New Chapter Begins for Altadena Community Center Following Renovation and Recovery Efforts
Supervisor Kathryn Barger addresses the crowd gathered at the Altadena Community Center’s re-opening. (Photo credit: Brian Feinzimer/LA County)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger joined residents, community partners, and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) today to celebrate the reopening of the Altadena Community Center—a facility that was damaged in the Eaton Fire just days after DCBA assumed operations there in January 2025.
The open house, themed “New Beginnings,” drew community members who toured the renovated facility, met with County departments and local organizations, received health screenings, and weighed in on future programming. The event also marked a milestone in DCBA’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger greets a resource table representative inside the community room at the Altadena Community Center. (Photo credit: Brian Feinzimer/LA County)
Less than 18 months ago, the center was closed for smoke damage and repurposed as a support center for wildfire survivors. Today it operates as a full community hub offering services, recovery support, and space for civic engagement.
“The Altadena Community Center has always been a place where neighbors connect and support one another,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “As Altadena continues to recover and rebuild, it’s essential that community spaces evolve to meet residents’ changing needs. This renewed facility will help ensure that local families have access to services, resources, and opportunities close to home.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger speaks with a resource table representative while touring the newly renovated community room at the Altadena Community Center. (Photo credit: Brian Feinzimer/LA County)
“Reopening the Altadena Community Center reflects our commitment to meet residents where they are,” said Rafael Carbajal, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “As we mark 50 years of service, we’re not asking communities to come to us—we’re going to them. We listened to what Altadena residents told us they needed, and this Center helps us bring those services closer to home.”
The community center’s large hall—freshly renovated with new paint, lighting and upgrades to their multi-media—bustled with activity as residents mingled with staff from various resource tables. “The is a great place and opportunity to reach out to and connect with the people from the Altadena Community,” said Erika Ortuno, President of Fuerza Latina Unida, a new community support organization. “I look forward to partnering with other community resources that are here, including other non-profits, to see how we can all collaborate together to support Altadena.”
Supervisor Kathryn Barger stands next to Liliana Garcia, the Community Center’s director, and Patricia Quirarte (left) and Erika Ortuno (far right) with Latina Fuerza Unida. (Photo credit: Brian Feinzimer/LA County)
The Center’s growing network of partners includes the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Altadena Heritage, Altadena Historical Society, Altadena NAACP, Altadena Town Council, and the Sheriff’s Support Group. Event partners included the LA County Fire Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Mental Health, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Huntington Hospital, Foothill Family Services, and numerous local businesses and community organizations.
For more information about the Altadena Community Center and its upcoming programs, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/altadena-
