Community Heroes Honored for Their Response to Devastating Eaton Fire

Sup. Barger and community heroes (Photo – Office of Kathryn Barger)

On Tuesday, January 28, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger honored the extraordinary contributions of local organizations and individuals who played a pivotal role in responding to the devastating Eaton Fire.

By Rena Kurlander

The recognition ceremony took place during the Board of Supervisors meeting, three weeks after the wildfire displaced thousands in Altadena.

“While we’ve witnessed unimaginable grief and loss, we’ve also seen the very best of our community,” said Chair Barger. “Today is about honoring the selfless efforts of those who stepped up to help when Altadena needed it most.”

Several groups and individuals were celebrated for their unwavering dedication in the wake of the fire, including:

• Altadena Rotary Club:
  Despite losing 13 members’ homes in the fire, the Rotary Club raised over $200,000 for community recovery. The club is actively collaborating with the San Marino Rotary Club to distribute supplies and gift cards to affected residents at an event on February 8, 2025.
• AltaMed:
  Though their clinic was destroyed by the fire, AltaMed’s 215 staff members continued to provide essential health services. The organization set up operations at the Pasadena Convention Center, distributing food, medications, and medical supplies to fire survivors.
• American Red Cross:
  With over $12 million in aid distributed to wildfire survivors, the Red Cross continues to house more than 400 people in shelters. Their trained responders, alongside 11,300 community volunteers, have been vital in the recovery effort.
• Edgar McGregor:
  The operator of the Altadena Weather and Climate Facebook page, McGregor’s timely social media updates provided critical information to residents, helping many evacuate and stay safe during the emergency.
• Kaiser Permanente:
  With more than 425 volunteers, Kaiser has provided extensive medical care, including over 8,300 hours of service at the Pasadena Evacuation Center. Their mobile health units also supported disaster recovery operations.
• Pasadena Humane:
  The organization took in over 900 animals and continues to care for 500 displaced pets, helping reunite many with their families after the fire.
• Pasadena City College:
  The college transformed its campus into a Disaster Recovery Center, providing shelter, donation drives, and vital services to displaced residents, including 670 students and 100 employees.
• Rose Bowl Stadium:
  The stadium served as a command post for over 5,000 first responders from around the world, offering essential facilities and services to support their efforts.
• Santa Anita Park:
  As a base camp for the state’s Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force, Santa Anita Park is playing a critical role in protecting local waterways from contamination caused by the fire’s ash and debris.

Chair Barger concluded, “This is just a snapshot of the generous and selfless work that’s been happening in service to the Altadena community.” The recognition highlights the profound impact of community-driven efforts in overcoming the challenges posed by the Eaton Fire and aiding in the recovery of affected residents.