Saturday, January 11, 2025

FEMA Administrator Tours Eaton Fire Damage As Rep. Chu Releases Aid Guide

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released an Eaton Fire Resource Guide for constituents affected by the devastating Eaton Fire following a tour of damaged areas with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in Altadena and Pasadena neighborhoods.

“I was absolutely heartbroken touring the destruction and devastation across communities impacted by the Eaton Fire in my congressional district,” said Rep. Chu. “In Altadena and northern Pasadena, a deadly blazing wall of fire took our neighbors’ lives and destroyed the structures that provided stability to countless families’ hopes, dreams, and memories.”

During official briefings, officials reported the fire has destroyed approximately 5,000 structures and displaced an estimated 20,000 people in the area.

Major community institutions, including the Altadena Community Church, Mariposa Junction, Elliot Arts Magnet Academy, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, and Masjib Al-Taqwa mosque, are now “unrecognizable and potentially unsalvageable,” according to Rep. Chu.

The Major Disaster Declaration by President Biden covers not only current damage but any future wind-driven fire that meets severity thresholds in Los Angeles County.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Pasadena Unified School District Schools Close Until January 17 Amid Destructive Eaton Fire

STAFF REPORT

District suspends in-person learning as wildfire brings “unimaginable losses” to community

The Pasadena Unified School District announced the closure of all public schools through January 17 following what is described as careful assessment and consultation with local emergency management officials.

The Eaton Fire, which remains at 3 percent containment, has forced mandatory evacuations affecting nearly half of District employees, with many staff members and families losing their homes amid unhealthy air quality conditions.

In their announcement, District officials emphasized that “The health and safety of our PUSD community remain our highest priority as we navigate the significant impact of the fire on so many of our students, families, and staff.”

The Superintendent’s Leadership Team determined that current conditions, combined with damage to school facilities and safety concerns, make in-person learning impossible at this time.

Students will have access to optional, self-directed online learning resources through Canvas, accessible via Clever or at gopusd.com/learning.

Friday, January 10, 2025

SBA Offers Financial Relief to Victims of Wildfires

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration for the Los Angeles County wildfires, the Small Business Administration announced Friday.

The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Orange, San Bernardino, Kern and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began Jan. 7.

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman will join FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in Southern California to assess on-the-ground needs and ensure the SBA is fully prepared to assist businesses, homeowners and renters impacted by the disaster.

“As heroic firefighters and first responders continue to battle the devastating wildfires sweeping across Southern California, the federal government is surging resources to ensure that Angelenos are prepared to recover and rebuild from this catastrophe,” Guzman said in a statement.

“In response to President Biden’s major disaster declaration, the SBA is mobilizing to provide financial relief to impacted businesses and residents.

Friday, January 10, 2025

District 1 Liaison Seeks GoFundme Donations to Rebuild After Fire Destroys Home

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

Local families continue to struggle to rebuild after the devastating fire that ravaged Altadena.

Longtime District 1 Liason Cushon Bell and her family are seeking to raise money after the fire destroyed their home.

Bell is the longtime field rep of District 1 Councilmember Tyron Hampton.

So far they have received $18,668 in donations on their $30,000 goal.

Strong wind conditions continue to hamper firefights battling the blaze which now threatens the Mt. Wilson Observatory and a series of broadcast towers critical for local television and radio outlets.

But even as the county continues to battle the fire efforts have started to help local residents rebuild their homes. The PUSD has started a meals program and relief efforts are building across Pasadena for stricken residents.

At least 5,000 buildings have been destroyed in the blaze.

“Our family recently lost our home in Altadena,

Friday, January 10, 2025

LA County to Crack Down on Price Gouging Amid Fire Emergencies

CITY NEWS SERVICE

As firefighters battle several fires ravaging the Southland, L.A. County officials Friday warned businesses against the illegal practice of price gouging and urged residents to report suspected violations.

Under California law, price gouging during a declared emergency is a serious offense. Businesses are prohibited from raising prices on essential goods and services, including hotel rooms, rental housing and some supplies by more than 10% during an emergency.

Price-gouging protections remain in effect for 30 days following an emergency declaration. For contractor-related services, protections extend up to 180 days.

Business owners and operators must maintain detailed records of pricing before, during and after a declared emergency, according to the county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.

Violations can result in fines up to $10,000, one year in jail, or both.

“Los Angeles County residents should not have to be burdened with price hikes by unscrupulous businesses when they are already dealing with the disruption and stress of life-threatening emergencies,”

Friday, January 10, 2025

Big Bear Offers Housing through Airbnb Program for LA Evacuees

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More than 1,000 homes in Big Bear Valley are available under a temporary housing program organized by Airbnb for Los Angeles residents displaced by the fires ravaging the region, it was announced Thursday.

Airbnb has partnered with the nonprofit information and referral service 211 LA to connect people with a free place to stay. More information is available at 211la.org. Stays are discounted or completely free for guests, and are funded by Airbnb and home-sharing hosts.

Big Bear has been certified as an evacuation housing center as part of the program, according to Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott.

Temporary housing has been set up to assist evacuees and those who have lost their homes. Details are available at BigBear.com.

In addition to lodging assistance, Big Bear Mountain Resort is offering four $25 dining vouchers that can be used at any of Snow Summit or Bear Mountain’s on-site eateries.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Deadly Eaton Canyon Fire Expands, Threatens Mount Wilson

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Eaton Fire that has caused multiple deaths and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures remained 0% contained Friday despite Santa Ana wind conditions diminishing slightly in many areas.

However, gusty conditions persisted on the mountaintop Thursday, hampering aerial firefighting efforts as flames crawled through treetops and thick vegetation toward the peak of Mount Wilson, threatening the observatory and a series of broadcast towers critical for local television and radio outlets.

Sheriff’s officials called for immediate evacuations of any people on the mountain. Authorities said at an afternoon briefing that none of the major infrastructure on the mountain had been damaged despite the encroaching flames.

The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday morning the spread of the fire had been significantly slowed in most areas thanks to efforts of firefighters and diminishing winds.

Friday, January 10, 2025

California National Guard Deploys to Secure Fire Areas

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Hundreds of members of the California National Guard were deployed to the Los Angeles area Thursday to assist with law enforcement duties around the array of wildfires burning in the region.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said roughly 400 members of the Guard would be stationed around the region to help with traffic control and to restrict entry into the fire zones. He announced earlier in the day that 20 people had been arrested on suspicion of looting in the various burn areas.

Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed late Thursday that he had approved the National Guard deployment.

“Thanks to the incredible work of our first responders and emergency personnel, we’re throwing everything at our disposal — including our National Guard servicemembers — to protect communities in the days to come,” Newsom said in a statement. “And to those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated.”

Friday, January 10, 2025

Pasadena Public Health Suggests Steps to Prevent Inhaling Smoke and Ash From Eaton Fire

STAFF REPORT

As part of the response to the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Public Health Department urges residents affected by wildfire smoke to take steps to protect their health by staying indoors and avoiding outside activity, if possible, to prevent the inhalation of smoke and ash.

Smoke and ash from wildfires can be unhealthy, particularly for vulnerable people such as older adults, children, individuals with respiratory illnesses or asthma, and pregnant people. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles which are respiratory irritants, and when inhaled deeply, can affect the lungs and the heart. Exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Urban wildfires can lead to potentially greater risks to health because they often release more toxic pollutants, due to the burning of synthetic materials like plastics and metals found in buildings.

Smoke from wildfires can also cause eye irritation, reduced lung function, and bronchitis. Breathing smoke can also make asthma symptoms worse. People with underlying lung or heart problems should limit their exposure by staying indoors.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Relatives ID Some Victims of Eaton Fire in Altadena

CITY NEWS SERVICE

While the death toll from the various wildfires ravaging parts of the Los Angeles area remained unclear Thursday, relatives of four people who died in the Eaton Fire near Altadena and Pasadena paid tribute to their lost loved ones.

One of the people who died was identified by his daughter as Rodney Nickerson, 82, of Altadena. His daughter Kimiko told NBC4 that her father died in his bed while he was home
alone at 352 Alta Pine Drive. She said her father bought the house in 1968 and she was raised there.

She described her dad as “funny, the life of the party,” adding that he “loved sports, people, (and was a) very intelligent man. He loved to read.”

Relatives said Nickerson’s son tried to get Rodney to evacuate, but he refused.