Monday, January 13, 2025

DoorDash Waives Delivery Fees In Los Angeles County Amid Wildfires

STAFF REPORT

Company pledges up to $1 million donation to World Central Kitchen relief efforts

DoorDash announced it will waive delivery fees on all orders in Los Angeles County while simultaneously launching a charitable initiative to support wildfire relief efforts. The move aims to assist local residents accessing essential goods and services during the ongoing wildfire crisis.

“By waiving our fees on all orders – from local restaurants, to groceries and essentials like baby food, pet supplies, and toiletries – we hope that we can help getting through this next chapter even a fraction easier,” the company stated.

The fee waiver applies to all deliveries within Los Angeles County, including restaurants, groceries, and essential items. DoorDash noted that deliveries may experience delays as they prioritize Dasher safety, and operations remain suspended in areas with current evacuation mandates or where it is unsafe to deliver.

In addition to waiving fees, DoorDash will donate $1 to World Central Kitchen for every order placed in Los Angeles County,

Monday, January 13, 2025

Huntington Health Resumes Community Health Services in Wake of Devastating Wildfires

STAFF REPORT

President and CEO, Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, shares message of gratitude to first responders and impacted employees

Huntington Hospital remained open for safe emergency and inpatient care throughout this terrible disaster. Now, thanks to the swift and expert work of our teams, nearly all Huntington community physician offices, as well as partner locations for urgent care and imaging, are reopened. Most surgeries and procedures have resumed, both at the hospital and in Huntington’s outpatient surgery center.

“My heart is with our beloved community, and I know many of you are still reeling from these devastating fires,” said Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Health. “First, I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the tireless work of firefighters, police, and emergency responders working day and night to protect our community. Our incredibly devoted employees and physicians at Huntington Health continue their work caring for the community, 24/7, despite the loss of their own homes,

Monday, January 13, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivors Sue Southern California Edison for Damages

STAFF REPORT

Three law firms filed a mass tort lawsuit on January 13, 2025, against Southern California Edison Company (SCE) on behalf of survivors of the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, one of the communities devasted during the fast-moving wildfire. The legal action seeks compensation for property damage and personal injuries suffered by residents who live in Altadena following the January 7 fire that killed 16 civilians and destroyed 7,081 structures.

“This deadly fire and the property damage it has caused is catastrophic in scale,” said Alexander “Trey” Robertson, IV of Robertson & Associates, LLP, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs. “The area where the fire started is designated as a ‘High Fire Threat District – Tier 3′, which means there is an extreme risk to people and property from a utility-caused wildfire. Despite this risk, and during life-threatening fire weather conditions predicted by the National Weather Service, SCE did not de-energize its powerlines in the area where the fire started.”

Monday, January 13, 2025

Pasadena Mayor Addresses Community in Wake of Devastating Eaton Fire

STAFF REPORT

Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo issued a letter to residents on Monday, Jan. 13 addressing the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, emphasizing community resilience and outlining initial recovery efforts.

The message highlights the collaboration between Altadena and Pasadena communities while acknowledging the significant personal and material losses suffered by residents.

“In the wake of the Eaton Fire, we come together as a community to grieve the profound losses we’ve endured. We mourn the lives lost, the homes that held a lifetime of memories, and the cherished places that have been the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. These losses are deeply personal, and my heart is with every single one of you who is hurting today,” Gordo wrote.

The Mayor specifically recognized the contributions of first responders, including firefighters and police officers, who “rushed toward danger, putting themselves on the line to save lives and protect our community.”

He also praised the diverse volunteer response,

Monday, January 13, 2025

Governor Newsom Suspends Permitting and Review Requirements

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow victims of the recent fires to restore their homes and businesses faster.

The order comes on the heels of devastating fires across the Southland, including a fire that all but destroyed Altadena, leaving the historic and diverse neighborhood resembling a warzone.

Many residents in the area are questioning rather they should rebuild or leave the area.

“When the fires are extinguished, victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks,” Newsom said in his order. “The executive order I signed today will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger. I’ve also ordered our state agencies to identify additional ways to streamline the rebuilding and recovery process.”

The executive order issued by Governor Newsom will:

• Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Pasadena Unified School District Schools Remain Closed, But Pasadena City College, Caltech, and Fuller Theological Seminary Reopen Monday

While Pasadena Unified remains closed until January 17, a number of other educational institutions reopen today.

Pasadena City College will resume classes today at its three campuses (Colorado, Foothill, Jefferson), according to a campus alert. Students can find additional information via email and at pasadena.edu/fireupdates.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) also confirmed its campus is open and classes will resume Monday, January 13.

Fuller Seminary will conduct all Pasadena-based classes virtually for the week of January 13-17. While student housing remains operational, the seminary’s library, clinic, and other in-person services will remain closed. Online courses will continue as scheduled with flexibility for students in affected areas.

“We recognize the devastating effect these fires have caused in our community and beyond,” Fuller Seminary officials stated. “Our prayers are with all those who have been affected during this time.”

Caltech has established an emergency response system, directing on-campus assistance needs to Caltech Security at 626-395-5000, with instructions to call 911 in emergencies.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Health Officials Warn of Toxic Hazards in Eaton Fire Zone as Recovery Begins

Residents face dangerous levels of lead, arsenic and asbestos contamination in fire-impacted areas

Public health officials issued stark warnings about toxic contamination in areas devastated by the Eaton Fire during a community meeting at Pasadena City College’s Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on January 12, as local authorities detailed plans for repopulating evacuated neighborhoods.

“It’s incredibly important that you follow this order. The water is — as stated before — contaminated at this point and not being treated to state standards,” warned Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, addressing widespread water safety concerns.

The fire remained 27% contained, with firefighters battling challenging conditions including forecasted wind gusts of 40-50 mph and red flag warnings continuing through Thursday morning.

Officials warned of potential spot fires up to two miles away. Adding to the hazards, crews discovered an underground lithium battery storage facility in the burn area.

“Ash is particularly toxic to young children, so we’re going to urge that young children not be touching any of this contaminated debris because it’s filled with lead asbestos,”

Monday, January 13, 2025

LA County Board Chair Barger Pledges Support For Fire Victims’ Rebuilding

STAFF REPORT

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger detailed initiatives to help fire victims rebuild during a community meeting about the Eaton Fire at Pasadena City College on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Afterwards,  she spoke with Pasadena Now.

Barger highlighted recent regulatory reforms and outlined plans to address financing challenges faced by affected homeowners.

“Yesterday I announced that we are going to not only talk about cutting the red tape, we are going to cut the red tape,” Barger said. “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, who heard loud and clear and this morning signed an executive order doing just that.”

Barger emphasized the mission is to make rebuilding something that is financially feasible for affected residents.

“I’m going to be working with the federal government to find out if we can do something similar to a Veterans Administration loan, which is a low interest loan done for veterans who deserve it,”

Monday, January 13, 2025

Metro Extends Fare Suspensions for Bus and Rail Service As Long as Wildfire Criss Continues

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Metro will continue to provide free rides on its trains and buses while the wildfire crisis continues.

That announcement was made Sunday by L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who is also chair of the Metro Board of Directors.

“Given the threat that the fires and severe winds continue to pose to our region, I’ve authorized @metrolosangeles to continue free fares systemwide while these conditions exist,” Hahn posted on social media.

Metro had previously announced fare suspensions through this past weekend. The agency said the suspensions are aimed at ensuring “that residents can travel safely to reunite with loved ones, reach shelters or deliver essential donations to those in need.”

The agency has also developed an interactive map displaying its bus and rail routes that connect to fire-related resource centers. The map uses data linked to the county and CALFIRE, “ensuring real-time accuracy,” and can be found here.

Meanwhile,

Monday, January 13, 2025

FEMA Officials Again to Offer Assistance Applying for Disaster Relief at Libraries on Monday

CITY NEWS SERVICE

FEMA will have officials at eight Los Angeles County libraries Monday to assist residents who’ve suffered losses from the wildfires with submitting application for disaster relief.

They will be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday at the following locations:

• La Cañada Flintridge Library, 4545 N Oakwood Ave.
• La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd.
• Live Oak Library, 22 W. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia
• San Fernando Library, 217 N. Maclay Ave.
• San Gabriel Library, 500 S Del Mar Ave.
• Temple City Library, 5939 Golden West Ave.
• West Hollywood Library, 625 N San Vicente Blvd.
• Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St.

By the time all the damage in assessed, the fires are expected to constitute one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. Newsom told NBC News on Sunday that he believes the fires will be the worst natural disaster in the history of the country “in terms of just the costs associated with it,