2026 05 14 Newsletters from Altagether

AltaGether Neighborhood Newletter
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Neighborhood Captain Newsletter

LA FIRE RECOVERY REPORT
The latest Community Voices: LA Fire Recovery Report from the Department of Angels, based on input from 2,000 survivors, finds that financial strain is now the defining barrier to recovery. As costs rise and coverage runs out, families are taking on debt just to stay afloat, and confidence in long-term recovery is beginning to erode. Key findings include:

  • 2 in 3 survivors are still displaced.

  • Nearly half of survivors have lost or will soon lose displacement coverage, leaving many without a clear next step.

  • 40% say they could afford temporary housing for six months or less once coverage ends.

  • Rebuilding gaps are steep, with homeowners facing an estimated $500,000–$600,000 shortfall between insurance and rebuilding costs.

  • Almost half have already run out of savings or taken on debt. Of those who have taken on debt, the median is just over $100,000.

  • 4 in 10 survivors still have open insurance claims, and only 10% say they have experienced an improvement in issues.

  • 1 in 5 survivors is uncertain if they will rebuild.

  • SB 254: EATON FIRE ADVOCACY IN SACRAMENTO
    This week Joy Chen of Every Fire Survivors Network testified against the California Earthquake Authority’s SB 254 in Sacramento.

    • Via Consumer Watchdog: Insurance companies, public entities, consumer groups and trial lawyers also oppose the limited liability recommendations in the study because they prevent recovery for victims, policyholders, and governmental entities when utilities start wildfires.

  • ALTADENA WATER MUTUALS INFO SHEET
    Understand our three water mutual companies, geographical boundaries, damages due to the fire, current rates, property owners roles as shareholders, and the issues we all should address with each water mutual as a community moving forward.

    • Info Sheet prepared by Altagether’s Advocacy Working Group

  • BARGER & DENSITY
    Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s amendment to help preserve the quality of life of residents where new housing will be built passed 3-2. The amendment reflects the Supervisor’s determination to retain some of the County’s existing density bonus caps, rather than adopting proposed higher density bonus percentages.

  • LA COUNT 2026 ADU ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
    Via LA County Planning: As California’s housing laws continue to evolve, LA County Planning is updating the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to keep regulations current. View the 2026 draft. This update implements State-granted authority to limit ADUs on certain subdivided lots, clarifies permitting pathways, and refines related development standards.

    • Proposed Updates Include:
      • Managing Density on Subdivided Lots: Limiting development on parcels created through SB 9 (2021) and SB 1123 (2024). On SB 9 urban lot splits, development is capped at two total dwelling units per parcel; on SB 1123 subdivisions, ADUs and JADUs are prohibited.
      • Clarifying Permitting Pathways: Distinguishing County ADU allowances from State-exempt units to make the permitting process more predictable. This update aligns with guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
      • Technical Clarifications: Refining the definition of publicly dedicated open space to better protect natural resources, and clarifying development standards for State-exempt detached ADUs on multi-family lots.
    • Public Informational Webinar: Join Regional Planning staff for a presentation covering the proposed changes, followed by a Q&A session.

  • ELIOT ARTS MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL TOWER
    At the May 6 Altadena Town Council Meeting, Pasadena Unified School District suggested demolishing the tower at Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School. Notably, PUSD board member Jennifer Hall Lee stated the board was not part of the decision, adding: “I personally believe we’re going to rebuild and reimagine it.” Sign Altadena Heritage’s petition for transparent review.

  • SCE PROTEST
    On May 9, survivors organized by My Tribe Rise and Dena Rise Up Coalition rallied outside SCE’s Altadena hub demanding Edison advance $200,000 per displaced household in upfront housing relief.

  • STATE FARM BEING SUED
    The CDI announced legal action against State Farm on May 5 following an 11-month examination, citing 398 claims-handling violations with potential penalties of $5,000–$10,000 per violation.

  • FEMA EXTENSION REQUEST
    Newsom has formally requested a 12-month extension of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program through July 2027, as nearly 29,500 households remain navigating insurance claims. The request also calls out $732 million in already-approved federal Public Assistance funding that remains stalled awaiting DHS sign-off.

  • MAJORITY OF RENTAL UNITS SHOW NO REBUILDING PROGRESS
    A February UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute brief found that nearly three-quarters of rental units inside the Eaton Fire perimeter show zero public records of permits, sales, or listings one year out — underscoring the displacement threat facing Altadena renters.

  • CONTAMINATION TESTIGN BILL HEADS TO APPROPRIATIONS Assemblymember Harabedian’s AB 1642, sponsored by Eaton Fire Residents United, would establish California’s first science-based standards for interior ash and soil contamination testing by July 2027. Add your support.

Opportunities & Deadlines

Events

**Tax Relief for Disaster Victims ** Register

Learn about federal and state tax disaster rules, casualty loss deductions, tax free disaster relief, and more from a Low Income Tax Clinic Managing Attorney

  • Thursday, May 14 @ 6-7:30 pm @ Altadena Community Center

Get Every Property Tax Break You Deserve Register

Information on Altadena property taxes with LA County Assessor Jeff Prang

  • Thursday, May 14 @ 7-8pm Zoom

Reimagine Charles White Park Play Area FINAL Community Workshop

Kounkuey Design Initiative wants to hear your thoughts on in-progress designs! All ages are welcome, lunch will be provided while supplies last, and no registration is required.

  • Saturday, May 16 @ 11-1 pm @ Fair Oaks Burger

Free Screening of “Going for Home”

Central Altadena’s Little League is at the center of this documentary from Academy Award-winning director Eric Simonson. You gotta see how it ends.

  • Saturday, May 16 @ 7:30 pm @ Loma Alta Park

Become an Ecotoner: Walk and Talk with Neighbors RSVP required

Explore how to read the land after fire and how water, soil, and regenerative design can support safer, more resilient rebuilding. Free Limited spots

  • Sunday, May 17 at 8:30 am

**Free 4-Week Virtual Somatic Healing for Fire Survivors ** Check Availability

Virtual series of somatic therapy techniques and movement exercises for vagus nerve stimulation.

  • Sunday, May 17: Coming home to the body;introduction to somatic awareness
  • Sunday, May 24: Understanding your nervous system.
  • Sunday, May 31: Releasing what the body holds.

Altadena Town Council Monthly Meeting

The main monthly meeting covering public safety reports, post-fire construction hours, and Eaton Fire Recovery Fund updates.

  • Tuesday, May 19 @ 7 pm @ Altadena Community Center & Live Streamed

Avoiding & Solving Problems During a Post-Wildfire Rebuild by **United Policyholders ** Register

  • Thursday May 21 @ 5 pm Zoom

**LA County 2026 ADU Ordinance Discussion ** Register for Zoom

Join Regional Planning staff for a presentation and Q&A covering the 2026 draft’s proposed changes.

  • Thursday, May 21, 2026 @ 6-7 pm

**Who Gets to Come Back? Tenants and the Future of Altadena after the Eaton Fire ** Register

Altadena Tenants Union and UCLA LAtion Policy and Politics Institute discuss clear next steps to prevent permanent displacement and secure an affordable, community-driven recovery for everyone in Altadena

  • Thursday, May 21 @ 6:30 pm Zoom

**Webinar on Incorporating Fire-Resistance Standards ** Register for Zoom

Hosted by the Center by Lendtrist and Enterprise Community

  • Saturday, May 23 @ 12-1:30

**Wellness and Recovery Series hosted by the Altadena Talks Foundation ** Register

This is the kickoff event, with more events on June 13, July 18, Aug 15, and Sept 19.

  • Saturday, May 23 @ 11-6 pm @ Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 719 (455 Woodbury)

Little Free Libraries Altadena Book Fair

Donate and pick up free books to refresh Altadena’s Little Free Libraries. New book donations from Red Hen Press.

  • Saturday, May 23 @ 8:30-11 am @ Fair Oaks Burger

**Altadena Heals - A Walking Music and Arts Installation ** More Info

**Altadena Heritage 2026 Golden Poppy Awards & Garden Party ** $30 Ticket

Altadena Heritage reveals this year’s winning gardens and yards. Classic car showcase, phone photo contest, food, drinks, and live entertainment.

**Altadena Dining Club @ The Italian Deli Company ** Facebook Event

The dining club returns after Memorial Day!

Journaling Group by Eaton Fire Survivors hosted by Medical Mission Adventures

  • Tuesdays (May 26, June 9, June 23) @ 7-8:30 pm @ The Collaboratory

**Webinar on Supporting Senior Homeowners ** Register

Hosted by the Center by Lendtrist and Enterprise Community

  • Wednesday, May 27 @ 12-1:30 Zoom

**Creative Workers Rising ** Register

The Arts & Culture Coalition of Altadena’s (ACCA) resource fair is for Eaton Fire-impacted creatives. Learn about funding, housing, legal aid, and other forms of assistance, while connecting with artists, musicians, dancers, writers and other creative workers.

  • Saturday, May 30, from 10-5 pm @ the Collaboratory

**From Rails to Trails: Echo Mountain Mural Unveiling and Dedication by Austin Scott ** RSVP

  • Sunday May 31 @ 4-6pm on the Altadena Crest Trail East of Canon Blvd

Surveys

Mapping Resident Perceptions of Community Change in Aftermath of Eaton Wildfire: How social capital fuels recovery, a study from a Northeastern University student. 5-minute qualifying survey. If eligible, 30-minute interview.

Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Recovery Survey, covering financial challenges, housing, and needs

Community & Financial Resources

Log into buildnotes.la for an evolving list of resilient materials aligned with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, The Resiliency Company, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, and the Foothill Catalog.

Weed Abatement & Brush Clearance Assistance

Altadena Green assembled a List of Recommended Trees spanning small, medium, and large. Apply for free spring tree assessment in West Altadena.

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

LA County’s Recover Local Buy A Gift Card And Get A 50% Bonus Gift Card For Free!

The Step Up Fund is giving $2,500 to fire survivors who face eviction.

Union Station Housing Assistance helps Eaton Fire survivors covering security deposits, rent, motel vouchers, and essential furnishings.

Free Wellbeing Support Available for Residents Impacted by Wildfires, from the LA County Department of Mental Health. Individual and family counseling, support groups, wellness activities, and case management. Monday-Friday 9-6 pm @ the Collaboratory

Mental health support ( 6 free sessions) from Did Hirsch for anyone impacted by the SoCal wildfires.

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund Reopened and provides up to $100,000 in non-repayable mortgage assistance, covering up to 12 months of payments. Income limits are now up to $281,400 in LA County.

Disaster Case Management provides household support and is available through multiple organizations:

The LA County Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station’s Construction Check Program provides free, regular courtesy checks during the rebuilding process. Email altadenahomecheck@lasd.org with yours and your contractor’s contact info.

Explore interactive maps of rebuilding with the LA County immersive GIS visualizations

In-Person Locations & Resources

Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Collaboratory

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