New Altadena Recovery Commission Launched to Speed Community Rebuilding

At a virtual community meeting held Monday, Los Angeles County Board Chair Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced plans to establish an Altadena Recovery Commission in the coming days, a new initiative designed to accelerate the community’s rebuilding process.

The Commission, to be referred to as the ARC, will focus on modernizing infrastructure, streamlining permitting, and developing scalable housing solutions.

“Throughout every step of the recovery process, I’m committed to getting you the information that you need,” Barger said during the meeting, which included representatives from multiple agencies and addressed pre-submitted resident questions. “Altadena residents have a clear shared vision and commitment to rebuild this community and the time to rebuild begins now.”

The Commission, which Barger’s office will sponsor, will “have the mission to bend the arc of history for Altadena” through an expedited process that brings together government agencies, private sector partners, and community stakeholders.

“This community-driven process will be informed by highly experienced, accomplished, and committed leaders with an understanding of Altadena and what it will take to rebuild our community,” Barger said. “We intend to bring the full arsenal of resources available to this community-driven process guiding all levels of government, the private sector and community partners forward.”

The announcement comes as recovery efforts are already underway, with the United States Army Corps of Engineers actively working on debris removal at the Pasadena Rosebud Academy School and Edison School.

Three more schools are scheduled for cleanup in the coming days, with residential debris removal expected to begin within one to two weeks.

Residents can find answers to frequently asked questions and updates about the recovery process at: recovery.lacounty.gov/altadena.

The County will continue to hold weekly community meetings to provide updates on recovery efforts.