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NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 10
August 1, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
This issue of The Dena Report marks six months since the Eaton Fire and highlights key recovery updates, including urgent property protection tips from the Sheriff’s Department, a community push for funding transparency, and new guidance expected from CalEPA on soil remediation that could compel insurers to cover cleanup costs. The Eaton Fire Collaborative Advocacy Team met with Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office to share environmental and safety concerns, while recent webinars provided updates on rebuilding, legal rights, and public health. We also spotlight the reopened Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund—one of the few programs offering direct financial aid to survivors—with a $12 million goal to meet verified need. Readers can find links to all webinar recordings, funding reports, and donation opportunities as Altadena continues to recover together.
Altadena Townhall Meeting Video (p.4)
A roundup of recent LA County wildfire recovery webinars offering legal support for tenants, sustainable rebuilding strategies, and key community updates on funding, permitting, and resources for Eaton Fire survivors.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
The Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund is delivering fast, flexible cash assistance directly to wildfire survivors, with a $12 million goal to support hundreds still in urgent need.
Community Updates (p.6)
An update on community safety, funding transparency, environmental health, and key recovery resources six months after the Eaton Fire.
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
Funding
Summary of the Week
This issue of The Dena Report marks six months since the Eaton Fire and highlights key recovery updates, including urgent property protection tips from the Sheriff’s Department, a community push for funding transparency, and new guidance expected from CalEPA on soil remediation that could compel insurers to cover cleanup costs. The Eaton Fire Collaborative Advocacy Team met with Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office to share environmental and safety concerns, while recent webinars provided updates on rebuilding, legal rights, and public health. We also spotlight the reopened Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund—one of the few programs offering direct financial aid to survivors—with a $12 million goal to meet verified need. Readers can find links to all webinar recordings, funding reports, and donation opportunities as Altadena continues to recover together.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Remarks:
Addressed concerns from the LA Times article regarding delayed evacuation and tragic deaths.
Reiterated commitment to transparency; independent review results expected in coming months.
Responded to viral claims of squatters—confirmed two isolated incidents; Sheriff's Dept. is monitoring.
Shared breakdown of how over $11 million in recovery funding was spent, including:
$2.4M – Playground rebuilds and murals at Loma Alta Park.
$400K – Summer camps for Altadena children.
$2.5M – Round 1 of Household Relief Fund.
$2.5M – Worker Relief Grants.
$2M – Small Business Relief Fund.
$1M – Arts & Culture Grants.
$2M – Round 2 of Worker & Small Business grants open now
Announced Southern California Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program:
Launching Fall 2025.
Includes renters and insured households.
Updates will be posted at: sce.com/backdirectclaims.
Soil Remediation Update:
New guidance expected from CalEPA and DTSC.
May support insurance claims for remediation coverage.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone:
Acknowledged tragic scale of the Eaton Fire (19 lives lost, 10,000+ structures impacted).
Explained AVL (vehicle location) data inaccuracy due to cell tower outages.
Reaffirmed LA County Fire’s commitment to transparency and participation in independent reviews.
Noted that 20+ agencies responded within first 12 hours.
Army Corps of Engineers (Colonel Sunny Bashaw):
98.8% of enrolled properties cleared of debris.
97.1% of ROEs (Right of Entry) returned to County.
Demobilization underway at Altadena Golf Course; restoration begins soon.
Elliot School debris work expected to finish by mid-to-late September.
Public Works Rebuild Update (Kiara Barnett):
120 permits issued to date.
200+ rebuild applications in process.
Average timeline: 58 business days from submittal to permit issuance.
Dashboard now shows application stages (initial review, re-review, pending clearance, etc.).
A contractor and designer list is live on recovery.lacounty.gov.
AI-assisted plan review and pre-approved rebuild options available.
Department of Aging – New Freedom Transportation Program:
Free rides for:
Seniors 65+
Adults 18–64 with temporary or permanent disabilities.
Two options:
Taxi service (4 rides or 40 miles/month).
Volunteer driver reimbursement program (up to 150 miles/month).
Call 1-888-863-7411 or email newfreedom@ad.county.gov for applications.
Purpose: Help tenants affected by the January 2025 LA wildfires understand their rights and use small claims court for wildfire-related housing issues.
If your home was fully destroyed:
Lease ends automatically.
No future rent is owed.
Landlord must return unused rent and security deposit within 21 days.
Local laws may require relocation assistance—check with your city or county.
If your home has minor damage:
Lease continues; rent still due.
Landlord must repair and maintain habitability.
Document damage and submit written repair requests.
You may be eligible for relocation assistance or allowed to break the lease if repairs aren't made.
Using Small Claims Court:
Max claim: $12,500.
No attorneys in court; tenants represent themselves.
You can sue for unpaid relocation assistance, unreturned deposits, or habitability violations.
Must submit evidence, notify the landlord, and follow court procedures carefully.
Key Forms: SC-100 (claim), SC-104 (proof of service), MC-031 (declaration), FW-001 (fee waiver), LASC Form 278 (evidence exchange).
The USGBC California wildfire recovery webinar focused on fire-resilient, sustainable rebuilding for communities like Altadena after the Eaton Fire.
Key home design practices included: metal roofs, dual-pane tempered windows, ember-resistant vents, and sealed envelopes.
Fire-wise landscaping tips emphasized a 5-foot non-combustible zone, “clean and green” 30-foot defensible space, and avoiding wood fencing and fuel ladders.
Recommended materials included cementitious siding, graywater systems, and certified insulation and waterproofing systems.
USGBC offers free resources:
Wildfire Defense Certificate trainings (English & Spanish)
A certified professional directory
Healthy Home and Rebuilding Toolkits
Resource matchmaking and community workshops
Survivors can join the Community Hub using code RECOVERY2025 for peer support, resource sharing, and ongoing education.
A recording of the webinar and links to all resources will be sent via email and posted in the Community Hub.
Webinar summary
Over the past two weeks, three key webinars supported LA County fire survivors with legal, rebuilding, and recovery resources. The Tenants’ Small Claims Workshop, hosted by Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, provided guidance for renters impacted by wildfires on recovering costs like security deposits, relocation assistance, and rent through small claims court. The USGBC California Wildfire Recovery Webinar focused on sustainable rebuilding strategies, offering fire-resilient home design tips, fire-wise landscaping practices, and free access to toolkits, training, and peer support through USGBC’s Community Hub. In the Eaton Fire Six-Month Update Community Meeting, Supervisor Kathryn Barger addressed transparency concerns, detailed how $11M+ in recovery funds have been allocated (including to playgrounds, small businesses, and workers), and announced SoCal Edison’s Fall 2025 wildfire compensation program. Additional updates covered permitting progress (120 permits issued, 200+ in review), debris clearance (98.8% complete), fencing donations, and new transportation support for seniors and adults with disabilities. Together, these webinars offered critical updates and actionable tools for residents navigating post-fire recovery.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
In a powerful display of neighbor-to-neighbor generosity, the Altadena community is stepping up to ensure fire survivors receive the direct support they need—and deserve. Spearheaded by the Altadena Town Council in partnership with GoFundMe.org, the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund has already provided over $300,000 in cash assistance to displaced residents. But the need is far greater—and the response from the community has been just as bold.
The campaign recently relaunched with a goal to raise $12 million to fund existing applications and reopen the grant for others still in crisis. More than 3,000 people applied for help after the January fire, with many still unhoused—living in cars, temporary shelters, or doubled up with family as they try to rebuild their lives. This fund ensures that relief goes directly into the hands of survivors, quickly and without red tape.
This effort is deeply personal. The CEO of GoFundMe, an Altadena resident himself, donated $10,000 to support his neighbors. Local organizations like the Pasadena Community Foundation and Chinese American Federation have also stepped in—but more is needed to meet the verified demand.
This isn’t a traditional aid program. It’s a model of dignity and speed: no bureaucracy, no strings, just direct support to help cover rent, groceries, childcare, and rebuilding costs. Every grant is reviewed by both community members and GoFundMe.org to ensure responsible, rapid distribution.
Altadena is doing what few communities can—getting funding directly to those who need it.
Donate to the campaign here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/altadena-eaton-fire-relief-fund
Alternative ways to give: https://www.gofundme.org/off-platform-donations
Every dollar raised brings a neighbor one step closer to stability.
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Community Updates
Community Recovery Update
Six months after the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, residents continue to face both the visible and invisible impacts of the disaster. From navigating rebuilding logistics to environmental health concerns, our community remains united in advocating for clarity, safety, and sustainable recovery. This article outlines key issues and current resources.
Protecting Your Property from Squatters: A growing concern in the fire zone is property intrusion. LA County Sheriff’s Department has responded to reports of squatters taking over vacant lots and even registering stolen homes. Homeowners are urged to take the following steps:
Erect a 6-foot chain link fence or a 4-foot orange construction fence.
Post “Private Property – No Trespassing” signs and install lighting in at least five visible spots.
Complete a Letter of Agency with the LA County Sheriff’s Department to allow deputies to remove trespassers immediately.
Do not confront trespassers. Instead, call 626-798-1131.
Stay informed via the Sheriff’s Department’s social media and email alerts.
Community Asks for Funding Transparency: Residents have called for clarity on where recovery funds are going. In response, LA County released a report during the July 21 community meeting breaking down spending allocations. Additionally, the Pasadena Community Foundation has released its own impact report, which we encourage all residents to read and interpret for themselves:
Concerns Over Emergency Response Following a Los Angeles Times investigation into delayed response times in Altadena, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone issued a rebuttal, citing full deployment of resources. An independent review of the emergency response is now underway. The results are expected later this year.
Environmental Health & Soil Safety As families begin to move back into the fire zone, experts and advocates emphasize the importance of environmental safety. Residents are strongly encouraged to:
Quadruple-test soil and indoor dust for lead and other toxins.
Explore free and low-cost testing and remediation resources.
Refer to guidance from Caltech and Pasadena Public Health for site-specific safety.
The Eaton Fire Collaborative Advocacy Team met with Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office this month to elevate concerns around contamination and long-term safety. They outlined next steps to ensure all community members return to a healthy, hazard-free environment.
CalEPA is expected to release new guidance on soil remediation in the coming weeks. According to Supervisor Barger’s office, this guidance will enable the California Department of Insurance to compel insurance companies to cover the costs of soil remediation. We will share updates as they are released.
Workforce Recovery Program The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program offers subsidized employment and training for those affected by the January 2025 wildfires and windstorms. Administered through LA County’s Department of Economic Opportunity and America’s Job Centers of California, the program supports impacted workers and businesses. Services include:
Temporary paid employment
Long-term career development
Business hiring and training support
Eligibility requires proof of LA County residency and work authorization. For details:
Contact: (888) 226-6300 or AJCCJOBS@opportunity.lacounty.gov
Mortgage & Foreclosure Relief
Neighborhood Housing Services is providing foreclosure prevention and mortgage support, especially for Black Altadena residents disproportionately affected. Contact NHS at 888-895-2647 or nhslacounty.org.
CalAssist Mortgage Fund offers disaster-based mortgage relief. Cal CHFA Website
Insurance Advocacy
United Policyholders continues to provide free claim navigation support and advocacy. Complete their LA Wildfires Insurance and Recovery Survey to help shape statewide policy: Survey Link
SCE Compensation Fund Southern California Edison has announced the creation of the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for Eaton Fire survivors. Details are pending, and residents are advised not to sign anything until further information is released.
The Eaton Fire Collaboratory A new collaborative space has launched in Altadena to centralize recovery resources. Services will include:
Case management
Wellness programming
Youth support
Furniture distribution
Economic recovery and rebuild coordination
Organizations interested in joining the Collaboratory should complete the Partner Interest Form.
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Events
This weekend offers a few fun ways to support Altadena on the road to rebuilding whether you're a student gearing up for school, a homeowner navigating recovery, or a neighbor hungry to support local restaurants. Join us Saturday at the Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA for the Back to School Bash with free school supplies, games, and community fun to start the year right! Then on Sunday, head to Loma Alta Park for the Altadena Rebuild Trade Show featuring resources, ideas, and inspiration to help you rebuild affordably and confidently. Every Sunday, check out the new weekly Altadena Restaurant Support Crawl. This week's crawl is celebrating the reopening of King’s Breakfast & Burgers! Let’s revitalize Altadena—together, one student, one home, and one bite at a time.
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NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
CalAssist Mortgage Fund Program
Primary residence was left uninhabitable due from 1/1/23 - 1/8/25, has a maximum income of $140,700 for all family members on the deed of trust, has a mortgage or reverse mortgage, and owns a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home.
3 months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000
December 31, 2025
Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund
Individuals with disabilities impacted will be assisted with funding and helps replace lost critical assistive technology, tools and devices, and is also covering some motel/hotel stays.
varies
December 31, 2025
Documented loss of income or housing due to the fire, currently behind on rent and unable to pay due to lack of resources. Move-in assistance (security deposit and first month's rent) may be available for households displaced by the fire who have already secured a new rental.
Friends In Deed Rental Assistance
varies
December 31, 2025
Business must have been in operation for at least one year as of the application date, must be a for-profit organization, must not have an active or pending bankruptcy, cannot have done any advertising with Spectrum Reach in the past 13 months, must be legally registered to operate in an eligible market.
Free 30-second commercial
Pay It Forward by Spectrum
December 31, 2025
Nonprofits addressing immediate need in our community in response to the Eaton Fire, must have been in existence for at least two years, and all previous grant cycles with PCF must be completed.
Pasadena Community Foundation
$10,000 - $150,000
December 31, 2025
Business is unable to meet its financial obligations and pay its regular and necessary operating expenses due to a disaster and was physically located in the declared disaster area.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
varies
October 8, 2025
Funding
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COUNCIL'S
CORNER
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Jemimah Perez
Meagan Schmidt
Kathy Taing
Mikah Gay