Share: One million dollars in aid was secured by Pasadena City College for the more than 2,400 students, staff and faculty that were caught within, and up to a half mile, of the Eaton Fire burn area. Ballmer Group, an investment company of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie Ballmer, made the largest single gift to the PCC Community Relief Fund, according to a press release on February 13, after the College spoke with Frank Cardenas, interim-executive director of the PCC Foundation. “Amy …
State and local governments unite to give Altadena stable ground after Eaton Fire
Share: More than a month has passed since the devastating Eaton Fire tore through the region, and Altadena is now in the midst of a two phase plan to assist residents in rebuilding their properties through a rapid influx of government and local assistance. Los Angeles County Public Works and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working in tandem to remove the debris left by the fire. Phase one where the EPA removes hazardous material from the area finished this week according to a press …
Burn-out, containment, and WUI: A guide to firefighting lingo
Share: The Eaton Fire has already left a devastating mark on the region, scorching over 13,000 acres and destroying thousands of structures, including the homes of Pasadena City College (PCC) students and faculty. With containment at just 3%, according to CAL FIRE, firefighters are facing immense challenges as they battle the blaze. If you’re watching the news and scratching your head at some of the terminology used, you’re not alone. This explainer can help. Fuel: The source Fire needs fuel to burn, and in the …
Eaton Fire destroys homes of PCC students, faculty
Share: The Eaton Fire continues to wreak havoc across Pasadena and Altadena, burning 13,690 acres with 0% containment and destroying over 4,000 structures. Among those affected are several members of the Pasadena City College community. The fire, which has claimed the lives of five individuals, has forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate, leaving many uncertain about their future. Students and faculty devastated Several members of the PCC community have lost their homes in the fire, including student Jose Gadea and his family of ten. …
Campus to remain closed through Sunday as Eaton Fire grows to over 10,600 acres
Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) will remain closed with all classes canceled through Sunday, Jan. 12, as the Eaton fire continues to devastate the region, Superintendent-President José A. Gómez announced Wednesday. “We have lost our peace,” Gómez said during a press conference. “Although Pasadena City College has sustained minor damage, our hearts and our prayers and our thoughts are with our greater community.” The college sustained damage from the ongoing windstorm, including loose exterior panels on several buildings, downed light poles and trees, scattered debris, …
Eaton Fire claims two lives as structures burn
Share: The fast-moving Eaton fire has claimed two lives and destroyed more than 100 structures, including homes and a historic synagogue, as it burns through Altadena and nearby communities, officials said Wednesday. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed the fatalities during a press conference. The fire, which began Tuesday evening near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, has burned more than 2,000 acres and remains 0% contained. Pasadena City College remains closed due to unsafe conditions caused by the Eaton fire and high winds. …
Campus closed due to Eaton Fire, high winds
Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) campuses will be closed Wednesday, January 8, due to high winds, smoke, and hazardous commuting conditions caused by the rapidly spreading Eaton Fire in nearby Altadena, the college said in an email Tuesday night. “PCC will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess campus safety,” the email said. “We will provide updates as needed.” In-person classes will transition online, and students are advised to check for communication from their instructors regarding alternative arrangements. The decision comes as the Eaton Fire, …
Crowns N’ Roses: PCC sponsors float fit for a queen
Share: Pasadena City College is an official sponsor of the Rose Court in conjunction with the 136th Rose Parade in 2025. PCC administration announced that the Tournament of Roses, which presides over the Rose Parade, awarded PCC as one of the sponsors for their annual Rose Court ceremony. “This will be the 136th Rose Parade, obviously the 100th anniversary of PCC. So, in a sense, we’ve really grown up together, and our histories really complement each other with that commitment to collaboration,” said David Eads, …
Newly formed Students for Justice in Palestine aims to educate and empower
Share: When Omar Khatib returned to college at age 28, joining a club wasn’t on his agenda. “I just wanted to get in, do my thing and go,” he said. That all changed when Khatib, who is Jordanian-Palestinian, learned about Pasadena City College’s newly formed chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). “There was no way I could say no to this,” he said at a club meeting in September. The club’s leadership—made up of President Anja Kelley, Vice President Diego Santoyo, Secretary Saira …
Divestment calls persist, but path forward still unclear
Share: Efforts to pressure the Pasadena City College (PCC) Foundation to divest from major polluters and defense contractors are pressing on, but the path forward remains unclear due to the foundation’s independent governance, fears of professional repercussions among faculty, and a lack of concrete action in response to student protests and resolutions. Following a 300-person demonstration led by the PCC Anti-War Club in late April, PCC’s student government unanimously passed a resolution calling on the foundation to divest from companies involved in fossil fuels and …