Comprehensive Guide for Residents Affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA

ANY QUESTIONS OR TO ADD SOMETHING OR NEED HELP WITH GOFUNDME CAMPAIGNS: email @ fundraising.altadenapta@gmail.com 

Also join our Community WhatsApp Group to be directly connected with the community.

Calendar of Community Events

Do you want to Volunteer to help us manage information and keep everything up to date? Then please fill out this form 

Are you local and do you have services that you can offer the community? We want to HIRE LOCAL! Do you have a place to stay? Do you have goods to offer? Tell us who you are and what you’re offering and how to get in touch. For individuals, churches, businesses, any and all members of those affected by the fire. Please fill out this form if you are offering services. Please check this excel if you are looking for services, goods, etc.

  1. Community Statements/News/Updates

  1. Local
  1. Altadena Town Council Statement
  2. PUSD Fire Relief - Resources for Student Learning, Grab & Go Meals, Disaster Relief Resources
  3. AltadenaLearns IG - gofundme, resources, and constant updates from PUSD
  4. Survey for Residents - who want to Preserve Altadena
  5. Petitions
  1. County
  1. LA County Recovers - daily updates from the county on and county reports, fire damage map *** this is the main source of information and updates about the fire***
  2. Phase 1 & 2 Debris Removal Map - map of what phase each lot is at
  3. LA Fire Mutual Aid Resources - exhaustive list of resources around LA County
  4. Los Angeles Fire County FD - updates on the fire and safety
  5. LASD - updates on repopulation as of January 17th
  1. State
  1. ca.gov - state dashboard for information and assistance
  2. The Department of Forestry - map and containment zone
  1. Utilities
  1. SoCalGas - updates on restoration efforts
  2. Edison - updates on outages
  3. Lincoln Avenue Water Company - updates on if your water is drinkable and repairs/restoration
  4. Las Flores Water - updates on if your water is drinkable and repairs/restoration
  5. Rubio Canyon Water - updates on if your water is drinkable and repairs/restoration
  6. Pasadena Water/Power - updates on if your water is drinkable and repairs/restoration
  1. Air Quality
  1. The general rule is if you smell smoke then you need to take precautions (wear a n95 or [better]p100 mask, turn on air purifiers, stay indoors) even if you are not in a burn zone. If you can smell it, then you are inhaling what is in that ash.
  2. Air Quality Sites

  1. Community Events, In-Person Giveaways/Help and Actions

  1. Link to Community Calendar (Updated Constantly)
  1. If possible, we encourage everyone to investigate the validity of every event to also make sure that it is still happening or if it may have changed locations or times! It’s impossible for us to vet everything so practice vigilance! Please report any misinformation, mistakes or scams to us.
  2. Yellow events are for community get togethers and fun, pink events are for support and help, red events are for organizing efforts and actions. (Keep in mind you can toggle event types on and off to only see one type of event!)
  3. Keep in mind every calendar event has an attachment you can open to view the original “flyer/screenshot” we got the information from! This is a great way to double-check dates, times and locations just in case there are any errors on the calendar!

  1. Immediate Help and Direct Support

  1. Financial Assistance and Crowdfunding

  1. Go Fund Me Campaigns: 
  1. Resource Forms: This link includes a place for Families in search of items/goods/donations to fill in what they need and families offering to fill in what they have. And fill out this form for a group from the OC looking to help

  1. HOUSING

  1. Leases in Los Angeles (updated 1.10.25)
  • Comprehensive LA County list of leases available
  1. ADUs for rent/lease
  2. Local Realtor offering Assistance
  1. Rental Rights

  1. Childcare / Children’s Services

  1. LA County Care Camps 5-12
  2. LA County Parks & Rec
  3. Boys & Girls Club in Pasadena - No cost
  • 8:00 - 5: 30 PM. 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena CA
  1. PUSD District Folks put this list together

  1. MEALS

  1. PUSD Grab & Go Meal centers served more than 1,500 meals to students and families.
  1. World Central Kitchen
  • Giving sandwiches, fruit, and water to “all areas of immediate need.” Several of its partner chefs are “on standby, ready to provide comforting meals. 325 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

  1. Donations and Distributions

  1. Fashion & Beauty Brands Donating List ← click link
  2. Brands Providing Products to Families Impacted by LA Fires ← link
  3. All Saints: Providing hot food, water, and hygiene supplies daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
  4. Jellypop Shoes - donating new shoes for women and girls
  1. Babyletto - donating cribs to families in need
  1. Expressions Church - donating various goods
  • Please fill out this form so they know who you are and what you need
  1. Rudy Jude - donating women’s clothing and kids/baby clothing (running low but…)
  • Please text * only * your first name and the sizes you need and we will get back to you as soon as we can!!!
  • +1.207.691.1010 ← TXT THEM - we will txt you when your bag is ready
  1. A1000xBetter - Pasadena Design Firm has collected as of Jan 12th: new socks, new underwear, new toiletries, diapers, water, paper goods, clothing (mens, womens kids new and gently used), kids toys. Contact: krock@a1000xbetter.com, Kristen 626.379.7441
  2. Brooklyn Projects - a skateboard and clothing shop on Melrose,
  1. Altadena GIRLS -

  1. Donation Centers

  1. [Working on this]

  1. Insurance Resources

  1. CA Dept of Insurance
  2. The Scoop on “Scope” (of loss) - United Policyholders. Non-profit offering guidance surrounding Insurance issues

  1. Health & Wellness

  1. Santa Barbara Midwifery and Birth Center
  1. Resources for Helping Children Cope

  1. Transportation

  1. U-Haul - has made 92 company facilities in Southern California available to offer its 30-day free self-storage and U-Box container disaster relief program to help evacuees and affected families. The following regions can be contacted to check for participating locations:
  • U-Haul Co. of Los Angeles West (13 stores), 310-532-9503
  • U-Haul Co. of North Orange County (12 stores), 714-525-4717
  • U-Haul Co of Riverside (7 stores), 951-485-2007
  • U-Haul Co. of San Bernardino (12 stores), 909-885-4378
  • U-Haul Co. of San Fernando Valley (11 stores), 661-298-8222
  • U-Haul Co. of Van Nuys/San Luis Obispo (14 stores), 818-988-7008
  1. LYFT
  • Lyft has launched its Lyft Up Disaster Response program to provide access to free and discounted rides to help those in the affected areas. Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for two rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 15,000 riders from now until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 15.

  1. Resources for Rebuilding and Recovery

  1. Loans, Grants, and Financial Aid

  1. Jewish Free Loans: Interest-free loans for urgent needs, regardless of religion.
  2. FEMA Support: Assistance for self-employed individuals and artists.
  3. Red Cross: Must apply by February 11th
  4. Small Business Administration:
  1. Door Dash Relief

  1. Financial Relief for Artists & Workspace Support

  1. Emergency Grant Resources:
  • Gottlieb Foundation Emergency Grant - For Painters, Printmakers and Sculptors
  • Entertainment Community Fund: Emergency financial assistance. Check Eligibility  or call: 1.323.933.9244
  • CERF+ Emergency Relief Grants: Emergency relief for craft artists. Apply
  • MusiCares: Emergency relief for the music community. Info
  • NYFA Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants: Support for artists facing medical emergencies. Info
  • NYFA Multidisciplinary National List of Emergency Grants: Grants
  • 2025 DreamCreative Resources: Grants, loans, and resources for creative industries. Resources
  • ArtNet National List of Aid: Emergency grants, medical funds, and resources for artists. Resources
  • Arts Field Guide for Disasters: Tools and resources by the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness. Resources
  • Fuerza Fund: Supporting essential workers in our community, including caregivers, housekeepers, landscapers, and hourly and part-time service workers serving homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, Altadena, Topanga Canyon, Studio City, Hollywood Hills, and other areas impacted by the devastating Los Angeles County fires. Application.

  1. Mental Health and Well-being

  1. Support Services

  1. California Parent & Youth Helpline: Resources for coping with trauma.
  2. Immediate Counseling Resources: Resources Pro Bono Therapy for LA wildfires

  1. Important Actions to Take Now

  1. Insurance and FEMA

  1. File Claims: Contact your insurance for a "Loss of Use" claim immediately
  • They can overnight thousands of dollars for emergency funds immediately.
  1. FEMA Registration: Get your “Disaster Number” ASAP to access aid.
  2. Red Cross Registration: Enter your FEMA Disaster Number to get into line for supplies
  3. Continue Paying Your Insurance
  4. Continue Paying Your Mortgage

  1. Personal Documentation

  1. Property Inventory: Start documenting lost items and maintain a personal property list. Blank Personal Property List

  1. Your Doctors

  1. Notify your doctor's offices of your situation and make sure that your doctor is also not displaced.
  2. Ensure all prescriptions, including eyeglasses and eye drops, are called into a single pharmacy.
  3. If you don’t have your insurance cards, your doctor’s office may have scanned copies. Update your contact information and provide alternate contacts (e.g., adult children, friends) with cell phone numbers when possible.

  1. Get Organized

  1. P.O. Box: Set up a PO Box to manage all incoming mail during this transition period.
  2. Itemize Your Losses: Start a detailed list of lost items room by room, including replacement costs. Using your phone or a notepad can be useful for capturing these details on the go.
  3. Document Everything: Document your personal property before you start recovery. Even if it's difficult, take time to remember and list everything that’s been lost.

  1. Temporary Housing and Emergency Relief

  1. Finding Temporary Housing

  1. Short-term Support: Contact AirBnB (#211) or local shelters for housing options.
  2. Hotel Association of Los Angeles:

  1. Essential Supplies

  1. Cleanup Supplies: Buy sturdy boots, gloves, and cleanup tools.
  2. Friends and Community Support: Let others help with errands and purchases.
  3. Save ALL Receipts: Keep all receipts for purchases related to your loss, no matter how small
  1. Long Term Rentals

  1. Key Steps in Recovery

  1. Returning to the Evac Zone

  1. Sign up on Genasys Project for updates linked to your direct property
  2. LA Recovers - Check on the damage on your direct property

  1. Navigating the Insurance Process

  1. Public Adjusters: Consider hiring one for fair settlements
  • Currently some Insurance companies are playing it fair for Eaton Fire
  1. Keep Records: Document all receipts and keep records of anything related to losses and expenses.

  2. Intent to Rebuild:

  • Inform your insurer of your intention to rebuild, even if you're uncertain. This can lead to a more serious consideration of your claim and may provide additional rebuilding coverage.
  • Currently some Insurance companies are playing it fair for Eaton Fire, so maybe see what their adjuster says first. 
  • Get help with going over your coverage, https://uphelp.org/

  1. Town Halls

  1. California Department of Insurance:

  1. Rebuilding Plans

  1. Permits & Regulations: Understand what permits you need for debris removal and rebuilding
  • The ones needed in California (this may be different based on different states/counties) are:
  1. Debris Removal
  1. As things wind down it will be necessary to remove the debris, this requires a permit usually. Ok (This should be covered by your insurance, we had to force the issue but ask repeatedly.)
  2. Accept FEMA's Offer for Debris Removal
  1. If offered by FEMA, accept assistance for debris removal. This avoids potential complications later, unless you have special circumstances regarding your property (e.g., septic systems).
  2. Here is FEMA’s debris removal GUIDE
  1. Erosion Control
  1. If you are on any kind of hill or have sloped property you will need to put some sort of erosion control measures in place, again this will need some sort of permit.
  1. Temporary Power Pole/Trailer On Site Permit
  1. Getting this earlier on can prove helpful in both the rebuilding process.
  1. Smoke Damage
  1. GARDENING
  1. Eaton Fire Ash/Soil Samples - USC & Stanford
  2. Christine O’Chonnel coconn@chapman.edu -Chapman University

  1. Financial & Logistical Concerns

  1. Manage Utilities and Services

  • Contact your utility providers to freeze or cancel services (electricity, gas, etc.) and update your mailing address to your PO Box.
  • Call the rest of your insurance points as needed (car insurance, speciality insurance for unique items, etc.).

  1. Understand Your Taxes

  • You may be able to claim losses for items not covered by insurance on your tax returns. Consult with a tax advisor to explore your options. SEE BELOW

  1. Get A Storage Unit for the things you acquire

  2. As You Buy

  • Tell the store/business/restaurant owner your situation. Most stores will give you some level of discount as their way of helping you. See below some examples

  1. Seek Community Support

  1. Connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. Networking can provide valuable insights and emotional support throughout the rebuilding process.
  2. You will learn so much from others as you go through the rebuilding process. We all have our strengths so share yours and use others. The amount of time that you will spend on the rebuild, insurance and recovery process is staggering so you need to use all your resources.

  1. Take Care of Yourself and Seek Help

  1. Recovery can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to let others help you with errands or emotional support. Prioritize your mental health during this time.

  1. Community Resources and Contacts

  1. Register with Aid Organizations

  1. Sign up with local shelters, the Red Cross, and FEMA, which ensures you receive assistance and resources.

  1. Evacuation Centers:

  1. Pasadena Convention Center: 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA

  2. Arcadia Community Center: 375 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA

  3. Additional centers for animal evacuations

  • Small Animals: Locations include El Camino High School and various animal care centers.
  • Large Animals: Available shelters include Pomona Fairplex and Industry Hills Expo

  1. Property Tax Relief

  1. California M&C Program: More information on property taxes can be found here.
  2. Under California law, if your property, your home or business, has been damaged or destroyed by fire, you may qualify for property tax relief under the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) program. This program allows my office to reduce the assessed value of your property, which is what your property taxes are based upon, to be reduced to reflect the damage.
  3. For questions contact assessor.lacounty.gov or call us at 1 (213) 974-3211

  1. PCC Resource List

  2. Mutual Aid LA Network: Fire & Wind Storm Resources

  3. FEMA Resources

  1. FEMA Website: DisasterAssistance.gov.
  2. Hotline: 800-621-FEMA (3362). Information on grants, loans, and assistance programs.
  3. FEMA Resources for Disaster Assistance ← link to more info

  1. Connect with Others

  1. Community Specific

  1. Whatsapp Group - Local community group that shares resources broken up into areas with some street specific groups
  2. Altadena Community - City Facebook group for the community
  3. Beautiful Altadena - Neighbor run Facebook group for the community

  1. Fire Related

  1. Structure Intact - EF - Facebook group for people whose houses are still standing after the fire (Altadena only)
  2. From the Mountains to the Beach - Fire survivors group run by the survivors of the Marshall Fire. The aim is to educate other fire survivors and share resources on how best to safely move back.

  1. Law Firms Involved in Suit Against SCE

  1. Law Firm Sites

  1. www.mcnicholaslaw.com
  2. https://www.brentfiol.com/
  3. https://www.rftmlaw.com/california-fires/
  4. www.foxfireattorneys.com

  1. Important things to keep in mind

  1. You can call the firm for a consultation with zero obligation;
  2. There should be no out of pocket costs for you;
  3. The attorney’s fees can be the standard 30% but we have seen higher. This will be collected from what is recovered by the suit (eg money you receive in a settlement);
  4. Engaging this (or any) firm will not in any way impact your insurance claim (you would not be suing your insurance)
  5. There should be no offset against your insurance (meaning, they will not take a fee from any homeowner’s settlement, FEMA funds received, etc).
  6. You can request a copy of the retainer agreement to review with no obligation from any legal team you use
  7. Most firms are happy to field questions you may have about everything that happens next and refer you to other experts in the area you may want to work with (eg a private insurance adjuster)

  1. Additional Support and Resources

  1. California Department of Transportation Travel Alert Map
  2. LA County Road Closures
  3. San Bernardino County Road Closures
  4. “If You Lost Your Home in a Wildfire” - 2 page Letter from someone who has gone through this already
  5. Job Protection: California Labor Code section 230.8: aka Family-School Partnership Act
  6. LA Times List of free and discounted items: last updated January 15th

  1. Free Storage

  1. Uhaul - Offering free storage at 92 centers for 30 days

  1. Entertainment

  1. LA Opera is offering free concert tickets to impacted residents 

  1. Restaurants

  1.  The Infatuation List  - last updated January 15th
  2. LA Times List of Restaurants Free Meals - last updated January 8th

ARCHIVES

  1. Pilar: Individual who lives in Highland Park area and has collected the following: Women’s clothing all sizes, Men’s clothing all sizes shoes, men’s and women’s shoes, Children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books. Some toiletries and food. Call/Txt her at: 1.213.598.0919
  2. Pasadena Elks Lodge #672: 400 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105. Free Vans shoes & socks for those in need on 1/10 at 11 AM.