Barger Honors Eaton Fire Community Heroes

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L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger poses with Eaton Fire Heroes honored today (Photo credit: Martin Zamora/Los Angeles County)

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger today recognized the extraordinary contributions of community partners who provided vital support during the Eaton Fire.

Three weeks after the wildfire’s devastation, a special presentation hosted by Chair Barger at the start of today’s Board of Supervisors meeting highlighted the selfless efforts of several key organizations and individuals.

“It’s been three weeks since the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, causing devastation and the displacement for thousands of residents,” remarked Chair Kathryn Barger. “While we’ve witnessed unimaginable grief and loss, we’ve also seen the very best of our community. Countless organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and residents have stepped up to help when Altadena needed it most. Today is about honoring their efforts.”

The following individuals and organizations were recognized by Chair Barger:

The Altadena Rotary Club raised significant funds for community recovery. Although 13 of their members lost their homes, the club is still firmly committed to connecting residents to support. In the wake of the Eaton Fire, they’ve raised more than $200,000 to help Altadena community members.  As a small club of 40 members, they are getting these funds into the hands of those who need help in their rebuilding process–and are actively working with the San Marino Rotary Club to provide thousands of dollars’ worth of supplies and gift cards that will be given away at a special event on February 8, 2025, at the Altadena Grocery Outlet. The organization was represented today by members Mark Mariscal, Maricela Viramontes, and Steve Kerekes.

AltaMed, despite significant losses, mobilized staff to provide health services and essential supplies. Sadly, AltaMed’s clinic on Washington Boulevard in Pasadena was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Yet AltaMed has not stopped providing care to residents, with over 215 of their full-time staff members responding to the emergency. AltaMed is also offering services at the Pasadena Convention Center and has given away medications, hygiene items, food and medical equipment. The organization was represented by Assistant Vice President of Nursing Services Fernando Fierro, Medical Site Director Dr. David Noya, Assistant Director of Clinical Services Rebecca Ramirez, Senior Policy Analyst Maya Camacho, Manager of Legislative and Advocacy Affairs Rolando Chavez, Senior Vice President of Population Health Management Paula Jamison and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Esiquio Casillas.

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Since the American Red Cross first began responding to the wildfires, the organization has delivered over $12 million in aid into the hands of survivors who have lost everything. Currently housing more than 400 people in shelters and connecting them to long term housing, the American Red Cross also has more than 500 trained responders assigned to wildfire support. The Red Cross has also coordinated 11,300 community volunteers. At today’s recognition ceremony, the organization was represented by American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Chief Executive Officer Joanne Nowlin, Board Member Claudia Kotchka, and volunteers Ann Baltz and Vince Ford.

Edgar McGregor‘s timely social media updates proved crucial for public safety. Mr. McGregor runs the Altadena Weather and Climate Facebook Page. Before the Eaton Fire even started, he was warning residents to be prepared for wildfires in anticipation of dry and windy conditions. Right after the wildfire erupted, he shared an impassioned video urging residents to evacuate. Many residents credit Edgar with keeping them informed–and ultimately saving their lives. Mr. McGregor equipped thousands of his neighbors with the information they needed to stay safe and alive.

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Kaiser Permanente delivered extensive medical care and support, including a Wildfire Resource Hub at its regional corporate headquarters on Walnut Street in Pasadena. Kaiser helped residents staying at a local evacuation center, offering medical equipment, prescription medication, and care. Over 425 staff members have volunteered at the Pasadena Evacuation Center, delivering over 8,300 hours of care. Kaiser’s mobile health vehicle has also been providing support at the local Disaster Recovery Center, including prescriptions, breathing treatments and wound care. The organization was represented by Senior Vice President Maybelle Liquigan, Assistant Regional Medical Director Dr. Christopher Subject, Executive Leader for Behavioral Health Dawn Gillam, Urgent Care Manager Tiffany Carmona, RN, Care at Home Program Administrator Jason Thomas, and Senior Director of Government and Community Relations Yesenia Monsour.

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Pasadena Humane sheltered and cared for hundreds of animals. As residents evacuated, pets of all sizes were displaced. Pasadena Humane took in more than 900 animals to their shelter, and also deployed individuals into the field to help feed animals left sheltering in place. Pasadena Humane team members also lovingly took care of many animals who suffered injuries during the Eaton Fire and are nursing them back to health. They are still currently caring for 500 animals and have been able to successfully reunite hundreds of pets with their families. The organization was represented by Chief Program Officer Chris Ramon.

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Pasadena City College opened its campus to wildfire survivors at large, creating a Disaster Recovery Center and offering crucial services. The college’s response began the first night of the fire, serving as a temporary shelter for residents who couldn’t return home–including 670 students and 100 employees who were displaced. The campus is now open to allow the community at large to access services and support. The college’s Community Education Center has been transformed into a Disaster Recovery Center for wildfire survivors and their main campus has hosted donation drives, community meetings, insurance consultations and more.  Pasadena City College was represented at the recognition ceremony by Board of Trustees President Alton Wang and Executive Director of Public Affairs Alex Boekelheide.

The Rose Bowl Stadium served as a vital command post for first responders. Just a week after hosting 90,000 fans for its annual game on New Year’s Day, the stadium transformed into a staging ground for first responders around the world. Serving as a command post meant over 5,000 first responders were on the Rose Bowl’s grounds on any given day. Deployed from 12 states and three countries, first responders had access to trailers with sleeping quarters, showers, laundry, medical care, peer counseling and two kitchens serving thousands of meals a day.  Representatives included Chief Executive Officer Jens Weiden, Chief Development Officer Dedan Brozino, and Director of Community Relations Dominick Correy.

Santa Anita Park served as one of two base camps for the state’s Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force, which is currently conducting the largest  watershed mission in California. Ash and debris from burned structures contain toxic materials, making watershed protection critical to prevent contamination of streams and drinking water. State and local agencies, environmental experts, engineers, and emergency management teams are on site working together to develop plans tailored to communities impacted by the Eaton Fire. The organization was represented by Director of Community Services and Special Projects Pete Siberell.

“My most heartfelt thanks to everyone who jumped into action at our time of greatest need,” said Chair Barger. “This is just a snapshot of the generous and selfless work that’s been happening in service to the Altadena community.”