large

For Tenant Member positions (Districts 3, 5, and 7), appointments or reappointments, each candidate will be nominated by the Councilmember representing that district and then ratified by the entire City Council. At-Large positions will be filled through a collective decision by the City Council.

Applicants for Tenant Member positions, and their Extended Family members, must not have owned, managed, or held a 5% or greater ownership interest in rental units in Los Angeles County during the three years before applying.

The Board’s duties include:

• Creating rules and regulations to implement Article XVIII of the City Charter.
• Setting allowable rent increases.
• Determining and publicizing the Annual General Adjustment in rents.
• Appointing hearing officers and conducting hearings on rent adjustment petitions.
• Adopting a budget.
• Pursuing civil remedies against those who violate Article XVIII.
• Holding public hearings.
• Establishing penalties for violations of Article XVIII.
• Maintaining a registry of rental housing in Pasadena.

Pasadena residents interested in serving on the Board are encouraged to apply. To be considered, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application.
• Circulate a nomination petition and collect at least 25 qualified signatures from residents in the same Pasadena Council District.
• For Tenant positions, provide a declaration of financial interests for the applicant and their Extended Family members (this declaration is public record).

Nomination petitions and application materials are available at the City Clerk’s Office.

The application period is now open and closes on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Application forms are available at the City of Pasadena, Office of the City Clerk, located at 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S228, Pasadena, CA 91101. You can also call (626) 744-4124 or email CityClerk@CityOfPasadena.net for more information. Forms can be obtained during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.