The Dena Report
Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 03
May 8, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p. 2)
An overview of the week in summary
Virtual Meetings & Resources (p. 3)
Updates for LA County and goverment officials
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p. 4)
The Foothill Catalog simplifies our first steps to rebuild
Community Updates (p. 5)
Updates on legislation, property taxes, and rebuilding
Events (p. 6)
A calendar of events for the week
Funding (p. 7)
Requirements and links to available funding opportunities
02
Summary
Community Updates
Doing Good in The Neighborhood
Townhalls
Funding
This Week
In Issue 3 of The Dena Report, we bring you essential updates for Eaton Fire recovery. This edition covers the upcoming launch of LA County’s soil lead testing program for downwind neighborhoods, including practical tips to reduce exposure in the meantime. We break down property tax reassessments—many homeowners may receive refunds—and provide contacts for setting up payment plans if needed. You’ll also find a summary of new state legislation supporting wildfire-impacted communities, from mortgage relief to mental health protections for first responders. This issue highlights The Foothill Catalog Foundation, a new resource offering affordable, pre-approved home designs to help families rebuild while honoring Altadena’s architectural roots. Finally, we recap the May 7 Community Listening Session, where officials provided updates on permitting, utilities, health testing, funding, and more.
03
Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Supervisor Barger:
Only 5 rebuilding permits approved so far.
AI-powered permitting software now in use to speed approvals.
New permitting authority underway to coordinate across departments.
Motion introduced to:
Launch self-certification program for licensed professionals.
Waive or reduce permit fees for rebuilds.
$75K disaster relief loans for small businesses now available: altadenabizrelief.lacda.org
Army Corps of Engineers:
3,800 properties cleared of fire debris.
1,900 returned to the County.
Crews working daily across Altadena, now clearing parks and multifamily units.
Planning & Public Works:
One-Stop Permit Center open weekdays in Altadena.
Single application process for all departments.
Like-for-like rebuilds can retain original structure footprint.
Permit dashboard now live at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding
Permitting Stats:
369 applications submitted
199 cleared zoning
79 full plans submitted
5 permits issued, 15 pending clearance
450+ repair permits issued; 8 RV installs approved
Public Health:
Lead soil testing program launching this month for downwind properties.
Town Hall on soil results scheduled for May 9 at 6 PM.
Ongoing guidance available for cleaning, indoor safety, and soil health.
Assessor’s Office:
17,000+ parcels received tax reductions.
Fall 2025 tax bills will reflect full damage.
Property tax deadline extended to April 2026.
Homeowner Alert Program recommended to prevent title fraud.
Seniors:
Reverse Mortgage Workshop on May 10, 10 AM–12 PM at MonteCedro in Altadena.
SoCal Edison:
Temporary generators remain in use; permanent undergrounding will take 2–4 years.
Some areas will see temporary poles in the meantime.
Deadlines:
June 1 – Permit must be pulled for debris removal.
June 30 – Debris must be fully removed or County may step in and charge fees.
Public Safety:
New crime and theft reporting email launched to support investigations: altitled.org (email access shared in meeting).
Eaton Fire Webinar Summary
Assemblymember John Hairabedian hosted a public webinar marking 100 days since the Eaton Fire, featuring experts from:
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
David Fogt shared how to safely hire contractors, avoid scams, and ensure contracts are legal. Key tips:
Always verify contractor licenses at CSLB’s website
Contracts must include start/end dates, payment schedules, and full scope of work
Down payments cannot exceed $1,000
Fixed-price contracts are recommended to avoid price increases
Report unlicensed or unsafe work at CSLB's Disaster Help Center
LA County Public Works
Rochelle Tarconi outlined the streamlined rebuild permitting process through the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Center, now open six days a week.
Like-for-like rebuilds (same size + up to 10%) are the fastest path
Homeowners are encouraged to pay permit fees directly to retain control
Staff is being added to speed up inspections and reviews
Design professionals should understand high fire zone standards
📍 Info and updates: recovery.lacounty.gov
☎ Questions? Call Assemblymember Hairabedian’s office: (626) 351-1917
Webinar Summary – Conversations After the Fires (Hosted by Caltech)
This scientific webinar brought together researchers from Caltech and Chapman University to present preliminary findings on environmental contamination caused by the Eaton Fire, with a focus on lead and other heavy metals in household dust, ash, and soil.
Key Findings:
Indoor & Outdoor Dust (Caltech Study – Dr. Francois Tissot’s Lab):
Lead contamination was widespread—detected up to 7 miles from the burn area.
Uncleaned surfaces inside homes often exceeded EPA lead limits.
Cleaning was effective in 90% of cases but not guaranteed.
Lead levels were highest near windows and dropped with distance inside homes.
Tap water showed no contamination.
Ash Analysis (Caltech – Isaac Aguilar):
Ash from the urban burn area in Altadena had very high lead levels (>300 µg/g).
Wildland fire ash had much lower lead levels (10–30 µg/g).
No asbestos was detected in the ash samples tested.
Lead-laden ash was carried up to 5 miles southwest by Santa Ana winds.
Soil Testing (Chapman University – Dr. Christine O’Connell):
One-third of residential surface soil samples exceeded California’s recommended lead levels.
Soil lead levels showed high variability across and within properties.
Fine soil particles were found to have 60% higher lead levels than bulk soil samples.
Vegetables from gardens are likely safe to eat if thoroughly washed.
Rain has not significantly reduced lead levels in the soil.
Recommendations include wet cleaning, removing shoes indoors, applying mulch, and using raised beds or phytoremediation methods.
Recommendations:
Conduct household and school lead testing.
Use wet wipes (just water is sufficient) for cleaning hard surfaces.
Consult doctors or veterinarians about lead exposure testing.
Monitor air quality during debris removal to avoid recontamination (Caltech’s Phoenix Project).
03
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Rebuilding Altadena, Beautifully and Affordably
Spotlight: The Foothill Catalog Foundation
When disaster strikes, rebuilding isn’t just about bricks and wood—it’s about restoring the soul of a community. The Foothill Catalog Foundation is doing just that.
This local initiative is developing a catalog of pre-approved, permit-ready home designs tailored to the unique character of Altadena and surrounding foothill neighborhoods. Inspired by the Sears Catalog Homes of the early 1900s, these designs provide fire survivors with beautiful, affordable, and fast options to rebuild—while honoring the architectural charm of our community.
The mission is simple but powerful: every fire survivor deserves access to good design and the choice to rebuild if they wish.
Now fiscally sponsored by Community Partners, The Foothill Catalog Foundation is positioned to grow its reach and impact, offering administrative infrastructure, nonprofit status, and long-term sustainability.
How It Works:
Pre-approved designs = faster permitting and construction
Architecturally aligned homes = a neighborhood that retains its character
Design and price options = accessibility for a range of income levels
Trusted professionals = a vetted team of architects, engineers, and builders ready to help
Why It Matters:
The Catalog is designed for all community members at all economic levels. Whether you’re working with insurance, applying for rebuild assistance, or paying out-of-pocket, there are options that can fit your circumstances and help you stay rooted in your neighborhood.
A local Altadena resident with design experience recently shared how overwhelmed they felt navigating the rebuild process alone. After three iterations with an independent designer, they discovered The Foothill Catalog. What had felt stressful and uncertain became manageable and hopeful. “Being able to actually see what I would get eased my anxiety,” they said. “And knowing there’s a team behind it that truly cares made all the difference.”
What’s Next:
The Foundation is actively developing more design options and collaborating with partners like San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to ensure as many residents as possible can access these resources. They are also hosting community events—including design presentations, social hours, and history talks—to involve residents and honor Altadena’s rich cultural identity.
If you're rebuilding or considering your options, The Foothill Catalog is a game-changer. You can explore their work, sign up for updates, or get involved by visiting:
📧 For inquiries or support, reach out: info@thefoothillcatalog.org
04
Community Updates
New Soil Lead Testing Program Launching This Month
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is preparing to launch a new soil lead testing program later this month in areas most affected by the January 2025 wildfires. This initiative focuses on downwind neighborhoods where wind patterns may have deposited ash and contaminants. The program aims to assess potential lead exposure risks and will provide residents with information on how to participate in voluntary soil sampling. More details will be shared on the Post-Fire Assessment website as the program is finalized.
Tips to Reduce Lead Exposure
While awaiting soil testing results, residents can take the following precautions to minimize potential lead exposure:
Wet-mop floors and wet-wipe surfaces regularly to reduce dust.
Wash hands and toys frequently, especially before eating.
Remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in contaminants.
Use doormats at entryways to capture dust and dirt.
Wash produce thoroughly to remove any soil or dust residues.
For more information and updates, please visit the Post-Fire Assessment website.
Property Tax Reassessments and Refunds
In response to the wildfires, property tax assessments for affected properties have been reassessed based on damage incurred during the fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Homeowners should receive a Notice of Assessment Change reflecting the new valuation. If your property suffered damage, you may be eligible for a property tax refund. For assistance or to set up a payment plan, please contact the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office at (213) 974-3211 or visit their website at https://assessor.lacounty.gov.
Legislative Updates: Key Bills Addressing Wildfire Recovery
Several California Assembly Bills have been introduced to support wildfire recovery efforts:California Courts+11Terner Center+11trackbill.com+11
AB 238: Allows homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to the wildfires to request mortgage forbearance for up to 12 months without penalties or negative credit reporting. Digital Democracy | CalMatters
AB 239: Establishes a state-led disaster housing task force for Los Angeles County to coordinate rebuilding efforts and streamline housing recovery in wildfire-impacted communities. Digital Democracy | CalMatters+1Terner Center+1
AB 493: Expands the definition of "rerefined oil" to include certain waste oils, enhancing recycling efforts and environmental protections. LegiScan+1Digital Democracy | CalMatters+1
AB 597: Extends workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder to include emergency medical technicians and paramedics, acknowledging the mental health impacts of disaster response. trackbill.com+1LegiScan+1
AB 1032: Mandates a workforce study on court interpreters to assess availability and future needs, ensuring language access in the judicial system. trackbill.com+4California Courts+4Digital Democracy | CalMatters+4
AB 126: Modernizes the Clean Transportation Program, extending funding for zero-emission vehicle projects and prioritizing investments in disadvantaged communities. Digital Democracy | CalMatters+3California Environmental Voters+3Coalition for Clean Air+3
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these legislative developments, as they may offer additional support and resources during the recovery process.
05
Events
Tune in tonight to LA County's Post-Fire Assessment Plan Town Hall. The virtual town hall focuses on fire recovery and will include air quality updates and lead testing results. You can watch online at either Facebook Live or YouTube Live.
Dena has a busy weekend coming up filled with rebuilding and recovery events. All are great opportunities to learn more about rebuilding and preparing for the future. Learn about all things home-owning from loans, insurance, rebuilding, debris removal, and more. Check out the recovery workshops below and find which one works best for you.
Come back next week for more on the following weekend's workshops!
Be sure to check out Altadena Farmers' Market's Healthy Food Giveaway at Unincorporated Coffee Roasters next Wednesday. Another great resource for individuals and families struggling in the aftermath of the fires is the Free Weekly Laundry Event at Fair Oaks Laundry. Survivors are welcome to enjoy funds, soap and dryer sheets as long as they are from zip codes 91001, 91003, 91104.
06
Funding
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
Altadena Community Preservation Fund
65+ homeowner who experienced a total loss, lived in U.S. Census Tracts 4602, 4603.01, 4603.02 and 4610, and is uninsured or underinsured (homeowners).
$15,000
February 15, 2026
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
Fuerza Fund
Essential workers and unique households impacted by the wildfires (website gives full definition of unique and essential).
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
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
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 and Paid Family Leave for Undocumented Workers
Specific requirements listed online, but funds are also available for undocumented workers (no social security number needed).
varies
We Are Moving the Needle Microgrants
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
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
State Supplemental Grant Program
Applications were automatically transferred from FEMA after maximum IHP assistance has been reached.
varies
Amount depends on eligible number of people and any special needs of family members, need for caretaker relatives, unemployment of principal earner, etc.
CalWORKS
varies
Altadena Disaster Relief Small Business Loan Program
Must be currently operating, have a physical storefront in zip codes 91001 and 91104, & show proof of disaster hardship/impact.
up to $75,000
June 3, 2025
LA Chamber Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund
Nonprofits with $10 million or less in annual revenue operating within or whose clientele are primarily based in Eaton & Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact & Evacuation Area.
$10,000-$25,000
June 6, 2025
USC Credit Union Relief Assistance
Wildfire Relief Loan is available to both new and current USC Credit Union members, offering a low 4.99% APR to support short- and long-term recovery efforts.
varies
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans
SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California.
varies
Jewish Free Loan Association
Must have one to two qualified guarantors; more details online.
varies
07
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