Keeping Up with Kathryn ~ News Release: 01/31/2025

Dear Friends,

While we’ve witnessed unimaginable grief and loss in the wake of the Eaton Fire, we’ve also seen the very best of our community. Countless organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and residents have stepped up to help when Altadena needed it most. This week at our Board of Supervisors meeting, I was proud to honor some of the community partners who were among the very first to lend a helping hand. Here are some highlights of the amazing work each of our Eaton Fire Community Heroes has accomplished: 

The Altadena Rotary Club has raised more than $200,000 for community recovery. Although 13 of their members lost their homes, the club is still firmly committed to connecting residents to support. As a small club of 40 members, they are getting funds into the hands of those who need help with the rebuilding process and are actively working with the San Marino Rotary Club to provide thousands of dollars worth of supplies and gift cards that will be given away at a special event on Feb. 8 at the Altadena Grocery Outlet. 

AltaMed, despite loss of their own, mobilized staff to provide health services and essential supplies. Sadly, AltaMed’s clinic on Washington Boulevard in Pasadena was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Yet, AltaMed has deployed 215 of their full-time staff members to respond to the emergency by providing medications, hygiene items, food, and medical equipment to residents who need them. 

Since the American Red Cross began responding to the wildfires, the organization has delivered more than $12 million into the hands of survivors who have lost everything. Currently housing more than 400 people in shelters and connecting them to long-term housing, the American Red Cross has more than 500 trained responders assigned to wildfire support and has coordinated 11,300 community volunteers. 

Edgar McGregor's timely social media updates proved crucial for public safety. McGregor runs the Altadena Weather and Climate Facebook Page, and before the Eaton Fire even started, he was warning residents to be prepared for wildfires in anticipation of dry and windy conditions. Right after the wildfire erupted, he shared an impassioned video urging residents to evacuate. Many residents credit Edgar with keeping them informed–and ultimately saving their lives. 

Kaiser Permanente has delivered extensive medical care and support, including a Wildfire Resource Hub at its regional corporate headquarters on Walnut Street in Pasadena. Kaiser helped residents staying at a local evacuation center, offering medical equipment, prescription medication, and care. Over 425 staff members have volunteered at the Pasadena Evacuation Center, delivering more than 8,300 hours of service. Kaiser’s mobile health vehicle has also been providing support at the local Disaster Recovery Center, including prescriptions, breathing treatments, and wound care. 

Pasadena Humane has sheltered and cared for hundreds of animals. As residents evacuated, pets of all sizes were displaced. Pasadena Humane took in more than 900 animals to their shelter and also deployed staff into the field to feed animals sheltering in place. Pasadena Humane team members also lovingly took care of many animals who suffered injuries during the Eaton Fire and are nursing them back to health. They are still currently caring for 500 animals and have been able to successfully reunite hundreds of pets with their families. 

Pasadena City College generously opened its campus to wildfire survivors, hosting a Disaster Recovery Center and offering crucial services. The college’s response began the first night of the fire, serving as a temporary shelter for residents who couldn’t return home. The campus is now open to allow the community to access services and support and has hosted donation drives, community meetings, insurance consultations, and more. 

Rose Bowl Stadium has served as a vital command post for first responders. Just a week after hosting 90,000 fans for its annual game on New Year’s Day, the stadium transformed into a staging ground for first responders around the world. Serving as a command post meant over 5,000 first responders were on the Rose Bowl’s grounds on any given day. Deployed from 12 states and three countries, first responders had access to trailers with sleeping quarters, showers, laundry, medical care, peer counseling, and two kitchens serving thousands of meals a day.  

Santa Anita Park serves as one of two base camps for the state’s Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force, which is currently conducting the largest watershed mission in California. Ash and debris from burned structures contain toxic materials, making watershed protection critical to prevent the contamination of streams and drinking water. State and local agencies, environmental experts, engineers, and emergency management teams are on site working together to develop plans tailored to communities impacted by the Eaton Fire. 

This is just a snapshot of the generous and selfless work that’s been happening in service to the Altadena community. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who jumped into action when residents needed it most.

Best wishes,

Kathryn Barger
Chair of the Board
Supervisor, Fifth District