Accessibility | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Accuracy
NEW ISSUES EVERY THURSDAY
Issue 13
September 18, 2025
Highlights
Summary (p.3)
This issue highlights the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Oct. 7 launch, Edison’s compensation program, county recovery updates, and community events that showcase Altadena’s resilience and unity.
Webinars (p.4)
Recent webinars highlighted rebuilding rules, soil safety, and cost-saving resources for Eaton Fire survivors.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood (p.5)
The Eaton Fire Collaborative, launching October 7th, unites community partners through a recovery council, long-term recovery group, and new Collaboratory center to support fire survivors.
Community Updates (p.6)
Southern California Edison’s new Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program and ongoing community efforts—from streamlined permits and soil testing to local fundraisers and the upcoming Afterburn race—are helping Eaton Fire survivors rebuild and recover.
Events (p.7)
From creative gatherings and mailbox painting to the Rebuild Fair on Sept. 28 and the Taste of Dena celebration on Oct. 4, neighbors are coming together to rebuild, connect, and celebrate community.
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
This Week
In this issue, we spotlight the launch of the Eaton Fire Collaborative, a community-driven effort now formalized with a council, long-term recovery group, and the new Collaboratory opening Oct. 7 to support survivors with direct access to resources. We share updates on Southern California Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, which offers fast-track claims and community workshops, alongside county-led progress on permitting, soil testing, and property tax relief. Community resilience shines through upcoming events like Knit, Crochet & Rebuild, the Mailbox Painting Event, the Rebuild Fair: Take 2 at Victory Park, and the Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter at Altadena Library. Webinars this month also addressed stricter rebuilding codes, nonprofit recovery roles, and insurance reform, underscoring both the progress and challenges ahead. Together, these efforts reflect how neighbors, organizations, and leaders are uniting to rebuild, advocate, and keep Altadena’s spirit strong.
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Video
Town Halls and Meetings
New Legislation Will Impact Rebuilding:
Senate Bill 629, if signed into law, will change how fire hazard zones are designated. The areas impacted by the Eaton Fire will be reclassified as a very high fire hazard severity zone, triggering new, stricter requirements for rebuilding.
These include compliance with fire-safe building codes (Chapter 7 and 7A), the "Zone Zero" 5-foot clearance, and a requirement for annual defensible space inspections.
Permitting and Rebuilding Progress:
The LA County Public Works Recovery Division provided an update on the rebuilding process, noting that as of the date of the meeting, 1,697 rebuild applications had been received and 334 structure permits had been issued.
They emphasized that property owners can expedite their process by proactively securing necessary clearances from agencies like Southern California Edison and their water company while their plans are being reviewed.
Support for Tenants and Consumers:
The Department of Public Health and the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs offered support services for tenants and consumers affected by the fire.
The Department of Public Health will inspect rental units for smoke and ash contamination and can order landlords to conduct professional remediation.
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs offers free mediation services for commercial tenant disputes and provides information on filing complaints, understanding leases, and accessing legal aid.
Community and Vital Records Assistance:
Several public services were highlighted to help with community recovery. The LA County Sheriff's Department is increasing patrols and investigations to reduce burglaries in affected areas.
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office is offering to replace essential vital and property records (birth, death, marriage, etc.) at no cost for those impacted by the fires. It's also making it easy for displaced residents to update their voter registration with a temporary mailing address without changing their home address.
Nonprofits as recovery anchors:
Survivor-led and community-based organizations play a critical role in bridging survivors, government, and philanthropy.
Department of Angels supports emergent survivor-led organizations (direct relief, advocacy, organizing) with funding and capacity building.
Recovery gaps remain severe:
Survey of 1,900 Survivors shows widespread displacement (80% of Altadena, 90% of Palisades, and ~50% of Malibu)
60% of displaced residents expected to lose coverage for temporary housing within 1 year, even though rebuilding is estimated to take 2-4 years
Barriers include financial strain, soil contamination, and fire safety concerns.
Holistic support is needed:
There is high support for: fire-resistant infrastructure upgrades, expedited permitting to speed rebuilding, anti-speculation measures to protect local communities.
More support is needed for: stricter building codes, more housing near transit, expanded temporary housing programs.
80% of displaced survivors report worsening mental health.
Planners can partner early with nonprofits, align resources, and help reimagine resilient, community-led redevelopment.
Property Tax Relief for Fire Victims:
The LA County Assessor's office is providing tax relief to fire victims through a program that proactively lowered assessments for many properties.
To ensure they receive their refunds and benefits, property owners are strongly encouraged to update their mailing addresses and take advantage of the extended 24-month deadline for filing a "misfortune calamity" claim.
Coordinated Fire Recovery Efforts:
The community is addressing the aftermath of the Eaton Fire through a coordinated, multi-organizational effort.
The new Eaton Fire Collaborative "collaboratory" will serve as a central resource center for affected residents, and the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund is distributing a second round of direct cash grants to victims.
Infrastructure and Community Spaces:
Public services are being updated and rebuilt.
The Eaton Canyon Natural Area remains closed for an extended period to allow for safety and natural healing, while the Altadena Library District is renovating its main building and has opened the Bob Lucas Library.
Other public spaces are also being restored and reimagined, as evidenced by the community outreach efforts of the Altadena Steadfast group.
Voter Participation:
The Altadena Town Council is making a significant effort to encourage community participation in local elections by expanding voting dates, times, and locations. A new online application process for candidates has also been introduced.
The council is also celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking a milestone in local civic engagement.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Finding Comfort in the Ashes
Eaton Fire Collaborative
When the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena and Pasadena earlier this year, community members didn’t wait for instructions—they jumped in. Neighbors, local nonprofits, and grassroots organizers banded together to provide meals, supplies, and emotional support in the fire’s immediate aftermath. Out of that organic response grew a more formal effort: the Eaton Fire Collaborative.
The Collaborative was created to guide recovery not just for the next few months, but for the long haul. Its central purpose is to stand up a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), a nationally recognized model used after major disasters. An LTRG ensures that recovery doesn’t end when the news cycle fades; instead, it brings organizations together to coordinate resources, fill gaps, and walk with survivors until they are back on their feet.
Support for this work comes through VOADs, or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. VOADs are coalitions of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups that mobilize quickly after disasters. They provide critical funding and coordination so survivors can get the help they need without wading through endless red tape.
On October 7th, the Eaton Fire Collaborative will officially open its doors at a new center in Altadena. This hub, called the Collaboratory, will be a walk-in space where fire survivors can receive immediate assistance, connect with case managers, and find guidance for navigating the complex recovery process.
The Collaborative’s work is focused in three areas:
Community Recovery Group (CRG): Local organizations forming working groups to address specific needs.
Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG): Coordinating urgent and ongoing survivor support.
The Collaboratory: A physical access point for resources and neighbor-to-neighbor connection.
Together, these efforts reflect the heart of our community: people coming together to rebuild, support one another, and ensure that recovery is a shared journey.
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Community Updates
Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for those impacted by the Eaton Fire. This voluntary program is designed to provide direct payments and faster resolutions to eligible individuals, families, and businesses. Community workshops are being held throughout September, both virtually and at Loma Alta Park Gymnasium, to gather feedback before the program officially launches this fall.
SCE partnered with nationally recognized compensation fund experts Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros, who have designed similar funds for victims of 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing, and other large-scale disasters. The program offers two pathways: a Fast Pay option, with settlement offers within 90 days, and a Detailed Review option, with offers within nine months. Importantly, those who lost their homes will receive an additional $200,000 premium on top of their compensation. Claims may include property damage, personal losses, business interruption, or emotional distress.
While this program could bring much-needed relief, survivors are urged to proceed carefully. Each situation is unique, and there may be fine print and trade-offs to consider. We strongly encourage community members to seek expert advising, weigh all options, and make informed decisions before signing settlement agreements.
In addition to Edison’s program, there are several other recovery updates:
Permitting Changes: Los Angeles County has introduced new streamlined permitting processes, including AI-supported review systems, to speed up approvals for rebuilding. Survivors are encouraged to apply early and stay in touch with county planning offices.
Soil Testing: Regular soil testing continues, especially in neighborhoods downwind of the fire. Residents should take advantage of county-led testing opportunities to ensure properties are safe for rebuilding.
Altadena Jobs Center: A new hub has launched to help fire survivors connect with employment opportunities and workforce training.
Restaurant Crawl: Local organizers are hosting events to support eateries damaged by the fire, helping small businesses stay afloat during the recovery period.
Fundraising & Grants: The Altadena Fire Recovery Fund will soon reopen grants for survivors, offering awards from $500 to $1,000. A community event is planned for January 4th to raise additional funds. Residents also recently held a bus pull fundraiser to bring in donations for impacted families.
Afterburn Race: Registration will open in the coming months for the Afterburn community race, an event designed to raise awareness and funds while honoring resilience in recovery.
Together, these programs and events reflect the strength of Altadena and Pasadena—neighbors, businesses, and partners uniting to rebuild, step by step.
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Events
This week, Rebuild Altadena invites neighbors to come together, connect, and celebrate the strength of our community with two events to choose from. Tomorrow evening from 4–6pm at their office (129 N Marengo Ave, Pasadena), join for Knit, Crochet & Rebuild, our monthly third-Thursday gathering where creativity and conversation come together to inspire and uplift. Then, on Friday, start the weekend off by with our Free Mailbox Painting Event for Eaton Fire survivors. Mailboxes are usually the last thing to install after building a home, but in the wake of the fire, Rebuild Altadena wanted to gift neighbors an opportunity to personalize and paint their own mailboxes first as a bright, tangible symbol of hope and home, and a reminder that Altadena is a place to return to, rebuild, and belong. Sign up at rebuildaltadena.com/rebuild-relief to claim yours.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28 from 11 am–4 pm, when the Rebuild Fair: Take 2 moves to Victory Park (2575 Paloma Street, Pasadena). With family-friendly activities, expert insights, and hands-on ways to connect, it’s a day to celebrate resilience, creativity, and the bonds that make our neighborhood stronger. Learn more at actionaltadena.com.
Taste of Dena – The Next Chapter
Join us on Saturday, October 4th from 6–9 PM at the Altadena Library for Taste of Dena: The Next Chapter, the Altadena Library Foundation’s annual community gathering. This enchanting evening will feature food, music, poetry, and togetherness, headlined by Arielle Estoria, all set in a whimsical “secret garden” atmosphere. Expect interactive art, surprise performances, and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors and celebrate what makes Altadena so special. Tickets start at $28.52 and are available now.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-dena-the-next-chapter-tickets-1587946032329?aff=oddtdtcreator
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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
10% of the pre-approved purchase price amount
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
The Dena Report is excited to announce our new partnership with the Altadena Town Council! Through this collaboration, we’ll be sharing timely updates directly from council members along with important notes to the community.
Stay tuned—more is coming soon!
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Contributors
Bree Jensen
Jemimah Perez
Meagan Schmidt
Kathy Taing
Altadena Town Council