Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 07
June 12, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
This week in Altadena, as fire recovery continues, residents are urged to test for lead contamination, stand in solidarity with immigrant families facing ICE raids, access insurance support tools, and celebrate the vital work of local nonprofits like PACTL, who are rapidly delivering aid and modeling community-centered recovery.
Altadena Townhall Meeting Video (p.4)
Altadena fire recovery efforts include renter protections, debris removal nearing completion, financial aid from FEMA and SBA, faster permitting, free lead testing, and ongoing senior and mental health support. Key deadlines include June 11 for unemployment aid and June 30 for debris removal.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
PACTL, a Pasadena-based nonprofit, has become a model of compassionate, community-first service by rapidly delivering essentials like food, shelter, and medical aid to Eaton Fire survivors through relief grants, while continuing its broader mission of empowering families and uniting diverse communities through culturally relevant, inclusive programs—learn more at pactl.org.
Community Updates (p.6)
As Altadena recovers from the Eaton Fire, residents face renewed ICE raids and post-fire health risks, prompting urgent calls for solidarity, home testing, and use of free insurance tools like TugboatClaims and United Policyholders’ Scope of Loss guide to ensure fair recovery.
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.
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Summary
Webinars
Community Updates
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Events
Summary
This week in Altadena has been marked by continued fire recovery efforts alongside urgent calls for community solidarity. Bree shared a personal warning after her lot tested positive for lead post-debris removal, urging residents—especially renters—to demand proper contamination testing before returning. At the same time, renewed ICE raids have deeply impacted immigrant families, including members of local relief groups like NDLON, prompting widespread support for immigrant rights and due process. We also spotlighted the vital, compassionate work of PACTL, which has swiftly delivered emergency grants to fire survivors, and shared trusted insurance tools from TugboatClaims and United Policyholders to help residents secure fair settlements as they rebuild.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Key takeaways included:
Rebuilding Options: Some rebuilt on the same lot using insurance funds alone, others joined group rebuilds to save costs, and many opted for design-build models without architects.
Buying vs. Rebuilding: A few chose to buy instead of rebuild, stressing the importance of understanding property tax transfers and planning for long-term affordability.
Insurance Strategy: Get an independent scope of loss. Use content coverage creatively. Don’t settle early. Keep documentation and be firm, not hostile.
Avoiding Contractor Pitfalls: Start early, do your research, and avoid paying contractors more than they’ve earned.
Emotional Resilience: This is trauma. Give yourself grace, avoid rushing decisions, and connect with survivor networks.
Altadena Fire Recovery – Key Updates from Community Town Hall
Renters & Tenant Rights: LA County is monitoring unsafe rental units and enforcing landlord compliance. DCBA has staff on-site at the Altadena Community Center to assist with complaints, evictions, and connecting renters to available programs. Visit rent.lacounty.gov.
Senior Services: Seniors can access case management, transportation, meals, housing support, and arts/enrichment programs at Loma Alta Park.
Insurance Help: Struggling with your provider? File a complaint at insurance.ca.gov or call 800-927-4357 — it's the only way the Department of Insurance can investigate.
Debris Removal: Over 92% of opted-in properties have been cleared. June 30 is the final deadline for private debris removal. Property owners who haven’t started can still request special inclusion with Army Corps. Abatement notices must be appealed by June 11.
Permitting & Rebuilding: 22 permits issued out of 661. Public Works review times are down to ~8 business days. Pre-approved plans and self-certification programs aim to speed up permits. Workshop on resilient building set for June 28.
Financial Relief: FEMA has awarded $136M in assistance, including $18.6M in rental support. SBA has approved $2.9B in loans. Disaster Unemployment Assistance deadline is June 10. FEMA rental assistance is valid for 18 months from Jan 8, 2025.
Community Support Centers: The Altadena Community Center (730 E Altadena Dr) is open M–F, 9–5, offering help from FEMA, SBA, Assessor, Mental Health, and more.
Lead Testing: Free soil testing is available for homes in and downwind of the burn area. Results are returned in 7–10 days. Free blood lead testing is also available. Visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.
Mental Health Support: DMH is offering a senior support group and planning additional fire recovery discussion groups weekly.
1. Evaluating Exposure to Hazardous Materials in Fire-Damaged Homes
Host: US EPA + academic environmental health teams
Topics Covered:
How ash, soot, and smoke infiltrate building materials
Cleaning protocols for porous vs. non-porous surfaces
HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, and air filtration strategies
When to consider gutting drywall or removing insulationRecommended for: Homeowners, renters, environmental consultants
2. Protecting Cleanup Workers from Wildfire Hazards
Host: UCLA Labor Occupational Safety and Health (LOSH)
Topics Covered:
PPE and respiratory protection
Working safely around toxic residues (lead, asbestos, arsenic)
How to assess indoor contamination before reentry
Decontamination methods for clothing and surfacesAudience: Restoration workers, contractors, community volunteers
3. LA County Public Health + CalRecycle Briefings (May–June 2025)
Topics Covered:
Fire debris removal for standing homes
When ash is considered hazardous
Household Hazardous Waste drop-off and local services
Health guidance for seniors and immunocompromised residents
Visit the Post-Fire Public Health Page or the LA County Fire Recovery site
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Doing Good in the Neighborhood: PACTL Steps Up for Fire Survivors
The Pasadena/Altadena Coalition of Transformative Leaders (PACTL) has long been a pillar of compassion and advocacy in our community. Known for uniting youth, parents, and professionals to shape inclusive, people-centered policies, PACTL brings more than just programs to the neighborhoods it serves—it brings heart. In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, PACTL didn’t hesitate to meet the moment.
Thanks to a grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief Fund, PACTL was among 20 local nonprofits awarded part of the first $533,000 in emergency funding. They quickly and effectively used these resources to provide direct financial relief to fire survivors—ensuring families had access to essential needs.
What makes PACTL stand out is their responsiveness and deep community connection. We heard one powerful story: a family called in with a specific urgent need, and within two hours, a PACTL team member was at their door with support in hand. This is not just crisis response—it’s what a community-first nonprofit looks like in action.
PACTL’s approach is rooted in respect, inclusion, and a commitment to equity. Through bilingual outreach, family-strengthening programs, cultural events, and training for service providers, they embody a model of transformative leadership. Their work uplifts those who are too often overlooked, bringing resources directly into the hands of those who need them most.
As recovery continues, organizations like PACTL remind us what it means to lead with compassion and action. Their dedication to immediate support and long-term transformation is something we can all learn from—and a model we should all support.
To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit pactl.org.
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Community Updates
Note from Bree:
Our lot tested positive for lead this week—after fire debris was cleared. I’ve also spoken with many neighbors who returned to standing homes in and around the burn zone without testing for contamination. Please, for your long-term health, get your homes and properties tested. If you are a renter, insist your landlord conduct testing before returning. We’ve already been through so much—don’t risk future health challenges on top of everything else.
Stay safe,
-Bree
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Insurance Tools for Fire Survivors
Navigating insurance after a disaster is complex—but the right tools can help you protect your rights and recover faster. Two trusted resources are helping fire survivors document damage, challenge claim denials, and better understand what they’re owed:
1. TugboatClaims — Free for Wildfire Survivors
Tugboat is an all-in-one platform to help you take control of your insurance claim. Wildfire survivors get free access to:
Claim Support – Negotiate payments, request funds, challenge denials
Home Inventory Tools – Document your belongings in advance or after a loss
Policy Education – Understand what your coverage really means
Damage Assessments – Get cost estimates and guidance before filing
Document Reviews and Contractor Resources
Visit: www.tugboat.claims
Membership is normally $60/year, but wildfire survivors get claim support free.
2. United Policyholders – The Scoop on Scope (of Loss)
A scope of loss is a detailed document that outlines the full cost to rebuild your home. It’s often the key to avoiding lowball insurance offers. You can hire an expert to prepare one independently and compare it to your insurer’s estimate.
Helps ensure a fair and complete settlement
Can be used to challenge underpayments or delays
Critical when rebuilding something different than what was lost
Read the guide: uphelp.org – The Scoop on Scope
It’s been a deeply challenging and heartbreaking week for so many of our neighbors here in the Dena and across California. We stand in solidarity with all of our immigrant neighbors and their loved ones. No one deserves to live in fear, and we must all stand together to ensure the safety and integrity of our community. And that means an immediate end to the ICE raids and a restoration of due process for those who have been unjustly detained.
This also comes as our community is still reeling from the devastation of the Eaton Fire. This is the absolute last thing we need as we continue to support each other in the rebuilding process. We’d also like to remind folks of the incredible work of the Pasadena-based National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), who mobilized so quickly to provide aid to Altadena and Pasadena and whose membership is now being targeted by federal officers.
This week, we want to highlight the many local organizations who are taking the lead in defending our immigrant neighbors and resources you can use to help:
Learn more about who is impacted by immigration raids and how you can help in this piece from Teen Vogue.
Check out these organizations who are on the frontlines:
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Events
“Studies show that mental health needs often increase six months after a disaster,” said Staci Richard, California emergency response manager for Direct Relief. “ As we approach that point following L.A.’s wildfires, Direct Relief is teaming up with Young & Healthy and The Center for Connection to offer play-based therapy for children and provide caregivers with the tools they need to support their children. Children ages 2-12 will have access to 6 free play-based family therapy sessions. In these sessions, kids and parents play and talk together with a licensed therapist, helping everyone feel calm, connected, and strong. Families affected by the Eaton Fire can schedule sessions by contacting Lilia Sandoval at Young & Healthy at (626) 795-5166.
This weekend the community can enjoy multiple celebrations with both Dena Juneteenth and Altadena Pride Walkabout occurring. Celebrate community and showcase defiance in the face of disaster alongside neighbors and friends at both events on Saturday where you will have the opportunity to also enjoy resource hubs.
Looking towards next week, be sure to tune in or attend Habitat LA and the Edward Charles Foundation for the LA Wildfire Relief Panel on June 17. The purpose of this panel is to discuss relief efforts for both the Eaton and Palisades fires.
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NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
Pay It Forward by Spectrum
Spectrum supports Altadena businesses with free TV advertising. To apply for the 2025 Pay It Forward program, businesses must be legally registered to operate within a designated market area served by Spectrum Reach. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
$5,000
December 31, 2025
Altadena uninsured or underinsured homeowners aged 65+ who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire can receive emergency financial assistance. To qualify, homeowners must have experienced total loss during the Eaton Fire and lived within U.S. Census Tracts 4602, 4603.01, 4603.02 and 4610. Homeowners can determine their census tract by visiting altadenatowncouncil.org. Assistance will be distributed until funds are exhausted.
The Altadena Community Preservation Fund
$15,000
December 31, 2025
Pasadena Community Foundation
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.
$10,000 - $150,000
December 31, 2025
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
December 31, 2025
Must have one to two qualified guarantors; more details online.
varies
Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) Fire Relief Loan
December 31, 2025
Craft artists who have experienced a recent disaster, 18+, lived & worked in the U.S. for two years.
Craft Artists Emergency Relief Grant
varies
December 31, 2025
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.
USC Credit Union Relief Assistance
varies
December 31, 2025
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/