South Pasadena, California, November 12, 2025
Residents across Los Angeles County received an unexpected emergency alert test from South Pasadena, which caused confusion throughout the region. The alert, intended for internal testing, stated, ‘This is a test of the South Pasadena WEA system. There is no emergency.’ A technical error led to the widespread message, prompting an investigation by the city to understand the cause and improve the reliability of the alert system. This incident echoes a previous alert mistake that affected millions, highlighting challenges within emergency notification protocols.
South Pasadena Sends Accidental Emergency Alert Test to Los Angeles County
South Pasadena, California – On Tuesday evening, November 11, 2025, shortly before 6 p.m., residents across Los Angeles County received an unexpected emergency alert test from the city of South Pasadena. The message, which read, “This is a test of the South Pasadena WEA system. There is no emergency,” was intended solely for internal testing purposes but was inadvertently broadcast to the public.
Details of the Incident
The alert was part of a routine test conducted by South Pasadena’s public safety staff to evaluate the city’s Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. However, due to a technical error, the test message was sent to mobile phones throughout Los Angeles County, affecting a wide area beyond the intended recipients. The city has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this unintentional transmission and to prevent future occurrences.
Context and Previous Incidents
This incident highlights ongoing challenges with emergency alert systems in the region. In January 2025, a similar error occurred when an evacuation warning intended for residents near the Kenneth Fire was mistakenly sent to nearly 10 million people across Los Angeles County. This widespread alert caused confusion and concern among residents. An investigation into that incident revealed technical flaws in the alerting software and underscored the need for improved training and system reliability.
South Pasadena utilizes the Genasys ALERT system for its emergency notifications. This system is designed to send alerts to residents and businesses via phone messages, text messages, and emails during emergencies. The city also offers additional communication channels, such as the Connect South Pasadena system, which allows residents to receive notifications through various devices.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to ensure their contact information is up to date with local emergency notification systems. While the accidental alert did not indicate an actual emergency, it serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable communication during critical situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the emergency alert sent by South Pasadena?
On November 11, 2025, South Pasadena sent an unintended emergency alert test to mobile phones across Los Angeles County. The message stated, “This is a test of the South Pasadena WEA system. There is no emergency,” and was meant solely for internal testing purposes.
Why did the alert go out to the entire county?
The alert was part of a routine test conducted by South Pasadena’s public safety staff. Due to a technical error, the test message was inadvertently broadcast to mobile phones throughout Los Angeles County, affecting a wider area than intended. The city is investigating the cause of this unintentional transmission.
Has this happened before?
Yes, a similar incident occurred in January 2025 when an evacuation warning intended for residents near the Kenneth Fire was mistakenly sent to nearly 10 million people across Los Angeles County. This widespread alert caused confusion and concern among residents. An investigation into that incident revealed technical flaws in the alerting software and underscored the need for improved training and system reliability.
What is the Genasys ALERT system?
The Genasys ALERT system is used by South Pasadena to send emergency notifications to residents and businesses via phone messages, text messages, and emails during emergencies. The city also offers additional communication channels, such as the Connect South Pasadena system, which allows residents to receive notifications through various devices.
How can residents stay informed about emergencies?
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to ensure their contact information is up to date with local emergency notification systems. While the accidental alert did not indicate an actual emergency, it serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable communication during critical situations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date and Time | November 11, 2025, shortly before 6 p.m. |
| Alert Message | “This is a test of the South Pasadena WEA system. There is no emergency.” |
| Intended Recipients | Internal testing purposes within South Pasadena |
| Unintended Recipients | Residents across Los Angeles County |
| Cause of Incident | Technical error during routine test |
| City’s Response | Investigation initiated to determine cause and prevent future occurrences |
| Previous Similar Incident | January 2025 evacuation warning sent to nearly 10 million residents in error |
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