Sup. Barger addressing the crowd at the Altadena Community Center’s re-opening (Photo – Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger joined residents, community partners, and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, to celebrate the reopening of the Altadena Community Center, marking a significant step in the community’s ongoing recovery from the Eaton Fire.
By News Desk
The facility sustained damage in the fire just days after DCBA assumed operations there in January 2025. To commemorate its reopening, the County hosted an open house themed “New Beginnings,” welcoming community members to tour the renovated center, meet with County departments and local organizations, receive health screenings, and provide input on future programming.
The event also served as a milestone in DCBA’s yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Less than 18 months ago, the center was closed due to smoke damage and repurposed as a support center for wildfire survivors. Today, it has resumed operations as a full-service community hub, offering access to services, recovery support, and opportunities for civic engagement.
“The Altadena Community Center has always been a place where neighbors connect and support one another,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “As Altadena continues to recover and rebuild, it’s essential that community spaces evolve to meet residents’ changing needs. This renewed facility will help ensure that local families have access to services, resources, and opportunities close to home.”
DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal said the reopening reflects the department’s commitment to bringing services directly into communities.
“Reopening the Altadena Community Center reflects our commitment to meet residents where they are,” Carbajal said. “As we mark 50 years of service, we’re not asking communities to come to us—we’re going to them. We listened to what Altadena residents told us they needed, and this Center helps us bring those services closer to home.”
The center’s large hall, recently renovated with new paint, lighting, and multimedia upgrades, was filled with activity during the event as residents visited resource tables staffed by County agencies and community organizations.
“This is a great place and opportunity to reach out to and connect with the people from the Altadena Community,” said Erika Ortuno, president of Fuerza Latina Unida, a community support organization. “I look forward to partnering with other community resources that are here, including other non-profits, to see how we can all collaborate together to support Altadena.”
The Altadena Community Center’s growing network of partners includes the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Altadena Heritage, Altadena Historical Society, Altadena NAACP, Altadena Town Council, and the Sheriff’s Support Group.
Additional event partners included the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Mental Health, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Huntington Hospital, Foothill Family Services, and numerous local businesses and community organizations.
County officials said the revitalized center is intended to serve as a gathering place where residents can access resources, connect with service providers, and help shape the future of community programming in Altadena.
Patricia Quirarte, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Community Center Director Liliana Garcia, and Erika Ortuno at the event (Photo – Brian Feinzimer)
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