Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 12
September 4, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
This week highlighted the need for current contamination data, community recovery updates, rebuilding guidance, and Altadena Rising’s grassroots leadership.
Videos (p.4)
Recent webinars highlighted rebuilding rules, soil safety, and cost-saving resources for Eaton Fire survivors.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
Altadena Rising is a grassroots hub that keeps survivors’ voices central in Eaton Fire recovery through daily updates, Collab & Care, and the Unmet Needs Report.
Community Updates (p.6)
Four months after testing found chromium-6 in Eaton Fire zones, survivors urge current data and highlight new tenant protections for safe recovery.
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
Videos
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Community Updates
Council's Corner
Summary of the Week
This week’s recovery and community updates emphasized the urgent need for timely data, as survivors noted that chromium-6 air monitoring from March and April is now four months old and called for testing and reporting within weeks to avoid fear fueled by outdated information; meanwhile, practical precautions such as HEPA filters, MERV-13 HVAC systems, and N95/KN95 masks remain advised. At the Altadena Town Council meeting, leaders reflected on resiliency, the Treasurer reported an ending balance of $7,609.51, and agencies shared progress: crime trends down overall though vehicle break-ins rose, CHP distributed 100 helmets and reminded youth of helmet laws, County Fire issued battery and evacuation safety tips, USACE confirmed over 5,600 homes cleared with commercial debris ongoing, and CCAR advanced efforts for zoning flexibility, small business recovery, and park restoration. Community groups reported grants, library reopenings, and events, while sidewalk vending enforcement, upcoming elections, potential recovery grants, and the Council’s 50th anniversary were also noted. In addition, webinars provided guidance on permitting, rebuilding, contractor protections, and new contamination research on lead, ash, and soil, underscoring the importance of ongoing education and accountability. Finally, Altadena Rising continues to serve as a grassroots hub through the Altadena Rising Community Council and @altadenarising
, offering daily updates, leading Collab & Care, publishing an Unmet Needs Report, and ensuring survivors’ voices remain central in recovery conversations.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
Impact: Eden & Palisades fires destroyed 18k+ structures, 31 deaths; survivors face insurance delays, denials, underpayments.
Top 5 Demands: Finish & publish State Farm probe + freeze hikes; end smoke-claim denials; protect ALE housing benefits; require transparent loss estimates; create public complaint dashboard.
Stats: ~70% of survivors report insurance delays/denials blocking recovery.
Bills: AB 238 (mortgage forbearance), AB 493 (release escrowed funds), SB 495 (upfront personal-property payouts).
Rate hikes: Lawmakers oppose new increases until survivors are paid fairly.
Task force: CDI smoke-claims group welcomed but urged to act fast.
Survivor voice: Treated like claim numbers; multiple adjusters, itemization burdens, months in temporary housing.
Bottom line: Enforce laws, boost transparency, stop hikes, and pass relief bills so families can rebuild.
Interim Ordinance: Board of Supervisors will vote Sept 2 with a follow-up hearing Oct 14. It creates temporary zoning relief to streamline fire rebuilds, allowing more flexible rules on setbacks, height, parking, ADUs, and oak tree permits. Ordinance is effective immediately and can be extended up to two years.
Water/Fireflow Process: New GIS system means homeowners no longer need to get Form 195 from water companies or pay related fees. System went live Aug 25 with three districts on board (Las Flores, Lincoln Avenue, Rubio); discussions continue with Kinaloa Irrigation and Pasadena Water & Power.
Army Corps Updates: Park irrigation repairs will finish by mid-October with handoff to Parks by year’s end. Cleanup at Eliot Arts Magnet is wrapping up this week.
Permit Progress: 1,418 applications submitted; 1,137 zoning reviews cleared; 729 parcels in building review. 222 permits issued with 78 projects in active construction. Average permit timeline is ~67 days.
Resources & Workshops: Road to Rebuilding guides and flowcharts are online and at the One-Stop Center. Next virtual Rebuilding Together workshop will cover working with licensed contractors, with experts from CSLB, DCBA, and NHS.
Registrar-Recorder: Survivors can keep their home address and add a temporary mailing address for ballots. Free replacements are available for vital records (birth, death, marriage) and property records.
Mission: Founded by fire survivor David Lee to help Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre rebuild on time, on budget, on quality.
Bulk Buys: Discounts (lighting ~60%, tile ~50%, more for cabinets, windows, HVAC). Open to all; savings passed directly to homeowners.
Group Builds: Share site costs (portables, supervision, etc.) to cut expenses.
Contractor Tips: Verify license/insurance; deposits > $1,000 illegal; meet full team; keep disposal receipts; focus on fire-hardening for insurance.
Permitting: Like-for-Like allows small changes (+10%/200 sq ft, move garage, keep setbacks); faster approvals; AI pre-check coming.
Soil Safety: Test after debris removal; remediate by extra soil removal + clean import or mulch/phytoremediation.
Free Support: Consults, architectural intake, plan value-engineering, mailbox giveaway (1,000 free mailboxes).
Community Pop-ups: Weekly Thursdays 5–7 pm (starting at Fair Oaks Burger).
Get Involved: Website rebuildaltadena.com/bulkbuy or Instagram @rebuild.altadena.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Altadena Rising: A Community-Led Force for Recovery
Born from the ashes of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Rising sprang into action immediately—led by DENA organizers who grew up in the community and understood the urgency of grassroots response. From day one, they have worked to document and uplift Altadena’s recovery narrative, ensuring survivors and organizations alike have a trusted source of information and support.
Through the Altadena Rising Community Council and their daily Instagram updates at @altadenarising, described as “a hub 4 local action & solidarity,” the group provides timely recovery information, collaborates on community-led events, and amplifies the voices of survivors.
They have also advanced recovery initiatives by launching a community-driven Unmet Needs Report to highlight gaps in support and guide aid organizations, and by creating Collab & Care, a network uniting residents and service groups around urgent needs. They consistently represent community interests at events and in meetings, ensuring Altadena’s voice remains front and center in recovery conversations.
In summary, Altadena Rising stands as a powerful model of grassroots resilience and solidarity—a locally founded network that has become indispensable in bridging lived experience with advocacy, mutual aid, and healing. They are not just responders to crisis—they are champions of rebuilding.
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Community Updates
As a fire survivor, here are my thoughts. The air sampling being discussed was collected in March and April 2025—about two and three months after the January fire—when cleanup had only just begun. Large parts of the burn zone still looked as they did on the day of the fire, while other areas were being disturbed, which can stir up debris and dust. I am not a scientist, but what feels incredibly important now is timely, ongoing monitoring: we need current data reported within two weeks of collection, and we need a regular cadence of sampling and public reporting because conditions are constantly changing.
Many neighborhoods still haven’t been tested at the household level—for example, parts of northwest Pasadena—so some residents may be living with contamination they don’t know about. At the same time, areas that tested positive months ago may look different four months later due to cleanup progress and weather. Without repeated, up-to-date measurements, people are left guessing.
We absolutely need data to understand our exposure, but our community is already living with fear, and outdated or infrequent reports can heighten anxiety if they’re treated as current. Please read every report carefully, note when and where samples were taken, and assess what protections make sense for your household. As we push for rapid, ongoing monitoring and transparent updates, we can stay informed without amplifying fear.
Information Overview:
The community should know that data on air quality in the Eaton and Palisades fire zones was collected in March and April 2025, during debris cleanup efforts, and the findings were released in late August 2025. These preliminary results show the presence of chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium, in outdoor air samples from Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The average level detected was 13.7 nanograms per cubic meter, with concentrations likely higher in areas near active debris removal. While these levels are far below worker safety limits set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, they are above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s screening levels for both cancer and non-cancer health risks, which means further testing is necessary.
Resource for the Community: “Survivors Speak” Tip Series
The Survivors Speak series from United Policyholders offers practical recovery guidance and strategies directly from people who have personally experienced catastrophic loss. Rather than being called “disaster victims,” many prefer the term “survivors” because it conveys strength, resilience, and a proactive approach to rebuilding life after devastation. These survivor stories and lessons are part of United Policyholders’ extensive, free claim help library.
Renters FYI
The Altadena Tenants Union (ATU) created this guide to help renters navigate challenges after the Eaton Fire. If a rental unit was destroyed, leases end, tenants no longer owe rent, and landlords must refund unused rent and deposits. For damaged or uninhabitable units, including those affected by smoke and ash, landlords are responsible for repairs and safe living conditions; tenants should document requests, file complaints, and may seek rent adjustments or legal action if landlords fail to act. Renters have “just cause” eviction protections, cannot be evicted or charged higher rent because of the fire, and may qualify for free legal representation through the Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance. ATU also encourages tenants to communicate with landlords in writing, connect with neighbors, and organize collectively. Legal and housing support is available through groups like the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Housing Rights Center, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Stay Housed LA. New 2025 California laws strengthen tenant rights, including caps on security deposits, stricter rules for application fees, and protections for survivors of domestic violence. Overall, tenants are urged to know their rights, seek legal support, and work together to ensure safe housing and fair treatment.
Here are the new California tenant laws (2025) from the ATU Tenants Guide, listed in bullet form:
AB 2493 – Tenant Screening
Applications must be processed in the order received.
The first qualified applicant must be approved.
Fees can’t be charged until an application is actively reviewed.
Fees must be refunded if an applicant is not selected within 7 days of leasing to another tenant or if no decision is made within 30 days.
AB 2801 – Security Deposits (Photo Documentation)
Effective April 1 / July 1, 2025.
Landlords must take and provide photos of the unit:
Before move-in (for leases starting July 1, 2025 or later).
After move-out but before making repairs (starting April 1, 2025).
Photos must be shared with the itemized statement of deductions.
SB 611 – Fees, Notices, and Deposits
Effective July 1, 2025.
Bans charging tenants for Pay or Quit Notices, Termination Notices, or similar legal notices.
Prohibits fees for paying rent or deposits by check.
Mandatory fees and deposits must be included in advertised rent.
Extra deposits must be justified in writing and refunded after 6 months of on-time rent.
SB 1051 – Domestic Violence
Effective January 1, 2025.
Requires landlords to change locks within 24 hours at their expense if a tenant reports abuse or violence.
AB 2347 – Eviction Process
Effective January 1, 2025.
Extends tenant response time to unlawful detainer complaints to 10 days.
Shortens hearing times for certain motions (up to 35 fewer days).
AB 12 – Security Deposit Cap
Effective July 1, 2024.
Caps security deposits at 1 month’s rent, regardless of whether the unit is furnished.
Small landlords (owning no more than 2 properties/4 units total) may still request up to 2 months’ rent.
Other Laws
AB 2747 – Rent reporting to credit bureaus for market-rate housing.
SB 924 – Rent reporting to credit bureaus for affordable housing.
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Events
Altadena neighbors are gathering all week long to share resources, support, and good company as we rebuild together. On Saturday, Alta Design Works and The Altadena Coalition are unveiling the new Community Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting, music, food, art, and plenty of recovery resources to explore. The very first Rebuilding Thursday kicks off at Fair Oaks Burger, where neighbors can bring their home plans, learn how to save money on their rebuilds, and enjoy a meal while supporting a local favorite — with future Thursdays continuing as weekly drop-ins at rotating spots all around Altadena. And on Sunday, Neighbors of Altadena is offering a welcoming space to connect with lawyers, insurance experts, contractor and design pros, plus friendly navigators who can help you tackle your to-do list. At their heart, these gatherings are about rebuilding, leaning on one another, and honoring the resilient spirit of Altadena.
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NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
AMOUNT
DUE DATE
APPLICATION LINK
Lift International Church
Fill out application to register your needs.
varies
December 31, 2025
Applicants must be a first-time Black or Hispanic homebuyer, not have liquid assets in excess of $100k, agree not to sell or take equity out of home for 5 years, complete of 10 hours of financial education courses through Greenline Housing Foundation, purchase a single-family home, condo, townhome, or an owner-occupied multi-unit property that is 4 units or less to be used as the primary residence, meet income requirements consistent with amount of loan pre-approval, and must have already saved at least 1% of preapproval amount toward a down payment.
Greenline Housing Foundation
10% of the pre-approved purchase price amount
September 30, 2025
Applicants must have applied to FEMA and received the maximum grant from IHP. Applications that have reached the maximum IHP grant will be automatically transmitted from FEMA to SSGP for processing. There is no separate application process for SSGP. Eligible items covered under the SSGP may include rental assistance, housing, personal property, medical or dental, moving and storage, transportation, or funeral costs.
up to $10,000
State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP)
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.
USHS Eaton Fire Housing Assistance
varies
December 31, 2025
Funding
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COUNCIL'S
CORNER
Opening & Announcements: Special presentation by Jennifer Hall Lee on Scouting America Troop
Chair/Vice Chair: Reflections on community resiliency; thanks to FEMA, USACE, and LA County Public Works; call for continued collaboration.
Treasurer: Start $2,839; +$5,000 fire aid +$35 election fee; expenses (Google Office, builder’s fair flyers); ending balance $7,609.51.
Correspondence: Drafting letters for public input on the Governor’s proposed redistricting and Sen. Perez’s SB782 (land sale notices in fire-impacted areas). Feedback next month.
Sheriff: Crime trending down; residential burglaries 10 → 8, vehicle break-ins up. Team Rubicon fencing: 135 done, 147 in progress, 170 pending.
CHP: Lt. O’Brian introduced. July: 8 crashes. 100 helmets distributed at the Rose Bowl. Helmets required under age 18.
County Fire: Lithium-ion battery safety (use original cords, don’t overcharge). Heat wave/red flag outlook—review “Ready, Set, Go.” New streamlined hydrant flow test process with water companies.
USACE: Over 5,600 homes cleared; commercial debris removal ongoing. Upcoming projects: Eliot, Forest Service cabins, Altadena Golf Course.
CCAR: Connecting community groups with County on zoning/rebuild issues. Urgency ordinance planned to enable “like-for-like” rebuild flexibility. Focus areas: small business recovery, park restoration, activating vacant commercial space.
Community Groups/Events: Rotary grants >$300K; pancake breakfast Oct 4. Bob Lucas Library reopened; mural project coming; Main Library construction progressing; Poets Laureate honored. Parks & Rec: concert Aug 28; park vision meeting Sept 18; LA Opera watch party Sept 27 (West Side Story).
Sidewalk Vending: 18 August complaints; enforcement ongoing. Report issues: 888-700-9995.
Committees: Election rules in September; applications due Oct 17. Second round of fire recovery grants possible with additional donations. ATC 50th anniversary: Oct 11, 2025.
Public Comments/CT Reports: Requests for ADA-compliant senior space, stronger recovery leadership; updates on park safety, bridge work, and business reopenings.
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Jemimah Perez
Meagan Schmidt
Kathy Taing
Altadena Town Council