Angelenos Begin the Long Road to Recovery Six Months After January’s Devastating Fires

Six Months Later: Altadena and Pacific Palisades Residents Grapple with Fire Recovery

Six months have passed since devastating wildfires ripped through Los Angeles County, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in their wake. On July 7th, communities in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades paused to remember the lives lost and to reflect on the long and arduous road to recovery ahead. The fires, among the most destructive in the county’s history, claimed at least 30 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures.

In West Altadena, empty lots serve as stark reminders of the homes and lives that were upended. Zaire Calvin, standing on the site where his sister once lived, addressed a gathering of neighbors and community members. He recounted the devastating discovery of his sister, Evelyn McClendon, as the first victim of the Eaton Fire.

The vigil held in Altadena served as a moment for the community to come together, offering prayers, songs, and shared memories of those who perished in the fires. As residents navigate the complexities of recovery, the sense of community remains a vital source of strength. Calvin emphasized the unique diversity and love within the community, urging residents to remain united and fight for their future.

The Ongoing Challenges of Rebuilding

As summer approaches and the threat of new fires looms, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath of the January infernos. Some have begun the process of rebuilding, while others remain displaced or have chosen to relocate. The road to recovery is paved with challenges, including debris removal, insurance claims, and navigating the complexities of rebuilding permits.

Government officials have acknowledged the slow progress and are attempting to expedite the process. According to Governor Gavin Newsom, local, state, and federal entities are working to deliver the fastest wildfire cleanup in U.S. history, with nearly 10,000 homes cleared ahead of schedule.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has removed debris from over 9,000 lots, representing 97% of properties in the Eaton Fire zone and 87% in the Palisades Fire zone. However, nearly 1,000 properties that opted out of the government debris removal program still require attention.

Permitting delays also plague the rebuilding process. In the Pacific Palisades, approximately one-quarter of the nearly 400 rebuild permits submitted have been approved by the LA City’s Department of Building and Safety. In Altadena, the situation is even more challenging, with only around 5% of the over 900 rebuild permits submitted having been approved by the county.

Government Initiatives and Community Concerns

Governor Newsom outlined the state’s commitment to the “restoration phase,” with plans to lower construction costs, reduce property taxes, and expedite rebuilding. He signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the process by expanding exemptions under the Coastal Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as temporarily suspending local permitting laws and building codes for fire-affected homes.

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced the county’s “Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding” plan, which includes waiving requirements and lowering rebuilding costs (potentially saving residents up to $30,000), expediting property tax relief (potentially saving homeowners between $3,000 and $10,000 per year), accelerating permitting and inspections, and burying over 150 miles of overhead utilities. The county aims to restore schools, parks, businesses, and services for seniors and childcare facilities.

Despite these efforts, many fire victims remain skeptical. The Eaton Fire Survivors Network (EFSN) led a gathering to demand urgent action from state and local officials to hold insurance companies accountable. Joy Chen, founder of the EFSN, criticized insurance companies for delaying and denying claims, thereby profiting from the suffering of fire victims.

The EFSN has documented over 400 accounts from fire victims detailing how State Farm Insurance’s tactics are hindering their recovery. While California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has initiated an investigation into the insurance provider, he also approved an emergency rate hike for the company.

The gap between insurance payouts and the actual cost of rebuilding remains a significant burden for many. Calvin estimated that the difference between his insurance coverage and the cost to rebuild his home is around $1.2 million. He accused insurance companies of taking advantage of fire victims, stating that many are underinsured and face the prospect of running out of Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, which provides temporary housing and other essential support.

Community Demands and Calls for Justice

Several community organizations presented a list of demands for elected officials, seeking “justice, fairness, and real choices for residents in the rebuilding of Altadena and Pasadena.” These demands included:

• Financial assistance in the form of grants or no-interest loans to cover remediation, repairs, construction, and restoration costs.
• Streamlined permitting processes through the waiving or easing of restrictions.
• Comprehensive testing throughout the fire zone to ensure residents’ safety from toxic contamination.
• Remediation of contaminated properties.
• Moratoriums on sales to developers to preserve affordable housing.
• Protection for all community members, especially Latino day laborers, from immigration enforcement.

The Intersection of Fire Recovery and Immigration Concerns

The vigil also highlighted the plight of day laborers who played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of the fires, clearing debris and assisting emergency responders. These same workers are now being targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in mass raids.

Brandon Lamar, president of the Pasadena NAACP, called on local government to protect immigrant families from arrests, deportations, and racial profiling. Senator Alex Padilla acknowledged the significant contribution of immigrant labor to the reconstruction efforts. He emphasized the need to respect and honor these workers and condemned threats and intimidation tactics against them and their families.

Governor Newsom criticized the deployment of National Guard troops to aid immigration enforcement, calling it a “disgraceful spectacle” and a political maneuver. He argued that these troops, who had previously assisted in fire recovery, were being used as “political pawns.”