Friday, May 30, 2025

Free Legal Clinic Aids Eaton Fire Victims

Top row, from left to right: Katrina Tomeck, Carlos Valdes, Jonathan Cannon, Eric Daco, Antonio Kizzie, Lynette M. Jones. Bottom row from left to right: Neesa Sethi, Josh Alegado, Community Services Representative Kayleen Maya, Jamilla Harris, and Marvel Faulkner. [City pf Pasadena]

Low-income residents receive free consultation on FEMA appeals and housing issues

On Tuesday, May 13, Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, and the department partnered with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) to provide critical legal assistance to those impacted by the Eaton Fire.

The free Disaster Relief Legal Clinic, held on May 22 at Jackie Robinson Community Center, offered specialized consultation to over 30 registered, income qualified participants facing post-disaster challenges.

Free Legal Clinic Supports Eaton Fire Victims

Low-income residents affected by the Eaton Fire received free legal assistance at a disaster relief clinic held last week.

On May 22, Pasadena’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services department collaborated with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) to host the clinic at Jackie Robinson Community Center.

More than 30 income-qualified participants registered to seek guidance on FEMA appeals and housing challenges.

The clinic was part of an ongoing effort to assist disaster victims in navigating post-fire recovery. Organizers encouraged affected residents to seek additional legal aid services available through local agencies.

LAFLA received a disaster grant specifically to help low-income survivors address legal challenges resulting from the fire.

Seven LAFLA attorneys and six staff members guided participants through Federal Emergency Management Agency appeals, tenant-landlord issues, and habitability concerns such as smoke or ash damage.

Pro bono volunteer attorneys and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services staff present included Katrina Tomeck, Carlos Valdes, Jonathan Cannon, Eric Daco, Antonio Kizzie, Lynette M. Jones, Neesa Sethi, Josh Alegado, Community Services Representative Kayleen Maya, Jamilla Harris, and Marvel Faulkner.

LAFLA volunteers Mina Kim and Erasmo Vargas managed the registration table.

Community organizations including the Clergy Community Coalition and the Pasadena Community Foundation served as co-sponsors by assisting with event outreach to their membership.

A representative from Metro’s Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Program attended to donate free Transit Access Pass (TAP) cards to participants.

These cards provide lifetime free transportation on Metro’s system, offering additional support to those affected by the disaster.

LAFLA, a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved, will offer a follow-up clinic focused on post-disaster rental price gouging in late June.