Dear Neighbors,
I am contacting you with an update containing helpful information about local programs, upcoming events, and key resources designed to assist those affected by the Eaton fire.
Prepare for upcoming weather. The incoming storm could bring an increased risk of power outages, flooding in small streams and low-lying areas, and debris, rocks and mudslides on roadways.
- Cal OES is encouraging residents to not drive through flooded roadways, prepare in advance for power outages and reduce injury risks from falling limbs and trees by staying inside during high wind events.
- Residents are urged to stay informed and listen to local authorities about actions they should take including evacuation orders or safety recommendations. In burn scar areas, officials recommend preparing for possible sudden debris flows by having a go-bag packed and knowing evacuation routes.
- Sandbag Distribution Sites Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.:
- Robinson Park- 1081 N Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, Ca 91103
- Victory Park- 2375 Paloma St. Pasadena, Ca 91107
- For more information on winter storm preparedness visit: Listos California
Public Health
- If you are searching through your property with ash and debris present, WEAR PROPER EQUIPMENT (mask, gloves, long sleeves, eye protection). Go to publichealth.lacounty.gov for more information
- To check the air quality in your neighborhood, go to 2025 Wildfire Response (aqmd.gov)
Public Assistance (PA) Program
Available Debris Removal & Emergency Response and Protective Measures Assistance – Public Assistance (PA) Program under the PA program, FEMA is to share eligible costs of Emergency Work at 100 percent for a designated 180 days (TBD) and 75 percent outside of the 180 days.
- Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) must be submitted via FEMA's Grants Portal: fema.gov
Applicants Eligible for Assistance: The following entities and certain private nonprofit organizations may be eligible for disaster assistance under this Presidential Declaration:
- State Agencies - (No California Disaster Assistance Act)
- Tribal Nations – (No California Disaster Assistance Act)
- Cities
- Counties
- Special Districts (including School Districts and Community College Districts)
- Certain Private Non-Profit Organizations (No California Disaster Assistance Act)
EPA Staging Area in Altadena
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the County of Los Angeles have signed a lease agreement for an additional staging area at the Altadena Golf Course in Altadena, Calif. Please click the link below for more information:
EPA and LA County Identify Third Staging Area in Altadena | US EPA
CalFresh Food Benefits
- Individuals and families impacted by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh) food benefits. Families of four with a monthly income up to $3,529 could receive a one-time benefit of $975.
- Households may only apply for Disaster CalFresh between now through February 14, and February 18 - 19 by calling (866) 488-8482 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visiting a Los Angeles DPSS office to apply in person. In most cases, benefits will be available within three days of the date of a qualifying interview.
College Applications & Financial Assistance for High School Seniors Affected by the Wildfire
- USC Rossier is collaborating with the USC CAC and USC Neighborhood Academic initiative advisement teams to offer college app/FAFSA support to current HS seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, and the Palisades who have been impacted by the fires.
Food Distribution Event Hosted by Asm Harabedan, Sysco, Friends In Deed, and God’s Waiting Room
- Join us this Saturday, February 15. We will be distributing food from 1:30 - 3 p.m. at God’s Waiting Room at 2033 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers
Open daily, the Disaster Resource Centers (DRC) will be available to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more recovery resources, visit https://www.recovery.lacounty.gov
- Eastside Location: Altadena DRC 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001
- Westside Location: UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
FEMA
Federal Assistance for Nonprofits and Houses of Worship - Private nonprofits and faith-based groups that were impacted by the Los Angeles County Wildfires may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance to help restore their damaged or destroyed facilities.
- FEMA Relief – DEADLINE TO APPLY: Monday, March 10 - Residents seeking financial help after the devastation of the wildfires can request FEMA assistance here.
Debris Removal
Phase 1: Crews remove hazardous materials (batteries, propane, etc.) from each property. THERE IS NO OPTING OUT OF PHASE 1.
Phase 2(currently underway): Crews from the Army Corps of Engineers remove non-hazardous debris from properties at no cost to homeowners
- You can OPT IN by filling out a Right of Entry form
- You can OPT OUT of the free government program and hire an approved contractor by filling out an Opt Out form
Forms available at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/ Call the Debris Removal Hotline at (844) 347-3332 with questions
Water
Many Altadena residents are still under DO NOT USE or DO NOT DRINK orders (Rubio Cañon, Las Flores, Lincoln Ave service areas). Local water companies are working to restore service to affected areas. Please go to the website of your provider for the latest updates on your neighborhood
- Rubio Cañon: www.rclwa.org
- Las Flores: www.lasfloreswaterco.com
- Lincoln Ave: www.lawc.org
Kinneloa Irrigation District and Pasadena Water & Power have been given the ALL CLEAR for residents to use and drink water
Rebuilding
- The State has taken steps to cut red tape and expedite the rebuilding process for affected residents
- The County has also released preliminary procedural guidelines for rebuilding at recovery.lacounty.gov
Your safety is our top priority. If you have any questions, need further clarification, or would like to see something specific included in the next newsletter, please feel free to contact our office at (626) 351-1917. Stay informed, stay prepared.
