Thursday, January 30, 2025

Hazardous Waste Removal Efforts Continue with LA Fires Mostly Contained

CITY NEWS SERVICE

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews were continuing efforts Thursday to identify and remove hazardous wastes from properties ravaged in this month’s wildfires, as many residents returned to sift through the rubble of what used to be their homes.

Questions continued to linger about exactly how long it would take for residents to begin the rebuilding process, but county and federal officials said Wednesday that process was being expedited as much as possible. The first phase of the cleanup effort — the removal of hazardous materials from properties in the burn area — was underway, with the EPA under demand to complete the work in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones within 30 days.

Status updates on the EPA’s work, including an interactive map of individual fire-affected properties, are available online at https://www.epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires.

As that process continued, officials urged affected residents to fill out “Right of Entry” forms to either opt in or out of a free debris-clearance program offered by the U.S.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Altadena Sheriff’s Station Asks Public’s Help in Case of Jewelry Stolen While Eaton Fire Blazed

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating stolen jewelry following a residential burglary in Altadena earlier this month, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station reported. 

The burglary occurred on January 8, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of Lincoln Avenue in Altadena, according to a statement from the Altadena Sheriff’s Station. 

Detective J. Lohmann, who is leading the investigation, released images of the stolen items, which include various pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. 

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of these items to come forward.

“We are asking for the community’s help in recovering these stolen possessions,” said Detective Lohmann of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station. “Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to our investigation.” 

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station has set up a dedicated line for this case. Individuals with any information regarding the stolen property are encouraged to contact Detective J. Lohmann directly at (626) 296-2114 or via email at jlohmann@lasd.org. 

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Amazon To Distribute School Supplies, $150,000 Grant, To Muir Students Affected By Wildfires

Relief event to provide immediate help to over 350 high school students

Amazon is scheduled to host a give-back event at John Muir High School in Pasadena on Thursday, distributing hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Muir students affected by recent Los Angeles wildfires.

The event will include the presentation of a $150,000 donation to the Pasadena Educational Foundation to support ongoing educational programs for wildfire-impacted families.

Local officials, school administrators, community leaders and Amazon representatives are expected to attend.

This initiative is part of Amazon’s broader $10 million commitment to wildfire relief efforts across Los Angeles. The company is providing both monetary support and essential items through their recently-opened Wildfire Relief Hub.

“The safety of Amazon employees and partners remains top priority, and they are continuing to closely monitor the situation and taking the necessary safety precautions,” according to company representatives.

The $10 million commitment includes direct funding to organizations including The American Red Cross of Southern California,

Thursday, January 30, 2025

LA County Platform Helps Wildfire-Displaced Businesses Find Free Commercial Spaces

As part of its ongoing efforts to support small businesses impacted by recent windstorms and wildfires, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) recently announced the launch of Business-to-Business Space Share. This free exchange platform connects displaced businesses, including nonprofits, to temporary workspaces generously donated by other businesses throughout LA County.

This platform is a critical resource to help displaced businesses maintain operations, safeguard livelihoods, and drive economic resiliency. Powered by the County’s Internal Services Department (ISD), the platform will be available for a limited time, as part of a coordinated County effort to support the economic ecosystem affected by the disasters.

Through the user-friendly Space Share portal, businesses with available space can post listings, providing details such as location, capacity, and availability. Displaced businesses can browse these listings to find spaces that best meet their needs. While the platform facilitates the connections, the County does not participate in or oversee the terms of any agreements made as a result. It ensures businesses retain full autonomy in negotiations.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

SBA Sets March Deadline for Eaton Fire Disaster Loans

Local businesses have until March 10 to apply for physical damage assistance, while economic injury applications will continue through October

The Small Business Administration has approved nearly $240 million in disaster assistance loans for Los Angeles County residents and businesses affected by recent fires, with officials urging affected parties to apply before key deadlines expire. Physical damage loan applications must be submitted by March 10, while economic injury applications will be accepted through October 8.

“We want to make sure the businesses can cashflow additional debt, but yes, you certainly can apply for additional assistance and any of the programs,” said Julie Clowes, Small Business Administration District director for Los Angeles.

The Small Business Administration has received almost 11,000 completed applications and approved approximately 800 loans so far. Business owners can apply for up to $2 million in physical damage loans and additional working capital through Economic Injury Disaster Loans, even if they haven’t experienced direct property damage.

A survey of Pasadena’s 14,000 licensed businesses reportedly revealed that 75% had to close temporarily due to the emergency,

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Event Will Help Small Businesses Owners Rebuild After Eaton Blaze

Small Business Administration representsatives will talk federal disaster assistance guidance

In a focused effort to help local businesses devastated by the Eaton Fire, Representative Judy Chu will host a recovery assistance event next week at a Pasadena church, her office announced.

The four-hour gathering, scheduled for Monday, February 3, will connect affected business owners with Small Business Administration advisors for personalized consultations about disaster relief resources.

“Rep. Judy Chu’s small business fire recovery event will provide small businesses affected or destroyed by the Eaton Fire with information on available disaster assistance,” according to the event announcement.

The session will take place at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pasadena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering one-on-one meetings with federal assistance experts.

The program will begin with an overview of disaster assistance available through the Small Business Administration, followed by one-on-one consultations for interested business owners.

The event is being held in partnership with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and United States Small Business Administration.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Federal, State Electeds Convene “Rebuilding Together” Town Hall Today

Will focus on debris removal and other important Eaton Fire recovery matters

State and federal lawmakers are joining forces to help Pasadena-area residents navigate recovery resources and debris removal in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire with an informative meeting in Pasadena today.

In a “Dear Neighbor” letter, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), and State Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) announced a town hall meeting set for today, Thursday,  Jan. 30, to provide guidance on available assistance programs.

“The Town Hall will focus on navigating available resources during the recovery process, as well as debris removal and safety practices for cleanup related to Eaton Fire damage,” State Senator Pérez wrote in the letter.

The event, titled “Rebuilding Together: Navigating Recovery Resources & Debris Removal,” will take place at Pasadena City College’s Creveling Lounge, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Government officials will deliver presentations about recovery resources and debris removal safety practices,

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

White House Rescinds Order to Freeze $3 Trillion in Federal Grants and Loans

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

One day a judge instituted a temporary restraining order blocking the implementation of a freeze on $3 trillion in federal grant funding and loans, the White House Office of Management and Budget has rescinded the federal aid freeze, CNN reported on Wednesday.

“OMB Memorandum M-25-13 is rescinded. If you have questions about implementing the President’s Executive Orders, please contact your agency General Counsel,” according to a memo obtained by that network.

Pasadena city officials, and officials across the nation, endured a chaotic and hectic period after receiving the directive from the OMB, as local governments scrambled to understand its implications for their federal funding streams.

At Monday’s City Council meeting Councilmember Rick Cole said the City “was at risk of $60 million worth of federal money being yanked should the current administration make good on its threats already in writing to us.”

On Wednesday, the White House said the freeze was not as sweeping an order as it appeared.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Los Angeles County Approves Comprehensive Recovery Plan for January Wildfires

Board of Supervisors pledges swift aid and streamlined processes for residents and businesses affected by devastating Eaton and Palisades fires

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted a comprehensive plan earlier this week to assist thousands affected by the catastrophic January 2025 wildfires.

The plan, authored through a motion by Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, establishes a framework for both immediate response and long-term preparedness.

“The devastation caused by the January 2025 wildfires has been catastrophic, but I am unwavering in my commitment to rebuild quickly and robustly,” Barger said in a statement. “This motion is not simply about immediate recovery. It’s about creating a more resilient and equitable future for all of our communities.”

The recovery framework prioritizes vulnerable populations and implements innovative strategies to address financial barriers, including mandatory waivers and assistance for building code modifications.

“This motion aligns the extensive expertise of Los Angeles County departments to our mission: a safe,

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Right of Entry Forms Now Available

Form is available online or in-person at Disaster Recovery Centers

Los Angeles County launched online availability of the Right of Entry form for the free debris removal program available to residents affected by the recent Eaton Fire.

To participate in the program, residents must complete the Right of Entry form, which is now available to download or complete online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal and at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Residents can call the Fire Debris Hotline with questions, or if they need help filling out the form at: 844-347-3332. In-person assistance also is available at the Disaster Recovery Centers open 9 AM to 8 PM.

The Right of Entry form is part of Phase 2 of the debris removal program where residents can Opt-In for free nonhazardous debris removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or residents can Opt-Out. Currently underway is Phase 1 of the debris removal program,