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Due to the Eaton Canyon fire, the Altadena Main Library will be closed through Saturday, Jan. 18.
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From Altadena Town Council Statement on the Eaton Fire Disaster |
To the residents and business owners of Altadena,
The Altadena Town Council is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the catastrophic damage caused by the Eaton Fire. Our town has been forever changed by the destruction, and many of us, including councilmembers, have lost our homes and businesses. We grieve alongside each and every one of you who has been affected by this disaster. Our schools, churches, restaurants, parks, water resevoirs, and many cherished historic buildings have been lost, some of which can never be replaced.
We want you to know that you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with you during this incredibly difficult time. The spirit of Altadena lies in its residents, and we are committed to working tirelessly to bring you the most up-to-date information possible. While we are still in the early stages of recovery, we will soon begin to heal and rebuild together.
Here is the latest update:
- Over 1,000 structures have been lost, and this number is expected to climb.
- There have been 4 confirmed fire-related fatalities in Altadena, and this number may also increase.
- 13,690 acres have burned, with 0% containment. Cal Fire and strike teams are actively on the scene.
Evacuation Information:
- 100% of Altadena is currently under an evacuation order. For your safety, please do not attempt to access your property or business at this time.
- There are currently 43 hard road closures in Altadena, and this number may increase as resources become available.
- Once the fires are contained and the immediate threat from spot fires and winds subsides, evacuation orders will be lifted in phases. At that time, residents and business owners will be able to return home to assess the damage. We understand the need for insurance photos, but please remember that public safety remains our number one priority.
Looting Prevention:
- Looting remains a significant concern, with 20 arrests made so far. Only one of the arrestees is from Altadena, meaning thieves from other areas are taking advantage of the situation.
- We urge you not to return to your property at this time, as doing so will aid law enforcement in looter suppression efforts, which ultimately benefits all of us.
- Multiple looter suppression teams are working across Altadena, and Sheriff Luna, along with Supervisor Barger, has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for looting.
National Guard and Recovery Coordination:
- The National Guard has been deployed to Altadena to assist with road closures and traffic control at key intersections.
- We are actively coordinating a "Recovery Altadena" event, where residents can gather, share resources, and receive crucial information. Details will follow as soon as possible.
The Altadena Town Council is working closely with state and local officials, including Senator Perez, Assemblymember Harabedian, Supervisor Barger, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and LA County Fire, to consolidate and distribute all necessary information to you. In the meantime, you can find additional resources and updates on the following websites:
Lastly, we want to inform you that a water distribution event will be held later today through Assemblyman Harabedian’s office; the exact time will be announced soon. (updates will be posted on www.altadenatowncouncil.org). Please take care and stay safe. Altadena will rise again from this devastation, and together, we will rebuild.
With deepest sympathy and unwavering solidarity,
Victoria Knapp
Chair, Altadena Town Council
On behalf of the Altadena Town Council
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On Thursday night, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium, protecting homeowners’ insurance coverage in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The moratorium will prohibit insurance companies from enacting non-renewals and cancellations until Jan. 7, 2026.
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From San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (The Voice of Business) |
WILDFIRE UPDATE
The San Gabriel Valley and many other parts of Southern California are dealing with massive wildfires this week. We would like to share resources for those who have been impacted, and opportunities to help those in need.
Up to Date Information
The latest up-to-date information on the current fires can be found through the following:
AQMD: To stay informed about wildfire smoke conditions and real-time Air Quality in your area. http://aqmd.gov/aqimap
Assistance & Other Services
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Residents & businesses in evacuation zones can apply now for relief at http://disasterassistance.gov.
This includes:
- Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for 2 weeks)
- $770 for essential personal items
- Large grants for needs like medical bills & car repairs
You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief: You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (ADS-820) with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
211 LA: provides assistance and referrals to local resources for housing, food, health, and other services. Dial 211 or visit 211la.org.
Spectrum: To help keep people connected in impacted communities, Spectrum has opened more than 35,000 out-of-home WiFi access points to be available to all users at no cost. spectrum.net/CAfires
The American Red Cross offers shelter, meals, and emotional support. Visit Red Cross Find Open Shelters or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
AirBnB’s Open Homes Program connects those displaced with free temporary housing. Learn More Here
Uber and Lyft: Are offering free rides up to for evacuees to designated shelters through January 15, 2025. To redeem the free ride, evacuees must use the promo code
"WILDFIRE25" in their Uber app and "CAFIRERELIEF25" for Lyft.
How to Help
Union Station Homeless Services: Union Station Homeless Services has had to evacuate a number of sites within the emergency evacuation zones and is urgently working to provide essential support to those affected. If you would like to help you can donate money, provide in-kind donations or volunteer. For more information, visit https://ushs.org/emergency |
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Resource document https://bit.ly/DenaResources
from Partnership for Children Youth and Families (PCYF) with links to where to donate, where to request funds, housing, and more. |
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From office of Supervisor Kathryn Barger |
If you are displaced from your home because of an evacuation order or warning, there is support available. Whether you need details about a local evacuation center, need transportation or temporary lodging, need a place to house your pet, need supplies, or have any other urgent need, we have a lot of resources available all in one place. Get help now. https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ If you've lost your home in a fire, there is support available for long-term recovery. All of our County departments, as well as our local, state, federal, private, and nonprofit partners, are here to help. Click the link below to begin applying for FEMA assistance, get tax relief, access food support, begin the rebuilding process, and much more. Get help soon. https://recovery.lacounty.gov/resources/ I’ve heard from so many residents who weren’t impacted by the fires who want to lend a helping hand. There are incredible community organizations who are accepting and distributing donations like the Flintridge Center, Octavia’s Bookshelf, and so many others. You can also click the button below to sign up for volunteer alerts, offer housing for people and pets who are displaced, provide child care services, and donate food and supplies. Lend a helping hand. https://www.laworks.com/2025fires |
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Donation Drive & Distribution at Pasadena City College |
Dear PUSD Community,
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from PUSD families, partners, and fellow educational leaders who have stepped forward to help in this crisis.
Pasadena Unified, Pasadena City College (PCC), YMCA, and Young 9 Foundation have organized a donation and distribution center to help support families affected by the fires. This Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 2025, donations will be accepted and distributed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College (1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106).
Donation drop-off is at PCC Parking Lot 4 off of Del Mar Boulevard.
Distribution pickup is at PCC Parking Lot 3 off of Hill Street.
The following donated items will be accepted and distributed:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Warm outerwear
- Blankets
- Diapers
- New undergarments, including underwear and socks
- Bottled water
- Reusable and disposable bags
Your generosity and solidarity are a testament to the power of “us” in PUSD. Thank you and please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D.
Superintendent |
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Grab & Go Meals for PUSD Students |
Dear PUSD Community,
Your well-being and safety remain at the forefront of our decisions during this challenging time.
Starting Friday, January 10, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) program will provide an opportunity for all families to drive through and pick up meals for the children in their family at 3 of our school sites.
The following schools will provide (2) meals, breakfast and lunch, for each student. Meals will be available for pick up between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, in the parking lot or bus lane at each participating school. Please stay in your car and meals will be passed to your car.
School Hubs Offering Meals District-wide:
McKinley School
325 S. Oak Knoll Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Madison Elementary
515 Ashtabula St.
Pasadena, CA 91104
Field Elementary
3600 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
This program will be solely for the pick-up of meals and meals may not be consumed on site.
Please know we are here to support you and your family and we will continue to share resources as the information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent
Elizabeth Powell, Food and Nutrition Services Director |
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