Recovery Altadena

The Altadena Town Council is a locally elected Council of resident volunteers across eight census tracts, dedicated to supporting recovery efforts from the Eaton Fire, prioritizing both residents and local businesses. This official website focuses on providing straight forward guidance and resources to help the Altadena community rebuild. The Altadena Town Council is committed to assisting with recovery planning, coordinating essential support services, and fostering resilience for everyone affected.

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The most significant finding was elevated lead levels on intact parcels downwind of the Eaton Fire. In some areas, up to 47% of properties exceeded California’s 80 mg/kg soil screening level. Were any other toxins found? Arsenic, dioxins, and PAHs were detected—but were mostly evenly spread out and at levels typical for California soil. Only lead had a pattern directly tied to the fire and wind movement. Contaminant Level Evaluation and Analysis for Neighborhoods (CLEAN) is a rapid response soil testing program from the USC Department of Earth Sciences and Public Exchange. This is a developing initiative that aims to quickly evaluate and communicate the levels of lead contamination in soils and playgrounds in fire-impacted areas in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires in January. Anyone in Los Angeles who is concerned about the impacts of the fires on soil may participate in this program, at no cost. https://publicexchange.usc.edu/la-wildfire-soil-testing/ ​

The California Department of Insurance has issued a bulletin outlining homeowners' rights regarding smoke damage claims, emphasizing that insurers cannot automatically deny coverage and must conduct thorough investigations. Key points include:

• Smoke Damage Coverage: Smoke damage is covered if the policy includes "direct physical loss or damage." Insurers cannot automatically reject these claims.

• Insurer Responsibilities: Insurance companies must follow California law, ensure fair claim investigations, and provide proper documentation for denials.

• Claim Investigation: Insurers must cover testing costs to verify smoke damage and may provide affordable, at-home testing kits for policyholders.

• Health & Safety: Wildfire smoke may contain harmful substances like asbestos and heavy metals. Homeowners should document soot, odors, or residue and request air quality tests if necessary.

• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Homeowners may be eligible for ALE coverage if their home becomes uninhabitable due to smoke damage.

• Steps if Denied:

  1. Request a written explanation for the denial.

  2. Ask for a re-evaluation by an independent adjuster or inspector.

  3. File a complaint with the California Department of Insurance if the denial is believed to be unjust.

For help, contact the California Department of Insurance at:

• Consumer Hotline: (800) 927-4357

• Website: www.insurance.ca.gov

• Email: REBPublicInquiries@insurance.ca.gov

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang clarified the impact of rebuilding efforts on property taxes.

Rebuilding Size: Programs allow rebuilding up to 110% of the original structure's size, but the extra square footage will be added property tax assessments, potentially raising taxes.

After the Eaton fire, homeowners may qualify for California's "Misfortune and Calamity" program, which offers the following:

• Reduced Property Taxes: Homeowners can receive a temporary reduction in property taxes, reflecting the damage to the property, until rebuilding is completed.

• Reinstating Original Tax Base: Once the property is rebuilt to a condition similar to its pre-damage state, the original tax value (assessed before the damage) will be restored.

• Increased Property Taxes for Upgraded Properties: If the homeowner rebuilds beyond the original property's condition (e.g., adding extra space or luxury features), the new portions will be assessed, potentially resulting in higher property taxes.