Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How new sheriff patrols are protecting Altadena’s fire-rebuild construction sites
Also, don't miss Ice House Comedy: The Twin New Year Show (chinese show) on the Altadena Patch calendar
Cheers Altadena! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How new sheriff patrols are protecting Altadena’s fire-rebuild construction sites
- How did an Altadena resident land a record $2.04B Powerball?
- Which acclaimed 2025 novel puts Altadena center stage after the Eaton Fire?
Today's riddle: I got fired from the M&M factory. 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Altadenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Cloudy, showers around; cool, with a high of 59 and low of 54 degrees.
- Sunday: Cloudy, showers around; cool, temps: high: 58, low: 50.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, showers around, with a high of 59 and low of 48 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. LASD increases security at Altadena construction sites amid ongoing rebuild from Eaton Fire (abc7.com) — Altadena residents rebuilding after last year’s Eaton Fire will see stepped-up sheriff’s patrols at construction sites, as LASD’s Altadena Station launches a Construction Check Program to deter theft and protect materials. Deputies are increasing nighttime and weekend checks, while neighbors add cameras, fencing, and lighting, helping keep crime at record lows as families move back home. 
Find out what's happening in Altadenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. New Year's Powerball at $45 million after $1.8 billion win in Arkansas (heraldtribune.com) — Altadena gets a prominent mention as home to Edwin Castro, winner of the record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, in a rundown of massive lottery prizes and the current New Year’s jackpot. The story explains how the recent $1.817 billion Arkansas win reset the pot to $45 million and walks through recent drawing dates, rollover amounts, and long-shot odds for hopeful players.
3. Best books of 2025: Fiction and nonfiction recommendations (limaohio.com) — One of the highlighted 2025 books, “Bug Hollow” by Michelle Huneven, is set in and dedicated to Altadena in the wake of the Eaton Fire, following a local family over decades as they move away and return. The wider list offers varied fiction and nonfiction picks, but Altadena readers may especially enjoy seeing their community and neighboring Pasadena at the heart of a major new novel.
4. UCLA Reports Health Risks From Smoke May Be Lingering Post Wildfires (mynewsla.com) — Altadena and Pasadena residents returning after the January 2025 wildfires may still face lingering indoor air pollution from fire-related chemicals, according to new UCLA research. Scientists found some harmful volatile organic compounds were even higher after flames were out, especially in homes within burn zones, and recommend ventilation and air purifiers to reduce ongoing exposure risks.
5. The Best Things to Happen to Black People in 2025 (spokesman-recorder.com) — Altadena residents are highlighted for both hardship and resilience, from receiving donated cars after the devastating wildfires to organizing the Altadena Rebuild Coalition to help restore thousands of lost homes. These local efforts appear within a broader national roundup of 2025 milestones for Black communities in sports, arts, education, business, and activism. While much of the piece is national, Altadena’s fire recovery and rebuilding support stand out as especially relevant.
📸 Around Altadena
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Altadena
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Ice House Comedy: The Twin New Year Show (chinese show)
Ice House Comedy Club , 24 N Mentor Ave , Pasadena
7:30 pm - Ice House Comedy: The Twin New Year Show (English Show)
Ice House Comedy Club , 24 N Mentor Ave , Pasadena
9:30 pm - Walk-in Tutoring With Dennis
Harbor Gateway Branch Library Harbor City -
12:30 pm - Walk-In Tutoring With Pat
Playa Vista Branch Library
10:00 am - Walk-In Tutoring With Cheri
Playa Vista Branch Library
10:00 am - Walk-In Tutoring With Bo-Gay
Playa Vista Branch Library
10:00 am - Walk-In Tutoring With Margie
Playa Vista Branch Library
10:00 am - Computer Classes
Harbor Gateway Branch Library Harbor City -
3:00 pm
Saturday January 3
Tuesday January 6
Wednesday January 7
📣 Altadena Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Knitting and Crochet Club
Harbor Gateway Branch Library Harbor City -
1:00 pm - Ice House Comedy: The Twin New Year Show (chinese show)
Ice House Comedy Club , 24 N Mentor Ave , Pasadena
7:30 pm - Ice House Comedy: The Twin New Year Show (English Show)
Ice House Comedy Club , 24 N Mentor Ave , Pasadena
9:30 pm - Walk-in Tutoring With Dennis
Harbor City - Harbor Gateway Branch Library
12:30 pm
Saturday January 3
Tuesday January 6
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Altadena PatchAM possible:
- LA Fire Justice — (626) 684-3315
Holding Southern California Edison Accountable - Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Super King Market posted a job opening for Service Deli Clerk in Altadena. Apply here.
- Jack in the Box, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Altadena. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Altadena here.
Ok Altadena! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I kept throwing out all the W’s.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
