Thursday, August 7, 2025

County Launches Survey to Reimagine Altadena Community Center After Fire Damage

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs invites Altadenans to help shape the future of the facility through a public survey

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is inviting residents in Altadena to participate in the Altadena Community Center Survey to help shape the future of the facility, following its recent takeover and damage sustained during the Eaton Fire. 

The department assumed management of the Altadena Community Center on January 1. Just days later, the Eaton Fire brought widespread damage to the area, including to the Center itself. 

As repairs continue, the department is seeking public input to guide the Center’s redevelopment. 

“This is an opportunity to reimagine a space that reflects Altadena’s needs, values, and resilience,” the department stated in its announcement. 

The survey, available in English and Spanish, asks residents to share their experiences related to the fire, their current support needs, and preferences for future programs and services. It does not automatically collect personal information unless voluntarily provided.

Fire-related questions include whether respondents experienced damage to their homes, loss of utilities or income, displacement, or emotional stress or trauma. Residents are also asked to identify the services they need most, such as housing assistance, financial aid, rebuilding support, legal protection, help with insurance or FEMA claims, employment services, food and basic supplies, childcare, and mental health support. 

The survey includes a section on scam or price gouging experiences related to the fire, with a prompt to describe incidents if applicable. 

Respondents are asked to rate the most challenging aspects of their recovery and suggest services or resources the Community Center could offer to help. They can also indicate preferred methods for receiving updates from the County, including text messages, email, phone calls, flyers, in-person events, and social media. 

The survey seeks input on programming priorities. It also asks which age groups—ranging from children to seniors—need more resources in the community. 

Additional questions gauge interest in fire recovery or emergency preparedness workshops, mental health and wellness services, and nature-based activities such as gardening, hiking clubs, nature art, and cleanup days. 

Finally, the survey invites residents to get involved at the Center by helping shape future programs, volunteering, or opting out for now.

The survey can be accessed at dcba.lacounty.gov/altadena-center.