Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 11
August 7, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
Altadena’s fire recovery advances with new leadership, federal advocacy, cost-saving rebuild efforts, permitting updates, solar rule changes, golf course restoration, and ongoing monthly Rebuild Fairs connecting residents to vital resources.
Altadena Townhall Meeting Video (p.4)
Webinars of Eaton Fire recovery updates covering urgent survivor funding needs, available aid programs, contractor safeguards, and streamlined permitting guidance.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
Day One continues to lead Eaton Fire recovery efforts with monthly Rebuild Fairs, connecting residents to resources.
Community Updates (p.6)
Altadena recovery moves forward with new leadership, federal advocacy, bulk-buy rebuilding support, land trust efforts, faster permitting goals, and golf course restoration by November.
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.
Altadena Town Council's Corner (p.9)
Hear from our Altadena Town Council as they return to in-person meetings, open November election seats, and prepare for their 50th anniversary celebration.
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Summary
Community Updates
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Webinars
Council's Corner
This week in review
Altadena’s fire recovery continues to gain momentum with new Sheriff’s Station leadership under Captain Marquez, federal advocacy from former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and progress by the Altadena Collaborative Leadership Council toward forming a Long-Term Recovery Group. Rebuild Altadena is helping keep costs low through bulk-buy construction options, while local advocates explore land trusts to secure affordable rebuilding. County permitting currently takes about 60 days, with efforts underway to reduce that timeline, and Governor Newsom’s July 7 Executive Order now allows fire survivors to rebuild without installing solar upfront—though homes must be solar-ready—helping cut initial costs. The Altadena Golf Course will begin remediation and restoration this week, returning to pre-fire conditions in about 10 weeks. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged through monthly Rebuild Fairs, which bring vetted resources, Habitat for Humanity support, Foothill Catalog plans, and workshops together in one place to help those in Phase Two permitting and rebuilding move forward.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Supervisor Kathryn Barger
New Altadena Sheriff Captain: Ethan Marquez.
Mental health help: 800-854-7771 or 988; staff available at Altadena Community Center.
Small business grants up to $50K via liftlftd.com (opens Aug 11).
Weekly meetings move to Fridays, 4–4:30 PM; email questions to altadenarecovery@bos.lacounty.gov.
US Army Corps of Engineers
99% debris removal complete; last private property Aug 14.
Golf course cleanup complete by mid-Nov; Eliot School by mid-Sept; forest cabins by early Sept.
Public Works (Permits)
1,385 rebuild applications submitted; 169 permits issued.
Wildfire rebuild exemption allows wood fireplaces.
Homes must be solar-ready, but installation is not required.
Sheriff’s Dept – Temporary Fencing Program
Free temporary fencing to deter trespassing and squatting.
Sign up via Altadena Sheriff’s Station Facebook or Instagram; Team Rubicon and partners install.
Mental Health Support
Psychological First Aid trainings: Aug 14 & 15.
Free support groups at Loma Alta Park through Nov 29.
Consumer & Business Affairs
Eviction protections ended July 31; 12 months to repay back rent.
Price gouging protections in place until Jan 2026 (housing protections end Aug 2025).
Understanding Your Policy (Custom ChatGPT Tool)
Upload your full policy (not just declarations).
Identify coverage limits, hidden endorsements, and relevant clauses.
Ask targeted questions and draft letters to insurers with cited policy language.
Personal Property Itemization (Custom ChatGPT Tool)
Generates room-by-room item lists based on household details, hobbies, and shopping habits.
Upload photos for automatic itemization and valuation.
Provides low/average/high replacement cost ranges; can add tax, shipping, and installation.
Tugboat (Third-Party Service)
Works like a public adjuster for wildfire survivors.
Free for one year for wildfire survivors.
Uses AI plus human review to analyze your policy and strategize next steps.
Key Tips
Review your full policy — not just the declarations page.
Search for hidden endorsements — insurers may not point them out.
Cite exact policy wording when disputing denials (utilities, storage, increased living expenses).
Include everything in claims — gifted/inherited items, seasonal decor, storage containers.
Claim full current replacement cost — not sale prices; include tax, shipping, and labor.
Use creative proof sources — old photos, receipts, Buy Nothing/Facebook Marketplace posts, friends’ pictures.
Leverage AI/photo tools to jog memory and speed inventory creation.
Be privacy-aware — avoid sensitive personal info when using AI tools.
Verify AI results against your actual policy before acting.
Eaton Fire Relief Fund created by the Altadena Town Council to provide direct financial aid to survivors, with 100% of donations going to residents.
Over 3,000 applications received for assistance; limited resources mean only about 500 people will receive $500–$1,000 grants.
Funds cover essentials such as food, rent, and school supplies.
Many survivors remain in unstable housing, including families with toddlers living in cars.
Estimated $15 million needed to give each applicant $5,000 toward long-term stability.
Fund launched in partnership with GoFundMe.org; about $500,000 raised to date.
Donations can be made at EatonFireFund.com.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Day One: Leading the Way in Altadena’s Fire Recovery
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Day One has been a constant and trusted presence, working side by side with residents to meet urgent needs and guide the community into the rebuilding phase. From the earliest days, they stepped in to help with critical resources, ensuring survivors had immediate support for shelter, food, and essential services.
Now, six months later, their role has evolved into a driving force for long-term recovery. One of their most impactful contributions is the monthly Rebuild Fair—a central hub where survivors can connect with vetted contractors, architects, and other essential service providers. These events bring everything into one accessible space, allowing residents to ask questions, compare options, and find trustworthy partners for the journey ahead.
The Rebuild Fairs aren’t just about information—they offer hope. Survivors can learn about bulk-buy options through Rebuild Altadena, explore Habitat for Humanity programs, and review Foothill Catalog rebuild plans. Workshops at these fairs cover everything from navigating the permitting process to making cost-effective construction choices, equipping homeowners with the knowledge they need to rebuild efficiently and safely.
As Altadena moves into Phase Two of recovery—focused on permitting and the start of construction—Day One’s leadership ensures that no one is left behind. Their efforts help streamline the complex rebuild process, foster collaboration among agencies and residents, and provide the encouragement many need to keep going.
Residents can learn more about upcoming Rebuild Fairs and other fire recovery resources by visiting www.godayone.org or following Day One on social media. Event dates, resource lists, and workshop schedules are posted regularly, making it easy to stay connected and informed.
“Helping everyone who wants to come back, come back” has become a shared goal across the community. Achieving this requires the commitment of many, and Day One’s consistent leadership has provided the organization, trust, and momentum needed to drive the rebuild effort. They have offered resources, workshops, and hands-on support to help residents navigate Phase Two permitting and the rebuilding process.
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Community Updates
Community Updates: Leadership Changes, Federal Advocacy, Recovery Planning, Cost-Saving Efforts & Local Issues
Altadena welcomes Captain Marquez as our new Sheriff’s Station commander. We look forward to building strong communication and collaboration to ensure community safety during our recovery.
Former Congresswoman Katie Porter, known for her high-profile congressional hearings and consumer advocacy, visited Altadena last week at the invitation of two members of the Altadena Collaborative Leadership Council. They hosted her at El Patron and toured the community, sharing urgent concerns—particularly the lack of federal disaster aid, the need for remediation support, and long-term rebuilding resources. Porter’s national platform and policy expertise give weight to our hope that her voice can help bring more assistance to our unique and resilient community.
The Altadena Collaborative Leadership Council is now in its third week of meetings, working diligently to establish a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG). This group will coordinate with major recovery organizations to address high-level needs. The Council is learning the structures, partnerships, and requirements necessary to engage effectively with these agencies and plans to announce progress next month.
As we enter Phase Two of rebuilding, bulk buying is proving to be a critical strategy for keeping construction costs low. Rebuild Altadena is helping coordinate these opportunities so neighbors can access vetted vendors and lower prices through group purchasing power. At the same time, some community members are exploring land trusts—legal arrangements where property is held in trust for the benefit of residents—to protect long-term affordability and keep rebuilding possible for all. Currently, residential building permits are taking about 60 days to process, and efforts are underway to reduce that timeframe.
Restoration work at the Altadena Golf Course begins this week, with remediation to return the grounds to pre-fire conditions expected to take 10 weeks, finishing in November.
We urge residents to prioritize mental health care—fatigue and stress are real challenges in this stage. Small businesses can seek funding at LiftFund.com, and residents can email altadenarecovery@bos.lacounty.gov (Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office) with questions or concerns.
On a lighter note, a local petition is gaining momentum to allow horses on residential lots over 9,000 sq. ft.—a change supporters say would honor Altadena’s equestrian heritage while offering therapeutic benefits in fire recovery. You can learn more and sign at: Petition Link.
In insurance news, Joy Chen, Co-Founder of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network and former Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, is calling out State Farm’s alleged misconduct. Survivors have filed a 47-page package of evidence with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, urging denial of a billion-dollar rate hike until claims are paid. Updates are available at efsurvivors.net/newsletter.
On July 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N‑29‑25, which offers significant regulatory flexibility to homeowners rebuilding after the devastating January wildfires. Under this order:
Installation of solar panels and battery storage is temporarily not required during the rebuilding of fire-damaged or destroyed homes.
However, structures must still be "solar-ready," meaning they must include the necessary wiring, conduit, and space for future solar system installation reddit.com+15recovery.lacounty.gov+15smdp.com+15.
This measure is designed to lower upfront costs and remove barriers during the critical rebuilding phase, while still preserving the option for clean energy transition later on.
Community Updates
Group Mental Health Support Sessions — Starting July 15 through November, free group mental health support will be offered at Alta Loma Park. Sessions are held:
Tuesdays: 5:00–6:30 PM
Thursdays: 12:00–1:30 PM
Saturdays: 12:00–1:30 PM
Open to all fire-impacted residents and community members. Learn more at dmg.lacounty.gov.
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Events
Join us for a weekend of community connection and support! Kick things off on Saturday at our 5th Annual Back to School Giveaway where students can gear up for the year with free supplies and goodies. We're excited to celebrate the Bob Lucas Memorial Library and Literacy Center is officially reopening! Head over for the grand reopening ceremony and community celebration on Saturday at 10am. On Sunday, the Neighbors of Altadena Support Coalition will bring together lawyers, contractors, and navigators to help with rebuilding, insurance, and recovery resources. Come be with community!
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NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
AltadenaWILD College Scholarships
Current Altadena resident (or resident on 1/7/25), entering Freshmen with acceptance at a 2-year or 4-year college or university, pursuing a degree in environmental studies, urban planning, environmental science, sustainability, or related program; and demonstrated interest and experience in the natural environment of urban-wildland interface areas such as Altadena and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Several $2000 scholarships
August 15, 2025
Business must have been a commercial storefront operating on or before 10/1/24, must have a business bank account, located in Palisades, Malibu or Altadena, reside in LA County or contiguous counties, and have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN. Applicants must must be majority owner or equal share ownership of business, own fewer than 3 businesses offering similar products or services, and neither can be an adult entertainment operation, liquor stores, vape/smoke shops or lending organization, with no more than 100 full-time employees, and generate no more than $6 million in annual gross sales.
Steadfast LA Small Business Initiative
$50,000
December 31, 2025
FireAid
Must be a 501(c)(3) serving victims of the LA Wildfires.
varies
December 31, 2025
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.
CalAssist Mortgage Fund Program
3 months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000
December 31, 2025
One-time financial assistance for security deposit, rental payment, essential furnishings, etc. Amount and duration of assistance a household receives will be based on household needs and funding availability.
varies
USHS Eaton Fire Housing Assistance
December 31, 2025
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.
Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund
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
Funding
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COUNCIL'S
CORNER
We’re Back at the Community Center — and You’re Invited!
The Altadena Town Council is so happy to announce that we’re officially returning to in-person meetings at the Altadena Community Center (730 E. Altadena Dr.), starting with our next meeting on Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00 PM. From there, we’ll meet every third Tuesday of the month, just like old times.
It’s been a long stretch apart. After the Eaton Fire, the Community Center stepped up in a big way—hosting essential recovery services as a Survivor Support Location, helping residents access FEMA, SBA, DCBA, and other recovery resources. Now, as the fire recovery support continues, we’re proud to bring Town Council meetings back to this central space—a place that’s played such a powerful role in helping Altadena heal and move forward.
Our August 19 meeting will begin promptly at 7 PM, so we encourage you to arrive a bit early to find parking. The agenda will be shared soon.
What Is the Altadena Town Council?
The Altadena Town Council is a group of volunteer representatives elected by neighbors, who care deeply about this place and want to help shape its future. We serve as a bridge between the community and local, county, and state agencies. Our job is to listen, speak up on behalf of our residents, and create space for conversations that matter—whether it's about development, safety, parks, housing, or any other issue that affects life in Altadena.
Each neighborhood in Altadena is part of a Census Tract, and each tract is represented by two councilmembers who serve two-year terms. This November, one seat in every tract will be up for election. That means there’s a real opportunity for fresh voices and renewed community leadership.
If you’ve ever wanted to get more involved or help represent your neighborhood, now’s the time. We’ll share more details soon, but in the meantime, feel free to reach out to the Election Chair, Isis Moulden with any questions: isis.moulden@altadenatowncouncil.org
One More Thing… We’re Turning 50!
Mark your calendars: on the afternoon or October 11, we’ll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Altadena Town Council! It’s going to be a special community event honoring five decades of service, civic pride, and neighborly love.
We’re so excited to see familiar faces again—and to welcome new ones. Altadena is strong because of its people, and we can’t wait to gather together, in person, once again.
See you Tuesday, August 19 at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center!
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Altadena Town Council
730 E. Altadena Dr.
Third Tuesdays | Next Meeting: August 19 at 7 PM
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Jemimah Perez
Meagan Schmidt
Kathy Taing
Mikah Gay