2026 06 13 Newsletter from Altagether

AltaGether Neighborhood Newletter
1

Neighborhood Captain Newsletter

For Neighbors, by Neighborhood Captains

Thursday, June 11, 2025

Next Issue: June 25 • Content Deadline: June 23

Send 50 words or less to newsletter@altagether.org

Recovery Updates

Local Fire Zone Cleanup Initiated: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion targeting overgrown vegetation on properties left vacant by the Eaton Fire to reduce peak-season wildfire risks. County departments must present a coordinated cleanup strategy and funding plan by early July.

First Historic District Officially Established: LA County finalized administrative approval to establish the Historic Highlands Historic District, marking the county’s first-ever designated historic neighborhood. The designation protects 77 parcels featuring early 20th-century homes along the Altadena and Pasadena border and properties within an officially recognized historic district are legally protected from being split or subdivided via SB 9.

$1 Million Grant Boosts Local Recovery Coordination: The Pasadena Community Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Long-Term Recovery Group. The funds are split equally between direct aid for survivors’ unmet needs and maintaining the community coordination infrastructure.

Recovery Progress and Hurdles: The County has now received more than 3,300 permit applications, issued more than 2,300 residential permits, and has more than 1,400 homes under construction in Altadena, with 49 fully completed. A newly released economic update reveals that while 26.7% of total structures destroyed in the 2025 wildfires have received rebuild permits, approximately 38% of survivors have exhausted their displacement insurance highlighting the urgent need for ongoing housing support as community recovery continues.

Altadena Community Center Reopens: Following months as an Eaton Fire recovery hub, the renovated center (730 E. Altadena Dr.) celebrated its official reopening on June 6 with Supervisor Kathryn Barger and has resumed regular programming. Info / upcoming events at the community center.

LA County Launches Disaster Rebuild Authority: The newly established DRRA is streamlining recovery efforts out of Public Works, with “Phase 0” already driving the construction of over 1,400 homes and the completion of 49 in Altadena alone.

Town Council Backs Affordable Housing for Displaced Renters: The Altadena Town Council voted to support a proposed 52-unit, 100% affordable housing development at 2214 North Windsor Avenue. Designed to prioritize households displaced by the Eaton Fire, the project aims to help lower-income renters return to the community following the widespread destruction of Altadena’s naturally affordable housing stock.

Altadena Outpaces Palisades in Early Fire Recovery: A new L.A. County economic report reveals that the Eaton Fire area is outpacing Pacific Palisades on several early recovery markers, including declining residential vacancy rates and a 22.6% surge in local transit ridership. While 26.7% of destroyed structures across both areas have received rebuilding permits, the community still faces long-term hurdles, with a projected $73.6 million annual hit to local household spending and roughly 38% of survivors exhausting their displacement insurance.

Local Surveillance Tracking & Data Sharing Rules (May 7, 2026): During a civilian oversight forum, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department addressed community immigration fears by confirming its 480 automated license plate readers do not share data with federal agencies like ICE. While Flock cameras were briefly deployed in Altadena to deter post-fire looting, officials noted those specific units are currently deactivated – though neighbor opposition remains high. In response to the regional rollout, local privacy advocates are joining the decentralized grassroots movement at DeFlock.me to actively map remaining camera locations.

Human Chain for Unity: On June 13 from 9am-12pm, NDLON is organizing a human chain along Woodbury, from Lincoln to Lake, to send a clear message: ICE out of Altadena. Workers, contractors, homeowners, tenants, and community members will come together to protect the people rebuilding our neighborhoods. Raids do not only separate families, they also threaten to set back families and workers who are already struggling to recover after the fires.

Opportunities & Deadlines

Events

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 @ 8-9 pm on Zoom

Pasadena Greenways | More Info

  • Stop-by Station for Craig Ave.
    Saturday, June 13 @ 8:30-12:30 pm
    Pasadena Victory Park Farmers’ Market - 2900 N Sierra Madre Blvd.

  • Craig Ave. Walking Workshop
    Space is limited. Sign up
    Saturday, June 27 @ 9-11 am
    Location to be provided upon sign-up and confirmation

Fire Recovery Thursdays | More Info

Weekly recruitment pop-up events organized by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, the events connect workers and job seekers affected by the fires with immediate employment opportunities, career training programs, and supportive services.

PUSD School Board Meeting | Agenda

LA County Workshop on the Unified Permit Process | Register

Builders and homeowners 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

Michele Zack Book Signing

Head to Webster’s, where Michele will be signing copies of her updated and reissued, award-winning book, Altadena: Between Wilderness & City.

ALTADENA PRIDE: Restore, Resist, Realizar | Info

Saturday, June 13 @ 10-5 pm:

  • 10:00 a.m. OPENING CEREMONY outside the Altadena Community Center (730 E. Altadena Dr.)

  • 10:45 a.m. NEIGHBORHOOD WALK towards Grocery Outlet for group photo

  • 11:00 a.m. SPIRITUAL GATHERING at CORE

  • 12:00 p.m. DANCE PERFORMANCE followed by free lunch in Triangle Park and Art Alley on Fontanet Way

  • 2:00 p.m. MAIN FESTIVAL opens at the Altadena Community Center

  • 5:30 p.m. Begin wrap-up/pack-up

1000 Voices Workshop Popup @ Altadena Pride

Make new tiles for the 1000 Voices Altadena Mosaic. Create with clay, sort and clean shards, and leave your mark forever in Altadena. No registration required.

  • Saturday, June 13 @ 2-5:30 pm

  • Altadena Community Center

Human Chain for Unity

Join neighbors, friends, workers, and families as we link hands in a peaceful show of support for the workers currently helping to rebuild Altadena. Organized by NDLON and more.

  • Saturday, June 13 @ 9-12 pm

  • Woodbury Road

Millard Canyon Preserve Habitat Restoration Volunteer Day | RSVP

Focus is on fire-fuel reduction, cutting back invasive vegetation and reducing built-up dry material. Please bring tools such as weed whackers, pruners, loppers, or other hand tools suitable for cutting and clearing vegetation. Carpooling encouraged, parking is limited. Hosted by Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy.

  • Saturday, June 13 @ 9-11 am

  • Millard Canyon Hairpin on Canyon Crest Rd.

  • Contact Bill: 626.644.8509

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

Free Grow the Game Soccer Clinic | Register

The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee invites families with youth ages 6-14 to a free soccer experience designed for players of all skill levels

  • Sunday, June 14 @ 9:30 checkin, 10-noon clinic

  • Loma Alta Park

Altadena Town Council Meeting | altadenatowncouncil.org

Monthly public meeting of the Altadena Town Council. Open for public comment. Meetings are recorded.

• Tuesday, June 16 @ 7:00 p.m. @ Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

JUNETEENTH

Join My TRIBE Rise’s 6th Annual DENA Juneteenth 2026 Immersive Experience in collaboration with several local community partners for live music, games, art, complimentary soul food, liberation, legacy, and light exhibitions.

  • Backyard Boogie: Night Party | June 19, 5-10 pm @ 2283 N Fair Oaks Avenue

  • DENA Juneteenth | June 20, 10-3 pm @ 2283 N Fair Oaks Avenue

  • Complete this form to apply for the Adopt A Survivor Grant. Grant and scholarship funds will be distributed at DENA Juneteenth on June 20. Recipients must be in attendance to receive grants/scholarships.

5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Scholarship Awards

Presentation by the Altadena Oral History Project, Juneteenth Photography Exhibit, Ellen Garrison Clark Scholarship Award Ceremony, and handcrafted quilts by local master quilters.

  • Friday, June 19 @ 12:00 pm

  • Loma Alta Park

  • $35 tickets for Altadena Historical Society (Tickets will NOT be sold at the door.)

1000 Voices Workshop Popup @ DENA Juneteenth

Make new tiles for the 1000 Voices Altadena Mosaic. Create with clay, sort and clean shards, and leave your mark forever in Altadena. No registration required.

Altadena Walk Club: Father’s Day Edition
Bring your dad to the walk! A light walk with neighbors followed by coffee.

  • Sunday, June 21 @ 9:30 am

  • Unincorporated Coffee

Stolen Summers: The Next 250 | RSVP | Share Your Story

Extreme Weather Survivors in partnership with MA-MA and Waterwell presents Stolen Summers: The Next 250, an immersive, two-day public art installation and community program at the U.S. Capitol honoring the lives and communities impacted by extreme weather disasters across the United States.

  • Wednesday, June 24 @ 12:00 pm

  • The National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Beneath the Ashes: The Past Reimagined

See the world premiere of the documentary “Beneath the Ashes” in Hollywood. In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Altadena’s historic Black community confronts devastating loss—and a high-stakes fight to preserve a cultural legacy generations in the making. Part of the Dances with Films festival lineup.

  • Saturday, June 27 @ 11:30 am

  • TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Hollywood

  • Tickets on sale ($21.71)

Surveys

Share Your Experience After the LA Wildfires
Researchers from the Climate Mental Health Network and the University of Illinois are seeking wildfire-impacted parents, educators, and students (ages 14-17) for a virtual focus group on recovery and emotional wellbeing. Participants receive a $50 gift card. Learn more and check eligibility here.

The Department of Angels is running another survey on fire recovery progress. Data will be used to assess the needs of people in the affected areas and throughout LA County, in order to inform local leaders and groups coordinating recovery efforts. It will be made available in July on the Department of Angels website.

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 Clearing Assistance

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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: Individual and family counseling, support groups, wellness activities, and case management. From the LA County Department of Mental Health.

  • Monday-Friday, 9-6 pm @ The Collaboratory

6 free mental health support sessions from Didi Hirsch for anyone impacted by the fires.

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

In-Person Locations & Resources

Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Collaboratory

The HUB Rebuilding Altadena CORE

First Time Visitors: Schedule Appointment

  • Suite 2A, 2333 Lake Ave

    • Wed-Thurs @ 11-6 pm | Fri-Sat @ 10-3 pm

  • Drop-in office hours:

  • Foothill Catalog: Wednesdays @ 2-4 pm

  • Collective O/R: Wednesdays @ 2:30-5 pm

  • 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

Altadena One-Stop Permit Center

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.

Additional Community Calendars

Eaton Fire Residents United | Altadena Town Council | Altadena Calendar | Altadena Connections