UPDATE: A major public safety alert was mistakenly sent to cellphones across Los Angeles County on November 11, 2023, causing confusion among residents. The alert, intended as a test by officials in South Pasadena, erroneously reached a much broader audience, ringing phones as far away as Orange and San Luis Obispo counties.
The alert, dispatched around 5:50 p.m., stated, “This is a test of the South Pasadena WEA (Weather Emergency Alert) system. There is no emergency,” according to Jennifer Colby, a spokesperson for the city. The widespread nature of the alert has raised concerns about the effectiveness of emergency communication systems.
Residents took to social media, particularly Reddit, to share their experiences, with many expressing confusion over receiving the alert despite no emergency conditions. “Why did I get this alert? There’s nothing happening here,” one user commented, reflecting a common sentiment among those who received it.
Officials are currently investigating how the alert was distributed to such an extensive area. Colby confirmed that South Pasadena’s public safety team is working to determine the cause of the error, emphasizing the need for a more reliable system.
This incident follows a troubling pattern; in January, the Los Angeles County Fire Department sent out multiple false alerts during active fires, leading to alarm among the public. A report by U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, revealed that a software glitch was responsible for a misleading evacuation alert sent to millions during the Kenneth fire.
State lawmakers are increasingly worried about the implications of these errors. The possibility of “alert fatigue” looms large, as repeated false alarms may lead residents to disregard genuine emergency notifications in the future. Legislators are discussing the creation of a state-run emergency alert system to enhance reliability and public trust.
As South Pasadena officials work to rectify the situation, residents are urged to stay informed. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in preventing similar mishaps in the future. For now, the community holds its breath, hoping for a swift resolution to restore confidence in their public safety communications.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
