Soil Contamination Town Hall to Feature Erin Brockovich and UCLA, USC Experts in Pasadena

A coalition including a local law firm will host a town hall Thursday evening to address soil contamination in Altadena following the Eaton Fire, featuring consumer advocate Erin Brockovich and experts from UCLA and USC.

“This is about empowering communities to understand what’s in their soil and what they can do about it,” said Brockovich, who has firsthand experience with wildfire evacuations. “We fight every day to right corporate wrongdoing against innocent victims.”

Speakers will present recent soil testing results, explain contamination risks, and offer practical steps for residents. The program includes interactive Q&A, case studies from affected neighborhoods, and guidance on community mobilization.

Panelists include:

• Joshua West, professor of Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of Southern California.
• Aradhna Tripati, professor and director of UCLA’s Center for Diverse Leadership in Science.
• Christine Lenches-Hinkel, founder of 301 Organics and post-fire soil restoration specialist.

James Farr, host of “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising” on KBLA Talk 1580 and columnist for the LA Progressive, will moderate the event.

Representatives from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, Plant Community LA, SoilWise, Grow Real Organic, and The DENA Soil Coalition are expected to participate.

The free event begins with refreshments at 6 p.m., provided by Perry’s Joint, followed by the main program at 6:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 960 E. Walnut St. in Pasadena. A livestream will be available on LA Fire Justice’s YouTube channel.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.

LA Fire Justice is a coalition of wildfire attorneys, fire origin experts, insurance specialists, and community leaders. Led by Chris Holden, Doug Boxer, Mikal Watts, and Brockovich, the group operates a long-term office in Pasadena and employs local residents to support outreach efforts.

Disclosure: LA Fire Justice advertises in Pasadena Now.