Mendes Weber is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8613319467?pwd=ffa5wXB286uH0qevgDcLZ3JBg0nCZY.1&omn=85115222585
Meeting ID: 861 331 9467
Passcode: rubio
I’d like to attend, is there a separate place to register?
Glad to hear from you.
Click on the posted link on April 6 at 12pm.
Thanks.
PS
To watch the video [click here](Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing - Zoom Passcode: cf869a%Y)
Here’s the text transcript:
Meeting summary for Rubio Action Network Zoom Meeting (04/06/2025)
Quick recap
The meeting covered various aspects of disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, including debris removal, utility restoration, and interactions with insurance companies and lawyers. Participants discussed their experiences with environmental testing, demolition processes, and the challenges of navigating permits and insurance claims. The group also shared updates on community resources, ongoing construction projects, and plans for future meetings to continue their discussions.
Next steps
• Angela to reach out to Julie (1261 Rubio Vista Road) again regarding submitting her ROE before the April 15th deadline.
• Darrell to create a topic on the radio action network for discussing architects and engineers.
• Darrell to create a topic on the radio action network for lawsuit information.
• Mendes to post information about recommended law firms (Foxfire, Panish and Ravipudi) in the discourse.
• Roger to submit a question to Supervisor Barger’s staff about the expected timeline for the planning process.
• Michael to consider getting soil testing done around his property.
• Robby to share information about the free soil sampling program when available.
• All residents to carefully read engagement letters before signing with a law firm for the Edison lawsuit.
• All residents to consider using native plants when replanting their properties.
• Darrell to schedule another community meeting in about two weeks.
Summary
Disaster Recovery Center Visit Update
Michael reported on his visit to the disaster resource recovery center, where he learned about the different teams involved in debris removal and green mulch application. He also shared that he had contacted the daughter of a homeowner who had not submitted their ROE, and was trying to reach another homeowner who had not submitted theirs. Robby confirmed that the green mulch application had started in the neighborhood, and that the pool fencing was done by a separate crew. Darrell and Mendes discussed the progress of the green mulch application and the fencing work on their property. They also discussed the status of a nearby house that had not submitted its ROE.
Architects and Engineers Rebuilding Discussion
Darrell proposes creating a subgroup to discuss architects and engineers for rebuilding, as they are behind schedule. Angela shares her experience with pool maintenance during the cleanup process, advising others to be cautious about emptying their pools. Angela also discusses her ongoing work with an architect, expressing frustration with suggested changes to her original home design. The group briefly touches on the slow permitting process in Altadena, with Darrell mentioning that the Supervisor is aware of the issue and plans to address it.
Bathroom and Utilities Discussion
Adrienne discusses her experience with limited bathroom facilities at a local salon and the current state of utilities in the area. Robby explains that water service will be partially restored soon, but it will not be drinkable initially and residents will need to sign up for the service. The group also discusses the status of electricity, with Adrienne confirming that power has been restored to her property since mid-February. They note that gas service has been turned off for uninhabitable homes, and Adrienne plans to check with AT&T about fiber internet service.
Internet and Phone Service Issues
The team discussed the ongoing issues with their internet and phone services. Robby mentioned that the fiber lines are being repaired and it may take a month for the services to be fully restored. Adrienne shared her experience of having a direct connection at her home, but it was not operational. Michael and Barbara also received a call from Spectrum offering free hotspots. The team also discussed the possibility of switching to Starlink, which Robby found reliable but expensive. The library was mentioned as a source for free hotspots.
Asbestos and Lead Testing Experiences
In the meeting, the attendees discussed their experiences with asbestos and lead testing in their homes. Michael mentioned that he had his home tested for asbestos and lead, but the results were not yet available. Adrienne shared that her home tested negative for asbestos, but she still had popcorn ceilings that needed testing. Darrell and Robby also shared their experiences with testing, with Robby mentioning that they were waiting for the results of their post-cleaning environmental testing. The attendees also discussed the possibility of doing their own soil testing and using air quality monitors. The conversation ended with a discussion about the availability of public restrooms at a nearby location.
Demolition and Soil Safety Concerns
The group discusses the demolition of houses in their neighborhood, with some members expressing emotional difficulty watching the process. Jeff explains that the deep digging was due to the depth of the garage footings. Angela mentions uneven trenches on her property, which they’ll have to level themselves. Adrienne provides an update on Iberto, a former neighbor who lost his house. Michael expresses concern about soil safety and plans to replace topsoil around his house. Robby shares information from the EPA about soil and fruit tree safety, suggesting that fruit trees are generally resilient but initial harvests may need testing. The group also notes the return of gophers and lizards to the area.
Soil Testing for Foundation Safety
Roger shared his experience with a similar situation where the foundation had to be dug deeper than 6 inches due to the architect’s design. Darrell suggested hiring a civil engineer for soil testing to ensure the stability of the soil. Roger recalled the Army Corps of Engineers’ advice against soil testing due to potential legacy contaminants in the developed neighborhood. The team discussed the importance of knowing the soil conditions for safety and liability reasons.
Permitting and Insurance Claim Delays
Roger discussed the slow permitting process for their project, which was expected to take 2 to 4 months. Darrell suggested submitting a question to the larger staff regarding the timeline. Roger also raised concerns about the insurance claim process, stating that it had been over 80 days since he submitted his claim and had not received a response. Darrell suggested that the insurance company was only covering the loss of their existing structure, not the new construction. Roger expressed frustration with the slow response from the adjuster.
Insurance Company Experiences and Recommendations
The team discussed their experiences with insurance companies and lawyers. Darrell and Mendes shared their positive experiences with Foxfire, a law firm they chose for their insurance claims. They emphasized the importance of choosing a lawyer with whom they have a good rapport and who understands their story. Angela also shared her experience with a law firm, warning about the importance of carefully reading the engagement letter. The team agreed to share their recommendations with others. Michael asked about a neighbor’s situation, and Angela agreed to follow up with her. The team also discussed the deadline for opting into a recovery program, which is now April 15th.
Christmas Lights and Tree Recovery
In the meeting, Darrell and Rebecca discussed the Christmas lights and the tree’s recovery. They also talked about the recent rains and their impact on vegetation. The group discussed the importance of native plants and the need for water and internet services. They agreed to set up another meeting in two weeks to continue their discussions.