It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Sierra Madre City Hall gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sierra Madre, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior”
“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior”
“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having”
“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things. They have kind caring and knowledgeable staff and respond in a very timely manner. What a great service they have provided both mentally and physically for our family. Highly recommended.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having a difficult time finding a right one until I got connected with Diane. She was so professional and productive!!! Definitely a go to person if you ever need her service. Thank you so much Diane!!”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for an assistive living with memory care facility care for my 90 year old step mother. Diane took her time, spoke with us and provided several options. We are now in the process of relocating my step mother to an excellent facility that she recommended and would not be able to do this relocation without her help.”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena for everything they did to help me find a place for my mother to reside at. They are very dedicated and supportive to all the families they help. My mother could have become homeless without Ly’s expertise, empathy, commitment and clear communication on what to do next. Always Best Care specifically matched my mother's unique circumstances, social needs, desired location and budget. Diane and Ly are very passionate about senior care and will help you and your family with the highest level of service. I will never forget this experience or their kindness. I highly recommend them to everyone! We made the best choice working with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West side of Sierra Vista Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Wistaria Restaurant and Bar or visit Lizzie’s Trail Inn and The Richardson House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sierra Madre, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sierra Madre, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sierra Madre, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Sierra Madre Playhouse wraps its captivating multi-week Lunar New Year celebration with Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play Master Class, a gripping theatrical production inspired by the legendary masterclasses presented by iconic opera diva Maria Callas at Juilliard at the end of her career.By News DeskDirected by Tim Dang and featuring Philippine-born Broadway star Joan Almedilla (Miss Saigon, Les Miserable, The King and I) as Maria Callas, the show ...
By News Desk
Directed by Tim Dang and featuring Philippine-born Broadway star Joan Almedilla (Miss Saigon, Les Miserable, The King and I) as Maria Callas, the show runs for 16 performances from February 14 through March 9, 2025, at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Callas, in the play, commands the stage in a Juilliard masterclass where she offers cutting, humorous, and deeply insightful critiques to her eager-to-please students. While guiding her pupils – each with their own hopes and flaws – Callas reflects on her triumphs and tragedies, from her metamorphosis as a star to her volatile relationship with Aristotle Onassis. Through sharp wit and raw vulnerability, Callas reveals the personal and professional sacrifices required to pursue greatness. Her impassioned teachings and poignant reflections remind us of the profound impact that art can have on individuals and society.
In addition to Almedilla, the cast includes Korean American soprano Joanna Kim (Sophie; 1st Soprano); actress Francesca Ling (Sharon; 2nd Soprano); opera singer Kurt Kanazawa (Tony; Tenor); composer/conductor/pianist Joshua Foy (Music Director/Manny, The Accompanist); Mexican American singer/actor Ricardo Mota (Stagehand/Tony understudy); Filipina-American vocalist Mariah Rae (Sophie & Sharon understudy); Kit DeZolt (Stagehand understudy).
Tickets ($12 – $45) are on sale now. For tickets and information, call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
Tony Award-Winning Play “Master Class”February 14 - March 9, 2025LocationSierra Madre Playhouse87 West Sierra Madre BoulevardSierra Madre, CA 91024
Search for an event or check all the event listings below:
| Date/Time | Image | Event |
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| 05/02/2025 8:30 am - 10:00 am | Friday Coffee Meetup FoundrSpace, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Sierra Madre Senior Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class Memorial Park in Sierra Madre, Sierra Madre CA | |
| 05/02/2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Free Admission at the Norton Simon Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 - 05/03/2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Kidspace Free First Fridays Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair Myrtle Avenue – Monrovia, Monrovia CA | |
| 05/02/2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Caltech Tai Chi Club - Fridays Caltech – Hameetman Center, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | DBSA San Gabriel Valley Support Alliance See Event’s description for location, Pasadena CA |
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Back to NewsWorld Central Kitchen is serving free hot meals at key hub locations, offering potable water stations, and supporting biweekly farmers markets across Southern California. These are available to anyone who needs them.Below are the updated locations and hours.East LA SitesGordy’s Garage Parking LotWednesday, Friday, Sunday4:00 PM - 8:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd.AltadenaIglesia Del Na...
World Central Kitchen is serving free hot meals at key hub locations, offering potable water stations, and supporting biweekly farmers markets across Southern California. These are available to anyone who needs them.
Below are the updated locations and hours.
East LA Sites
Gordy’s Garage Parking LotWednesday, Friday, Sunday4:00 PM - 8:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd.Altadena
Iglesia Del NazarenoMonday - Friday4:00 PM - 7:00 PM3541 Brandon St.Pasadena
West LA Sites
Post Office Exposition BlvdMonday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM11270 Exposition Blvd Fl 1Los Angeles
American Legion Palisades Post 283Monday - Saturday11:30 AM - 3:00 PM15247 La Cruz Dr. Pacific Palisades
Water Distribution Sites
Gordy's GarageWednesday and Friday4:00PM - 8:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd. Altadena
World Central Kitchen Farmers Markets
Gordy's GarageWednesdays from 4:00 PM- 8:00 PMFridays from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd. Altadena
Sierra Madre LibraryWednesdays 4:00 PM- 8:00 PMFridays 11:00 AM - 3:00PM350 W Sierra Madre Blvd.Sierra Madre
Boys & Girls Club at Third SpaceWednesdays from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM23357 Pacific Coast Hwy.Malibu
Renew LA Church Santa MonicaThursdays 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM1302 14th St.Santa Monica
Help WCK provide nourishing hot meals to families recovering from wildfires in California.
The City of Sierra Madre Initiates Legal Action Against Southern California Edison Over Damages from January 2025 Eaton Fire.By News DeskOn Wednesday, March 5, the City of Sierra Madre filed legal proceedings against Southern California Edison for damages to public lands, trail systems, and infrastructure caused by the January 2025 Eaton Fire.“The January fire devastated irreplaceable wilderness areas that are central to Sierra Madre’s identity and character,” stated Mayor Ro...
By News Desk
On Wednesday, March 5, the City of Sierra Madre filed legal proceedings against Southern California Edison for damages to public lands, trail systems, and infrastructure caused by the January 2025 Eaton Fire.
“The January fire devastated irreplaceable wilderness areas that are central to Sierra Madre’s identity and character,” stated Mayor Robert Parkhurst. “Our historic wilderness areas and the Mount Wilson Trail – treasured community resources that draw visitors from across Southern California – now require extensive rehabilitation that will burden our city for years to come.”
The lawsuit follows Edison’s February 6 disclosure to the California Public Utilities Commission, in which the company admitted that a “fault was detected” on its Eagle Rock-Gould transmission circuit, coinciding with the fire’s ignition time and location. Video and photographic evidence show flames erupting near the base of Edison transmission towers in Eaton Canyon moments after electrical anomalies were recorded.
Damage sustained by Sierra Madre includes:
The lawsuit alleges that, despite explicit warnings from the National Weather Service about extreme fire danger and winds forecast to reach 100 mph in the foothills, Edison failed to adequately de-energize its equipment in high-risk areas.
“What makes this disaster particularly troubling is its preventability,” Mayor Robert Parkhurst added. “The documented weather warnings provided Edison with ample notice of the dangerous conditions developing in our community.”
The legal action includes eight causes of action, ranging from inverse condemnation to violations of Public Utilities and Health & Safety codes. In addition to compensation for direct damages, the city seeks recovery of fire suppression costs, ongoing expenses for natural resource restoration, and funds to address heightened flood and debris flow risks resulting from the destruction of hillside vegetation.
The January 7th Eaton Fire ultimately consumed more than 14,000 acres, destroyed approximately 9,400 structures throughout the region, and claimed 17 lives. Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena also filed lawsuits against Edison on the same day.
The City of Sierra Madre is represented by City Attorney Aleks Giragosian of Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, P.C., 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 representing Los Angeles County and Pasadena in related litigation.
Search for an event or check all the event listings below:
| Date/Time | Image | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 05/02/2025 8:30 am - 10:00 am | Friday Coffee Meetup FoundrSpace, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Sierra Madre Senior Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class Memorial Park in Sierra Madre, Sierra Madre CA | |
| 05/02/2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Free Admission at the Norton Simon Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 - 05/03/2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Kidspace Free First Fridays Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair Myrtle Avenue – Monrovia, Monrovia CA | |
| 05/02/2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Caltech Tai Chi Club - Fridays Caltech – Hameetman Center, Pasadena CA | |
| 05/02/2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | DBSA San Gabriel Valley Support Alliance See Event’s description for location, Pasadena CA |
Search for an event or check all the event listings below:
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Southern California Edison, hoping to recover costs and damages caused by the Eaton Fire.The lawsuit was filed against SCE and Edison International (SCE) and alleges that SCE's equipment caused the deadly blaze, requiring the county to incur "massive costs responding to the fire and its aftermath.""The Eaton Fire devastated the unincorporated community of Altadena, destroying County parks, a nature center, multiple trails, and other essent...
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Southern California Edison, hoping to recover costs and damages caused by the Eaton Fire.
The lawsuit was filed against SCE and Edison International (SCE) and alleges that SCE's equipment caused the deadly blaze, requiring the county to incur "massive costs responding to the fire and its aftermath."
"The Eaton Fire devastated the unincorporated community of Altadena, destroying County parks, a nature center, multiple trails, and other essential community infrastructure," read a press release from the county. "Numerous County departments and employees responded and are continuing to assist residents impacted by the fire's destruction. The County quickly staffed and continues to offer resources at a Disaster Recovery Center in Altadena to help residents and businesses navigate the extensive hardships they are facing due to the fire. The County's case is essential to the restoration and rebuilding process for the community, including residences and businesses, to recover from the devastation."
The county's lawsuit claims that witnesses, photos, and videos show the fire started directly under SCE transmission lines in Eaton Canyon.
The cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre are also filing lawsuits against SCE for "damages to taxpayer resources and public infrastructure incurred from the fire."
"The destruction of public facilities essential to Pasadena's operations requires significant investment to restore and rebuild," said Pasadena Public Information Officer. "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."
Pasadena's lawsuit listed extensive damage to several municipal assets including, among others:
"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 Eaton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 9,000 structures and resulted in 17 deaths.
L.A. County's lawsuit claims that the Eaton Fire has "massively impacted the County's natural resources, harmed the environment and wildlife, and threatened public health."
A spokesperson with Southern California Edison released a statement Wednesday morning, saying "Our hearts are with the communities affected by the wildfires in Southern California. We are reviewing the lawsuits that were recently filed and will address them through the appropriate legal process."
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The term “diva”must have been unknowingly created for Maria Callas, the iconic operatic soprano, who, throughout the 50s and mid-60s, revolutionized the opera stage with her dramatic interpretations and powerful voice. And who also scandalized that same world with her tumultuous personal life.Although many assumed her to be Italian, or at least Spanish, she was born in New York in 1923 to Greek immigrants, and trained in Greece and Italy.Her meteoric rise in the 1950s made her a household name, captivating audiences...
The term “diva”must have been unknowingly created for Maria Callas, the iconic operatic soprano, who, throughout the 50s and mid-60s, revolutionized the opera stage with her dramatic interpretations and powerful voice. And who also scandalized that same world with her tumultuous personal life.
Although many assumed her to be Italian, or at least Spanish, she was born in New York in 1923 to Greek immigrants, and trained in Greece and Italy.
Her meteoric rise in the 1950s made her a household name, captivating audiences around the world with performances in “Norma,” “Tosca,” and “La Traviata.”
A celebrity of the highest order, she also went through a high-profile affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who later, of course, married Jackie Kennedy, and created a new pop culture icon, “Jackie O.”
Callas left an indelible mark on the art form. When she retired in the 1970s, she began a legendary, two-year “master class“ series at the Julliard School of Music, bringing her sometimes steely and other times, fiery personality to the classroom and studio.
That is the Maria Callas that we meet in “Master Class,“ now running at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. The 1996 Broadway drama was written by four-time Tony award winner, Terrence McNally, and won the 1996 Tony Award for best play.
This is the weight of the role that Filipina Broadway star Joanne Al-Madinah, who starred in “Miss Saigon” and “Les Miserables,” inherits as she portrays the opera star.
Interestingly enough, the diva, as she herself notes in archived recordings of her class, doesn’t sing in this performance.
Instead, Callas is a stoic and stern, insecure diva at best. She is self-critical and self-promoting at the same time.
While working with a small group of students, she wants to be supportive, but she can’t help to step all over them as they do their best to shine for her. She’s at times simply lost in memories about her days on the stage at La Scala.
Almedilla plays Callas as equal parts whimsy and witch, as she interacts with her soprano and tenor students — Joanna Kim as Sophie, Francesca Lang as Sharon, and Kurt Kanazawa as the lone tenor.
Where she belittles and dominates Sophie, she delicately interacts with Tony, and seems to meet her match with Sharon.
Meanwhile, each of the young singers is frankly brilliant in their own right, and each delivers magnificent operatic performances as students in Callas’ class. The brief singing performances are highlights of the production.
Callas listens closely to them, and is unable not to criticize something or another in each performance, each performance reminding her of a performance of her own, and launching her into yet another reverie.
In the end, the only character arc belongs to the students, who are likely forever affected by their interaction with “Madame,” as she prefers to be referred to as.
Finally, Callas is left alone to face how she handles her own greatness and her overpowering insecurity, a situation which Almedilla handles with a subtle grace, and not a little humility.
“Master Class“ runs through March 9, 2025 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA. (626) 355–4318. sierramadreplayhouse.org
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