City Committee Recommends Council Support Bill That Would Create Disaster Housing Task Force

The Legislative Committee unanimously voted on Tuesday to recommend the City Council support a new state bill introduced in the California Assembly.

AB239 aims to tackle the long-term recovery from the Eaton and Palisades fires by creating a disaster housing task force to coordinate efforts between local, state, and federal agencies.

The bill, introduced by Pasadena Assemblymember John Harabedian, would establish a task force made up of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and other local governments impacted by the wildfires.

Councilmember Steve Madison praised Harabedian for his efforts to help the City get through the catastrophe.

“I would express gratitude to our new assembly member, our constituent, John Harabedian, who has been like the ‘Energizer Bunny’ in terms of his responsiveness to our community.”

The bill also proposes the appointment of a state disaster housing coordinator to oversee the distribution of resources such as funding and technical assistance.

Supporters of the bill are hopeful that the move will expedite housing solutions for those affected by the fires, shifting from disaster response to recovery.

The Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena destroyed thousands of homes and businesses and damaged hundreds more.

Alex Hernandez from the City Manager’s office provided an overview of the bill.

He clarified that the legislation would not impact local zoning or land use control, addressing concerns that it could override local governance. He also recommended that the City Council support the bill and authorize the mayor to send letters of support to the Assembly.

Committee members voiced their support for the bill, but some expressed concerns about its scope and the immediate housing needs of residents still displaced by the fires.

Vice Mayor Jess Rivas emphasized that while the task force is likely focused on long-term solutions, the urgent need for short-term housing remains a challenge, especially for people currently in the City’s evacuation center which is currentlyhoused in the Convention Center.

“That’s something we have to continue to work on locally and with all of our state and federal partners,” Rivas said.

Councilmember Jason Lyon also expressed support for the bill but suggested a modification to ensure that local governments, such as Pasadena, are specifically included in the task force. “Pasadena should have a seat at that table,” Lyon said, highlighting concerns that the task force might exclude certain jurisdictions impacted by the fires.”

Although Lyon supported the bill it was not without concern.
“There’s not a lot of detail in this bill about what the task force will do and how it will work and what its authority will be and what sort of legislation it might recommend.”

The motion to support the bill was passed with a friendly amendment to ensure Pasadena’s inclusion in the task force. Mayor Victor Gordo is expected to send letters of support to the Assembly as the bill progresses.