Here is info on fire relief efforts. For up to date information on the Eaton Fire and Relief Efforts @pasadena_chamberofcommerce on Instagram

WE WANT TO HELP, IF WE CAN. IF YOU SUFFERED LOSSES OR DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE, PLEASE LET US KNOW. EMAIL  PAUL@PASADENA-CHAMBER.ORG

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THERE IS A RED FLAG (HIGH WIND) WARNING IN EFFECT FOR TODAY (TUESDAY, 1/21). TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE

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The Pasadena Chamber is working with local Chambers across the country to ask them to help support businesses, business people and others displaced by the fire.

If you are aware of those in need, or have needs yourself, we are happy to forward the information to our partners at other Chambers to ask them to help you.

If your business is displaced and you need a new (or temporary) office, retail or restaurant space, please email and tell us about your needs. We have members who have space and want to help.

With any needs, resources or assistance you can have, please email paul@pasadena-chamber.org. 

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We have compiled a number of resources for fire victims with information and assistance. (This is not comprehensive, but is what I know as of now.)

Please do not hesitate to ask for help or apply for relief. 

Pasadena Community Foundation has opened a fire relief fund and is accepting donations to help victims of the Eaton Fire. You can get information and donate at pasadenacf.org. 

Pasadena Educational Foundation has opened a Fire Response Fund. You can find information at https://pasedfoundation.org/

There are many opportunities to donate items to help those in need. if you donate, please indicate you want your support to go to those impacted by the Eaton Fire.

The generosity of local people wanting to aid fire victims has overwhelmed some donation sites. Here are places still accepting donations (as of Friday afternoon):

Here is a link to a spreadsheet with a (fairly) comprehensive list of organizations and places to donate items to help victims. (Please note this changes minute-by-minute and it is a good idea to contact the recipient before delivering donations.)

Thanks to the Junior League of Pasadena for posting this: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY/htmlview?usp=sharing&urp=gmail_link

Representative Judy Chu and her staff have compiled resources and links to assistance here: https://chu.house.gov/EatonFire

The Restaurants Care fund has grants available of up to $1,500 to support restaurant workers who suffered losses or loss of income due to the fires. You can find info here: https://restaurantscare.org/help/

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation also has information and links to aid for businesses. You can find that here: https://laedc.org/2025-wildfire-assistance/

Here are a few resources for counseling and mental health support:

• CALHope: Offers free crisis counseling for disaster survivors calhope.org or 833-317-4673
• Disaster Distress Helpline: Provides 24/7 emotional support for those affected by natural disasters 1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
• LA County Department of Mental Health: Offers further resources for individuals and families dealing with trauma. Dmh.lacounty.gov or 1-800-854-7771

Here is a link to the City of Pasadena X (the social media site formerly known as Twitter) feed for up-to-date info: https://x.com/pasadenagov?mx=2

The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at PCC has SBA disaster loan specialists available to meet with business owners and help them apply for loans directly with the SBA. The Pasadena SBDC and WBC also have advisors available to meet with business owners. Here are a few more key points:

• FEMA hours are 8:00 am - 9:00 pm every day. (Closed 1/20/25 for MLK Day)
• SBA hours are from 9:00-6:00 Monday-Friday and 9:00-4:00 Saturdays. (Closed 1/20/25 for MLK Day)
• The address is 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. The SBA is in Bungalow B-4. Parking is FREE in Lot D or the surrounding neighborhoods.  
• SBA will help small businesses, private nonprofits (PNP) and homeowners and renters with low-interest loans to replace equipment, repair damage or replace personal property. (Yes, non-business owners are welcome to apply for disaster damage loans!)
• The SBA is also offering their Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for small businesses and Private Nonprofits (PNPs). (See attached SBA Fact Sheet) PLEASE NOTE:
  • EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage. If you lost business due to anything fire-related, you may be eligible for an EIDL. For example, if you lost customers or access to your business or employees, etc. The EIDL can help and is one of the best debt instruments you can get with up to 30 year terms and interest rates below 4%.
  • Loan Denials may be re-filed within 6 months, and our team may be able to help them qualify, so instruct your members not to give up if they are initially denied. Have them contact us!
• What applicants should bring to meetings with the SBA…
  • Most recent, full year, complete federal tax return. Including all of the schedules and attachments.
  • Schedule of Liabilities (we can help with this if needed)
• Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments take priority and can be made here… https://appointment.sba.gov/schedule/  
• SBDC and WBC advisors are available to help clients who need help qualifying or want 1:1 assistance. We have advisors here, or we will be connecting clients with advisors via Zoom within 48 hours. 
• THERE ARE MANY MORE SERVICES AND MUCH MORE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT THE PCC CENTER.
• Clients may reach us at www.pccsbdc.org, www.pccwbc.org, sbdc@pasadena.edu or (626) 585-3105. 

All individuals who were impacted by the Eaton Fire should apply for FEMA assistance. Please call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov as soon as possible. 

Individuals who may be eligible for individual assistance should apply through one of the following options: 

• Apply by phone to FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) or speak non-English languages, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.  

• You can also apply online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

FEMA Disaster Assistance
The government has already added Los Angeles to its disaster assistance page. Find local information here: disasterassistance.gov or call the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362.
 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Residents & businesses in evacuation zones can apply now for relief at http://disasterassistance.gov. 

This includes:

• Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for 2 weeks)
• $770 for essential personal items
• Large grants for needs like medical bills & car repairs

You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. 

As of this morning (Monday), CalFire reports the Eaton Fire is at 14,021 acres and has 87% containment as of 9:00am this morning. They report 9.416 structures destroyed and 1,064 damaged and 17 persons killed. You can continue to keep track of the fire spread, along with updates for containment by downloading the Watch Duty App.

CITY OF PASADENA:

• City of Pasadena Reports Update to Evacuation Orders and Warnings. Read more by clicking here.
• The City has established an Eaton Fire Updates page, please visit by clicking here. This page includes the latest press releases, resources, a map, etc. To review these updates in Spanish or other languages, please click the translation tool in the upper right hand corner.
• Please review the update on Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride services. 
• Safety Precautions and Ash Exposure Prevention. Read more below.
• The Red Cross is helping find missing loved ones, please call (800) 675-5799. Click here for more information about the Family Assistance Center.
• The Rose Bowl Stadium is currently being used by City of Pasadena fire and police departments and other regional agencies for emergency response efforts. While we are appreciative of the continued offer of donations, we ask that all donations be dropped off at the following location: Santa Anita Race Track, South Side, Lot B
• The City of Pasadena has not issued a curfew for our City at this point. Residents will be updated through the City website (CityOfPasadena.net), social media and mainstream media.

Here are more resources and support for our community:

Click here for a link to fire damage maps.

RESOURCES FOR RE-ENTRY

Disaster Recovery

American Red Cross:
Learn how to begin cleaning up and recovering after a home fire. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-recovery.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqTdmn_DvwIvf7UwKJXb8x2h_gfS-vT3mv8zuq2JyMF4miepsRf

FEMA
After the Fire – https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

How to apply for Disaster Relief Assistance – https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

California Department of Insurance
Top Ten Tips for Wildfire Claimants – https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/TopTenTips_WildfireClaimants.cfm

Utilities
AT&T: The telecommunications company announced it is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. Visit their official site for a list of valid zip codes.

Verizon: Verizon announced it will waive call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. The company also deployed free Wi-Fi and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.

Here is more info from Word In Black (an online news and information service:

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources, is a Google spreadsheet that offers free items, donation drives, free meals, Wi-Fi and charging locations, temporary shelter, and additional resources. Most of the resources listed have a location listed and point of contact. 

The Los Angeles County Fire Resources has compiled a list of evacuation centers, gyms, and animal evacuation centers for residents impacted by the fires. The organization also offers resources to help impacted residents know their rights in terms of health care coverage and housing. 

The Hotel Assn. of Los Angeles has compiled a list of hotels in the L.A. area that have rooms available and are offering special rates for fire victims. The list is being continuously being updated and contains contact information and details on any fire-related special rate. 

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren’t affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities, and mental health support. They have also teamed up with L.A. Unified School District to provide childcare services for essential workers and affected families until schools reopen. Register on their website. 

The City of Anaheim has compiled an online list of 39 hotels within the city that are offering discounted rates for people displaced by the fire. The list includes the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, Clementine Hotel and Suites Anaheim, Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort and Cambria Hotel and Suites Anaheim.  

Santa Monica Hotels are offering special rates for evacuated area residents. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Gateway Hotel, Hilton Santa Monica, The Pierside Santa Monica, Regent Santa Monica Beach, Sandbourne Santa Monica, Shore Hotel, Shutters on the Beach, Viceroy Santa Monica and more. 

San Diego Tourism Authority has an online list of 34 San Diego-area hotels that are offering special rates for fire victims, including Town and Country Resort, Intercontinental San Diego, Bahia Resort Hotel, Rancho Bernardo Inn, La Jolla Shores Hotel and more. 

Visit Santa Barbara created an online list of 23 Santa Barbara-area discounted lodging rates for those affected by the fire. Due to high demand, availability may be limited. The organization recommends contacting hotels directly for the most up-to-date information. 

Discover Torrance has created an online tool where fire victims can type in their dates for stay and number of guests to see which hotels in the Torrance area have availability for special rates.  

Airbnb is partnering with 211 LA, which is identifying residents in need of temporary housing and helping to connect them with free, temporary Airbnb stays. Applicants can complete an online form with 211 LA. 

Phone Charging & Wi-Fi
Arcadia Community Center: Located at 375 Campus Dr., Arcadia.

Octavia’s Bookshelf: The bookstore offers free wi-fi if needed, as well as a place to charge your phone. Located at 1353 N Hill Ave, Pasadena.

Mental Health
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis or considering suicide, call or text 988. You can also click here to use 988 Lifeline Chat. In cases of immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

The Los Angeles County ACCESS Center remains open and operational at this time as the entry point for mental health services, information and referrals. Call 1-800-854-7771.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.

Foothill Family is focused on providing impacted families with the proper mental health care and support that they desperately need. Our therapists and counselors will be working to help families recover by offering trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and crisis intervention.  If you are in need of therapy, Foothill Flourish can provide your first therapy session at no cost. Contact (626) 933-3500 or visit foothillflourish.com. To support these emergency mental health services, we are accepting donations here.

CLEANING UP:

Pasadena Public Health Department urges the community to take action to prevent Eaton Fire ash exposure. With some Eaton Fire evacuation orders being lifted, residents may be further exposed to ash. Being around ash may irritate your eyes, nose, or skin; and can cause coughing, asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, and other health effects.

PREVENT ASH EXPOSURE

• If you get ash on your skin, in your eyes, or in your mouth, wash it off as soon as possible.

• People with heart or lung disease such as asthma, older adults, children, and pregnant people should use special caution around ash.

• Children should not be nearby while you clean up ash, and do not allow children to play in ash. Clean ash off toys before use.

• Pets should not be nearby while you clean up ash, and clean ash off pets and other animals. Keep pets away from contaminated areas.

• Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks, and goggles to avoid skin and eye contact. Contact with wet ash can cause chemical burns or skin irritation. Change your shoes and clothing before you leave the cleanup site to avoid tracking ash offsite, into your car, or other places.

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS

• Wear a tight-fitting respirator that filters ash particles from the air you breathe. Wear a respirator that has the words “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. These have two straps and are available online, and at many hardware stores and pharmacies.

• Buy respirators in a size that can be tightened over your mouth and nose with a snug seal to your face. Surgical masks and one-strap dust masks will not protect your lungs. They are not designed to seal tightly to the face.

• If you have heart or lung disease, talk to your doctor before wearing a respirator or working around ash.

ASH CLEANUP

• Wear protective gear while cleaning up ash. Wear a respirator, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks, and goggles to avoid skin and eye contact.

• Avoid stirring or sifting through ash and avoid actions that kick ash particles into air, as much as you can.

• When vacuuming ash, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-type vacuum to clean dusty surfaces. Do not use a typical household vacuum or a shop vacuum, which will send the collected dust or ash out into the air.

• Do not use leaf blowers or do anything else that will put ash into air.

• Before sweeping ash off surfaces, wet down ash with as little water as you can. Continue to use caution while cleaning the wet ash, as contact with wet ash can cause chemical burns or skin irritation.

  • On surfaces with a lot of ash, mist ash with water to keep dust down, then sweep. Wet mop area after sweeping. Avoid dry sweeping.

  • On areas lightly dusted with ash, use a damp cloth or wet mop.

• Change your shoes and clothing before you leave the cleanup site to avoid tracking ash offsite, into your car or other places.

ASH DISPOSAL

• Throw away collected ash in regular trash.

• Store ash in plastic bags or other containers to prevent it from being stirred up.

• If you think any waste is hazardous (including asbestos), contact your local hazardous waste authorities regarding appropriate disposal.

• Avoid washing ash into storm drains.

Fire damaged structures and debris are extremely hazardous and unsafe. Any free-standing portions of structures including chimneys, walls, and overhanging remanence are potential hazards. Debris and ash may include lead, asbestos, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins or other hazardous materials. Stay away from any unsafe structures and fire debris. 

The Planning & Community Development Department’s Building & Safety Division is continuing to conduct city-wide structural assessments. Please contact Building & Safety at (626) 744-4200 or email BuildingRecovery@cityofpasadena.net to request a structural assessment for damages caused by the fire and tree failures.

FROM LA COUNTY SUPERVISOR KATHRYN BARGER:

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TAX RELIEF

Under California law, if your property, your home or business, has been damaged or destroyed by fire, you may qualify for property tax relief under the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) program. This program allows my office to reduce the assessed value of your property, which is what your property taxes are based upon, to be reduced to reflect the damage.

Here are the key details to the M&C tax relief program:

·       To qualify, the damage must exceed $10,000, and a claim form must be filed with our office within 12 months of the damage.

·       Once filed, we will investigate and verify the claim, determine the cost to cure, and reduce the assessed value effective the date the damage occurred. This reduction remains in place until the property is repaired, rebuilt, or undergoes a change in ownership.

The filing of this claim also facilitates coordination with the Treasurer and Tax Collector, allowing taxpayers who pay property taxes directly, not through an impound account with a mortgage lender, to defer their current year property taxes without incurring penalties.

The Assessor's Office working closely with our County partners to identify impacted properties and will assist homeowners and businesses through every step of this process. For all claims, we aim to process them as soon as possible. 

Once the tax roll is updated, the Auditor-Controller will recalculate the taxes. If you are due a refund, it will be issued, or if taxes remain owed, an adjusted bill with new due dates will be sent.

The Assessor's Office can be reached at assessor.lacounty.gov or call us at (213) 974-3211. 

The direct link to the disaster page is: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/disaster

INSURANCE: 

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is hosting free two-day workshops designed to assist Los Angeles residents affected by the recent wildfires. One of these workshops will be in Pasadena and aim to help survivors understand their insurance policies and the claims process, while also providing information about available resources for rebuilding and recovery.

Experts from the Department of Insurance will be available for one-on-one consultations with residents at both locations to address their specific and confidential insurance needs. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their insurance policy, declaration page, and any relevant correspondence related to their concerns.

Saturday, January 25^th, 10AM-5PM and Sunday, January 26^th, 10AM-1PM  

Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106