News, Information, and Resources for the Public





Recovery Resources [ [link removed] ]

*October 1, 2025*






News, Information, and Resources for the Public





________________________________________________________________________


todays updates
________________________________________________________________________



Voices of Fire Recovery: John Begins Rebuilding
John Rebuilds [ [link removed] ]

After the Eaton Fire destroyed his home, John made the decision to rebuild.

In this episode [ [link removed] ], we witness the first steps of his journey back — a moving reminder of resilience and hope.

Please see the Rebuilding section below for practical information and links to resources for the rebuilding process.

________________________________________________________________________



Now Available: After-Action Review by McChrystal Group of Alert Notification Systems and Evacuation Policies for
the Eaton and Palisades Fires
AAR [ [link removed] ]

The McChrystal Group's *After-Action Review of Alert Notification Systems and Evacuation Policies for the Eaton and Palisades Fires* (133 pages, PDF) is available in full *here [ [link removed] ]*.

An independent after-action review of alerts and evacuations has been completed by McChrystal Group, providing a comprehensive picture of actions taken during the catastrophic January wildfires along with recommendations to help guide future Los Angeles County responses.

The unprecedented wind-whipped January wildfires claimed 31 lives and destroyed 16,251 properties in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, along with parts of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Malibu.

?? To view a full copy of the report, please click here [ [link removed] ]. (133 pages, PDF)

?? Highlights of findings and recommendations are here [ [link removed] ].

?? A summary of County actions and improvements already taken or underway is available here [ [link removed] ].

?? For a summary of the report’s findings about Eaton Fire notifications and evacuations, click here [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Nonprofit Organization Better Angels Offering Fire Recovery Grants
Help For Wildfire Survivors [ [link removed] ]

As part of their larger mission of preventing people from going unhoused, Better Angels is offering grants to qualified applicants whose residence was in one of the major fires. These grants are to help with rental housing.

For more information and to apply, visit their Fire Recovery Grant page [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Billboards Are Up for Local Economic Recovery Campaign
Shop Local Billboard [ [link removed] ]

Word is getting out about the *"Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local." [ [link removed] ]* campaign.

New eye-catching billboards are going up across the county as part of the County Department of Economic Opportunity's campaign launched to support small and micro businesses still reeling from the January 2025 windstorm and wildfires.

With 23 digital and print billboards – from premier panels to transit shelters in high-traffic corridors – this initiative calls on residents to shop, dine, and help local businesses rebuild and recover. The campaign reminds residents that every local purchase helps restore jobs, rebuild lives, and strengthen communities hardest hit by the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

________________________________________________________________________


Economic Recovery
________________________________________________________________________



First Quarterly Economic Briefing
Economic Recovery Update 1 [ [link removed] ]

The *Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation* (LAEDC), in partnership with the *Department of Economic Opportunity* (DEO), held the first in a series of four quarterly briefings [ [link removed] ] to assess the impact of the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires on residents, businesses and the overall economy.

________________________________________________________________________



The Disaster Case Management Program is There to Help
Case Management [ [link removed] ]

*The Disaster Case Management Program* (DCMP) is FEMA-funded and provides supplemental Disaster Case Management services to vulnerable populations.

The January 2025 wildfires are an active DCMP under the name:

*DR-4856 - 2025 Wildfires Straight-line Winds (January)*

To see if you qualify, please call 833-775-3267 or click here for more information from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Disaster Services Branch (DSB). [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program
Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program [ [link removed] ]

*The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program* provides immediate hiring and training support for impacted and dislocated workers from the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires in partnership with *LA County Department of Economic Opportunity* (DEO) and the region’s America’s Job Centers of California.

Check eligibility and fill out an interest form here. [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Regional “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local.” Campaign Supports Economic Recovery for Fire Impacted Small Businesses 
Shop Local [ [link removed] ]

Local businesses in or near impacted areas can sign up at shoplocal.la [ [link removed] ] to be included in the *Recover Local Business Directory*, an online list of highly-impacted businesses.

________________________________________________________________________


Housing Expenses and Conditions
________________________________________________________________________



Ensuring Habitable Rental Housing in Unincorporated Areas
Rental Properties [ [link removed] ]

*The Rental Housing Habitability Program [ [link removed] ]* (RHHP) aims to ensure rental units meet habitability standards, support property values, and provide safe living conditions. It is important for landlords and renters in *unincorporated* Los Angeles County communities to be aware this program, especially in areas where wildfires have impacted the conditions of rental properties.

RHHP is authorized to respond to tenant complaints.

To meet state housing health and safety standards, landlords and/or rental property owners are required to maintain rental housing units in a safe and habitable condition. The likelihood of smoke damage from the *Eaton Fire*, including fire-related ash and soot in and around a rental housing property and/or a lingering smell of smoke, may present a health and safety risk to tenants and requires professional evaluation [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



CalAssist Mortgage Fund for California Disaster Survivors
is Taking Applications
Cal Assist Mortgage Fund [ [link removed] ]

The *CalAssist Mortgage Fund [ [link removed] ]* is a state program that provides much-needed relief from mortgage payments for displaced families whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by a California disaster such as the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire.

*You may eligible if your primary residence was destroyed or is uninhabitable due to a qualified disaster from 1/1/2023 through 1/8/2025, you meet program income limits, you have a mortgage or reverse mortgage, and you own a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to 4 units).* If you qualify and are selected, the Fund will pay three months of mortgage payments, up to a maximum of $20,000. Funds never have to be repaid and it’s free to apply. Grants will be paid directly to your mortgage servicer. 

*Funds are limited and applications will be reviewed in the order received.*

________________________________________________________________________


Upcoming Deadlines
________________________________________________________________________



SBA Relief Still Available to Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires and Straight-line Winds

SBA [ [link removed] ]

*The **U.S. Small Business Administration* (SBA) [ [link removed] ] is reminding *businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations* in California of the *October 8, 2025* deadline to apply for *low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires and straight-line winds occurring January 7-31, 2025.*

The disaster declaration covers the California counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura.

Under this declaration, SBA’s *Economic Injury Disaster Loan* (EIDL) [ [link removed] ] program is available to businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available *even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage*. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

*To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster [ [link removed] ].*

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

*Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than October 8*.

________________________________________________________________________


Rebuilding
________________________________________________________________________



Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops
Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops [ [link removed] ]

Recordings are available [ [link removed] ] of six Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops.

Discover insights from experts on topics like finding and working with design professionals and licensed contractors, navigating manufactured and factory-built home submittals, and more.

________________________________________________________________________



Malibu Fee Waiver Program
Malibu Rebuilds Fee Waver [ [link removed] ]

The *City of Malibu* has a *Fee Waiver Program [ [link removed] ]* to help property owners affected by the recent fires. The program eliminates City planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes and duplexes.

The fee waiver applies to City of Malibu-issued permits for:

?? Planning approvals and building permits
?? Temporary housing
?? Wastewater treatment system upgrades
?? Required infrastructure (seawalls, water tanks, suppression systems)
?? Accessory structures, hardscaping, and landscaping

*?? Key Deadlines:*
June 30, 2028: Fee Waiver Application Due
June 30, 2028: Planning Applications Must Be Complete
December 30, 2030: All Building Permits Must Be Pulled

________________________________________________________________________



Fee Waivers & Refunds for Rebuilding in Unincorporated Areas

On June 17, 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to waive and refund fees for *qualifying property owners rebuilding single-family homes in unincorporated Los Angeles County following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires*.

Residents can check their eligibility on this Fee Waivers & Refunds page [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________


Road to Recovery [ [link removed] ]

If you're rebuilding in Altadena or any unincorporated wildfire area in LA County, get the information you need from *this website* [ [link removed] ].

There are ways to speed up the process of rebuilding. We call it the Express Lane on the Road to Recovery. ⬇

Express Lane on the Road to Recovery [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________



eCheck AI Pilot is Part of “Express Lane” for Faster Rebuilding
Express Lane on the Road to Recovery [ [link removed] ]

*The eCheck AI Pilot is one way residents can accelerate the approval process, along with opting for a pre-approved plans [ [link removed] ] and a Like-for-Like Rebuild [ [link removed] ].*

*Here’s how residents can participate in the eCheck AI Pilot:*

• Sign up for a *free* account:

➡LA County [ [link removed] ] (Altadena and other unincorporated areas)

-or-

➡City of LA [ [link removed] ]

• Look up your property address.
• Upload your architectural drawings in PDF format.
• Residents can choose between Like-for-Like and Non-Like-for-Like rebuild projects.

When results are ready, participants can review them on the eCheck platform and include the downloadable report in their permit application. 

*This is a completely voluntary pilot; it is not required as part of the existing Plan Check application process.*

________________________________________________________________________



Pre-Approved Plans

To learn about the benefits of using pre-approved plans visit the [ [link removed] ]
Pre-Approved Plans page. [ [link removed] ]

To see the library with latest pre-approved designs visit the Standard [ [link removed] ]
Plan Catalog page [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Rebuilding Permit Centers: Get Help with Rebuilding

Rebuilding Permit Centers [ [link removed] ] are open for guidance through the rebuilding process for residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These permit centers connect you with the departments responsible for rebuilding in your area. 

*LA County One-Stop Permit Center [ [link removed] ]
*464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210, Altadena, CA 91001
Walk-In Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 Noon.

SCE Planner Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. - Noon.

Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.

 

*LA County One-Stop Permit Center [ [link removed] ]*
26600 Agoura Road, #110, Calabasas, CA 91302
Walk-In Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – Noon.

SCE Appointments Available:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. - Noon.

Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.

*City of LA - One Stop Permit Center [ [link removed] ]*
1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.

 

*City of Malibu Rebuild Center [ [link removed] ]*
23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Click here [ [link removed] ] for more information.

 

*City of Pasadena Planning Recovery Virtual Consultations* [ [link removed] ]
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday here [ [link removed] ]
Questions: Email <[email protected]> or visit the Pasadena Permit Center [ [link removed] ]

 

Resilient Resource Rebuilding [ [link removed] ]

The County of Los Angeles has an introductory resource guide [ [link removed] ] for planning, designing, and constructing healthy, *fire resilient, and efficient buildings and properties*.

The guide *includes currently available incentives & rebates*, and links to other trusted information with fact sheets and checklists for property owners.

Click here to explore the guide [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Self-Certification Pilot Program for Rebuilding in Unincorporated Areas

Under the *Building Plan Self-Certification Pilot Program*,* California licensed architects and engineers can self-certify* that their building plans comply with the Los Angeles County Building Code, eliminating the need for a full plan check review. *Architects and engineers interested in participating in the program must register at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification [ [link removed] ]*.

A list of professionals registered to self-certify will be available at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding [ [link removed] ]. Only architects and engineers who register in advance will be able to self-certify plans.

*Eligible projects include the replacement of single-family homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and appurtenant structures that were damaged by the Eaton or Palisades Fire and are located in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.*

All required approvals from other L.A. County departments – including Regional Planning, Public Health, and Fire – must still be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit.

*For more information on the Self-Certification Pilot Program, eligibility requirements, or to find a registered professional, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification/ [ [link removed] ].*

________________________________________________________________________



Charting the Path Forward for Unincorporated Burn Areas
Blueprint For Rebuilding [ [link removed] ]

"
""LA County Foward: Blueprint for Rebuilding" is now available here (PDF) [ [link removed] ].

See a summary of what this means for wildfire survivors (PDF). [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Additional In-Person Services Are Available
to Assist in Wildfire Recovery
DCBA Helps at Centers [ [link removed] ]

*
In-person County services [ [link removed] ] continue to be available at two locations for those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires:

*

*One-Stop Rebuilding Center*
?? 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
?? Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Altadena Community Center*
?? 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001
?? Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To contact FEMA, visit DisasterAssistance.gov [ [link removed] ].

To speak with a FEMA specialist directly call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Lines are open daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

________________________________________________________________________


Community Corner
________________________________________________________________________



Who Do I Call For Help? [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________


Post Fire Public Health Assessment [ [link removed] ]

*The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Post-Fire Air, Soil, and Water Assessment Dashboard [ [link removed] ]* is updated continually as new assessment results are made available. Residents are encouraged to check the dashboard regularly for updates.

Residents can refer to *Public Health’s Frequently Asked Questions [ [link removed] ]* for best practices to minimize exposure to these potential hazards.*

*

________________________________________________________________________



Weekly Online Altadena Community Meetings
Altadena Community Meeting [ [link removed] ]

*
This series has been scheduled to run each Monday until the end of the year.*

*All attendees (even if they have attended in the past) can register for the series at [link removed] [ [link removed] ]*

These online meetings provide recorded updates from Supervisor Kathryn Barger and agencies involved in recovery and rebuilding.

?? This Monday, October 6, 2025
?? 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To watch the meeting:

?? YouTube [ [link removed] ]

?? Zoom [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Pool Season at Loma Alta Park Extended Through October 31
Loma Alta Park [ [link removed] ]

The pool at *Loma Alta Park [ [link removed] ]* will remain open through October 31, 2025. The extension gives Altadena area residents additional opportunities to enjoy low-cost lap swim, water exercise classes, swim lessons, and free swim hours into the fall season, thereby providing additional opportunities for recreation, exercise, and stress relief for the community recovering from the Eaton Wildfire.

The Loma Alta Pool is located at *3330 North Lincoln Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001*.

Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday 8am to 10am and 2pm to 7pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm

Program flyers and schedules are available here [ [link removed] ]. Additional program information can be found at linktr.ee/lacountyaquatics [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Altadena’s Village Post Office

A Village Post Office has opened at Webster’s Pharmacy in Altadena. The postal counter at Webster's accepts mail and package drop-offs, has pre-paid box services, flat-rate mailing supplies, and sells forever stamps.

?? *Location: *Webster’s Community Pharmacy at Chase Plaza 2333 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001

________________________________________________________________________



*Free Testing for Lead*

Residents who were near wildfires or burn areas are able to receive *free blood lead testing* through December 2025 by the following two options:

*1. Visit Your Medical Provider.*
Ask your doctor for a blood lead test. Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.

- or -

*2. Schedule a Free Blood Lead Test at a Quest Lab.
*Call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323) to request a free appointment. Testing is simple, confidential, and convenient.

The Department of Public Health also has a *FREE soil lead testing* program for residents living *downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area*.

*For more information, including instructions on how to participate, please visit: *ph.lacounty.gov/eaton-soil-testing [ [link removed] ]

*For more post-fire information from County of Los Angeles Public Health, click here [ [link removed] ].*

*Free Medical and Mental Health Clinic in Pasadena* 

"*Mondays and Wednesdays, from Noon to 5 p.m. *
"

In person, hosted by the Eaton Health Village, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health 

For free medical and mental health care, including medical consultations, medical refills, mental health services and case management, vision care, and dental care. 


* *Location:* Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104) 
* *More information:* 951-595-7032 or _click here [ [link removed] ]_ 

________________________________________________________________________







FAQs banner [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________



*Recognize the Signs and Report Exploitation, Human Trafficking: *Natural disasters, like the recent LA wildfires, create chaos and displacement leaving many people vulnerable to exploitation including human trafficking.

People seeking work after a disaster should be cautious about job offers that sound too good to be true. Human traffickers use false promises of high wages and effortless jobs to lure people into dangerous situations. Click here [ [link removed] ] to learn more.

If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, please report it to:

*National Human Trafficking Hotline
**Text:* 233-733 (Be Free) or *Phone:* (888) 373-7888

*Department of Consumer and Business Affairs' Office of Labor Equity*
*Email:* [email protected] or *Phone:* (800) 593-8222

________________________________________________________________________


Photos Vid Header
________________________________________________________________________



* For the latest fire response and recovery photos from LA County, *please visit our Flickr [ [link removed] ] page*.
* For the latest videos on fire response and recovery, *please visit our YouTube [ [link removed] ] page*.










click here for a full list of recovery resources [ [link removed] ]




Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]








________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent using GovDelivery Communications Cloud to [email protected] on behalf of: County of Los Angeles, California · 500 W. Temple St. · Los Angeles 90012  

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;} p, li, h1, h2, h3 { overflow-wrap: normal; word-wrap: normal; word-break: keep-all; -moz-hyphens: none; -ms-hyphens: none; -webkit-hyphens: none; hyphens: none; mso-hyphenate: none; }