Neighborhood Captain Newsletter
For Neighbors, by Neighborhood Captains
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Next Issue: June 11 • Content Deadline: June 9
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Recovery Updates
PLEASE VOTE!
Make a Plan to Vote: Election Day is Tuesday June 2, 2026
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Voters temporarily displaced by wildfires have options to submit a ballot.
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In-person votes information
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Find a Ballot Drop Box
GOVERNOR PROPOSES $100 MILLION REBUILD FUND
Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revise includes a $100 million Southern California Wildfire Rebuild Fund and is supported by Supervisor Barger.
LACOFD EVACUATION INVESTIGATION RELEASED
The Los Angeles County Fire Department released an independent Citygate Associates report investigating the critical overnight hours of January 7-8, 2025. The report concluded extreme weather and grounded aircraft caused chaotic overnight evacuations, finding no operational failure or bias.
ELIOT ARTS MAGNET TOWER
At the May 19 Altadena Town Council meeting, PUSD clarified no final decision has been made on the demolishing of the Eliot Arts tower. Environmental and structural reviews will examine saving the symbolic landmark.
- Nearly 2,500 signatures have been added to the Altadena Heritage Petition demanding transparency in the review process.
ALTADENA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 19
Included: an overview of the current state of SB9 building projects and the county’s position on SB9 and SB1123 from Anish Saraiya; a vote to support AB1642, the Wildfire Environmental Safety and Testing Act; Public Works: Street Sweeping Ordinance and Schedule changes; Public Safety: Emergency responder reports and survey review.
RALLY FOR REBUILD FUNDING
On May 19th, dozens of Eaton Fire survivors from Altadena and Pasadena rallied at the State Capitol, demanding immediate housing relief and unspent state disaster funds. Accompanied by local leaders, advocates pushed for critical legislative reforms (AB 1642, SB 1301, SB 878) to protect underinsured, displaced homeowners from permanent displacement.
LA COUNTY LAUNCHES DISASTER RECOVERY REBUILD AUTHORITY
The LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted May 19 to launch the Disaster Recovery Rebuild Authority — a new unified body housed in Public Works to oversee and accelerate rebuilding. Read more.
LA COUNTY’S NEW “SHOP LOCAL MARKETING LAB+” INITIATIVE
A free program to help Altadena businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire recover by building digital and in-person visibility and strengthening their customer base. Through June 8, 2026, eligible Altadena brick-and-mortars can enroll for individualized marketing. Services will continue through the summer of 2026. Led by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) with support from Google and SoCal Grantmakers, the Marketing Lab is currently ONLY available to Altadena small businesses.
Opportunities & Deadlines
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ENDING TOMORROW, Applications close May 29: The National Council of Jewish Women, the Altadena Tenants Union, and Altadena Community Land Trust are funding 30 households with $36,000 over 24 months. Eligibility includes being an Altadena tenant during the fire, currently living in LA/Riverside/San Bernardino County, meeting a low-income threshold, being primary financial support for dependents, and not being enrolled in another guaranteed income program.
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USDA Grants up to $32,420 for essential repairs, cleanup, and site preparation to homeowners in Altadena affected by the Eaton Fire (total budget is $3 million). Assistance is reserved for low-income households, but rural eligibility rules are waived. More info.
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AltadenaWILD’s Altadena Tree Stewards is the second phase of the ReGreen Altadena initiative. Commit to stewardship by attending two workshops and you can receive a free tree. Priority goes to standing homes with no active construction and properties completing construction this fall/winter.
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All-electric incentives, rebates, & grants could provide up to $26,900 (or more with an ADU or Passive House build) for building an all-electric home. These programs help pay for heat pumps, solar batteries, and induction stoves
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RISE Homes Program (Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric Homes)
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SoCal Edison Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program | DEADLINE November 30, 2026
Events
Semi-Annual Pancake Breakfast | Free
Sponsored by Altadena Rotary Club and benefitting the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team and Christmas Tree Lane Association. “Free” tickets available at the sheriff’s station, El Patron, or Grocery Outlet – or just show up!
- Saturday May 30 @ 8-10:30 am @ Grocery Outlet
Community Picnic at Loma Alta Park
Snack and beverages, youth activities, and mindfulness classes
- Saturday May 30 @ 3-6 pm
Altadena Musicians Record Shop Open House | Tickets
Come see the new record shop! DJs, vendors, record donation drop-off, 210 Tacos.
- Saturday May 30 @ 6-9 pm @ 1260 Lincoln Ave #1330, Pasadena
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, @ 10-5 pm @ The Collaboratory
From Rails to Trails: Echo Mountain Mural Unveiling and Dedication by Austin Scott | RSVP
- Sunday May 31 @ 4-6 pm on the Altadena Crest Trail East of Canon Blvd
Rebuild Procurement Party - Fire Hardening Materials | RSVP
A homeowner community meet-up to chat about buying construction materials and home products together to unlock group discounts. *Homeowners only.
- Thursday, June 4 @ 6-8pm @ CORE Hub (2333 Lake Ave)
FEMA Appeals Clinic | Register
If you applied for disaster relief from FEMA and disagree with their decision, you have the right to appeal. The deadline to appeal a FEMA decision is July 9, 2026.
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In-person on Sunday, May 31 @ 1:30-4 pm
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Virtual on Tuesday, June 9 @ 3-6 pm
Alta Art Fair | More Info
- Saturday June 6, 2026 11am - 5pm @ Fraternal Order of Eagles #719 (455 E Woodbury)
Resilience to Fire and Climate: The Homes We Need
Rob Haw, a Passive House consultant will address the advantages of home-electrication – benefits to health, safety, climate and affordability – and how to achieve them for new construction as well as existing homes.
- Saturday, June 6 @ 10-11 am | Zoom Passcode: 256203
Open House at the Altadena Community Center | RSVP
Join the LA County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs and other organizations.There will be snacks, refreshments, blood pressure screenings, glucose screenings, giveaways, and more!
- Saturday, June 6 @ 12-4 pm @ Altadena Community Center (730 E Altadena Dr)
Disaster Relief and Your Public Benefits | Register
Learn how to protect your eligibility for programs like SSI, CAPI, CalWORKS, CalFresh, SSDI, SSA, Medicare and more after receiving disaster aid
- Wednesday, June 10 @ 4:30-6 pm | Online
Rebuild Procurement Party | RSVP
A homeowner community meet-up to chat about buying construction materials and home products together to unlock group discounts. Homeowners only.
- Thursday, June 11 @ 6-8pm @ CORE Hub (2333 Lake Ave)
LA County Workshop on the Unified Permit Process | Register
Builders and homeowners impacted by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires are invited to learn more about the Unified Permit Process and how to apply for a County Disaster Recovery Permit for their rebuild project. Attendees will get an expert demonstration on how to submit an application, navigate the applicant Dashboard, upload and download documents and more.
- Friday, June 12 @ 12:30-2 pm | Zoom
Altadena Pride: Restore, Resist, Realizar
- Sunday, June 13 @ 10-5 pm @ 730 E. Altadena Dr.
Become an Ecotoner: Walk and Talk with Neighbors | RSVP
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, June 13 @ 8-10 am
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
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Pasadena Jobs Center is helping hire out day laborers at $25/hour for brush and weed clearing. Call (626-440-0112) and speak with coordinator Juan.
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Altadena Talks Foundation, with support from Altagether, is providing assistance with weed clearing on lots.
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:
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LA County & Catholic Charities of California (FEMA-funded): (833) 775-DCMP (833-775-3267)
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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Monday-Wednesday: 9-5 pm | Thursday: 9-7 pm | Friday: 9-1 pm
The HUB Rebuilding Altadena CORE
First Time Visitors: Schedule Appointment
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Suite 2A, 2333 Lake Ave
- Wed-Thurs @ 11-6 pm | Fri-Sat @ 10-3 pm
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Drop-in office hours:
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Foothill Catalog: Wednesdays @ 2-4 pm
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Collective O/R: Wednesdays @ 2:30-5 pm
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Neighborhood Legal Services LA County Clinics: 2nd and 4th Thursdays @ 12:30-4 pm
Wildfire Survivor Support Centers (FEMA, SBA, LA County departments)
Optional: Schedule an SBA Appointment
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Mon-Fri, 9-4:30 pm @ Altadena Community Center, 730 Altadena Dr.
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Mon-Fri, 9-4:30 pm @ One-Stop Rebuilding Center, 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
Altadena One-Stop Permit Center
- Mon-Fri, 8-4:30 pm @ 464 W Woodbury Rd. Suite 210
SCE Altadena Rebuild Community Hub (ARCH)
Support for customers with billing inquiries, planning inquiries (i.e. service reconnections, undergrounding, temporary power poles and panel), and other SCE programs and services.
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Monday-Friday, 8-4:30 pm
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2680 Fair Oaks Ave.
Additional Community Calendars
Eaton Fire Residents United | Altadena Town Council | Altadena Calendar | Altadena Connections
Links
Altadena Library eConnect | Altadena Recovery Wiki | Altadena Talks Foundation & Podcast | Buildnotes.LA | CalAssist Mortgage Fund | Department of Mental Health Resources | Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative | Eaton Fire Residents United | Eaton Fire Survivors Network | LA County Recovers | Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles | Mortgage & Foreclosure Relief | NSLSA Disaster Assistance | PostFire LA | United Policy Holders
Trail cameras are tracking wildlife recovery in the Eaton Canyon through a partnership between L.A. County Parks, Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates, and the Chaney Trail Corridor Project.
See highlights here!
Altagether
2054 Madison Avenue, Altadena
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