Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 09
July 10, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
Six months after the Eaton Fire, Altadena continues to honor its losses and rebuild through community-led efforts, county support, and survivor advocacy, while facing ongoing challenges with housing, insurance, and recovery equity.
Altadena Townhall Meeting Video (p.4)
Six months after the Eaton Fire, Altadena residents still have access to renter protections, rebuilding support, permit waivers, and free health and recovery resources.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
The Eaton Fire Survivors Network is a 5,000-member, survivor-led movement providing support, advocacy, and accountability to help Altadenans rebuild stronger together.
Community Updates (p.6)
Six months after the Eaton Fire, Altadena is honoring lives lost through community vigils while continuing to rebuild amid insurance delays, housing challenges, and recovery efforts led by residents, local leaders, and LA County initiatives.
Events (p.7)
Our community has shown incredible strength, and we're here to continue supporting one another—whether you're navigating insurance, rebuilding your business, or simply looking for ways to process and heal.
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
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Community Updates
Events
Summary
Six months after the Eaton Fire, The Dena Report highlights a community in recovery—honoring those lost through vigils and remembrance events, while navigating slow permit approvals, insurance gaps, and ongoing housing crises. LA County’s “Forward” blueprint promises permit fee waivers, AI-driven approvals, and infrastructure restoration, but short-term housing remains the greatest unmet need. The Eaton Fire Survivors Network has mobilized thousands to demand accountability, share survivor stories, and support each other, while local efforts continue to provide mental health support, youth programming, legal aid, and job resources. Altadena stands resilient—rebuilding with urgency, unity, and hope.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
New Resource Guide launched to help fire survivors rebuild safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes.
Available at: recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding
Chapter 7A Fire Code applies to homes in high fire zones or starting Jan 1, 2026 (if new maps/legislation pass).
Includes fire-resistant roofs, vents, walls, windows, and eaves.
Design Tips for Resilience
Use Class A roofing and ember-resistant vents.
Avoid open eaves; choose non-combustible siding and tempered glass windows.
Design slab-on-grade foundations and unvented attics where possible.
Energy & Indoor Air Quality
Build airtight and all-electric homes.
Choose low-VOC materials and efficient appliances.
Install solar and EV-ready systems.
Defensible Space Zones
0–5 ft: Keep clear of combustibles (no mulch, fencing, or plants).
5–30 ft: Low, well-spaced vegetation.
30–100+ ft: Thinned trees and maintained landscape.
Landscaping Advice
Use native, drought-tolerant plants.
Avoid vines and flammable mulch near structures.
Water deeply and infrequently to retain moisture in plants.
Helpful Tools & Programs
IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Program – Offers certification for fire-hardened homes.
USGBC CA Rebuild Marketplace – Connects homeowners and contractors with vetted materials and suppliers.
Incentives & Rebates – Linked through platforms like "The Switch Is On" and SoCalREN.
Support & Next Steps
Altadena & Calabasas One-Stop Centers open for walk-in support.
Next Webinar: July 12 – Focus on prefab & factory-built home options.
All past/future webinars are posted at recovery.lacounty.gov.
Six months after the Eaton Fire, LA County leaders announced the “LA County Forward” recovery plan focused on:
Waiving permit fees (worth up to $20K) and cutting state requirements like rooftop solar to save families up to $30K.
Faster permitting using AI software launching July 15.
Expanding access to builders, materials, and pre-approved designs.
Undergrounding 150+ miles of utilities and restoring infrastructure.
Training a local workforce to prevent delays.
Restoring schools, parks, and services to rebuild community life.
Progress updates:
Army Corps: 98% of fire debris cleared; Elliott School demolition underway.
Public Works: 87 permits issued; fee waivers available; unresponsive property owners may face liens.
FEMA: Assistance ongoing; appeal process explained.
Tenant protections: Eviction protections expire July 31, 2025.
Shop Local Campaign: Launched to support impacted small businesses through Dec 2025.
Insurance: State Farm under investigation; new task force formed on smoke damage claims.
Health Dept: Free soil and blood lead testing still available.
Senior Services: New senior center at Loma Alta Park; July 12 insurance workshop announced.
Past webinar with current relevant information
If your rental was destroyed:
You do not owe rent after you evacuated.
Your landlord must return your security deposit and unused January rent.
You can still file in small claims court if you haven’t been repaid.
FEMA may cover lost belongings and temporary housing (up to $43,600).
If your rental was damaged but repairable:
You still have the right to return once it’s safe.
The landlord must make repairs and cannot ask you to pay.
You may request a rent reduction or negotiate terms in writing.
You can move out early with proper notice.
If you're still displaced:
You may have the right to return after repairs.
Rent-stabilized units may qualify for relocation assistance in LA County and Pasadena.
Ongoing protections:
Rent increases over 10% are prohibited through January 2026.
Harassment and illegal evictions remain prohibited.
Emergency orders protect tenants who housed displaced fire survivors.
Need help?
Neighborhood Legal Services (Altadena/Pasadena): 800-433-6251
LAFLA: 800-399-4529
More resources: stayhousedla.org | disasterassistance.gov
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Stronger Together with the Eaton Fire Survivors Network
Six months after the Eaton Fire changed Altadena forever, one group has become the heart of community-led recovery: the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. With more than 5,000 members and growing daily, this grassroots coalition is by, for, and led entirely by survivors. Their mission is simple but urgent—build connection, amplify survivor voices, and hold systems accountable so that everyone has the support to rebuild, recover, and thrive.
What began as a group chat has grown into an organized movement. Their Discord channel, now a thriving hub of daily activity, has become the central place for fire survivors to find everything from insurance help and legal resources to emotional support and updates from LA County. For many, it’s the first and only place they’ve found others who truly understand what it means to lose everything—and still fight for what’s next.
Holding Insurers Accountable
With billions in insurance payouts on the line, many survivors report being underpaid, delayed, or ignored by the very insurers they’ve trusted for decades. The Network has launched the Survivor Insurance Payout Access Program, organizing pressure campaigns and sharing tools to help residents demand what they’re owed.
They’ve also mobilized around the New York Times Insurance Survey, encouraging hundreds of survivors to anonymously report insurer behavior to expose unjust practices and push for reform.
Changing the Story
Beyond navigating red tape, the Network is building power through storytelling. This week, their Survivor Media Corps hosted media trainings and press conferences, empowering residents to speak out, connect with reporters, and remind the world that survivors are still here—and still need support. Their stories have already appeared in over 350 media outlets, including the Los Angeles Times and LAist, reshaping public awareness and pressuring decision-makers.
Their goal isn’t just to rebuild homes—it’s to transform the system so future survivors aren’t left behind. Whether through testimony at town halls, sharing press links online, or supporting each other through grief, the Eaton Fire Survivors Network has become a force for recovery and justice in Altadena.
If you're a survivor or ally: get involved, share your story, and know you’re not alone.
Because here in Altadena, we rebuild—stronger, together.
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Community Updates
Six Months Later: Honoring the Past, Rebuilding the Future in Altadena
This week marks six months since the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, destroying hundreds of homes, displacing families, and forever changing the shape of our community. As neighbors, community leaders, and agencies reflect on this somber milestone, Altadena continues to balance the weight of loss with steady steps toward recovery.
Honoring the Lives Lost
To commemorate the anniversary, residents and organizations across the region are hosting vigils and remembrance events. One of the central gatherings, Mariposa Night at Caltech on July 12, will feature storytelling, food trucks, and reflection to honor survivors and those lost. Other community-led moments of silence and vigils are expected throughout the week.
These events are more than symbolic—they offer space for healing and remind us that while buildings can be rebuilt, grief and recovery are complex and ongoing.
Rebuilding Updates & What Residents Should Know
The pace of physical recovery has been historic: 97% of properties in the Eaton Fire zone have been cleared, making this one of the fastest fire cleanups in LA County history. But progress is uneven. Only 5% of rebuild permits have been approved in Altadena, and many residents are still navigating paperwork, insurance delays, or a lack of support.
To address these challenges, LA County launched the “LA County Forward” recovery blueprint, focused on six major goals:
Waiving permit fees and absorbing costs to reduce homeowners' burden
Relaxing state building code mandates, including a waiver for rooftop solar and battery systems
Accelerating permit approvals using AI-powered software (launching July 15)
Expanding builder access and construction materials
Undergrounding utilities and rebuilding infrastructure like Altadena’s water system
Restoring schools, parks, childcare, and senior services to rebuild daily life
Health & Environmental Safety
If you live within 200 feet of ash or debris, please be aware that health risks remain from lead, dust, and toxic remnants. LA County continues to offer free soil and blood lead testing, and is working to clear remaining hazards in high-risk zones.
Residents are encouraged to advocate for their health and request testing or remediation if they feel unsafe. PPE and other precautions are still recommended when in proximity to debris.
Renters' Rights & Housing Support
While homeowners navigate rebuilding, renters remain one of the most vulnerable groups. Many are still in temporary housing—over 100 families remain in vehicles, and nearly 250 households are relying on Airbnb placements. Rents have skyrocketed since the fire, with some residents facing rates two to three times higher than before.
Remember:
No rent is owed after an evacuation.
Security deposits and unused rent must be returned.
You may qualify for relocation assistance or reduced rent while repairs are made.
Legal support is available through Stay Housed LA, LAFLA, and Neighborhood Legal Services.
Insurance Gaps & Legal Deadlines
70% of fire survivors report issues with insurance, ranging from underpayments to complicated inventory demands. The emotional toll of documenting every lost item remains one of the most painful parts of recovery for many.
While some, like Altadena residents Steve Gibson and his wife, are pushing forward with rebuilding—others are still waiting on payouts or facing large financial gaps even after “full” settlements.
Residents have until January 7, 2028 to join lawsuits against Southern California Edison, which is under investigation for possibly causing the fire. Legal efforts are ongoing to eliminate burdensome insurance inventory requirements in the future.
What’s Next in Altadena
Special Election – Altadena Town Council (Census Tract 4612): Applications due July 11. Local leadership matters more than ever.
Youth Support: Free Comedy Summer Camp for ages 9–16 kicks off this week to bring laughter and normalcy back to kids impacted by the fire.
Rebuild & Rise Pop-Up + Job Fair: Coming soon—connect to employment and recovery resources.
July 22 Workshop: Hear from Habitat, Foothill, and others on ways to drive down rebuild costs and navigate recovery challenges.
Emergency Housing Still Needed: The top unmet need remains short-term housing, with estimated costs reaching $2 million per month to house 500 families.
Mental Health & Emotional Recovery: Survivors say the trauma lingers. Community support, peer spaces, and local mental health resources remain vital.
A Community Still Rising
Altadena’s recovery is ongoing, layered with urgency, frustration, and resilience. Neighbors are helping each other navigate insurance, rebuilding together to cut costs, and showing up to advocate at County meetings.
As we pause to honor six months since the fire, let’s also recommit to one another, to equity in recovery, and to a future where every Altadena family can come home again.
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Events
Our community has shown incredible strength, and we're here to continue supporting one another—whether you're navigating insurance, rebuilding your business, or simply looking for ways to process and heal. On Saturday, July 12, we invite you to join us for a series of free events dedicated to recovery and resilience. Healing Together with Creativity (10:00–11:30am at 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena) is a hands-on wellness workshop for adults impacted by the Eaton Fire, blending gentle psychoeducation and creative expression to help process grief and build connection—bring an open mind and, optionally, photos related to your recovery journey. At the Home Insurance Workshop (10:00am–12:00pm at 855 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena), the California Department of Insurance will offer guidance for homeowners navigating the claims process and working with insurance adjusters. And at the Rebuilding Altadena Businesses Expo (11:00am–2:00pm at 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena), local businesses can access recovery tools, connect with support services, and explore next steps, thanks to the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Operation HOPE. These events are all about healing, rebuilding, and reconnecting—because recovery isn’t something to go through alone. We hope to see you there.
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NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
Pasadena Community Foundation
Grants may be made only 501(c)(3) organizations that are least two years old, and have achieved a record of effective service. Grantees who have not complied with previous grant deadlines, reports, or receipts may not be eligible.
$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
SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California.
varies
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans
December 31, 2025
Locally owned Altadena small businesses impacted by the Eaton fire must be (or have been) located in the 91001 Zip Code.
SoCalGas
$500-$2,500
December 31, 2025
Must be a 501(c) nonprofit organization seeking to assist Altadena residents, businesses, services, and charities affected by the Eaton fire in long-term relief. Awarded based on demonstrated need and potential community impact.
Altadena Rotary Club
$500 to $5,000
September 30, 2025
Funding
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COUNCIL'S
CORNER
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Jemimah Perez
Meagan Schmidt
Editor
meagan@thesocialimpact.co
https://thesocialimpact.co/
Kathy Taing
Head of Creative
hello.barnabestudio@gmail.com
https://www.barnabestudio.com/
Mikah Gay