A sign in front of Grocery Outlet parking lot (Photo – Melissa Michelson)
Wednesday, February 6, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Eaton Fire, as Los Angeles County Public Works officially delivered the first batch of signed Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
By Rena Kurlander
This crucial step clears the way for debris removal operations to begin, allowing the community to take the next step in rebuilding their homes and lives.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair, Kathryn Barger, hailed the submission of these forms as a vital step in Altadena’s recovery. “The debris left in the fire’s wake is not just a visual reminder of the devastation—it poses real health and safety risks to our community,” Barger stated. “By clearing these sites, we are paving the way for families to rebuild and reclaim their homes.”
The signed ROE forms, submitted by wildfire survivors, authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin clearing damaged properties. This marks the start of an extensive effort to remove hazardous debris and ensure a safe rebuilding process for the community.
Barger commended the hard work of Los Angeles County Public Works staff, local partners like the Altadena Town Council, and, most importantly, the resilience of Altadena residents, who have shown unwavering determination in the face of adversity. “Our focus remains on accelerating this recovery process while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and transparency,” she added.
The process of submitting and validating ROE forms has been thorough to ensure property ownership accuracy and safeguard residents’ rights. Once validated, the forms are transmitted electronically to the Army Corps of Engineers, which will notify property owners 3-5 days before debris removal is scheduled. If there are any issues with the forms, County representatives will contact homeowners promptly to resolve them.
Residents who have not yet submitted their ROE forms are urged to do so immediately to ensure their properties are included in the debris removal efforts. Additional information is available at recovery.lacounty.gov.
“This is just the beginning—more work lies ahead, but today we move forward with determination and hope,” Barger concluded.
I live in Costa Mesa…where can I go in Altadena to donate women’s clothing (in good condition) for fire victims? Can you recommend a place? Please advise…Thank you so much.
Suzanne NaPier