County officials say Pasadena shelter remains open while board moves on price-gouging, beach-protection measures

County officials addressed sheltering, security and two board actions during a press briefing on wildfire recovery. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said reports that the American Red Cross shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center was being closed today were incorrect and that county and Red Cross staff are coordinating interim housing. “The shelter is not closing today. But my understanding is the date may be the seventeenth,” Horvath said, adding the Pasadena facility was never intended as permanent housing.

Sheriff Robert Luna described enhanced security deployments in Altadena and Malibu to protect properties after the fires, including additional patrols, horse units in Eaton area and aerial drone and airship support. “We have enhanced security in both locations, to make sure, that we are, preventing, any crimes from occurring,” Luna said, while noting daily staffing assessments and coordination with LAPD, CHP and National Guard resources.

Nut graf: In brief remarks during the same briefing, supervisors reported two board actions: increasing penalties for price gouging during emergency conditions and adopting a motion to protect county beaches from contamination by fire debris. Supervisor Horvath said the county increased the maximum penalty for price gouging to $50,000 and enhanced enforcement; the item is scheduled to return to the board on Tuesday and, if finalized, would apply countywide. She also said the board adopted a motion she authored to coordinate with state agencies to protect beaches.

Ending: Officials urged residents to follow county websites for shelter updates and to call the county public-works dispatch center for storm-related issues; Sheriff Luna reiterated that 911 response remains a priority for all impacted communities.