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Altadena Town Council Chair at Meeting: “The Magnitude of This Devastation is Beyond Comprehension”

County pledges dramatic permit streamlining as community faces multi-year rebuilding effort

Published on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 6:44 am
 

The Altadena Town Council held its first public meeting Tuesday since the catastrophic Eaton wildfire devastated the community, with officials revealing the fire has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged another 1,071, while claiming at least 17 lives.

“Our community, once vibrant with the warmth of daily life, has been forever changed,” said Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp. “The magnitude of this devastation is beyond comprehension and for so many of us, the pain, heartache and heartbreak are simply immeasurable.”

The fire, which erupted January 7 above Eaton Canyon, is now 91% contained with 2,375 personnel still assigned to the incident.

Building officials have completed preliminary assessments, issuing 8,068 red tags for structures unsafe to occupy and 331 yellow tags for buildings with restricted use.

During the meeting, Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella announced plans to open a dedicated one-stop permit center in Altadena within 30-60 days, likely across from the community center site.

“We are looking on how we can build with you while getting you resiliency in your recovery,” Pestrella said. “What I mean by resiliency is we most definitely want to build in provisions into your structures that help you reduce the risk for anything like this to happen again.”

The County is implementing a two-phase debris removal process. The United States Environmental Protection Agency will first remove hazardous materials, followed by general debris removal by the Army Corps of Engineers. Colonel Eric Swenson, who recently managed cleanup in Lahaina, Maui, will oversee the effort.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already distributed over $33 million to wildfire survivors in Los Angeles County.

“FEMA assistance is for renters and homeowners,” said Brian Monson, Federal Emergency Management Agency Intergovernmental Affairs manager.

The deadline to register for Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration assistance is March 10, 2025.

The American Red Cross announced financial assistance for affected residents within the fire perimeter.

“Red Cross does offer and has already begun its second phase, which is our financial assistance,” said Diana Pineda Ramirez, Executive Director of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley American Red Cross.

The organization will contact eligible residents via text message, email, and phone.

County Public health officials warned returning residents about ash and debris hazards. Dr. Muntu Davis advised residents to change HVAC filters and take precautions when cleaning. The County is also implementing anti-price gouging measures and rental protections for displaced residents.

Officials estimate recovery could take multiple years and pointed to Paradise, California, as an example of successful rebuilding — now 85% rebuilt six years after losing 95% of their town.

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