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This neighborhood meeting focused on recovery progress following a fire, with residents discussing rebuilding efforts, insurance challenges, and community updates. Participants shared updates on their remediation and reconstruction progress, including Michael’s ongoing remediation work and Diane’s completed house that is now on the market. The group discussed water meter installations, with Darrell clarifying that new 1-inch supply pipes are required for rebuilds at a cost of $1,000 including installation. Residents reported challenges with insurance adjusters denying claims for items like furnaces and flooring, with some seeking help from non-profits like Habitat for Humanity. The meeting also covered upcoming construction in the area, including three active rebuilds on Rubio Crest, and discussed the potential for becoming a Firewise community to reduce insurance premiums by 20% through organized neighborhood efforts.
Next steps
- Darrell: Create a new category on the resource website for “Altogether” and post relevant newsletters/updates there.
- Mendes: Post the resource information and weekly newsletter links on the Rubio Action Committee website and send an email update to the group when it is available.
- Michael: Start sharing “Altogether” newsletter updates and relevant information with Barbara (and others interested) via email.
- Darrell: Follow up with SCE (Southern California Edison) to clarify who will bear the cost of transformers for homes being rebuilt, especially for those on the edge/border properties.
- Darrell: Publish information about becoming a Firewise community (including requirements and process) in the Action Network, and coordinate with Lee Wallace to support the neighborhood in starting this process.
- Mendes: Email information about the IBHS wildfire prepared home/community certification process and insurance premium reduction details to the group.
- Darrell: Organize or schedule a future meeting/guest speaker session with Lee Wallace to discuss Firewise community certification.
Summary
Downtown Living and Utility Issues
The group discussed challenges with living downtown and commuting, with Mendes and Robin expressing frustration about traffic on the Pasadena Freeway. Robin mentioned receiving clearance for lead abatement but is waiting for an adjuster to process reimbursement. The conversation then shifted to water bill issues, with Robin and Brian reporting problems receiving their water bills due to mail forwarding issues, and Darrell suggested contacting info@lastforest.com for assistance.
Neighborhood Database and Updates
Mendes shared a link to a database for neighbors to input and update their information, and mentioned forwarding information from Becky Nicolaitus about the All Together organization. Darrell provided the email contact for Los Flores water company. The group discussed the All Together organization’s structure, with neighborhood captains disseminating information to individual homeowners, though Michael noted he had missed some meetings and would try to share updates with the group. Mendes indicated he would send additional resources via email later in the week.
Website and Remediation Updates
Darrell discussed updates to the website, including creating a new category for newsletters and resolving issues with new water meters for rebuilds. He clarified that for rebuilds, a 1-inch supply pipe from the water meter to the house is required, and Las Flores will install this for $1,000. Darrell also mentioned he needs to follow up on information about Edison Transformers and their associated costs, particularly for homes on the edges of the development. Michael reported that his remediation efforts are progressing well, with toxicity levels improving, and he plans to start the second wave of remediation in the coming weeks.
Home Remediation Progress Update
Michael discussed ongoing home remediation work, noting delays due to contractor availability and concerns about limited testing scope. He expressed frustration about not being able to test certain areas like under baseboards and window seals despite wanting comprehensive testing. Diane shared her experience with completing remediation work on her house on Rubio Crest Drive, which is now on the market. She reported that all testing including air, heavy metals, and asbestos was completed successfully, with only minor issues involving soot and smoke in the attic insulation that was resolved by replacing the insulation.
Neighborhood Home Construction Updates
The group discussed ongoing home construction in their neighborhood, with Barbara confirming that three houses are actively being built, including one near Diane’s home and another by Dolores across the street. Multiple residents, including Vina, Adrienne, and others, reported construction activity in their immediate areas, with several homes in various stages of development. The discussion revealed that while most neighbors are proceeding with rebuilding, Jeff and Jazzy from Rushdown are taking longer to decide on their plans, though they plan to maintain their orchard and lot space.
Local Property Sales Discussion
The group discussed recent property sales in their area, with Michael noting that Jeff’s lot sold for $730,000 and mentioning that prices have generally come down from previous highs of around $1,100 per square foot before the fire. Adrienne expressed concern about Allison’s property on Upper Rubio, where no apparent work was being done despite claims of a family member moving back in. The discussion concluded with Michael advising Diane to consider holding onto her property rather than selling, suggesting potential benefits from upcoming new construction in the area that could increase property values by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Water Assessment Payment Challenges
The group discussed challenges with water assessment payments and remediation costs, with Adrienne sharing her experience of having to pay a $400 one-time fee and the difficulties in making the payment due to strict requirements for cash or check. Mendes explained that the payment process likely involves extra accounting work and noted that the water company is only open one day a week, which might explain the requirements. The discussion highlighted the financial strain on both individuals and the water company, with no clear resolution or next steps mentioned.
Legal Fees and Property Updates
The group discussed legal actions against Silka Edison regarding a $50 monthly fee, with Mendes clarifying that while Los Flores is pursuing a lawsuit, the outcome would depend on the settlement amount and how it could be returned to residents. The discussion shifted to a $3.295 million home for sale on East Loma Alto Drive, with participants noting its location and features. The conversation concluded with updates about residents Al, Marty, and Adele’s rebuilding efforts, including waiting for environmental study results.
Property Updates and Construction Progress
The group discussed several property-related updates. Robin mentioned that Kevin and Lena bought a house in Glendale as an interim plan while considering rebuilding their original property. Adrienne provided an update about construction issues with a neighbor’s wall, explaining that there were calculation errors requiring a re-survey and the construction of an 11-foot wall with a 28-day curing period for the cement. Darrell shared that his reconstruction project is progressing well and should be completed within 3 months, with groundbreaking planned for May-July timeframe.
Fire Safety and Insurance Initiatives
The group discussed neighborhood fire safety initiatives and insurance considerations. Darrell and Mendes explained that becoming a Firewise community could reduce insurance premiums by up to 20% by organizing 5 households at a time, with Mendes offering to share detailed information about certification requirements. Robin shared her experience with home renovation challenges, including issues with contractors using her electricity and water without permission, and ongoing difficulties with State Farm insurance regarding repairs and reimbursement. The group agreed to explore becoming a Firewise community, with Lee Wallace potentially serving as a guest speaker to help guide the process.
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