Tuesday, July 8, 2025

‘No More Rate Hikes’ Say Eaton Fire Survivors

By EDDIE RIVERA

On six-month anniversary of the Eaton Fire, frustrated residents confront insurance failures

Six months after the Eaton Fire swept through the San Gabriel foothills, killing 18 people and wiping out thousands of homes in Altadena and northeast Pasadena, survivors gathered at the Good Neighbor cafe in Altadena on Monday morning to demand accountability — not just from the government or fire officials, but from their insurance companies.

Flanked by photographs, handwritten signs, and hundreds of postcards addressed to Governor Gavin Newsom and State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, more than 200 people filled the outdoor patio, many wearing T-shirts with the slogan “Don’t Mess With Fire Survivors.” The event, organized by the grassroots Eaton Fire Survivors Network, was not only a commemoration of loss but a fierce call to action against what survivors describe as industry-wide neglect.

“They ghosted us,” said Alejandro Lopez, a resident of upper Lake Avenue whose home narrowly survived the flames. Lopez described how he and his son returned to the smoldering neighborhood with shovels,

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

BofA Gives Additional $1 Million for Fire Recovery, Will Rebuild Altadena Financial Center

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Bank of America Monday announced an additional $1 million in philanthropic funding to Los Angeles nonprofits for wildfire recovery efforts, bringing its total fire-related contributions to over $3.5 million.

The funding supports various recovery initiatives, including small business reopening, legal assistance, insurance navigation and health services, according to the bank.

BofA also said it is rebuilding two financial centers — one in Altadena, the other in Pacific Palisades — that were destroyed by fires, and has successfully helped over 2,000 safe deposit box clients recover their possessions from the destroyed locations.

“Having helped clients through disasters over many years, Bank of America has the expertise, capital and connections to help Los Angeles rebuild following this tragedy,” BofA Business Banking president Raul A. Anaya said in a statement. “From our immediate initial response to the fires in January to pivoting as needs change over time, our aim is to help all Angelenos recover. We’re doing this together with the region’s incredible public,

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

LA County Launches ‘Shop Local’ Campaign to Promote Fire-Impacted Businesses

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County launched a public awareness campaign Monday aimed at supporting small and micro businesses impacted by January’s wildfires.

The “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local” campaign encourages residents and visitors to spend money at local businesses, particularly those hardest hit by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Monday marked six months since a devastating windstorm fueled fires across parts of the county.

The cities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Malibu, along with organizations such as Together for LA, the California Restaurant Association, Regarding Her, the Latino Restaurant Association, the Independent Hospitality Coalition and the Economic Development Corporation, are partnering with the county to promote the campaign.

Local businesses in or near fire-impacted areas can sign up at shoplocal.la to be included in the Recovery Local Business Directory, an online list of highly-impacted businesses, that will be featured during the campaign. Participating businesses will receive promotional support, marketing tools and other services.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Long Beach Man to Plead Guilty to Fraudulently Seeking FEMA Funds for False Eaton Fire Damage Claim

CITY NEWS SERVICE

A Long Beach man is expected to plead guilty Tuesday to seeking disaster relief funds by falsely claiming that a property he rented was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, despite having rented no residence affected by the disaster.

Keandre Lowe, 21, has agreed to enter a plea in downtown Los Angeles to one federal count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Lowe admitted in his plea agreement that he filed a fraudulent application for FEMA benefits on Jan. 22, seeking disaster relief for an Altadena property that he neither owned nor rented. As a result of his fraudulent application, Lowe obtained about $28,300 in FEMA benefits, prosecutors said.

The actual property owner later confirmed to law enforcement that they were living in the home at the time of the fire and since 2007 had not rented the property to anyone.

A host of false claims were made in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires that started on Jan.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

LA County Registrar Wins 11 National Awards for Innovation

Programs span election security, worker training and technology improvements

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk received recognition for 11 innovative programs from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The awards were announced Monday by Dean C. Logan, who leads the department. The programs span four categories: Information Technology, Planning, Personnel Management and Training, and Civic Education and Public Information.

NACo Achievement Awards recognize county government programs that improve residents’ lives. The association aims to inspire counties nationwide to adopt innovative approaches.

“We are honored to be recognized for these programs,” Logan said. “The RR/CC is committed to improving our processes to better support the public and our staff, and these awards demonstrate that we are taking important strides towards doing exactly that.”

The department has received previous NACo recognition for its work.

The 11 winning programs include election security measures, worker recruitment tools and technology solutions. Notable programs include the Threat Identification and Prevention System and the Voting Solutions for All People Chain of Custody Solution.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Local Assemblymember Points to Six Bills He’s Authored to Help Altadena and Pasadena Recover From Eaton Fire

On the 6-month anniversary of night the Eaton Fire ignited, Assembymember John Harabedian describes his efforts to support his hometown

Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by Pasadena area Assemblymember John Harabedian and numerous other local officials at a Pasadena press conference marking the six-month anniversary of the Los Angeles wildfires on Tuesday.

The Democratic assemblymember from Pasadena joined the governor alongside community leaders, first responders and fire survivors to discuss the state’s ongoing commitment to recovery.

“Six months later, the pain and loss are still very real for so many families,” Harabedian said. “Today is about coming together to strengthen our resolve and continue to stand alongside survivors every step of the way.”

The state approved more than $2.5 billion in emergency wildfire relief following the fires. The funding supports recovery efforts and helps communities prepare for future climate-driven disasters.

Harabedian has introduced six bills aimed at helping wildfire survivors. The legislation addresses housing recovery, mental health care and financial protections.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Metro Board Approves $2.9 Billion for Local Transit Projects

Funding will support 66 transit operators and 89 jurisdictions across LA County

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) board approved $2.9 billion in transit funding for fiscal year 2026, officials announced Monday.

The allocation represents nearly 30 percent of Metro’s budget and will distribute resources to 66 transit operators and 89 local jurisdictions throughout the county, including Pasadena.

“The $2.9 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 transit fund allocations represents almost 30% of Metro’s budget and will ensure continued mobility improvements throughout Los Angeles County, including those areas, such as Avalon, Lancaster and Santa Clarita, that Metro doesn’t currently serve directly,” said Metro Board Chairman Fernando Dutra, who also serves on the Whittier City Council.

The funding combines federal and state pass-through grants with locally collected sales tax revenue.

Areas outside Metro’s direct service area will receive dedicated funding through California Transportation Development Act Article 8 allocations. These include Avalon, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita and portions of unincorporated county areas.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

LA County Releases Ambitious “Blueprint for Rebuilding” Following Catastrophic Wildfires

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

In the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades Fires — two of the most destructive disasters in California’s recent history — Los Angeles County has released a comprehensive post-disaster recovery plan aimed at guiding the next phase of rebuilding.

The plan, titled “LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding,” sets forth a detailed roadmap to help residents, businesses, and communities recover swiftly, sustainably, and equitably.

“As we mark six months since these devastating fires, we recognize the historic actions taken to clear the debris from thousands of properties in record time,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “But this is only the beginning. We must move into the next phase – rebuilding – with the same determination and urgency.”

Locally, the Eaton Fire destroyed much of Altadena, killing 18 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures leaving 14,000 acres scorched.

Combined, the two fires destroyed or severely damaged more than 18,000 homes and structures across the county.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Barger Outlines Progress, Challenges at Eaton Fire Six-Month Anniversary

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

As the six-month anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire approaches, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger reflected on the recovery efforts underway in Altadena, highlighting rapid progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

The January wildfire destroyed nearly 9,000 homes and businesses across Altadena and neighboring areas. In a statement Friday, Barger praised the coordinated response from local, state and federal agencies, while pledging continued support for residents and business owners still recovering.

“This recovery has demonstrated what is possible when government works in lockstep,” Barger said. “But we’re not done yet—there’s still more work to do.”

According to county data, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared debris from more than 5,300 affected properties—95% of eligible residential sites in Altadena—as of July 1. The cleanup is on track to wrap by the end of summer, setting records for both speed and scale, officials said.

Pasadena continues to do its part as well.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Memorial Service for Eaton Fire’s 18 Victims Planned for 6-Month Anniversary Monday

Six months to the minute after the devastating wildfire ignited, community leaders will unite, to honor the dead while confronting long-term recovery challenges

Six months after the Eaton Fire killed 18 people and destroyed more than 9,400 structures, local residents and grassroots community leaders plan to gather for a memorial Monday evening — even as survivors of the devastating wildfire face daunting rebuilding crises.

The 7 p.m. vigil at 181 E. Las Flores Drive — near where victim Evelyn McClendon lived — is being organized by a coalition that brings together LA Voice, Black Events LA, the Pasadena NAACP Branch, My Tribe Rise, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

“Eighteen souls, who passed away. And we want to let them know that they didn’t die in vain, that they’re bringing our communities together,”  said Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Labor Organizing Network.

Monday’s memorial rededicates what organizers said they hope will be sustained advocacy for both the dead and the living — those who survived the flames only to face a different kind of disaster six months later.