Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Media: Trump to Tour Disaster Zones in Southern California

President Donald Trump will visit communities ravaged by natural disasters in North Carolina and California on Friday, according to a person familiar with his plans who shared them on condition of anonymity, Bloomberg reported late Wednesday.

Pasadena Now has not obtained confirmation of the trip from local authorities.

According to the New York Post and Bloomberg, the president will tour Asheville, North Carolina, which is recovering from devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene in September, and parts of Southern California, where recent wildfires made worse by strong winds have burned entire neighborhoods.

Trump highlighted both disasters in his inauguration speech Monday, criticizing the federal government’s emergency response under the previous administration.

“Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, who been treated so badly, and other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago,”

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Altadena Town Council Chair at Meeting: “The Magnitude of This Devastation is Beyond Comprehension”

STAFF REPORT

The Altadena Town Council held its first public meeting Tuesday since the catastrophic Eaton wildfire devastated the community, with officials revealing the fire has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,071, while claiming at least 17 lives.

“Our community, once vibrant with the warmth of daily life, has been forever changed,” said Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp. “The magnitude of this devastation is beyond comprehension and for so many of us, the pain, heartache and heartbreak are simply immeasurable.”

The fire, which erupted January 7 above Eaton Canyon, is now 91% contained with 2,375 personnel still assigned to the incident.

Building officials have completed preliminary assessments, issuing 8,068 red tags for structures unsafe to occupy and 331 yellow tags for buildings with restricted use.

During the meeting, Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella announced plans to open a dedicated one-stop permit center in Altadena within 30-60 days, likely across from the community center site.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

First AME Church Bishop to Hold Press Conference on Eaton Fire’s Impact on Pasadena and Altadena Communities

STAFF REPORT

Bishop Francine Brookins, leader of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church 5th District, will hold a press conference at noon on Thursday, January 23, at the First AME Church-Pasadena, 1700 N. Raymond Ave., to address the devastating effects of the recent Eaton fire on local residents, particularly those in the AME Church community.

Driven by powerful wind gusts, the fire decimated Altadena and left more than 100 Pasadena homes red tagged, impacting over 65 families and more than 160 individuals in the church.

The press conference will focus on the urgent needs of fire victims, with an emphasis on the collective response of the AME Church and its partners. The group is working with government officials, nonprofits, and local organizations to provide immediate support, as well as a long-term recovery plan for the community.

“This gathering is not just about addressing the immediate needs of those impacted by the EATON fire, but also about fostering a holistic approach to healing,”

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

2025 Greater LA Homeless Count Rescheduled for February Following Wildfires

CITY NEWS SERVICE AND PASADENA NOW

The 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, postponed due to recent fire emergencies that displaced thousands of residents, has been rescheduled to February, officials announced Tuesday.

Separately, Pasadena’s Housing Department and the Pasadena Partnership to End Homelessness announced Pasadena’s Homeless Count will now take place on the evening of Wednesday, February 19 and the morning of Thursday, February 20. In addition, the City reported, a supplementary count focusing on Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) aged 18-24, will be conducted on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 19.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, originally set to conduct the count from Jan. 21-23, rescheduled the annual event to take place over three nights next month:

• Tuesday, Feb. 18: San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, and Metro Los Angeles;
• Wednesday, Feb. 19: San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles; and
• Thursday, Feb. 20: Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, South Los Angeles and South Bay/Harbor areas.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

94-Year-Old Man Missing in Eaton Fire Pronounced Dead

An at-risk 94-year-old Altadena man reported missing after being in contact with friends and family was found dead in a fire zone, authorities announced Tuesday. 

Edwin Cridlind, last seen on Jan. 7 in the 200 block of Wapello Street, had contacted friends and family around 7:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. 

The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner said Cridland was pronounced dead on Jan. 11 due to smoke inhalation and burn injuries. 

No further details were available.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Eaton Fire 91% Contained as All Areas Opened for Returns

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More residents in the Altadena area returned to their properties as firefighters neared full containment Wednesday of the Eaton Fire that has destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 17 people.

County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.

Containment of the deadly and destructive blaze climbed to 91% Wednesday. Firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.

Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads, city officials said Monday.

Parking will be restricted “on posted narrow and/or winding roads within Pasadena’s urban-wildland interface areas,”

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

LA Supervisors OK Letter Seeking Further Wildfire Recovery Funds

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved an official letter to be sent to President Donald Trump, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and federal agencies seeking funding for wildfire recovery to be directly allocated to local agencies.

The county CEO was also tasked with collaborating with county departments in identifying budgetary requests to expedite recovery efforts in affected communities.

The devastating wildfires that broke out Jan. 7 have prompted local and state emergency declarations, with former President Joe Biden approving a Major Disaster Declaration and providing federal backing for firefighting efforts.

On Jan. 13, Newsom also proposed that California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to expedite recovery efforts. Tuesday’s motion also highlights Biden’s pledge to provide 100% federal backing for debris removal and emergency protective measures for six months.

“In response, Congress is currently considering a series of bills developed to address the 2025 Los Angeles County Fires disaster,”

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

LA County Offers Eviction, Short-Term Rental Protections to Fire Victims

By ANUSHA SHANKAR, City News Service

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday offering eviction protection for renters who open their homes to people or pets displaced by this month’s wildfires, and promoting increased short-term rental availability.

Tuesday’s resolution protects tenants in unincorporated areas of the county against eviction when hosting unauthorized occupants or pets displaced due to the fire.

Short-Term Rental hosts were also allowed to offer and advertise:

• More than one STR;
• A smaller space/room as an STR;
• Vacation Rentals for use as an STR; and
• Unlimited stay exceeding the current 90-night maximum.

Provisions to short-term rentals were limited only to those hosting fire victims.

The provisions will remain in effect until May 31, 2026.

“As we face one of the most devastating natural disasters in Los Angeles County’s history, we must act with urgency to protect and support those displaced —

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

LA Sheriff Boosts Patrols in Altadena Fire Zone to Support Recovery, Ensure Community Safety

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is intensifying its efforts to provide comprehensive support to the Altadena Eaton Fire burn area, reflecting a strategic shift in its operations to address the community’s evolving needs. This transition marks a move from strictly enforced containment measures, characterized by hard closures, to a mission focused on community support. The Department is prioritizing the safety and recovery of residents as they begin to return to their homes and neighborhoods, many of which have been significantly impacted by the fire.

To address the increased demand for security and assistance, LASD has established a specialized Looter Suppression Team. This dedicated unit is composed of personnel drawn from multiple LASD divisions, each bringing specialized expertise to combat looting and other criminal activities that can arise during times of community vulnerability. The team will operate with additional deputy personnel assigned to increase patrol operations.

AERO Bureau will also support these efforts by conducting aerial patrols, providing enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities to ensure comprehensive coverage of the affected areas.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Dena Disaster Recovery Forum on Thursday to Aid Altadenans and Pasadenans in Rebuilding Efforts

A comprehensive Dena Disaster Recovery Forum is scheduled to take place this Thursday, January 23, to support Altadena and Pasadena residents affected by the recent Eaton Fire disaster. The event aims to connect local officials, housing experts, and mental health professionals with community members in need of guidance and resources for recovery and rebuilding.

Organized by the Women’s Council of Consolidated Realty Board and Lincoln Avenue Christian Church Pastor – Teacher Wayne Cooper and First Lady Constance Cooper, the forum will be held at Lincoln Avenue Christian Church, located at 1180 Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“Really, it’s about bringing vital information to the community,” said Letrice Barge, Broker-Owner of The Langley Stone Group, Inc. and President of the Women’s Council of Consolidated Realty Board. “We’re going to be discussing next steps for disaster recovery, insurance, FEMA, rebuilding our community, and so much more.”

The forum will feature representatives from FEMA, offering critical insights into recovery, including insurance claims,