Tenants Can Now Apply Directly for Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief! 

Deadline: Wednesday, March 11 4:59 PM PST

Tenants with unpaid rent, including those impacted by the Eaton wildfire, are eligible to apply for LA County Emergency Rent Relief!

 

Application, interest form, and updated eligibility requirements for LA County Rent Relief Program at https://www.lacountyrentrelief.com/

 

USHS Eaton Fire Housing Assistance Program

Union Station Homeless Services is offering financial assistance for households that have been directly impacted by the Eaton Fire.

 

Assistance is available in various forms depending on the need of the household and ranges from one-time financial assistance (e.g. security deposit, rental payment, rental arrears, etc.), motel vouchers, or rental assistance for households that need more than one month of assistance while recovering from the devastation of the fire.

 

Application available at https://ushs.org/efhap

Better Angels Step Fund For Those Facing Eviction

STEP Fund applications are open for eligible low income residents of Los Angeles County who are facing eviction in the next 30 days due to a recent financial problem.

 

Eligibility and application available https://www.thestepfund.org/

FEMA Updates: Rental Assistance and Continued Temp Housing Assistance

Both Initial Rental Assistance and Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA) are still available to those who registered for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) before the March 30th deadline or who submitted a late registration due to extenuating circumstances.

Federal guidelines surrounding Duplication of Benefits apply to all forms of Individual Assistance under the FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP). Within the context of IHP, this means that financial assistance for housing needs—such as ALE/LOU or philanthropic funds—cannot overlap with federal assistance for the same purpose.

There are three general scenarios for survivors to obtain financial housing assistance under FEMA IHP at this point:

1. If a household did not receive Initial Rental Assistance from FEMA and instead used ALE/LOU for housing expenses, it may be eligible for Initial Rental Assistance. Importantly, the household must demonstrate that it has exhausted or is nearing exhaustion of ALE/LOU funds for a post-disaster housing accommodation. That household can then apply for Initial Rental Assistance, and they can possibly then qualify for CTHA after two months of Initial Rental Assistance.
2. If a household received and expended Initial Rental Assistance from FEMA and afterwards used ALE/LOU for housing expenses, it may be eligible for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. As in the first scenario, the household must demonstrate that it has exhausted or is nearing exhaustion of its ALE/LOU funds for a post-disaster housing accommodation.
3. If the household registered for FEMA Individual Assistance but has not yet applied for Initial Rental Assistance, that household may be eligible for Initial Rental Assistance and CTHA.

In all cases, survivors are strongly encouraged to reach out to the FEMA help line (800-621-3362) and speak with an agent about the nuances of their case if they have questions.

 

If FEMA denies a request for assistance, survivors are encouraged to go to this website for information on submitting an appeal. Relatedly, FEMA encourages applicants to register for a Disaster Case Manager through the State-administered Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP). The DCM can help the survivor navigate the recovery landscape and submit required documentation to secure FEMA assistance.

 

Bill & Linda James Scholarship Available

Deadline: March 31

All completed applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026 at 11:59PM PST. To be considered, completed applications must include all of the requirements outlined at

Altadena Women Can Apply for 2026 Suzanne Burger Scholarship

Deadline: Feb. 28

The Daz-E Shop is a 501(c)3 organization whose goal is to celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants and loans, and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. 

As a business operating in Altadena, we have seen and experienced firsthand the impacts of the January ’25 Eaton Fire, and as part of our re-opening celebration we are announcing ten $1,000 scholarships to Altadena students to be announced in late April and awarded in June.

 

To learn more about eligibility and fill out application, click here.

Scholarships for Imagine Preschool Available

Pacific Oaks College, in partnership with the Pasadena Community Foundation and Save the Children, has awarded funds to Imagine Preschool for tuition scholarships to Eaton Fire Victims. For more information and to apply, scan the QR code or visit https://www.imaginepreschool.org/eaton-fire-relief-scholarship-info

DENA Youth-Adult Partnership Network Opportunity

Applications Due: Feb. 18

Do you want your voice to be heard? Do you want to make a difference in your community but don’t know where to start? 

 

Do you want to get paid? We need your help!

 

 

Scan the QR code or visit, http://bit.ly/YEBapp26

A Sense of Home:
Free Furniture & Housewares for Families and Individuals Displaced by LA Wildfires

Volunteer to Help Neighbors Displaced by the Eaton Fire

Volunteer with A Sense of Home’s Disaster Recovery Program and help bring comfort and function to families displaced by the fires by designing and staging their new or remediated spaces. Choose an AM (10am-12:30pm) or PM (1pm-3:30pm) shift to work from our El Monte warehouse (near Altadena), where volunteers thoughtfully select and stage donated furniture and home goods to furnish living rooms and dining areas — all personalized to each family’s needs, taste, and layout. This is a hands-on, creative collaboration leading up to a reveal of the staged rooms. More information can be found at tiny.cc/drpinfo

Wildfire State of Emergency: Unlicensed Contractors & Contractor Fraud Will Be Prosecuted

Verify Contracting License or Report Fraud

 

EVENTS

 

Altadena Main Library Renovation 

Furniture/Book Sale

 Feb. 18-21 • 10am-3pm

Main Library, 600 E Mariposa

Eaton Fire Survivors Network: Wildfire Recovery and Taxes: What Survivors Need to Know

Wednesday, Feb. 18 • 7-8pm on Zoom

If you lost your home or were displaced by the Eaton, Palisades, or Malibu fires, you likely have tax questions.

 

This session will address common survivor questions, including:

•             Whether insurance proceeds are taxable, including ALE

•             Disaster-related tax exclusions at the federal and state level

•             Casualty loss versus involuntary conversion

•             Rebuilding versus purchasing replacement property

•             How capital gains exclusions may apply

•             Timing, extensions, audits, and how settlements can affect taxes

•             How decisions made now can quietly affect you years down the line

 

Join the Eaton Fire Survivors Network and Public Counsel, for a one-hour educational webinar focused on helping survivors understand what must be reported, what may be excluded, and how to avoid unintended tax consequences.

 

 

You can also watch the Zoom IN PERSON at the Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury. To join us for the in-person viewing session, register here:

 

Thursday, Feb. 19 • 12-1pm on Zoom

Register at https://bit.ly/FEB19DACA

Gentle & Supportive Yoga for Older Adults
Thursday, 2/19, 2pm
Washington Park Community House,
700 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103

This free, gentle yoga class is designed specifically for older adults to support strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. No prior yoga experience is needed. Free yoga/meditation mat for the first 20 adults who register whose homes were lost or damaged in the Eaton Fire. https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/events/4381

Vitality Parent Cafe

Thursday, Feb. 19 • 5-7:30pm 

Pacific Clinics Early Head Start, 136 W. Peoria St.

For parents and caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs. Scan the QR code or click here to register.

Bunny Museum Unwraps "Scanner:

Friday, Feb. 20 • 10m 

2605 Lake Avenue

Alta Arts Collective Community Canvas Project

Friday, Feb. 20 • 12-2pm 

Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

Lunar New Year Community Bike Ride
Saturday, February 21 • 9am
Meetup location: Around the Cycle, 1270 Lincoln Ave #1500, Pasadena, CA 91103

Join us for our second annual community bike ride through Pasadena and Altadena, led by Altadena Councilwoman, Dot Wong, and Lotus Word Nerd, Amanda Walgrove. Riders can choose between a 15-mile full ride or a 5-mile shorter, family friendly option.

The ride is free. Participants are invited to fundraise to support Lotus Rising LA’s wildfire recovery programs. 

 

For those who lost a bike in the fires, we can provide a rental free of charge. Please email hello@LotusRisingLA.org for assistance.

We will end at Panda Express in Altadena, where 20% of proceeds that day will be donated to Lotus Rising LA’s programs.

More information, sign up, and waiver: LotusRisingLA.org/LBR

Stronger Together: The Solution Summit

Saturday, Feb. 21 • 9am-4pm 

Pasadena Convention Center

 

Scan the QR code or register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stronger-together-a-solutions-summit-tickets-1970550420353?aff=oddtdtcreator

LA SOIL SUMMIT 

Saturday, Feb. 21 • 9:30am-4pm at Altadena Burn Site

Sunday, Feb. 22 • 2-6pm on Zoom

DATE: February 21st live in Altadena, 9:30am-4:00pm (veggie & vegan lunch included)

 

LOCATION: burn site address revealed upon registration, Altadena, CA 91001 (prior site of the Apodaca residence). You will park on Lake Ave, and it's a short walk with only space for handicap tagged vehicles to park. Rideshare is encouraged to save the carbon footprint.

FORMAT: Keynotes, panel discussions, table discussions, Q&A among attendees and panelists, demonstrations including testing of soil samples (bring your soil samples!!!), creation of biochar, and information tables for service providers. 

REGISTRATION: Help Us Serve Our Community Better We need your registration to maximize our impact for those rebuilding. Knowing who's attending helps us prepare materials, arrange seating, and ensure every attendee gets the resources they need. Please register today and encourage your colleagues, staff, and networks to do the same, each registration helps us better serve our neighbors who are hurting. Your expertise is the gift; your registration is the roadmap that helps us deliver it.

REGISTRATION LINK: 

Your registration & donation of $25.00 to help cover food and rental costs is appreciated, if you can afford it. No one will be turned away for lack of means. 

 

Day 1 Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1arqauug1cW3o3eedT3MptbTAvneWp25I/edit

 

Pasadena Black History Festival
Saturday, Feb. 21 • 10am-3pm
Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave

Pasadena Village: Free IT Cafe
Saturday, 2/21 • 10am to 12pm
Pasadena Village, 236 W Mountain St #113, Pasadena, CA 91103

Older adults are invited to get free 1:1 volunteer help with anything pertaining to their devices in English or Spanish. This can range from organizing files, learning how to use FaceTime, setting up a new phone or laptop, using accessibility features, to creating a secure password manager. Scan the QR code or register at  https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/events/4117 

Altadena Poets Laureate: To Submit or Not, and Where, and When with Lynne Thompson
Saturday, February 21 •  11am – 1pm
Loma Alta Park Mirror Room (Gymnasium)

This workshop will assist you in navigating the sometimes confusing world of literary submissions, primarily for single or groups of poems and, tangentially, chapbook or full-length poetry manuscripts. Tips and suggestions for maintaining and organizing your work for submission as well as resources to use to find appropriate submission sites will be offered, with some of the convener’s personal experiences added to the mix! 
 
There will be some discussion about giving readings and engaging in other activities as a way to tap into markets that could be receptive to publishing your poems. The session will be interactive and you will be encouraged to ask questions.
 
Supported by Friends of the Altadena Library, the Altadena Library Foundation, Octavia's Bookshelf, and Academy of American Poets.

Community Yoga Event for Altadena & Friends
Saturday, Feb. 21 • 12-1pm
Altadena Musicians Space, 1260 Lincoln Ave, Suite 1300, Pasadena

Out of the Ashes: A Journey of Resilience Through Jazz  Sunday, Feb. 22 • 4pm

The Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

Out of the Ashes is a moving and inspirational music program that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Presented by Clazzical Notes in a heartfelt partnership with Pasadena Village, this performance features the renowned Louis Van Taylor Jazz Quartet. Request a free ride when you register for this, or any Pasadena Village or recovery-related event, or email pablo@pasadenavillage.org and we will arrange an assisted or non-assisted ride at no cost to you.

 

Scan the QR code or register for the event at: https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/events/4354-out-of-the-ashes:-a-journey-of-resilience-through-jazz/event_participations/new

EFRU Speaker Event: Animals, Risk, and Responsibility in Natural Disasters, 
Monday, Feb. 23 • 7-8:30pm

on Zoom

EFRU will be hosting Dr. Leslie Irvine, Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Director of UCB’s Animals and Society Certificate Program, to speak to our community about pets and how to best mitigate their risk after a disaster. Join Dr. Irvine as she shares her research on animal welfare in disasters where she will discuss:

 

• What we know about animal welfare and vulnerabilities in disasters
• Pet loss and lessons learned from the Marshall Fire
• Policy and preparedness solutions and ideas for change

Register here for the event. 

ACONA Virtual Forum with Altadena's Utility Providers 
Hope & Healing Supper Club
Tuesday, Feb. 24 • 7:00-9:00 PM
on Zoom

Link to come later this week

Agenda:

7:00 PM: Welcome & Introduction
7:03 PM: Community Safety Update by Captain Marquez, Altadena Sheriff's Station (Construction Home Check Program)
7:10 PM: Presentation by SoCalGas
7:20 PM: Presentation by Southern California Edison (SCE)
7:30 PM: Presentation by Lincoln Avenue Water Company
7:50 PM: Moderated Q&A with Lincoln Avenue Water Company
8:00 PM: Presentation by Las Flores Water Company
8:20 PM: Moderated Q&A with Las Flores Water Company
8:30 PM: Presentation by Rubio Canyon Land & Water Company
8:50 PM: Moderated Q&A with Rubio Canyon Land & Water Company
9:00 PM: Meeting Concludes

 

 

Pasadena Village & Project Hope:
Hope & Healing Supper Club
Wednesdays, 2/25 , 3/11, 3/25 • 5:00 PM
Pasadena Village, 236 W Mountain St, #113, Pasadena, CA 91103

HOPE to Healing is an in-person, free wellness series with guided reflection, mindfulness, music, and storytelling with Project HOPE, followed by a complimentary dinner. Scan the QR code or sign up at
https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/events/index_list

Mental Health Strategies for Black Children & Families

 Thursday, Feb. 26 • 12:00-12:45pm

On Zoom

 

Scan the QR code or click here to register.

Volunteer for Chocolate Storytime

Friday, Feb. 27 • 8:30am

Mary W. Jackson STEAM Multilingual Magnet Elementary Library

Hands in the Soil Through the Fire Procession

Saturday, Feb. 28 • 9am

Altadena (register for details)

Altadena Main Library Renovation Groundbreaking Ceremony Saturday, Feb. 28 • 10am

Main Library Parking Lot

Extreme Weather Survivors Advocacy Summit 

 Saturday, Feb. 28 • 10-2pm

10a to 1p PT: National advocacy skills building
1 to 2p PT: California advocacy priorities and statewide planning
 
This summit will be in two parts.
If you join us for just one, come to our California session.
 
From 10a to 1p PT, My dear friend Chris Kocher, founder of the Everytown Survivor Network and co-founder of Extreme Weather Survivors, will lead three powerful hours of advocacy training.
 
• Power mapping
• Effective storytelling.
• How legislation actually moves.
• Interactive breakout rooms with survivors from disasters across the United States.
 
This is our chance to sharpen our skills and build alliances with disaster survivors across America who face many of the same challenges as us.
 
Then from 1 to 2p PT, Chris, Carmen, and I will walk through the 2026 California legislative landscape once the February 20 bill introduction deadline has passed and we have a clear view of what is moving forward.
 
We'll review the bills we're supporting, answer your questions, and map next steps together. This hour will bring together survivor groups across California to build coalition and kick off the legislative season.
 
If all this sounds super exciting, well it is! 
I'm excited to spend half a day with survivors, building a better America and a better California.
 
If you attend the full four-hour event, you'll even get a $35 digital gift certificate, courtesy of Extreme Weather Survivors.
 
Registration link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzVl8ESKVqZt942R5_DvVzxVezFsoBLph1pQd1kSsC-qgtqA/viewform?usp=dialog
 

Author Visit: Mirelle Ortega
Saturday, Feb. 28 • 1:00-2:00pm
Bob Lucas Library

Pura Belpre award honoree Mirelle Ortega joins Altadena Library to read her book "River of Mariposas," with a signing and book giveaway to follow. While supplies last. For Families.

Rooted in Us: Celebrating Black Writers 
and the Legacy of S. Pearl Sharp Reading + Open Mic
Saturday, February 28 • 2:00-4:00pm
Mirror Room (Gymnasium) at Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave.

Featuring Hazel Clayton Harrison, V. Kali, Dorothy Randall Gray, Lynne Thompson, Conney Williams, Beverly Lafontaine, Pam Ward, Muir High School emerging poets Micaela Collins and Mariah Tillman + Open Mic
​​​​​​​
Join us for an afternoon of poetry, remembrance, and celebration as we honor Black writers whose words have expanded the landscape of literature. Tonight, we also recognize the lasting influence of Pearl S. Hope, whose vision and dedication continue to guide and inspire. Hosted by Sehba Sarwar and Lester Graves Lennon.
 
This event will be livestreamed at youtube.com/ AltadenaLibrary.
 
Supported by Friends of the Altadena Library, the Altadena Library Foundation, Octavia's Bookshelf, and Academy of American Poets.

Save the DATE! Mariposa Night 2

 Saturday, March 14 • 7pm

Pasadena Playhouse Presents

Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North
March 21-29

39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

Created by visionary artist Hamid Rahmanian, this stunning multimedia production uses shadow puppetry and projected animation to reimagine the Persian epic Shahnameh. At its heart is Manijeh, a fierce heroine navigating a world of mythical beasts who must use all her strengths and talents to rescue her beloved, Bijan, from a perilous predicament. Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North is an epic love story with a cast of 483 handmade puppets and a talented ensemble of actors and puppeteers, all coming together to create powerful theater for young minds ready to explore heroism, heritage, and imaginative storytelling. Tickets available at https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/song-of-the-north/

YWCA of Glendale & Pasadena

CENTENNIAL RECEPTION
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • 4-6PM

735 E. Lexington Dr., Glendale, CA 91206

Save the date for YWCA of Glendale & Pasadena’s Centennial Reception. Join us for light refreshments and an afternoon of stories, reflection, and connection as we celebrate 100 years and look ahead to the next 100. Admission is free for all guests. Parking is available behind the building; entrance from Geneva street. Reception site.

Catalyzing Philanthropy, Vision & Action for Collective Impact

 Friday, April 10 • 1-7pm

You’re invited to participate in collaboration at the Social Enterprise Collective, hosted by The Social Impact Firm in partnership with Pepperdine University. This one-day, curated gathering brings together leaders from business, philanthropy, government, education, and community organizations who are actively shaping meaningful social impact. 

 

The people you want to work with on your next impact project will be in the room. The Collective is designed to foster real connection, bringing together decision-makers, practitioners, and partners ready to move ideas into action through cross-sector collaboration. We need all of us to create lasting change.

 

Through real-world case studies, mainstage conversations, and intentional dialogue, attendees will explore how strong partnerships accelerate impact, unlock opportunity, and create measurable change. Featured speakers and partners include leaders from the Gates Foundation, CNN, Rare Beauty, TikTok, Latinas in Beauty, the Office of LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, GoFundMe, Pasadena Community Foundation, Fender, Jess Weiner, Day One, the Eaton Fire Collaborative, Pepperdine University, and Paramount Studios.

 

If you’re looking to align with the right partners, gain practical insight, and build momentum for your work in 2026, this experience is designed for you. Attendance is intentionally capped to preserve a high-value, relationship-driven environment.

 

Tickets available at https://www.thesocialimpact.co/sec2026 (discount code: "community20")

Camp Woodcraft Family Camp

Saturday, April 24-Sunday, April 26

Get ready for an all-inclusive weekend of family fun in the pines of Big Bear Valley. Cozy family-share cabins with modern amenities, delicious meals, and a schedule full of nature and connection-without the stress of planning. From campfires under the stars to laid-back family time, it's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We handle the details so you can focus on making memories that last a lifetime.

 

FREE for families impacted by the SoCal wildfires.