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Lead Exposure Guide
The CLEAN project was developed by a group of USC faculty, students, and staff, with the aim of applying scientific research tools to assist local communities impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
In the interest of testing soil samples rapidly and providing the public with information as soon as possible, this program is currently only testing soils for lead contamination. Any amount of lead is harmful to health, but USC’s instrumentation can quickly evaluate lead levels and assess what soil poses a threat. We may expand our testing capabilities in the future, but do not have the ability to provide testing for other contaminants at this time.
Pasadena Sues Southern California Edison for Eaton Fire Damage
The City of Pasadena has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), seeking compensation for damages to municipal property and infrastructure caused by the Eaton Fire that began on January 7, 2025. The fire, fueled by strong winds, burned over 14,000 acres, destroyed 9,400 structures, damaged over 1,000, and claimed 17 lives. Pasadena’s suit cites inverse condemnation, negligence, and other claims, alleging that SCE’s electrical system anomalies contributed to the fire’s ignition. The city is seeking damages for police and municipal facilities, water infrastructure, and emergency response costs. Los Angeles County and Sierra Madre also filed similar lawsuits against SCE.
Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department Hosts Workshop on Upward Rent Adjustment
The Rent Stabilization Department continues its Monthly Workshop Series with a session on Hearings & Petitions for Upward Adjustment of Rent, aimed at educating landlords on filing petitions for rent increases under rent control and informing tenants about their rights in the process. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6 PM at the Los Robles Building (199 South Los Robles Avenue, Conference Room 1 FL) and will also be available virtually via Zoom at Bit.ly/MonthlyRSDWorkshops. Topics include the hearing process, landlord responsibilities, and tenant rights. Attendees will gain valuable insights from Rent Stabilization Department staff, with opportunities to ask questions and receive guidance.
Pasadena Economic Development Division & Community Partners Host Free 1:1 Advising Events to Support Small Business Recovery
In response to the significant challenges posed by the Eaton disaster, the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division is continuing its efforts to support local businesses through free advising events, aimed at helping businesses stabilize, recover, and thrive. These efforts follow the release of a citywide business impact survey in January 2025, which gathered feedback from 557 local businesses to better understand the disaster’s impact and inform tailored support strategies. The results underscored the urgent need for accessible, expert guidance for business owners across Pasadena.
Pasadena Releases Self-Certification Form for Tenants Protected Under Eaton Fire Eviction Ordinance
The ordinance, adopted by the Pasadena City Council on March 24, 2025, at the request of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, provides temporary eviction protections for tenants unable to pay rent due to financial hardship directly related to the Eaton Fire. To remain protected under the ordinance, qualifying tenants may submit the self-certification form each month through July 31, 2025, confirming their continued eligibility and documenting the financial impact of the disaster.
Homeowners affected by Eaton Fire say insurance companies repeatedly change their adjusters
Frustrated homeowners who were affected by the devastating Eaton Fire said their insurance companies are repeatedly swapping out their adjusters, leading to delays in the resolution of their claims.
Homeowners affected by Eaton Fire say insurance companies repeatedly change their adjusters
A grassroots effort out of Altadena has residents working together to make sure the homes that are still standing are safe for their families to move back into.
With the San Gabriel mountains behind their property, Grace Regullano and her family have not been able to return to their Pasadena home since evacuating during the Eaton Fire.
California’s effort to hold oil companies liable for natural disaster damage stalls
California lawmakers have blocked a bill to make oil and gas companies liable for damage to homes from natural disasters caused by climate change, warning it could raise gas prices.
The bill would have allowed victims of natural disasters, including fires, floods and hurricanes, to sue fossil fuel companies over harm to themselves or their property for damage totaling at least $10,000. Home insurers would also have been able to seek damages under the legislation.
In fight over insurance, neighbors crowdsource LA fire contamination data
All sense of survivors’ guilt was fleeting for those residents whose homes remained standing after wildfires ripped through the Los Angeles area three months ago.
Many worried that smoke from the Eaton wildfire that destroyed more than 9,000 structures and killed 18 people may have carried toxins, including lead, asbestos and heavy metals, into their homes. But they struggled to convince their insurers to test their properties to ensure it was safe to return.
Edison says dormant powerline is a leading theory for cause of Eaton fire
Southern California Edison (SCE) has identified a decommissioned power line as the leading theory behind the cause of the Eaton Fire, which erupted in January 2025 near Altadena, California. This “zombie” line, out of service since 1971, may have become energized through electromagnetic induction from nearby active lines during high winds. Investigations revealed damage to the grounding equipment meant to prevent such occurrences. The fire resulted in 17 fatalities and the destruction of over 6,000 homes. SCE is now reassessing safety protocols for similar idle lines and faces potential liability pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The deadline for Eaton Fire victims to request FREE debris removal is Tuesday, April 15.
Residents impacted by the Eaton Fire must submit their Right of Entry (ROE) forms by Tuesday, April 15, to access free wildfire debris removal provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local agencies. Submitting the ROE is the first step in clearing damaged properties and moving toward rebuilding.
📍Where to Submit:
Visit lacounty.gov/recovery to download and submit the form.
Also included in the article are key legislative updates on wildfire recovery, insurance reform, and housing initiatives aimed at helping fire survivors rebuild safely and quickly.
Credit: https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/news/deadline-tuesday-415-and-key-legislative-updates?
Timeline of LA’s historic wildfires outlined in new report
What started as a wildland fire quickly catalyzed into a widespread urban wildfire in Los Angeles on Jan. 7. In the wake of the tragedy, researchers are understanding more about just what fueled the conflagration.
A new report from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety outlines the timeline of both the Palisades and Eaton fires. Institute researchers also entered the community in the days following the destruction and uncovered what types of homes were worst-hit by the fires, and which were more fire resistant.
911 logs show more than a dozen calls from burning west Altadena before evacuations ordered
A recent Los Angeles Times investigation reveals that during the January 2025 Eaton Fire in west Altadena, 911 dispatchers received over a dozen emergency calls reporting fires and burning structures hours before any evacuation orders were issued. Despite these early warnings, the first evacuation alert for the area wasn’t sent until 3:25 a.m. on January 8—after flames had already engulfed multiple homes. Tragically, 17 of the 18 confirmed deaths from the fire occurred in this region. The 911 logs highlight a critical delay in emergency response, raising concerns about the effectiveness of evacuation protocols.
Credit: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-16/911-logs-west-altadena-eaton-fire-evacuations?
100 days after the fires: California and Los Angeles rebuild, recover, and rise together
LOS ANGELES – On the 100 day milestone since the Eaton and Palisades fires ignited, California mourns the loss of those who died, the communities that were forever changed and celebrates the heroic efforts of first responders and those working tirelessly everyday to rebuild these communities stronger and more resilient.
Altadena suffered a ‘catastrophic failure.’ Did unincorporated status hurt fire response?
In the first 24 hours of the Eaton fire, Pasadena’s communications director helped activate four different kinds of alerts to keep its residents apprised of evacuation orders, while also hopping on several news programs and doing interviews to share updates in real time.
Further east, when Arcadia joined the sphere of concern as the fire erratically tore through the San Gabriel foothills, the city’s fire chief successfully advocated for unified commanders to issue more widespread evacuations than initially proposed.
Eaton fire victims call for investigation into State Farm for delays, violations
Survivors of the Eaton Fire are speaking out against State Farm, accusing the insurer of dragging its feet on fire-related claims while simultaneously requesting a 22% emergency rate hike. Many say they’re still waiting for payouts months after losing their homes.
SoCal Edison starts work to remove idle power line in Eaton Canyon
Southern California Edison started work this week to prepare an idle power transmission line for removal from the area where the deadly Eaton Fire started and rapidly spread in a powerful windstorm in January.
The prep work and removal are further steps in the investigation to determine how the second-most destructive wildfire on record in California started in San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles. The equipment could provide clues to help pinpoint the cause, which has not been determined.
Insurer of last resort kept growing. Then L.A. fire victims paid the price
The Los Angeles Times article titled “Insurer of last resort kept growing. Then L.A. fire victims paid the price,” published on April 23, 2025, examines the challenges faced by California’s FAIR Plan amid the aftermath of the January wildfires. As the state’s insurer of last resort, the FAIR Plan has seen a surge in policyholders due to major insurers withdrawing from fire-prone areas. This growth has strained its capacity, leading to delays and disputes over claims, particularly concerning smoke damage. The article highlights lawsuits filed by fire victims alleging mishandling of claims and underscores the financial pressures on the FAIR Plan, which may necessitate additional assessments on insurers and, potentially, higher costs for homeowners statewide.
Regulators criticized Edison’s wildfire safety actions months before deadly Eaton fire
In October 2024, state regulators criticized Southern California Edison (SCE) for lagging in inspecting transmission lines in high wildfire risk areas. They noted that visual inspections often missed dangerous issues, which were only detected using X-ray equipment. Despite these concerns, SCE claimed its wildfire mitigation efforts had significantly reduced fire risks. However, just months later, the Eaton Fire ignited near Altadena, resulting in 17 fatalities and the destruction of over 9,400 structures. The fire’s cause remains under investigation, but SCE’s equipment is under scrutiny. The California Public Utilities Commission approved SCE’s wildfire mitigation plan, despite earlier criticisms.
Updated lead testing shows Pasadena parks are safe again after January Eaton Fire
PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — Follow-up soil tests at Pasadena parks show lead levels are below the threshold for what is considered safe.
In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in January, some recreation areas, including two baseball fields, had been closed, but now, the restrictions have been lifted.
The city says levels of lead and other heavy metals at Alice’s Dog Park, Allendale Park, Hamilton Park, Robinson Park, Washington Park, and Victory Park meet state and EPA safety guidelines.
After the Eaton fire, Altadena dirt was sent to Tujunga. Then came the backlash
Tujunga neighbors are raising alarms after independent soil tests revealed potentially hazardous contaminants—like arsenic and selenium—in debris from the Eaton Fire cleanup being dumped in their community. The material, trucked in from hard-hit Altadena, is part of a massive debris removal effort managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. County officials insist the soil meets safety standards, but residents argue they were never consulted and are demanding more transparency and environmental safeguards.
Credit: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-28/tujunga-neighbors-test-dirt-county-altadena
Soil Testing at Pasadena City Parks Shows Lead and Other Heavy Metal Levels Below Thresholds
PASADENA, Calif.— The results of soil sampling conducted at Alice’s Dog Park, Allendale Park, Hamilton Park, Robinson Park, Washington Park, and Victory Park show that lead levels for all parks are below the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening threshold of 80 parts per million (ppm) and well below the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) screening threshold of 200 ppm. The highest detection of lead in soil was found at Washington Park (Tree Area) at 51.9 ppm and the lowest at Robinson Park (North Ball Field) at 1.6 ppm. Test results for other heavy metal levels were also below the state and federal thresholds. These results indicate that lead and heavy metal levels in park soil are not current concerns to human health and Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) recommendations to restrict outdoor activities on exposed soil in parks are lifted.
Altadena senior community demands action after they say they were stranded during Eaton Fire
ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) — Members of a senior living community in Altadena are demanding action. They say they were given almost no help as the Eaton Fire raged, leaving most of them to fend for themselves.
“Residents who are disabled, who have mobility issues, who are medically vulnerable — not evacuated, nobody came for them. They saved each other. They saved themselves,” said Katie Clark with the Altadena Tenants’ Union.
A group gathered Tuesday night in Altadena in support of residents of the Mirador Apartments — home to 70 units of low-income and formerly-unhoused seniors — which was nearly lost to the Eaton Fire. Properties just across the street burned down.
LA officials say Trump administration has been helpful in fire recovery, but uncertainty remains
On May 1, 2025, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger acknowledged the Trump administration’s assistance in wildfire recovery efforts, particularly highlighting the expedited debris removal facilitated by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. Despite this support, both officials expressed concerns about the sustainability of federal aid, especially regarding FEMA reimbursements, as the 180-day full reimbursement period initiated under President Biden’s disaster declaration approaches its end. They emphasized the necessity of continued federal involvement to support rebuilding efforts and financial relief for affected residents. Governor Gavin Newsom has requested nearly $40 billion from Congress to aid in the reconstruction of areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, with bipartisan backing from California’s congressional delegation.
Judge Convenes Case Management Conference in Deadly Eaton Fire Lawsuits Against Edison
More than 40 lawsuits representing over 600 residents, along with government entities including Los Angeles County, the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre, and the Pasadena Unified School District, have been filed against the utility.
The lawsuits allege Southern California Edison failed to de-energize its electrical equipment despite repeated National Weather Service warnings about extreme fire danger and high winds. Plaintiffs claim the utility prioritized profits over safety and neglected proper infrastructure maintenance.
Besides homes, the fire devastated public infrastructure, including schools and parks throughout the affected communities.
Edison electric tower at center of Eaton fire investigation is dismantled and removed for testing
On May 7, 2025, Southern California Edison (SCE) dismantled and removed Tower 208, a decommissioned transmission tower in Altadena, as part of the ongoing investigation into the Eaton Fire. Although the tower had been inactive for over 50 years, SCE reported that it became reenergized on January 7—the day the fire ignited—possibly due to electromagnetic induction. The tower’s components were transported to a warehouse in Irwindale for detailed examination by fire investigators, SCE officials, and experts representing plaintiffs in lawsuits against the utility. This scrutiny follows allegations that the tower was improperly grounded, with exposed grounding wires potentially contributing to the fire’s ignition. The Eaton Fire resulted in 16 fatalities and destroyed over 7,000 structures.
Credit: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-07/sce-eaton-fire-tower-investigation
Edison hit with lawsuit saying Eaton fire exposed people to toxic substances
Southern California Edison is facing a lawsuit over dangerous lead levels allegedly left behind after the Eaton Fire. Plaintiffs claim that the company’s electrical infrastructure not only caused the fire but also spread toxic contaminants into nearby neighborhoods, particularly affecting children’s health. The suit calls for cleanup, testing, and medical monitoring.