The Dena Report
Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 01
April 16, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
Just want an overview? We've got you covered. Check out the tabs.
Altadena Townhall Meeting Video (p.4)
This week’s video recordings feature key updates from the Pasadena City Council meeting with Supervisor Kathryn Barger, focused on fire recovery coordination, and the Altadena Town Council meeting, where community organizers shared progress on long-term recovery efforts. LA County departments also provided updates on permitting, health, housing, and utility plans related to the Eaton Fire rebuild.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
This week’s “Doing Good in the Neighborhood” spotlight features the incredible work of the Institute for Canine Forensics, whose specially trained dogs help families locate the ashes of loved ones after fire disasters.
Community Updates (p.6)
What to know about the soil & testing.
Events (p.7)
Get an overview of what to attend virtually and in person this week and next.
Funding (p.8)
Visit the Funding section to view eligibility details, amounts, deadlines, and application links.
Contributors (p.9)
This has been a team effort.
02
Summary
Community Updates
Doing Good In The Neighborhood
Community Updates
Funding
This Week!
This Week in Altadena – Community Progress Update
There’s a lot to celebrate in Altadena this week! San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity received the first building permit to begin reconstruction—a major milestone and a hopeful sign for our recovery.
Altogether Neighborhood Captains gathered to share ideas and support one another, reinforcing the strong, connected spirit of our community.
Greenline Housing Foundation continues their important work helping families keep properties in the Altadena community. If you need support with inheritance, transfers, or staying rooted here, they’re a great resource.
Behind the scenes, dedicated community leaders are hard at work developing long-term strategies for rebuilding, funding, and sustainable growth.
More updates to come—Altadena, we’re rebuilding together.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Eaton Fire Recovery – Community Meeting Highlights (April 2025)
Safety & Crime Prevention
The Sheriff’s Dept. is actively monitoring the area, conducting undercover operations, and offering a Home Check Program to prevent crime and squatting.
15 arrests were made last week; stolen materials and even an explosive were recovered.
Please make sure you alert the Sherrif's office if you need them to check in on your home.
Share Your Experience: Help Improve Emergency Alerts
Los Angeles County has hired the McChrystal Group to lead an independent review of how alerts and evacuations were handled during the Eaton Fire. Your voice matters.
These sessions are not updates or briefings — they are opportunities for you to speak directly about what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change.
Upcoming Community Listening Sessions
SESSION 1 – In-Person
Saturday, April 26, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
SESSION 2 – In-Person
Saturday, May 3, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PST
First AME Church
1700 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
SESSION 3 – Virtual (Zoom)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 PM PST - QR code on the video
Virtual Insurance Town Hall Details
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST
Location: Online via Zoom
How to Attend:
Register at www.insurance.ca.gov
Or call the CA Dept. of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357
Debris Removal
Over 2,400 properties cleared. Most expected to finish by late summer.
April 15 was the deadline to opt into the Army Corps debris program.
Altadena Town Council: Eaton Fire Recovery Highlights
Rebuilding and Recovery Coordination
Anish Saraiya now serves as Director of Altadena Recovery. His sole focus is overseeing fire recovery and rebuilding on behalf of Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office.
A Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR) has launched, including the Town Council, Chamber, NAACP, Rotary, and others. This group will shape local input on recovery priorities.
A future Altadena Recovery Commission (ARC) nonprofit is being developed to address needs outside government capacity, such as creative rebuild funding and community services.
Southern California Edison (SCE)
SCE plans to underground 63 miles of utility lines, with 40 miles in high fire risk zones. Some work requires easements across private property; residents will be contacted.
Estimated interconnection cost per home is $8,000–$10,000. SCE is seeking FEMA or state funding to offset these homeowner costs.
SCE has energy advisors and planners stationed at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), transitioning to the One-Stop Permitting Center after April 30.
Temporary power remains available during the rebuild.
A disaster recovery phone line and rebuild guide are available for residents.
Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) Formation
The Eaton Fire Collaborative, led by Jill Hawkins and Daryl Qualls, is building the official Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) to:
Coordinate case managers for displaced and impacted residents
Organize funding to cover unmet needs like rebuilding gaps, mental health, and youth services
Connect with national partners like Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Habitat for HumanityOver 90 organizations are participating. Weekly meetings are held at the Elks Lodge.
Loma Alta Park Reopening
Scheduled to reopen on May 17
Soil testing has been completed and cleanup of buildings is underway
New features include Dodgers Dreamfield, two new playgrounds, a senior program, and a free youth summer camp
Teen hiring and volunteer days continue through April
Public Health Concerns
Residents near the golf course debris site raised concern over airborne dust, silica, and lead exposure:
Reports of high indoor PM2.5 particle levels
Requests made for relocation support and an in-person health-focused town hallLA County has allocated $3 million for lead soil testing near the burn zone. Final report is expected in May 2025.
Community Engagement
Nearly 1,200 residents completed the Eaton Fire Impact Survey by The Future Org. Full report expected in May.
Altadena Together has recruited over 120 neighborhood captains to share updates and report emerging needs.
Eaton Fire Recovery Summary – April 16, 2025 Joint Meeting
Emergency Response & Evacuation
Pasadena opened an evacuation center at the Convention Center within hours of the fire, ultimately sheltering nearly 1,200 people.
LA County coordinated medical transport from evacuation centers for fragile residents to care facilities.
The Rose Bowl was immediately offered and used as a critical fire response staging area, housing thousands of firefighters and equipment.Partnerships & Coordination
A seamless partnership between Pasadena, LA County, state, and federal agencies was key to rapid emergency and recovery operations.
Over 15 County-led recovery task forces were established covering debris removal, cultural and recreation spaces, infrastructure, and more.
Daily meetings transitioned to weekly coordination calls between all involved agencies and city departments.Mudflow Mitigation & Mapping
LA County engineers provided real-time mud and debris flow maps post-fire, enabling Pasadena to install K-rails and prevent rain damage to additional homes.Debris Cleanup & Recovery Operations
Pasadena acknowledged the pace of the cleanup as one of the fastest for an urban wildfire due to coordination with LA County and federal partners.
Distribution of PPE and sandbags was facilitated in partnership with the County to support residents during cleanup and subsequent storms.Soil Contamination & Testing
County-led soil testing continues after FEMA opted out of post-cleanup testing.
LA County Board of Supervisors approved $3 million in funding for additional soil testing to distinguish wildfire-related contamination.
Ongoing community concern over high lead levels downwind of the burn area prompted coordination for transparency and health protection.Traffic & Safety Concerns
Supervisors and councilmembers acknowledged ongoing issues with truck routes and speed through neighborhoods during debris transport.
Supervisor Barger committed to addressing the complaints with the Army Corps and overseeing safety improvements.Public Engagement & Transparency
A Pasadena resident raised concerns about lack of public dialogue, access to fire records, and future fire prevention planning.
Calls were made for more collaboration with residents and better communication regarding fire hazard mapping and emergency preparedness.
03
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
In the wake of so much loss and devastation, stories of hope and restoration are what keep our community going. One such story comes from Bree Jensen of 70 E Palm, who, like so many others, faced unimaginable heartbreak in the aftermath of the fire.
Among the belongings lost in the flames were the ashes of her late father, Clayton Miller. For Bree, the idea that this might be his final resting place — scattered in rubble and ruins — was almost too much to bear. But sometimes, hope appears in the most unexpected ways… and with four legs.
“I’d watched a few too many FBI and police shows,” Bree joked, “and I thought — if dogs can locate bodies in disaster zones, could they possibly find cremated remains?”
That curiosity led her on a quick Google search, which brought her to Lynne Engelbert of the Institute for Canine Forensics (ICF). Lynne and her extraordinary canine companion, along with a team of skilled forensic archaeologists, arrived at the site to try and recover what felt impossible to retrieve.
Within minutes, the trained search dog located the spot where Clayton’s ashes had likely settled. From there, the team spent hours delicately working through the debris — squeezing between bricks, separating rubble, and gently sifting through layers of ash and destruction.
What they found was nothing short of a miracle.
Thanks to Lynne, her team, and the incredible instincts of one very special pup, the majority of Clayton Miller’s ashes were recovered. The discovery brought overwhelming comfort to Bree, her husband, and their four children, who now have the opportunity to fulfill Clayton’s wish — to rest beside his beloved wife.
“This was a gift of comfort, a glimpse of light in such a dark time,” Bree shared. “To have even a piece of my dad back — it means everything.”
As our neighborhood continues to heal, it's stories like this that remind us of the extraordinary acts of compassion unfolding every day. From the Alta Heritage Foundation to volunteers and specialists from across the country, people — and animals — are showing up with hope in their hands (and paws).
If you or someone you know is in need of recovery services like this, please reach out to the Alta Heritage Foundation for support and guidance.
To learn more about the life-changing work of Lynne and her team, visit www.icfk9.org.
04
Community Updates
Eaton Fire Soil Contamination – What You Need to Know
1. Lead Found in Soil
Up to 80% of soil samples downwind of the Eaton Fire exceed CA’s lead safety standards.
Testing was done by LA County Public Health & Roux Associates on 780 properties.
Contamination likely came from older homes with lead-based paint (90% of Altadena homes built before 1978).
2. Federal Testing Gap
FEMA opted not to test soil post-cleanup, breaking from prior wildfire response practices.
LA County stepped in to conduct independent testing.
More results, including those from scraped properties, are expected May 2025.
3. Health & Safety Guidance
Use PPE around debris and soil (masks, gloves, long sleeves).
Avoid contact with ash and dust.
Free blood lead screening is available for concerned residents.
4. County Response
$3 million in funding approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors (April 8, 2025). UPDATE - APPROVED
Funds support more detailed testing to determine wildfire-related vs. existing contamination.
5. Free Soil Testing from USC – CLEAN Program
CLEAN is a free, rapid lead-testing program for fire-affected neighborhoods.
Drop-off in Altadena:
Altadena Grocery Outlet, 2270 Lake Ave — 9 AM to 7 PM dailyOr mail your sample (¼ cup) to: CLEAN c/o Prof. Seth John, USC ZHS 117B, 3651 Trousdale Pkwy, LA, CA 90089
Results available via Google Sheet & interactive map.
Visit bit.ly/CLEANFAQ or email cleanproject@usc.edu for info.
What Happens If There Are Still Contaminants After Cleanup?
Many residents are now asking:
What do we do if soil testing shows lead or other contaminants even after our lots have already been cleared?
Unfortunately, if your property has already been scraped and still shows elevated toxins, there is currently no federal or automatic follow-up cleanup. That means:
Yes — rescraping and retesting may be necessary to ensure your lot is truly safe.
And yes — as of now, those costs fall on the property owner, unless additional funding becomes available.
We believe this is unacceptable.
Our community deserves:
Clear answers about long-term contamination
Support for safe rebuilding
Funding for second-round soil removal and testing when needed
This is an ongoing issue, and we are calling on local, state, and federal leaders to prioritize transparency, funding, and long-term health protections for Eaton Fire survivors.
Have More Resources to Share?
We’re gathering information, partners, and support.
Contact us at: hello@thesocialimpact.co
We’ll keep advocating, connecting, and updating you.
05
Events
This week the deadline for Right of Entry Opt-in/Out forms to be submitted to LA County passed on the 15th. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is removing debris for property owners impacted by the January 2025 wildfires. Should a property have opted out of the USACE program, they become responsible for all debris removal costs, labor, and permitting.
Later this week the Legal Aid Foundation is hosting an informational workshop for tenants on their rights in the event of a disaster. The Disaster Relief Workshop for Tenants is Thursday, April 17 on Zoom. More information can be found at the Legal Aid Foundation’s website.
KBLA Talk 1580 is hosting a town hall titled “The Altadena/Eaton Fire: 100 Days and Counting.” Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss numerous topics related to the wildfires and relief efforts, as well as the chance to win one of the hundred gift cards being given away.
06
Funding
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
Eaton Fire Relief Grants
Community-based & tax-exempt organizations serving people impacted by the fires.
varies
CERF+ Craft Artists Emergency Relief
Craft artists who have experienced a recent disaster, 18+, lived & worked in the U.S. for two years
$3,000
We Are Moving the Needle Micogrants
For producers, engineers, and creators whose livelihoods in the field of audio were impacted by the fires.
$100-$1,000
Entertainment Community Fund
Based on performing arts and entertainment income, documented financial need, unexpected critical need, and a social service assessment of need and circumstance. Eligibility varies depending on the grant, but there is one application.
varies
Medi-Cal
Federal Medicaid program in California for those with limited income needing health coverage at a free or low cost.
varies
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If you lost your job or cannot work because of the wildfire, you may be eligible for unemployment, disability, or paid family leave. Also available for self-employed workers impacted by disaster.
varies
June 10, 2025
Disability Insurance & Paid Family Leave for Undocumented Workers
Specific requirements listed online, but also available for undocumented workers (no social security number needed).
varies
Fuerza Fund
Essential workers and unique households impacted by the wildfires (website gives full definition of unique and essential).
varies
Filipino Migrant Center/National Alliance for Filipino Concerns Aid Application
Essential workers whose workplaces are affected, who lost wages due to evacuation or work closure, or whose homes were impacted directly.
varies
Wildfire Relief: Immediate Assistance for Those in Need
Individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses who were affected by the fires. Must be a permanent resident of the impacted area.
$5,000-$25,000
Sate Supplemental Grant Program
Applications were automatically transferred from FEMA after maximum IHP assistance has been reached.
varies
CalWORKS
Amount depends on eligible number of people and any special needs of family members, need for caretaker relatives, unemployment of principal earner, etc.
varies
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Meagan Schmidt
Editor
meagan@thesocialimpact.co
https://thesocialimpact.co/
Jemimah Perez
Head of Creative
hello.barnabestudio@gmail.com
https://www.barnabestudio.com/
Mikah Gay