A partially burnt tree is blossoming on Maiden Ln in Altadena (File Photo – W.K.)
In the wake of the catastrophic Fires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32) convened a high-level roundtable on Tuesday with fellow California Members of Congress and Los Angeles County officials to assess recovery efforts and advocate for increased federal support.
By News Desk
The fires, which scorched over 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 13,000 homes, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and claimed 30 lives, have left a lasting impact on the region. The roundtable, attended by key local leaders including Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for Altadena and Pasadena, focused on the critical challenges facing affected communities.
Topics discussed included the pace and status of debris removal, soil testing and remediation, restoration of utilities, and the delivery of essential social and medical services. Housing solutions for displaced residents were also a central concern, as many families remain in limbo months after the disaster.
Following the discussion, Reps. Chu and Sherman issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure a swift and safe recovery:
“In response to the many challenges our communities face following the Los Angeles fires, we were grateful to host today’s roundtable to discuss solutions with LA County officials leading recovery efforts on the ground and advocate for the urgent support our communities need to rebuild.”
The lawmakers also expressed concern over federal workforce reductions under the T. administration, warning that layoffs at critical agencies such as FEMA, the Small Business Administration, HUD, and AmeriCorps could hinder ongoing recovery operations. Both representatives reaffirmed their commitment to securing additional federal disaster relief funding.
“We have both consistently voted for disaster aid to Republican-led states regardless of whether we strongly disagreed with their policies, because disasters have no political affiliation,” they stated. “Our constituents have demonstrated so much strength and resolve throughout the course of this catastrophe, and they urgently need and deserve additional federal resources to rebuild their lives. Disaster relief is not and should never be a partisan issue.”
As the region continues to recover, Reps. Chu and Sherman pledged to work closely with local partners, Congressional leadership, and the White House to ensure that families and communities receive the aid they need.
“Far too many families are still living in uncertainty as we work to rebuild after the fires,” they concluded. “We are committed to working alongside our local partners to deliver every possible resource to help our communities recover.”
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