Free Soil Testing Program Expanded to the Palisades Fire Burn Area
 Now residents in the Palisades Fire burn area and the Eaton Fire burn area can obtain free soil testing, for a limited time. Get more information here.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Post-Fire Air, Soil, and Water Assessment Dashboard 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 for best practices to minimize exposure to potential hazards.
TOMORROW: Recruitment Event for Eaton Fire Impacted Workers
 Enroll with the Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program to access temporary and permanent job opportunities, no-cost training, resume development, interview preparation, job search assistance, and more!
Attend the recruitment event TOMORROW:
📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 🕜 1:30 PM - 5 PM 📍 Eaton Fire Collaborative - The Collaboratory 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA, 91001
🟢 REGISTER HERE
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Workers who have lost income due to the 2025 Wildfires, including business owners and self-employed individuals.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: -Los Angeles County Resident -18 years or older -Lost income, a job, or work hours as a consequence of the 2025 Wildfires
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING? -Create a profile in CalJobs in advance, if possible, at caljobs.ca.gov -Valid Photo ID (U.S. Driver’s license or Government issued ID or Passport) -Work Authorization Document such as Social Security Card, US Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Card (Form I-551), or Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766). A full list of acceptable documents is available here. -Resume (if available)
Note: If you do not have all documentation ready a staff member can still assist you.
Contact Information
📞 888-226-6300 📧 [email protected] More information about this program is here.
Storm Season is Here
 Yes, rainstorms are normal and natural. However, the fact is, any burn scar area from wildfires that occurred within the previous five years may experience debris flows, rockslides, mudslides, and increased flooding.
⚠️ Visit ready.lacounty.gov for storm prep resources 📲 Sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov 📍 Find sandbags near you at lacounty.pw/sandbags
Assistance Available for Food, Housing, and Other Needs
Please know that there are local resources and community efforts to support you. Whether the assistance needed is temporary or long-term, do not hesitate on locating assistance as soon as possible.
LA County has a network of 940 food pantries in place across the County coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
For food assistance, people can visit their local food pantry or find one near them by checking here or visiting www.211la.org or calling 2-1-1.
211 is also helpful for finding assistance with housing and other needs.
The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA), in partnership with DEO’s Fire Recovery & Resilience Workforce Program, is offering paid training opportunities to help fire-impacted residents launch careers in food service and hospitality.
Current openings include:
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Prep Cook Pre-Apprenticeship – Learn kitchen safety, knife skills, and food handling.
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Line Cook Apprenticeship – Advance culinary skills and earn a U.S. Department of Labor certification.
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Barista Apprenticeship – Gain hands-on barista and customer service experience with food safety certifications.
Eligible applicants must be LA County residents, age 18+, impacted by the 2025 fires, and authorized to work in the U.S.
Apply here (Select “HTA” on question 11).
SBA Centers Remain Open to Help Rebuild
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) to assist businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by the January wildfires. The SBA provides critical financial support, answers questions, and assists with the disaster loan application process.
No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283 📍 15247 La Cruz Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 🕘 Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pasadena City College Community Education Center, Room B4 📍 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 🕘 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SBA has extended the disbursement period for Los Angeles County residents and business owners with approved disaster loans related to the January 2025 wildfires. Borrowers now have up to 12 months to draw down their approved loan funds, allowing additional time to complete rebuilding efforts.
For questions about loan status or disbursement, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected]
The Disaster Case Management Program is There to Help
 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).
Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program
 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.
Regional “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local.” Campaign Supports Economic Recovery for Fire Impacted Small Businesses
 Local businesses in or near impacted areas can sign up at shoplocal.la to be included in the Recover Local Business Directory, an online list of highly-impacted businesses.
Thousands of Additional Wildfire Survivors Now Eligible for CalAssist Mortgage Fund
 The CalAssist Mortgage Fund 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.
The Fund has increased its income limits, which will allow thousands more California homeowners impacted by recent disasters to qualify for mortgage relief.
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.
Ensuring Habitable Rental Housing in Unincorporated Areas
 The Rental Housing Habitability Program (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.
Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops
 Recordings are available of eight Rebuilding Together Virtual Workshops.
Discover insights from experts on topics like addressing funding gaps, finding and working with design professionals and licensed contractors, navigating manufactured and factory-built home submittals, and more.
Malibu Fee Waiver Program
 The City of Malibu has a Fee Waiver Program 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.
 If you're rebuilding in Altadena or any unincorporated wildfire area in LA County, get the information you need from this website.
There are ways to speed up the process of rebuilding. We call it the Express Lane on the Road to Recovery. ⬇
eCheck AI Pilot is Part of “Express Lane” for Faster Rebuilding
 The eCheck AI Pilot is one way residents can accelerate the approval process, along with opting for a pre-approved plans and a Like-for-Like Rebuild.
Here’s how residents can participate in the eCheck AI Pilot:
• Sign up for a free account:
➡ LA County (Altadena and other unincorporated areas)
➡ City of LA
➡ City of Malibu
• 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.
Like-for-Like Rebuilds
Like-for-Like Rebuilds: And Why It Matters - Recorded Webinar
📺 Video
🖼 Slides (PDF)
Pre-Approved Plans
To learn about the benefits of using pre-approved plans visit the Pre-Approved Plans page.
To see the library with latest pre-approved designs visit the Standard Plan Catalog page.
Preapproved Plans: A Headstart for Homeowners - Recorded Webinar
📺 Video
🖼 Slides (PDF)
 The County of Los Angeles has an introductory resource guide 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.
Resilient Rebuild Resources Guide - Recorded Webinar
📺 Video
🖼 Slides (PDF)
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.
A list of professionals registered to self-certify will be available at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding. 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/.
Charting the Path Forward for Unincorporated Burn Areas
 LA County Foward: Blueprint for Rebuilding is now available here (PDF).
See a summary of what this means for wildfire survivors (PDF).
Rebuilding Permit Centers: Get Help with Rebuilding
Rebuilding Permit Centers 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 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 for more information.
LA County One-Stop Permit Center - NEW LOCATION! 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, 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. 1st Saturday of the month: 8 a.m. – Noon.
SCE Appointments Available: SCE representatives are available Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 1-800-250-7339. Book an online virtual appointment here.
Click here for more information.
City of LA - One Stop Permit Center 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 Open Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed Click here for more information.
City of Malibu Rebuild Center 23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265 Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
City of Pasadena Planning Recovery Virtual Consultations Appointments are available Monday through Thursday here Questions: Email or visit the Pasadena Permit Center
Additional In-Person Services Are Available to Assist in Wildfire Recovery
 In-person County services 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 4:30 p.m.
Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires can access state services at this website.
To contact FEMA, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
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.
Survivors can continue to provide additional documentation or supporting files to FEMA by mail:
FEMA – Individuals and Households Program National Processing Service Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055;
Or by facsimile: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals and Households Program
Weekly Online Altadena Community Meetings
 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 https://bit.ly/altadenacommunitymeeting
These online meetings provide recorded updates from Supervisor Kathryn Barger and agencies involved in recovery and rebuilding.
📅 This Monday, November 24, 2025 🕓 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To watch the meeting:
📺 YouTube
📺 Zoom
Altadena’s Village Post Office
A Village Post Office is available 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
 The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) offers free psychological first aid classes at Loma Alta Park:
📍 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena, CA 91001
Residents have the option to walk-in as sessions are available three times during the week:
Tuesdays 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. (except on Thanksgiving Day, until November 29)
The “Dealing with Disaster” program supports community members in managing psychologically after a disaster and covers mindfulness exercises, informational instruction, and discussion. Classes are open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
 Click here for more resources from LACDMH for wildfire survivors.
 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Post-Fire Air, Soil, and Water Assessment Dashboard 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 for best practices to minimize exposure to these potential hazards.
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.
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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
For more post-fire information from County of Los Angeles Public Health, click here.
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.
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Location: Pasadena Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1280 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104)
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More information: 951-595-7032 or click here
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