I am excited to share an important update with you regarding my communications timeline. Starting this week, I will be sending out an e-alert every Thursday to keep you informed with the latest updates.
This change will allow me to keep you up-to-date with all of the latest developments each week. In the event of any significant changes, I will promptly notify you outside of my usual weekly communications.
Below is a list of recovery resources available to you. I encourage you to learn more about the support services in your community.
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers
Open daily, the Disaster Resource Centers (DRC) will be available to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more recovery resources, visit the LA County website.
- NEW-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 Updates
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.
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 February 10 - 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.
Debris Removal
Phase 1 (currently underway): Crews remove hazardous materials (batteries, propane, etc.) from each property. THERE IS NO OPTING OUT OF PHASE 1. Phase 2: 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
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 aqmd.gov. If you smell smoke or your eyes begin burning, that may be a sign of unhealthy air
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
Public Works – Sandbags
- Residents in wildfire-impacted areas can pick up sandbags at Robinson Park – 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena 91103 (Sand Available) to help protect their property from potential flooding as we expect rain in the coming weeks. Staff will be available this week to assist between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Your safety is my 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 my office at (626) 351-1917. Stay informed, stay prepared.
