Monday, June 30, 2025

Pasadena Unified’s Fire Lawsuit Against SoCal Edison Heads to Court Today

A case management conference is scheduled for Monday in the Pasadena Unified School District’s lawsuit against Southern California Edison Co., as the district seeks compensation for extensive damage from the deadly Eaton Fire.

The conference will be held in Department 17 at the Spring Street Courthouse, 312 N. Spring St.

Pasadena Unified School District alleges Southern California Edison equipment caused the January fire during gusty wind conditions. The district claims damages include classrooms, libraries, athletic fields, after-school program and performing arts facilities, roads and parking lots.

The lawsuit, filed in March, includes claims for inverse condemnation, negligence, trespass, nuisance and premises liability violations of Public Utilities and Health and Safety codes.

The Eaton Fire killed at least 18 people and burned more than 14,000 acres. It destroyed or damaged about 10,000 structures across areas in Altadena and surrounding communities.

Five Pasadena Unified School District campuses sustained substantial damage. Franklin Elementary School suffered 80% damage. Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School and three charter school campuses were also damaged.

“The destruction of multiple schools and educational facilities has created an immense burden on students, families, and the entire educational community,” said John Fiske, outside counsel representing the district. “This lawsuit seeks fair compensation to recover the taxpayer resources and district property lost as a result of this devastating fire.”

The lawsuit cites Southern California Edison’s regulatory filing with state utilities regulators. The company acknowledged a “fault was detected” on its transmission circuit at 6:11 p.m. Jan. 7. Fire reports came at 6:18 p.m.

The National Weather Service had issued Red Flag warnings for extreme fire conditions before the blaze started.

More than 10,000 of the district’s 14,000 students were evacuated from homes. Nearly 1,400 district employees live within evacuation zones.

“The Eaton Fire has been heartbreaking for the Altadena community,” a Southern California Edison spokesperson said. “We are reviewing this lawsuit and will respond through the legal process.”

Los Angeles County, the city of Pasadena and the city of Sierra Madre have filed similar lawsuits against the utility company. The cases seek compensation for damages.

Baron & Budd P.C. and Diab Chambers LLP represent Pasadena Unified School District. The same legal team supports the other government entities’ cases.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing demolition and debris removal at damaged school sites.