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 The Gamble House 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 South Pasadena, 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 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. 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 Arlington Garden in Pasadena 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 Shiro or visit Old Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena, 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.
As of March 25, just over two months since the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by the president, FEMA and its federal partners have made more than $2 billion available to disaster survivors.Federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has topped $2 billion. That number includes:31,941 household have been approved for FEMA funds, including:In partnership with the State of California, Los Angeles County, and l...
As of March 25, just over two months since the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by the president, FEMA and its federal partners have made more than $2 billion available to disaster survivors.
Federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has topped $2 billion. That number includes:
31,941 household have been approved for FEMA funds, including:
In partnership with the State of California, Los Angeles County, and local officials, FEMA will continue helping California’s individuals and families get back on their feet and jumpstart their recovery.
The deadline to apply for both FEMA and SBA disaster assistance is March 31, 2025.
How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:
For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance
Apply for SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans:
Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account. For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page.
California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, 30 SPHS students in two teams competed at the Los Angeles-Rio Hondo College Regional Science Olympiad Tournament. Among the 60 teams that competed from 39 schools, the SPHS teams placed 3rd and 4th overall.SPHS has now qualified for the third year in a row to go to the Southern California State Tournament on April 12, 2025, at Caltech!Science Olympiad students competed in six invitational tournaments since September, working hard after school and on the weekends to practice and prepare for competitio...
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, 30 SPHS students in two teams competed at the Los Angeles-Rio Hondo College Regional Science Olympiad Tournament. Among the 60 teams that competed from 39 schools, the SPHS teams placed 3rd and 4th overall.
SPHS has now qualified for the third year in a row to go to the Southern California State Tournament on April 12, 2025, at Caltech!
Science Olympiad students competed in six invitational tournaments since September, working hard after school and on the weekends to practice and prepare for competition.
Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.
Awards Go to the following students and honors their coach, Science teacher Benjamin Ku.
Air Trajectory – #6 Lisa Zhang, Youhan Liu Anatomy and Physiology – #1 Anson Fong, William Chang Astronomy – #2 Alexa Chang, Wings Zhang Chemistry Lab – #4 Evan An, Gihan Van Kerkhove Codebusters – #5 Christine Xu, Kai Tilley, Richard Zhang Disease Detectives – #5 Alestor Law, Clare Maurer Experimental Design – #4 Alexa Chang, Clare Maurer, Wings Zhang Forensics – #1 Michael Lee, William Chang Fossils – #2 Qiran Liu, Solana Singer; #5 Christine Xu, Kai Tilley Geologic Mapping – #1 Elizabeth Rosenberg, Ty Yue Helicopter – #6 Emi Fong, Ty Yue Material Science – #2 Lucca Huang, Michael Lee; #3 Sophia Liu, William Hsieh Microbe Mission – #2 Anson Fong, William Chang; #3 Sophia Liu, Youhan Liu Optics – #3 Qiran Liu, Solana Singer; #4 Christine Xu, Peter Dickinson Robot Tour – #2 Peter Dickinson, Richard Zhang Tower – #3 Christine Xu, Richard Zhang; #5 Lacie Zhou, Qiran Liu Wind Power – #2 Lucca Huang, Michael Lee Write It Do It – #6 Evan An, Paxton Kim-Tang
The full results of the competition may be found here.
The number of acres in the top two fire zones that must comply with stiffer, fire-safe building codes increased 76% in Southern California areas protected by local firefighters, new state hazard maps released Monday, March 24, show.The number in the highest tier — the “very high fire hazard severity zone” — increased by 26% in the region, meaning that more residents will have to remove flammable plants and materials around their homes and will have to have properties inspected before a sale.The maps are ...
The number of acres in the top two fire zones that must comply with stiffer, fire-safe building codes increased 76% in Southern California areas protected by local firefighters, new state hazard maps released Monday, March 24, show.
The number in the highest tier — the “very high fire hazard severity zone” — increased by 26% in the region, meaning that more residents will have to remove flammable plants and materials around their homes and will have to have properties inspected before a sale.
The maps are part of a 40-year-old program in which the state Forestry and Fire Protection Department, or Cal Fire, periodically documents areas that are most prone to having a wildfire within the next several decades.
Using data on variables such as climate, vegetation, terrain and fire history, Cal Fire calculates whether the probability of wildfire in a given area is moderate, high or very high.
Also see: Altadena fire zones grow under new state maps, but officials say won’t impede permitting in rebuild
The previous maps only designated land in very-high fire hazard zones.
Residents and local governments in the two highest fire-hazard zones have to comply with regulations covering construction, urban planning and landscaping.
The purpose of the maps, said state Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant, is to guide local governments and residents in mitigating their fire risk.
“These aren’t just colors on a map,” Berlant said in a recent interview. “They are a planning tool.”
The maps released Monday cover eight counties in Southern California and along the Nevada border: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo and Mono.
Southern California’s five most populous counties saw the size of the very-high fire zone grow to more than 812,000 acres in the latest update, up from just over 644,000 in the previous maps, compiled between 2007-11.
The number of acres where property owners must comply with the stiffer building code — encompassing the high and very-high fire zones combined — increased to more than 1.1 million.
“In the aggregate, there’s considerably more acres. … The (fire) hazard has gotten more extreme,” said Dave Sapsis, a research manager with Cal Fire who was part of the team that developed the mapping model. “Burn probability is a foundational component of hazard, and the amount of area burning per year has gone up.”
The size of the very-high fire zones increased in 70 jurisdictions in the region’s most populous counties, and shrank in 77. The biggest increase occurred in Riverside County town of Jurupa Valley, which had 6,195 acres in the very-high zone, vs. 226 in the previous map.
Very-high fire zones increased in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, but decreased 13% in San Diego County.
Five cities that had very-high fire zones in the 2011 map — Covina, Irwindale, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert and Yucca Valley — had no very-high zones in the update.
Meanwhile, 35 cities without any fire zones in the previous map now do, including Santa Monica, La Cañada-Flintridge, South Pasadena, Alhambra, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Chino Hills and Rancho Cucamonga.
Under state law, local governments now have until April 23 to make map information available for public review and comment. They have until July 22 to adopt them as their own designations. While cities and counties can’t reduce the size of their fire zones, they can increase them.
L.A. County Fire Chief Albert Yanagisawa said his department has yet to come up with any proposed additions to Cal Fire’s designations, although he was surprised more of Altadena wasn’t included in the new designations.
“I thought the very high fire severity zones were really going to reach deep, deep down into Altadena, and they haven’t,” Yanagisawa said Monday during a news conference.
Previous maps designated just three to six blocks along Altadena’s northern edge as being in a “very-high fire hazard severity zone.”
The new state maps show fire zones extend at least seven to eight blocks further south. However, the Eaton fire penetrated 18-28 blocks into the community, so much of the Altadena burn area still is not designated as a fire hazard zone.
“These maps do not capture the true risk of our evolving climate,” said Rich Reiber, a member of the Altadena Coalition, a local nonprofit working to lower material costs and increase access to contractors during reconstruction. “If you overlay the Eaton Fire perimeter onto this map, you’ll notice that the vast majority of homes lost are not in the high fire zone. The take-home point is that fire-hardening principles need to be applied to an area vastly larger than the risk identified in this map.”
The 23,000-acre Palisades fire area already had a very-high fire hazard designation.
Construction in the high and very-high fire zones must comply with Chapter 7A of the state building code, which mandates that homes have ember-resistant roofs, vents and rain gutters, have outer walls capable of withstanding heat and flames for up to an hour and have heat impenetrable windows and doors.
“It will apply as homeowners now go to rebuild,” Berlant said. “These homes will now be built to a higher standard than most of them were built to initially.”
Residents in very-high fire zones also have to maintain “defensible space” within 100 feet of homes and buildings. Trees need to be trimmed, dead or dying vegetation must be removed and brush must be cleared.
County fire departments in L.A. and Orange counties conduct more than 200,000 brush inspections each spring to ensure compliance.
In addition, state officials are drafting new “Zone 0” rules mandating that residents in very-high fire zones remove flammable plants and materials from the first five feet surrounding homes and buildings.
Statewide, the size of the the very-high fire zones — where residents must maintain defensible space and have inspections before a real estate sale — increased to 1.16 million acres, up 35% from 860,000 in the 2011 maps, according to Cal Fire numbers. The combined high and very-high fire zones, where construction must comply with stiffer building codes — reached 2.3 million acres in the updated maps.
The new fire designations will affect efforts by The Foothill Catalog Foundation, a nonprofit group up of architects and other housing professionals creating pre-approved home designs families can use when rebuilding.
Homeowners will be able to pick a design from the foundation’s catalog, with much of the permitting process already baked into the product, said founder Alex Athenson.
“Certain areas and properties indeed are going to have different restrictions based on their location within the fire maps,” Athenson said.
Nic Arnzen, vice chair of the Altadena Town Council, predicted some residents will object to the new designations, but believes it will be a pretty isolated group.
“Overall, I expect acceptance,” Arnzen said.
L.A. County has yet to approve any building permits in the Eaton fire area, Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said Monday. But the county fire department will work with planning and public works departments to provide guidance for rebuilding requirements in high fire hazard zones, she said.
The biggest changes occurred in the Inland Empire.
The size of the very-high fire zones increased 89% to 117,500 acres in San Bernardino County and increased 55% to 157,600 acres in Riverside County.
Areas under very-high hazard designations in San Bernardino County now include the unincorporated area south of Redlands and west of Calimesa, as well as an area north of the 210 freeway in the city of San Bernardino.
In Yucaipa, the size of the very-high fire zone increased to almost 10,100 acres, up from 6,679. Another 941 acres have been added to the high fire zone.
“We went … to being completely surrounded,” said city spokesman Joe Pradetto. Yet, he said, the state doesn’t provide any money to cover the cost of increased brush inspections.
In Riverside County, an area along the Santa Ana River where homeless people have started fires for warmth or cooking is now a moderate hazard area.
Cal Fire began rolling out updated fire maps in February, releasing maps for Northern and Central California in three prior phases.
Berlant said rapidly changing weather delayed the updating of state fire maps.
Over the past five to eight years, California weather has changed “faster than ever before,” he said.
“The ability for us to pivot to building a new (mapping) model, to be able to incorporate these changes, as well as predict out into the future, has taken us a while,” Berlant said. “And we really wanted to ensure that the newest addition of these maps were as accurate as possible.”
Cal Fire hopes to release the next update in five years, he said.
Two fire scientists say it’s a given that Southern California will have repeated wildfires during dry, high-wind episodes. The problem is the lack of preparation for those fires, they said. And the cost of preparation is dwarfed by the cost of the fire losses.
“The problem is not wildfire or the wildfire hazard, which is a given. It’s how do the communities respond to that wildfire,” said Jack Cohen, a retired research physical scientist with the U.S. Forest Service who worked in Southern California during the 1980s. “And we have abundant empirical evidence that the communities aren’t responding very well.”
SCNG staff writers Anissa Rivera, David Wilson and Brian Rokos contributed to this report.
UPDATE: This post was revised to add a comment from Altadena Coalition member Rich Reiber, to add more data on Inland Empire hazard zones and to clarify that state law requires local governments to make map information available for public review and comment within 30 days.
Originally Published: March 24, 2025 at 7:51 PM PDT
The City of Pasadena has signed a historic agreement with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) organizers, securing the Rose Bowl Stadium as a venue for Olympic soccer. The stadium will host the semifinal and final matches for both men’s and women’s tournaments, marking the third time Pasadena has played a role in the Olympic Games.A Proud Olympic LegacyAs stated in the press: “Pasadena is proud to be a Venue City supporting the Host City of Los Angeles for the 2028 Games,” said ...
The City of Pasadena has signed a historic agreement with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) organizers, securing the Rose Bowl Stadium as a venue for Olympic soccer. The stadium will host the semifinal and final matches for both men’s and women’s tournaments, marking the third time Pasadena has played a role in the Olympic Games.
A Proud Olympic Legacy
As stated in the press: “Pasadena is proud to be a Venue City supporting the Host City of Los Angeles for the 2028 Games,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo. “We look forward to welcoming the world to the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium and ensuring visitors have the best Games experience possible.”
The agreement outlines the responsibilities of the LA28 Organizing Committee and the City of Pasadena, with all venues and sport assignments pending final approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.
A Historic Venue
Pasadena has a long-standing Olympic legacy. The Rose Bowl Stadium previously hosted Olympic events in 1932 and 1984, including track cycling and soccer. In 1984, the stadium saw 101,799 spectators witness the gold medal soccer match between France and Brazil.
“The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Stadium have a rich Olympic history,” said LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover. “In 2028, the Rose Bowl will support its third Olympic Games, making history as only the second venue in the world with this distinction.”
Economic and Cultural Impact
The 2028 Olympics are expected to bring significant economic benefits to Pasadena, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“This is a huge win for Pasadena’s tourism community,” said Michael Ross, CEO of Pasadena Center Operating Company. “Visitors from across the globe will experience all that Pasadena has to offer—its landmarks, arts scene, and world-class dining. The economic impact will be substantial for the city and the region.”
Jens Weiden, CEO of Rose Bowl Stadium, emphasized the stadium’s status as a premier global venue. “The 2028 Olympic Games will uplift the entire Southern California community, and we are honored to play a part in hosting Olympic soccer.”
As the countdown to LA28 begins, Pasadena’s role in the Games solidifies its reputation as a world-class destination for sports and culture.
South Pasadena is on the Map: Los Angeles County officials report that the number of local parcels falling within designated hazard areas is likely to increase under the new maps. In Greater L.A., roughly 900,000 acres are now classified as “Very High” fire hazard – about a 29% increase from the old 2011 maps.BySteven Lawrence-March 25, 2025 California fire officials have released ...
South Pasadena is on the Map: Los Angeles County officials report that the number of local parcels falling within designated hazard areas is likely to increase under the new maps. In Greater L.A., roughly 900,000 acres are now classified as “Very High” fire hazard – about a 29% increase from the old 2011 maps.
By
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March 25, 2025
California fire officials have released new Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for local areas – the first update in over a decade. These maps classify fire risk in communities like South Pasadena as Moderate, High, or Very High hazard based on science-driven models of wildfire potential.
Los Angeles County is now required to adopt the updated maps by ordinance within 120 days of March 24, 2025, and public hearings will invite community input before the maps become official. Here’s what South Pasadena residents should know about the new FHSZ maps, why they matter, and how they may affect local homeowners.
What Are Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps?
FHSZ maps are state-developed wildfire hazard maps that show which areas face the greatest likelihood of wildfires. Cal Fire (the state fire agency) creates these maps using a science-based and field-tested model. Many factors are considered, including a location’s wildfire history, vegetation (fuel), terrain steepness, typical hot/dry winds, and even how far embers might travel. Based on these factors, each area is rated Moderate, High, or Very High fire hazard.
Importantly, these particular 2025 maps cover Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) – cities and towns where local fire departments handle wildfires (such as South Pasadena). This is separate from the maps for State Responsibility Areas (SRA), which cover wildland areas where Cal Fire is the primary responder. (Federal lands aren’t included in these state maps.) The last update to LRA fire hazard maps was in 2011, so this 2025 update reflects over a decade of changes in climate and wildfire patterns.
Why was this update done now? After a series of destructive fires in early 2025, Governor Newsom ordered agencies to accelerate wildfire safety efforts. Updating the hazard maps helps identify the neighborhoods most at risk and guides where to focus mitigation work. Cal Fire officials say the new maps “reflect the realities firefighters already know” – that climate change is worsening fire hazards across California. They hope the maps will be a call to action for residents to prepare for wildfires.
Why the New Maps Matter
These hazard designations are far more than just labels on a map – they carry real-world implications for building codes, landscape maintenance, insurance, and community safety planning. State law ties many requirements to whether a property is in a “High” or “Very High” fire hazard zone:
By clearly identifying the highest hazard zones, the new maps aim to boost wildfire preparedness. Reducing wildfire risks throughout the state is the primary way we can make insurance more available and affordable. In the end, the designations matter because they drive investments in stronger homes, safer landscaping, and smarter community planning – all of which can save lives and property when wildfire strikes.
How South Pasadena and L.A. County Are Affected
Los Angeles County officials report that the number of local parcels falling within designated hazard areas is likely to increase under the new maps. In Greater L.A., roughly 900,000 acres are now classified as “Very High” fire hazard – about a 29% increase from the old 2011 maps. Many of the additions are in foothill communities and wildland-adjacent areas. For instance, in Altadena (just north of Pasadena), the Very High zone has crept further into neighborhoods, and the hazard zones now reach the area near the Rose Bowl and even toward the SR-710 freeway in Pasadena, close to South Pasadena’s northern edge. This means parts of our local area that previously were not considered at extreme risk might now be included as “High” or “Very High” hazard on the state map.
What about South Pasadena specifically? Our city is relatively small and urbanized, but we border natural open spaces (like the Arroyo Seco and hillside areas) that can carry wildfire risk. In past maps, South Pasadena had only small sections, if any, marked as Very High fire hazard. With the 2025 update, it’s possible that some peripheral areas (for example, near Monterey Hills or the city’s wooded parklands) may be newly classified as High hazard zones, reflecting the potential for wildfire to encroach. Residents are encouraged to check the new map to see if their property’s status has changed. Even if your property remains outside the highest zones, the expanded designations around us serve as a reminder that wildfire risk is a regional concern, and mitigation efforts are important for everyone in the community.
Los Angeles County fire officials have made it clear that they are not proposing any additional hazard areas beyond what the state has identified. In other words, the County will adopt Cal Fire’s recommendations as-is, without expanding zones further into areas not already flagged by state experts. By law, local jurisdictions may choose to add or elevate hazard zones in the adoption process, but they cannot remove or downgrade any zones that the state has designated.
Because the science behind wildfire modeling has improved, some neighborhoods that were not previously labeled high-risk are now shown to have a significant hazard level. More area in our region is colored in bright orange (High) or red (Very High) on the new maps than before. County leaders urge residents not to be alarmed, but to be informed. These changes don’t mean an immediate danger is looming – rather, they indicate where we should focus on prevention and preparedness. South Pasadena homeowners should take this opportunity to understand their wildfire risk and what steps might be required or recommended for their property.
Implications for Homeowners: Building Codes and Safety Rules
For South Pasadena residents, a key question is: If my property is now in a High or Very High fire hazard zone, what does it mean for me? Here are the practical impacts and responsibilities that come with these designations:
It’s Now Your Turn To Speak Up: Map Adoption and Public Input
Los Angeles County now has until late July 2025 to formally adopt the new FHSZ maps by ordinance. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is expected to schedule public hearings in the coming weeks so that residents, cities, and other stakeholders can weigh in on the proposed map adoption. Public participation is welcome and encouraged during this process.
Considerations for a Fire-Resilient South Pasadena
By identifying high-risk areas, resources can be directed where they’re needed most – whether that’s clearing overgrown brush in the hills, upgrading an older home’s roof and windows, or improving emergency response plans. South Pasadena may not have large wildlands within city limits, but we are part of the greater ecosystem of the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County, where wildfire is a natural threat. The Arroyo is included and various volunteer groups work with city officials to help maintain the area.
The new designations serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility in wildfire preparedness. Homeowners can take practical steps like those mentioned, and neighbors can work together on creating Firewise USA communities or other cooperative mitigation projects. While seeing your property included in a Very High Fire Hazard Zone can be concerning, remember that this does not mean wildfire is imminent or guaranteed. It means that if a wildfire were to occur in our area, the conditions at your location could allow fire to spread rapidly.
South Pasadenans Engagement is Crucial: With this information, you can better protect your home and family. Wildfire resilience is achieved through awareness and action.
South Pasadena residents along with our close neighbors in Altadena and Pasadena have realized the catastrophic reality of wildfire outcomes – through safer building practices, diligent yard maintenance, and community emergency planning – South Pasadena must be better prepared for whatever fire season brings.
For more information, visit the Cal Fire Fire Hazard Severity Zones webpage or the L.A. County Fire Department website. The interactive map and FAQs can be found at osfm.fire.ca.gov. South Pasadena City Hall and the South Pasadena Fire Department are also available to answer local questions.
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