Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 06
June 5, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
Overviews of the week
Altadena Townhall Meeting Video (p.4)
Insurance, Department of Health, and Altadena Community Meeting
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
Spotlight on Altadena Girls
Community Updates (p.6)
Long Term Recovery Group info and more
Events (p.7)
Where to go for info
Funding (p.8)
Grants and more
Contributors (p.9)
It takes a team
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Summary
Town Halls
Community Updates
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Funding
This Week
As recovery from the Eaton Fire continues, community leaders and residents are navigating critical decisions amid trauma and uncertainty. Recent town halls shared key guidance—protect yourself from scams in construction and legal services, don’t pay large deposits, get multiple quotes, and have contracts reviewed. Survivors are also encouraged to comb through their insurance policies and maximize every line item, including code upgrades and permit fees. The Eaton Fire Collaborative officially launched the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), a coalition of nonprofits, agencies, and local leaders working to ensure equitable support for fire survivors. The application process to join the LTRG board will be open to the public, with the goal of moving forward as a united community. Meanwhile, youth impacted by the fire are finding space for healing through Altadena Girls, a grassroots movement founded by 14-year-old Avery Colvert. From distributing essentials through their Free Pop-Up Shop to hosting a vibrant prom for girls and gender-expansive youth, the organization has become a beacon of hope and dignity for teens navigating loss. Together, these efforts reflect the strength, compassion, and momentum building across Altadena as recovery deepens and community bonds grow stronger.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Eaton Fire Recovery – Key Updates (as of June 3, 2025)
Free Soil Testing: LA County launched a $3M residential testing program. Residents can self-collect and drop off samples. Results take 7–10 days.
Lead Levels: USC and County data show 60% of tested soil is safe, but 10% exceeds EPA lead limits—especially in downwind areas. Some cleaned properties still test high.
Blood Testing: Most residents tested below CDC lead thresholds. Seven individuals had elevated levels and received follow-up.
Mosquito Control: Over 700 stagnant pools treated; 1,400+ monitored. Standing water remains a risk.
Permits & Rebuilding:
Deadlines: June 1 to apply for debris removal; June 30 to complete it.
Only 5 rebuild permits issued so far. County is using AI-assisted software to speed up approvals.Rebuilding Safety: Rebuilding is allowed with mitigation like ground cover, landscaping, or topsoil replacement.
Postal Service Issues: USPS delays continue for displaced residents. Officials are working on improved mail delivery and forwarding systems.
Disaster Help Center Relocation: The Help Center moved from Altadena Library to a new site. It continues to offer in-person rebuilding and recovery support.
The LA County Department of Public Health hosted a virtual town hall focused on environmental and health concerns following the Eaton Fire. Key takeaways included:
Mosquito Control: Over 1,400 pools are being monitored in the burn zone, with 713 treated to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile and dengue. Standing water from fire damage remains a public health risk.
Soil Testing Efforts: USC’s CLEAN Project is offering free lead soil testing across LA County. About 60% of samples fall below California’s safety threshold, while 10% exceed federal levels. Most high-lead samples came from downwind of the Eaton Fire.
County Soil Results: Even after debris removal, soil at destroyed properties and nearby areas still shows lead contamination. A $3 million County-funded program is now available to support free residential soil testing through 2025.
Blood Lead Testing: Most tests came back below the CDC’s concern level. Only 7 individuals had elevated levels and received follow-up care.
Next Steps & Guidance: Residents are encouraged to test soil (especially in yards and play areas), use mosquito repellents, and consider mitigation strategies (like ground cover or hardscaping) if rebuilding.
Officials stressed that lead in soil will persist for years, but safe rebuilding is possible with proper precautions. Free resources, drop-off sites, and guides are available on both USC and LA County public health websites.
Replacing Your Home After the Fire
United Policyholders (UP), a nonprofit supporting disaster survivors, hosted a recent webinar for those impacted by the Eaton Fire. The session focused on insurance, rebuilding options, and financial support.
Key Takeaways
You have options
In California, fire survivors can rebuild the same home, rebuild differently, or buy another home. You don’t need to decide immediately—take your time and know that your plan can evolve.
Know your policy
Understanding your full insurance policy—not just the summary—can help unlock more funds. Many survivors are underinsured, and adjusters may not fully explain your rights. Treat the claim like a business negotiation.
Organize and document
Keep a daily journal of all conversations and decisions. Create a separate bank account and email address for recovery efforts to stay organized.
SBA loans can help
If you're underinsured, the SBA offers low-interest loans (2.56% fixed, 30 years) for homeowners and renters. You don’t need to wait for your insurance to settle. Apply by March 10 to keep the option open.
Stay informed
UP offers webinars, peer support, and tools like the “Scope of Loss” and “Decision Matrix.” Visit uphelp.org to access recordings, guides, and upcoming events.
Final Thought
You didn’t choose this path, but you can navigate it. Stay grounded, get support, and give yourself grace through the process.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Altadena Girls
In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, many teens—especially girls—have quietly carried the weight of loss while trying to hold on to their identities, friendships, and dreams. With schools destroyed, homes lost, and families displaced, these young people are navigating grief, change, and academic pressure all at once. Altadena Girls, a grassroots movement started by 14-year-old Avery Colvert, has become a powerful response to that need.
What began as a simple Instagram post to help a few friends turned into a full-fledged movement—Altadena Girls is now a 501(c)(3) organization offering support, community, and care for young women and gender-expansive youth who identify with girlhood. From their widely praised Free Pop-Up Shop offering new clothing and essentials to fire-affected teens, to their show-stopping Prom on May 24, 2025, the group has created spaces of joy and healing for youth who’ve endured deep loss.
Colvert’s vision caught national attention, with support from celebrities like Paris Hilton, Mindy Kaling, and Charli XCX, and brands like Skims, Huda Beauty, and Aritzia. The Prom event, open to girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 8–12, offered glitter, glam, music, and performances—a powerful reminder that even in tragedy, celebration matters. For so many local teens, this wasn’t just a party—it was a chance to feel normal again, to be seen, and to be celebrated.
As recovery continues, Altadena Girls reminds us that healing must include our youth. Their needs are real, their emotions valid, and their resilience extraordinary. We thank Altadena Girls for showing up for our young people—not just with resources, but with dignity, fun, and hope. Learn more or get involved at altadenagirls.org or on Instagram at @altadenagirls.
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Community Updates
Recovery, Resilience, and Rebuilding Together
This week’s community conversations included valuable insights from the Mayor of Paradise, who reminded us of the emotional and logistical challenges of rebuilding after a disaster—and the importance of protecting ourselves during the process. One key message: beware of bad actors, especially in construction and legal services. In times like these, it’s easy to feel pressured to make quick decisions, but survivors are urged to pause, ask for help, and seek second opinions. Don’t pay large sums up front, and always get multiple quotes. Use contractors referred by trusted sources, and ask someone you trust to review contracts before signing—especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or foggy.
Another important area: insurance claims. Survivors are encouraged to review every line item in their policy—there may be more claimable items than expected. For example, other structures, permits, code upgrades, and temporary housing may be covered. Your contractor can even draft a rebuild quote that reaches your full policy limits—this ensures you're not leaving money on the table.
In major news, the Eaton Fire Collaborative has officially began to build a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) to support fire survivors. With funding from the Pasadena Community Foundation and support from consultant Valerie Nash & Associates, the LTRG will unite nonprofits, agencies, and community leaders to coordinate recovery. Their mission: ensure equitable access to services, address unmet needs, and advocate for trauma-informed, culturally relevant support.
Importantly, the LTRG board is not exclusive to any one group. An open application process will allow a broad range of local leaders to participate. There has already been tremendous community energy—and it's clear that we’re moving quickly because we’re moving together. Altadena is home to extraordinary local talent, and this collaborative effort is a powerful step forward in building long-term resilience.
To get involved or learn more, visit EatonFireCollaborative.org or email EatonFireCollaborative@gmail.com.
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Events
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, you're warmly invited to a restorative Day of Wellness hosted by Dive in Well and the LINE LA. This immersive retreat—available at no cost to fire survivors—offers breathwork, restorative yoga, nourishing meals, and a powerful panel on the role of community in healing. Led by Dive in Well founder Maryam Ajayi, the experience brings together a curated group of facilitators, thought leaders, and partners like Medicinal Plant Index, Ayres Nouveau, Xenia Viray, and Camila Creates to create an intentional space for grounding and growth for the greater LA community—especially for those impacted by the recent wildfires. Come solo or bring a friend, and leave feeling more connected—to yourself and to each other. For those impacted by the wildfires, please contact Jennie Wright at Jwright@thelinehotel.com for a complimentary ticket. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the non-profit organizations Altadena Girls and Altadena Boys.
If you're navigating the challenges of recovery, a community resource event hosted by Neighbors of Altadena Support Coalition with a dedicated team of volunteers will be onsite at St. Bede the Venerable Church in La Cañada to guide you through financial assistance applications, rebuilding information, and insurance claim questions. Mental health professionals will be present to provide emotional support, and there will be activities and supervision for kids, along with a marketplace of free clothing and household essentials. This is a safe, accessible space for getting the help you need—all in one place.
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NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
CalAssist Mortgage Fund
Your primary residence was destroyed or is uninhabitable due to a qualified disaster from 01/01/2023 through 01/08/2025, you have a mortgage or reverse mortgage, you own a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to 4 units). Applications open June 12, 2025.
3 months of mortgage payments, up to a maximum of $20,000
June 12, 2025
Business must be (or have been) located in the 91001 zip code.
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Altadena Chamber of Commerce
$500 - $5,000
The business must be based in LA or Ventura County and have been operating at the time of the wildfire.
The owner must demonstrate wildfire-related impact through documentation (e.g., photos of damage, description of lost equipment, etc.).
Sole proprietors and informal businesses are welcome.
$5,000 - $10,000
Grant Opportunity From Global Empowerment Mission
Grants may be made only to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c) (3) or 170(c) (1) or (2) (b) of the Internal Revenue Code. None shall be made to Private Foundations under Section 509(1) of the Code.
An organization must have been in existence for at least two years (based on the date of IRS determination letter) and have achieved a record of effective service and sustainability.
All previous grants must be completed. A grantee with an “open grant” will be ineligible for new funding. Grantees who have not complied with previous grant deadlines and reports or receipts may not be eligible for new grant consideration.
Pasadena Community Foundation
$10,000 - $150,000
Essential workers whose workplaces are affected, who lost wages due to evacuation or work closure, or whose homes were impacted directly.
Filipino Migrant Center/National Alliance for Filipino Concerns Aid Application
varies
Funding
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COUNCIL'S
CORNER
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Mikah Gay
Meagan Schmidt
Editor
meagan@thesocialimpact.co
https://thesocialimpact.co/
Jemimah Perez
Kathy Taing
Head of Creative
hello.barnabestudio@gmail.com
https://www.barnabestudio.com/