May 13, 2026 Library Updates/Resources for Our Community

EVENTS

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Do you have Altadena-specific news or fire resources to share? Email news@altadenalibrary.org to submit.

Direct Cash Grant Applications for Altadena Renters Now Open

CJWLA, in partnership with survivor-led Altadena Tenants Union, the Altadena Community Land Trust, and nearly a dozen community partners, have joined together to launch a first-of-its-kind, long-term direct cash assistance program to support specific households directly impacted by the Eaton Fire.

Direct Cash for Altadena Fire Recovery provides meaningful, sustained support to vulnerable, renter households.

The program will provide direct cash support to selected participants on a monthly schedule with no restrictions on use of funds. In addition to financial assistance, participants will have access to optional supportive services aimed at strengthening long-term recovery.

To be eligible for the program, you must meet all the following eligibility requirements:

Have been a tenant in Altadena on January 7, 2025
Currently residing in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, or San Bernardino County
Have a combined household income less than or equal to HUD’s low-income threshold in your county. View HUD guidelines for your county here: Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County
Be the primary financial supporter of a household (e.g. single parent or primary adult earner) responsible for supporting dependents of any age
Not currently enrolled in another guaranteed income program

All eligible applicants will be entered into a selection pool, from which 30 households will be randomly selected to join the program. Selected participants will receive $36,000 over 24 months. As funding becomes available, we intend to expand the pool of recipients.

To learn about eligibility, how to apply, and sign up for information sessions about this program, go to https://www.ncjwla.org/resources/direct-cash-for-altadena-fire-recovery

FEMA Deadline July 9, 2026

Free Legal Support to Help with FEMA Appeals

If you are experiencing:

FEMA denials
Running out (or close to running out) of ALE (Additional Living Expenses)
Confusion about your FEMA case

You have the right to appeal FEMA decisions (deadline: July 9, 2026). Stay in contact with FEMA every 30 days to keep your case active. If your ALE is ending, you may now qualify for FEMA Rental Assistance.

If you need free legal support to help with your appeal, contact:

Neighborhood Legal Services (NLSLA): https://nlsla.org/
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): https://lafla.org/ or call 800-399-4529 if you need legal assistance with your FEMA appeal, rental housing issues, or insurance coverage disputes.

Experience the Hollywood Bowl for Just $1

TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY, MAY 14 at 10am

This summer, the LA Phil is offering expanded $1 tickets to select classical and non-classical concerts at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Seats are located in bench sections L-U, with a limit of four (4) tickets per household.

Here is a list of the shows which have a limited number of $1 tickets available.

These $1 tickets are available to purchase on: MAY 14, 2026, AT 10AM

Access your registered HOLLYWOODBOWL.COM account OR create one at: https://my.hollywoodbowl.com/en/account/register

Then on visit hollywoodbowl.com/1dollar and use SD5 PROMO CODE: DOLLARD5

During the ticket purchase process, you can add a round-trip Park & Ride, Shuttle, or Metro ticket. For additional information on transportation options, visit our Getting Here page.

12 Months of Mortgage Assistance Available to California Homeowners Impacted by State Disasters

The state's CalAssist Mortgage Fund is now covering up to 12 months of mortgage payments to provide support for families who are still recovering from California disasters like the Los Angeles fires.

The program also increased its income limits to provide more homeowners access to more mortgage relief through grant awards that never have to be paid back. Regardless of the status of your mortgage, homeowners are encouraged to apply.

Homeowners may be eligible if:

Primary residence is destroyed or severely damaged due to a qualified disaster from Jan. 2023-Jan. 2025  
Applicants meet the program's newly increased income limits 
The damaged property is a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to 4 units) and the owners' only residential property

 
Funds are limited, so apply online today at CalAssistMortgageFund.Org  
It is free to apply and applications will be reviewed in the order received. 
 
Need help? 
In-depth, one-on-one assistance with preparing and completing an application is available at 800-501-0019 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

WILDFIRE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF LA COUNTY

NHS of LA County and Restore the Legacy LA Coalition (RLA) have programs and resources available for wildfire survivors. As the local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we provide technical assistance and financial support to rebuild homes, small businesses, and the community.

We offer financial counseling, case management and “gap funding” to help you rebuild. We provide:

Grants and affordable loans for interim housing (ADUs, RVs, or tenant rental assistance). Current grants for ADUs are up to $15,000.
Grants and affordable loans for rebuilding or repairing your home up to $250,000.
Grants for potential new homebuyers for up to $50,000.
Construction Project Management services, including architects and a network of trusted contractors.
Mission-driven real estate services for home buyers and sellers
FREE estate planning for wildfire survivors is covered through our Legacy Project.
We also provide counseling to apply for the CalAssist Mortgage Program. Book an appointment today or complete an intake form to get started.
Come see us at The Collaboratory, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

RESOURCE TO HELP AVOID CONTRACTOR SCAMS

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Winston & Strawn LLP have created a comprehensive guide to help disaster survivors safely hire contractors, review rebuild contracts, and avoid construction scams.

Reach Out WorldWide Provides Essential Items to Eaton Fire Survivors

Reach Out WorldWide (in partnership with the American Red Cross) is still actively operating and has relocated to Glendale. We continue to support survivors with a wide range of essential items, including cleaning supplies, toiletries, clothing, shoes, home goods, kitchen and cooking items, textiles, furniture, and other everyday necessities.

Register for aid here

Request a FREE Tree Assessment

Scan the QR code or click here.

Pacific Community Ventures' RESTORE LA Fund for Micro & Small Business Recovery & Climate Resilience

This $3 million fund offerd 3%, no-fee loans of up to $100,000 to small businesses who have experienced revenue declines due to the 2025 LA wildfires.

Apply here: https://www.pacificcommunityventures.org/get-a-loan/restore-la-fund/

BuildNotes.LA – Wholesale Marketplace for Wildfire Rebuild

BuildNotes.LA is a wholesale marketplace supporting the LA wildfire rebuild. It helps homeowners access building materials and products at more transparent, wholesale pricing during the reconstruction process.

If you are planning to purchase materials and products for your home after you’ve already signed your construction contract, consider including an allowances section in your contract. This can help ensure that any cost savings from material pricing are passed directly back to you, rather than being absorbed by your builder.

https://www.buildnotes.la/

Free Mental Health Support for Those Affected by the Wildfires

Anyone impacted by the SoCal Wildfires can receive up to six free therapy sessions—no insurance required. Counseling is available for children, teens, families, and adults. Our services are designed to support emotional healing and help you build healthy coping skills as you move forward. Support groups and other specialized services are also available.

Call 424-362-2935, scan the QR code or click here.

You’re Invited:Parent Listening Sessions

Early Edge California invites parents of young children (birth to age 5) to participate in a virtual Zoom listening session to share their experiences with early learning and care programs in California. These conversations will help inform policies and practices that support young children, families, and early educators across the state. Families from all cultural, linguistic, and community backgrounds are encouraged to participate.

Participating parents will receive a $75 stipend to recognize their time and expertise.

Interested in participating? Scan the QR code or complete the interest form: https://forms.gle/hpaaXQYKfhczyJfYA

Calling All Queer Artists

Submissions wanted for queer-centered art zine

REQUIREMENTS:

All submissions must be sent to the QR code on the right
If included, artists will receive financial compensation
Pieces must be appropriate for an intended audience under 18
Contact information must be provided in case editorial team needs to follow up*
*You are allowed to provide a burner email if you wish to remain anonymous.

Scan the QR code or click here.

SBDC Altadena Small Business Office Hours

Tuesday & Thursday, 12-4pm

The Creative Space, 409 Woodbury, Altadena

Scan the QR code or make an appointment at https://calendly.com/pasadenasbdc/pasadena-sbdc-altadena-office-hours

May 2026 Is Bike Month!

EXPERIENCE YOUR COMMUNITY ON TWO WHEELS!

Family Fun Day and Family Ride on Saturday, May 23, La Pintoresca Park, 45 E. Washington Blvd., 8:30 to 10 a.m.:

Kick off the annual Family Fun Day at La Pintoresca and enjoy a short, casual neighborhood roll with neighbors and friends.

Family Bike Festival on Saturday, May 30, Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.,10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Celebrate biking at this family-friendly festival featuring a bike safety check, bike and helmet decorating, a short family ride and activities for all ages.

RSVP for select events at Bit.ly/PasadenaBikeMonth

Youth Soccer for Every Child – Register Now for Fall 2026

AYSO Region 13 invites you to join in the fall youth soccer season! AYSO values positive coaching, good sportsmanship, and development over winning. Whether your child is completely new to team sports, or has been playing soccer for a few years, register now, and you'll be on the team.

Everyone plays in AYSO, and Region 13 has a pay-what-you-can policy, so you can name your own price, on the honor system. This works because parents (that's you) are the coaches and referees. Even if you're completely new to soccer, AYSO will teach you everything you need to know to get started. Soccer begins in September. Games are played in LC and Pasadena.

👉 Learn more and sign up at https://ayso13.org

If you are displaced from Altadena, want to play soccer near you, and the cost is an obstacle, write to registrar@ayso13.org and we'll help make it happen.

EVENTS

Free Disaster Legal Assistance Clinic
Thursday, May 14 & 28 • 12:30-4p.m.
The Hub, 2333 Lake Ave, Suite 2A, Altadena,

Appointments are recommended. You can participate in person or by phone.

To schedule an appointment please call the hotline 1-800-433-6251 or apply online: nlsla.org

Tax Relief for Disaster Survivors
Thursday, May 14 • 6-7:30pm

Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Federal and State tax disaster rules
Casualty loss deductions
Tax free disaster relief
Relief programs for victims
Free consultations and services for low-income taxpayer

https://altadena100.youcanbook.me/?jumpDate=2026-05-14&i=itt_ec3335b7-fddc-43ac-bb87-2f343d6d1f74

Getting Every Property Tax Break You're Owed With LA County Assessor Jeff Prang
Thursday, May 14 • 7-8pm on Zoom

Get Every Property Tax Break You Deserve with LA County Assessor Jeff Prang
• Lower your property taxes through Misfortune & Calamity claims
• Understand the 4-year tax deferral means for survivors
• What if you move, rebuild bigger, or already paid

Bring your questions for live Q&A

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xb6JPylUSLeDzJpiBRFYBg#/registration

Rising Together: Mental Wellness and Health Fair
Saturday, May 16 • 9am-12pm
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1879 Lake Ave.

Mental wellness, community workshops, physical wellness & mutual aid.

Side Street Projects: Simple Layers Easy Registration Printmaking
Saturday, May 16 • 10am-12pm

Altadena Location (shared when registered)

This event is FREE and open to all ages. All skill levels are welcome. Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event.

Community Focus Group – Imagining Housing for All in Altadena
Saturday, May 16 • 11am-1pm
The Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury

Enterprise Community Partners invites you to join an in-person community focus group on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM dedicated to exploring housing affordability options as part of ongoing rebuilding efforts.

This focus group will bring together nonprofit partners, community leaders, residents, and other key stakeholders to explore rental housing and urban design ideas. The discussion will focus on ways to support a renewed and resilient Altadena that incorporates the variety of residents who were displaced.

The insights shared will help shape Enterprise’s local and state policy work, alongside capital and investment strategies aligned with broader disaster recovery and rebuilding initiatives. This event is in collaboration with the Eaton Fire Collaborative.

IN-PERSON Community Focus Group – Imagining Housing for All in Altadena
WHO: Community and nonprofit leaders, residents (renters and homeowners) impacted by the January 2025 wildfires, and stakeholders working on wildfire recovery efforts related to rebuilding
WHEN: Saturday, May 16th, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE: Eaton Fire Collaboratory Space, 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001

RSVP HERE

Coffee, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. Community resources and support for impacted residents will also be available onsite.

Memories of Heart Mountain
Saturday, May 16 • 1-3 p.m.
Altadena Community Center, 730 E Altadena Dr.

Hear Sam Mihara discuss his family’s experience in American concentration camps during World War II.

Rhythms of the Village Presents: Village SpringFest
Saturday, May 16 • 1-7pm

John Muir High School

Choosing After School Care Virtual Parent Workshop
Wednesday, May 20, 2026

6-7pm on Zoom

Discover after school programs for the 2026-2027 school year. Learn about local care options directly from program experts. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Join the meeting at bit.ly/25afterschool

United Policyholders Workshop: Avoiding & Solving Problems During a Post-Wildfire Rebuild
Thursday, May 21 • 5pm on Zoom

This webinar covers: your rebuild budget and plan; rebuilding a resilient, insurable home; selecting and working with a builder Insurance payments; mortgage company role; construction quality control; and avoiding scams, delays and disputes.

Register here.

Little Free Libraries Altadena Book Fair
Saturday, May 23, 2026

8:30am-11am

Fair Oaks Burger, 2560 N. Fair Oaks

8:30-11am: Book donations accepted

9-11am: Free new and used books for those affected by the fires

Scan the QR code if you are a LFL volunteer.

Golden Poppy Awars & Garden Party
Sunday, May 24 • 2-4:30 PM

280 Crosby Street, Altadena

Tickets $30, available here

YWCA Glendale and Pasadena Centennial Gala
Friday, May 29, 2026

6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

La Cañada Flintridge Country Club

For 100 years, YWCA Glendale and Pasadena has stood with women, survivors, and families across our community. Join us as we recognize past Heart & Excellence and Women for Racial Justice honorees who supported our work.

Sponsorship opportunities are available | Individual tickets: $200 here

Altadena Rotary Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 30 • 8-10:30am

Grocery Outlet Altadena

Creative Workers Rising: Resource Fair for Fire-Impacted

May 30 • 10am-5pm

Eaton Fire Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

FEMA APPEALS CLINIC: ALTADENA

Sunday, May 31 • 1:30-4pm

The Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

If you applied for disaster relief from FEMA and disagree with their decision, you have the right to appeal. Register for our clinic.

From Rails to Trails: Echo Mountain by Arist Austin Scott & 80+ Volunteers

Sunday, May 31 • 4-6pm

On the Altadena Crest Trail East of Canon Blvd.

Free Ending Well Workshops

Starts Monday, June 1 on Zoom

To register, e-mail to endingwellclass@gmail.com

Friends of the Altadena Library Annual Meeting with Paradise Mayor Steve Crowder

Tuesday, June 2 • 6-7:30pm

Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena

Space limited and registration required. Scan the QR code or sign up here. You can also submit questions or topics you'd like him to address in the form by May 29.

SAVE THE DATE

Altadena Community Center Open House

Saturday, June 6 • 12-4pm

730 E. Altadena Dr, Altadena

Camp Altadena Library Summer Kickoff Event

Saturday, June 6 • 1-4pm

Bob Lucas Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave, Altadena

Sign up for our Summer challenge. Make friendship bracelets & bag charms, button making, food crafts, plant a seed, and READ TO A TINY HORSE (1-3pm only).

FEMA Appeals Clinic

Tuesday, June 9 • 3-6pm on Zoom

Get support navigating your FEMA appeal, understand your rights in the process, and legal consultations. Deadline to appeal is July 9, 2026. Register here for the next session.