L.A. County Supervisors to Vote on Motion for Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Residents After Eaton Fire

Justice 4 Eaton Fire Tenants (Photo – Altadena Tenants Union)

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger has introduced a motion aimed at addressing the shortcomings in emergency preparedness and response experienced by residents of the Mirador Apartments in Altadena during the January 2025 Eaton Fire.

By News Desk

The motion, which will be voted on at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 6, calls for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to safeguard vulnerable populations in future emergencies.

The motion stems from the challenges faced by many of the Mirador Apartments’ residents, a group largely consisting of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and formerly unhoused residents. During the Eaton Fire, these residents were left to navigate the perilous situation largely on their own, with minimal support or guidance from emergency responders, highlighting significant gaps in the County’s response to vulnerable communities during crises.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, expressed frustration with the lack of preparedness. “Many residents of the Mirador Apartments were left to navigate a dangerous situation on their own, despite being among the most medically and physically vulnerable in our communities,” said Barger. “My motion seeks accountability and concrete improvements to ensure safety isn’t compromised in future emergencies.”

At the heart of the motion is a directive to the Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities to engage directly with senior residents at the Mirador Apartments. This engagement will include assessing residents’ needs, enhancing support systems, and improving emergency response planning that is specifically tailored to the unique needs of these residents.

In addition, the motion calls for County departments to explore ways to strengthen emergency preparedness protocols, including establishing stronger oversight for supportive housing providers. It also advocates for enhanced accountability measures, such as better contractual requirements for housing providers to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities during emergencies.

If adopted, the motion would pave the way for a more proactive and collaborative approach to ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable residents in Los Angeles County during future emergencies. Supervisors will vote on the motion at their meeting on May 6, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to improve the County’s emergency preparedness framework.