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/

 

SCE Updates Compensation Protocols

Updates include:
Claimants represented by counsel at the time they submit a claim will now be compensated for 20% of net damages in a settlement offer to apply toward legal expenses.
Settlement offers for tenants will now cover up to three months of housing assistance at the higher of actual pre-fire rental rates or monthly fair rental value.
 
To read SCE's full release, go to https://newsroom.edison.com/releases/southern-california-edison-strengthens-support-for-impacted-altadena-community-members
 
To read SCE's full recovery compensation protocol, click here

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. 

 

Questions? Email stepfund@betterangels.la or call 310-363-0579

 

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.

 

CalAssist Mortgage Fund Reopened

• Provides up to $100,000 in non-repayable mortgage assistance, covering up to 12 months of payments.
• Now features higher income limits (up to $281,400 in LA County) to help more disaster survivors qualify.
• Applicants are selected on a first come first serve basis.

For more information, click here.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles – Accelerator Fund

• Up to $10,000 per household
• Direct grant (does NOT need to be repaid)
• Funds paid directly to vendors/contractors

Can cover:
Insurance deductibles, smoke/soil remediation, contractor deposits, permitting fees, tree removal, and more.
 
Income eligibility:
Up to 120% of Area Median Income
Example: $127,200 (single), $180,800 (family of 4)
 
Apply: Accelerator Fund Screening: Application Form

Recording of ACONA Feb. 24 Meeting

For those who missed the last ACONA meeting with Altadena's utility providers, view the recording here.

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

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

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

ABBF is directing a $500,000 grant to The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF) to move Eaton Fire survivors into the rebuilding phase faster

The Foothill Catalog Foundation has received a $500,000 grant from the Altadena Builds Back Foundation to help Eaton Fire survivors rebuild their homes and return to their community. This generous investment will help Eaton Fire survivors streamline their rebuild process and ensure that under-resourced families are able to return to, and remain in, the communities they call home.

 

ABBF’s grant enables Foothill Catalog to expand access to our preapproved home designs, which can reduce pre-construction costs by up to 95% and significantly shortens the rebuilding timelines. These designs not only help families move forward more quickly, but also play an important role in preserving Altadena’s architectural identity and cultural heritage as the community rebuilds.

 

To learn more about The Foothill Catalog Foundation and view available home designs, please visit: https://www.foothillcatalog.org/the-catalog/altadena

Curiosity Connection Vol. 2 is out in Altadena
Every Tuesday and Thursday

 

EVENTS

 

Rental Assistance Clinic for Renters and Homeowners 

Thursday, March 5 • 10:30am – 1:30pm
Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

Join us for TV Lunch — a free in-person event where you can have lunch with your neighbors, meet with legal advocates, and get real answers about the new LA Rental Assistance program.

 

At this event you can:
• Meet one-on-one with a legal advocate from the Legal Aid Foundation of LA
• Learn about rental assistance available to both tenants AND homeowners
• Get your Recovery Plan from a Disaster Case Manager
• Connect with neighbors and get the latest recovery resources

 

Essential Tax Info for Survivors: Webinar 2 (Live Q&A)

Thursday, March 5 • 6-7pm
On Zoom

Were you one of the 1,000 survivors who joined our first tax webinar with CPA John Trapani and left with more questions? One of the 700 who couldn’t get in due to room capacity? Or someone who heard how incredibly useful it was and wanted in for yourself? 

Good news: John is back. Tax deadlines are approaching. 

Small errors now can cost thousands later. 

John is back for a focused, live Q&A designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions before you file. 

This session builds directly on Webinar 1. Please watch (or rewatch) the first session before attending so you can make the most of this time. 

We will organize the Q&A into these key areas: 

• Tenants 

• Partial-loss homeowners including smoke damage 

• Total-loss homeowners 

• Condo owners 

• Small-business owners 

Come prepared. Get clarity. Protect your recovery. 

Watch Webinar 1, review slides and transcript here: https://www.efsurvivors.net/expert-resources

 

Submit your questions by 3:00pm on Thursday: https://docs.google.com/forms

 

Register for Thursday’s event now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0r64UHZgTEWliEt8sgYvUA#/

Thrive Food Bank Free Farmers Market-Pasadena

Fridays in March • 4:30-6:30pm

3541 Brandon St., Pasadena

AAM Cosmic Bash Gala

Friday, March 6 • 6-10pm
409 Woodbury, Altadena

We're setting a course to the stars for Cosmic Bash, Annual Fund's spring gala fundraiser.

 

This year's event will be held Friday, March 6 from 6-10pm at 409 Woodbury in Altadena, and is open to the general public so invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Please note that this is a grown-ups only event, but low-cost childcare is available through the Boys & Girls Club for attendees.

 

Your ticket will include a buffet dinner from Tacos Casa, as well as beer, wine, and other beverages. Music is being provided by DJ DadRoq, and the first 25 registered patrons will receive custom natal star charts from Blue Star Guidance. We'll also have an amazing raffle on-site, in addition to an online auction featuring amazing items from Chappell Roan, Walk Your Plans, Gibson Guitars, and so many other stellar donors.

 

Thanks to a generous grant from the Altadena Rotary, this year's event will be cheaper than ever, too. Tickets—which include all your food and drink—are just $30.

EATON WILDFIRE TOWN HALL MEETING with Attorneys and the Legal Community: 

Saturday, March 7 • 10am-12pm
First AME Church Pasadena, 1700 N. Raymond Ave.

• Making an Informed Decision: Should I Accept or NOT Accept the Edison Compensation Package?
• Protecting Your Benefits & Avoiding UnintendedConsequences
• Understanding Your Legal Contract with Your Attorney
— What You Need to Know with Attorneys & the Legal Community

 

To RSVP, scan the QR code or click here.

Reimagine Charles White Park Play Area Community Workshop
Saturday, March 7 • 11am-1pm
Fair Oaks Burger, 2560 Fair Oaks Ave

My Tribe Rise Rebuild Summit: Rebuilding 101 Your Roadmap to Recovery
Saturday, March 7 • 11am-5pm
Alta Design Works, 409 E Woodbury Rd.

PUSD ScienceFest 2026
Saturday, March 7 • 12-4pm
John Muis Early College Magnet, Pasadena

Author Visit: Judy Campbell-Smith Reads "Baseball for Breakfast"

Saturday, March 7 • 2-3pm
Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park

Melodia Mariposa
Saturday, March 7 • 7pm
AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performance Art Center, 2495 E Mountain Street, Pasadena

In honor of March being Women's Month, Melodia Mariposa has created a world class, all female performance, featuring a program composed exclusively by female composers.

Program:
Clara Schumann - Piano Trio
Anna Drubich - Rain@5
Amy Beach - Piano Quintet
Musicians:
Bernadene Blaha - Piano 
Tereza Stanislav and Anna Landauer - Violin 
Alma Fernandez - Viola 
Giovanna Moraga Clayton - Cello

Tickets are free but reservations are required.

 

Foothill Catalog Open House
Sunday, March 8 • 1-4PM
The Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

Pasadena Village & Project Hope:
Hope & Healing Supper Club
Wednesdays, 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

Author Visit: Chogrin Reading "Kid del Toro"
Saturday, March 14 • 11:00am-12:00pm
Altadena Library at Loma Alta Park

Save the DATE! Mariposa Night 2

 Saturday, March 14 • 7pm

Meet at Unincorporate Coffee, 3045 Lincoln Ave.

Author Visit: Danielle McKechnie Reads "Otto Normal's Monsterton"
Sunday, March 15 • 2-3pm
Bob Lucas Memorial Library

Pasadena Village:Equip Youself, Fraud Prevention Lunch

Wednesday, March 18 • 10am

Collaboratory,  540 W. Woodbury Rd.

Scan the QR code or register at https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/events/4519-elder-fraud-prevention

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.

Altadena Poets Laureate: When We Gather, We Heal: Indigenous Voices in Poetry 
Saturday, March 28 • 2:00-4:00pm
Loma Alta Park Multipurpose Room (Gymnasium)
 3330 Sunset Ridge Rd

Featuring Kweku Abimbola, Tina Orduño Calderon, Megan Dorame, Briana Muñoz, Erin Marie Lynch, emerging poet Hana Abu Rayyan + Open Mic 
 
An afternoon with Indigenous poets who will share work that honors ancestral knowledge, lived experience, and the healing that comes from gathering in community. Hosted by Sehba Sarwar and Lester Graves Lennon

Supported by Friends of the Altadena Library, the Altadena Library Foundation, Octavia's Bookshelf, and Academy of American Poets.

Free Ending Well Workshop

Sessions start Monday, April 6

These 5 FREE one-hour sessions are presented in a Zoom format and limited to 10

participants. Checklists are provided, covering required documents, your digital world,

celebration of life, an ethical will, and more--a roadmap to guide your executor and

trustees through their responsibilities settling your affairs. No sales, no promotions.

Presenters are volunteers who provide information and support.

 

To register, email endingwellclass@gmail.com

 

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")

Altadena: Past, Present & Future Multi-Media History Contest (8th Grade History Project)

Due: April 24, 2026

For more information, scan the QR code or visit altadenahistoricalsociety.org

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. 

Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Summer Camp 

Registration Now Open

Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, creativity, and fun! For ages 5-18 

 

June 8 - July 2 

Members will enter a giant “game world.” From builders to explorers, every kid becomes a hero in their own creative universe.

 

SESSION 2: STORY BOOK QUEST: STEP INTO THE PAGE

July 6 - July 31 

Members will travel into legendary story worlds. Each week opens a new “chapter” where youth can write their own stories.