Monday, January 13, 2025

Health Officials Warn of Toxic Hazards in Eaton Fire Zone as Recovery Begins

Residents face dangerous levels of lead, arsenic and asbestos contamination in fire-impacted areas

Public health officials issued stark warnings about toxic contamination in areas devastated by the Eaton Fire during a community meeting at Pasadena City College’s Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on January 12, as local authorities detailed plans for repopulating evacuated neighborhoods.

“It’s incredibly important that you follow this order. The water is — as stated before — contaminated at this point and not being treated to state standards,” warned Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, addressing widespread water safety concerns.

The fire remained 27% contained, with firefighters battling challenging conditions including forecasted wind gusts of 40-50 mph and red flag warnings continuing through Thursday morning.

Officials warned of potential spot fires up to two miles away. Adding to the hazards, crews discovered an underground lithium battery storage facility in the burn area.

“Ash is particularly toxic to young children, so we’re going to urge that young children not be touching any of this contaminated debris because it’s filled with lead asbestos,”

Monday, January 13, 2025

LA County Board Chair Barger Pledges Support For Fire Victims’ Rebuilding

STAFF REPORT

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger detailed initiatives to help fire victims rebuild during a community meeting about the Eaton Fire at Pasadena City College on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Afterwards,  she spoke with Pasadena Now.

Barger highlighted recent regulatory reforms and outlined plans to address financing challenges faced by affected homeowners.

“Yesterday I announced that we are going to not only talk about cutting the red tape, we are going to cut the red tape,” Barger said. “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, who heard loud and clear and this morning signed an executive order doing just that.”

Barger emphasized the mission is to make rebuilding something that is financially feasible for affected residents.

“I’m going to be working with the federal government to find out if we can do something similar to a Veterans Administration loan, which is a low interest loan done for veterans who deserve it,”

Monday, January 13, 2025

Metro Extends Fare Suspensions for Bus and Rail Service As Long as Wildfire Criss Continues

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Metro will continue to provide free rides on its trains and buses while the wildfire crisis continues.

That announcement was made Sunday by L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who is also chair of the Metro Board of Directors.

“Given the threat that the fires and severe winds continue to pose to our region, I’ve authorized @metrolosangeles to continue free fares systemwide while these conditions exist,” Hahn posted on social media.

Metro had previously announced fare suspensions through this past weekend. The agency said the suspensions are aimed at ensuring “that residents can travel safely to reunite with loved ones, reach shelters or deliver essential donations to those in need.”

The agency has also developed an interactive map displaying its bus and rail routes that connect to fire-related resource centers. The map uses data linked to the county and CALFIRE, “ensuring real-time accuracy,” and can be found here.

Meanwhile,

Monday, January 13, 2025

FEMA Officials Again to Offer Assistance Applying for Disaster Relief at Libraries on Monday

CITY NEWS SERVICE

FEMA will have officials at eight Los Angeles County libraries Monday to assist residents who’ve suffered losses from the wildfires with submitting application for disaster relief.

They will be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday at the following locations:

• La Cañada Flintridge Library, 4545 N Oakwood Ave.
• La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd.
• Live Oak Library, 22 W. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia
• San Fernando Library, 217 N. Maclay Ave.
• San Gabriel Library, 500 S Del Mar Ave.
• Temple City Library, 5939 Golden West Ave.
• West Hollywood Library, 625 N San Vicente Blvd.
• Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St.

By the time all the damage in assessed, the fires are expected to constitute one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. Newsom told NBC News on Sunday that he believes the fires will be the worst natural disaster in the history of the country “in terms of just the costs associated with it,

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.