Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is advocating for the use of unspent state wildfire relief funds to aid the recovery of Altadena, a community severely affected by the Eaton Fire. Despite the $2.5 billion fund announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in early 2025, a significant portion remains unused, which Barger believes could be crucial for rebuilding efforts.
Infrastructure Needs in Altadena
Barger, whose district includes the fire-ravaged areas, stressed the importance of accessing these funds as local resources dwindle. She noted that while approximately $605 million of the fund has been distributed, primarily for reimbursing emergency response efforts, it falls short of addressing ongoing recovery needs.
“It’s vital,” Barger stated, emphasizing the necessity of the remaining funds for infrastructure projects, including the complete overhaul of Altadena’s water system. She is seeking clarity from the state on whether these funds can be directed towards such critical community rebuilding efforts.
Challenges Faced by Residents
Many residents, like community organizer and fire survivor Zaire Calvin, remain displaced due to delays in insurance reimbursements and permitting challenges. Calvin described the situation as dire, with people still unhoused and living in cars. He credited Barger for her advocacy and efforts to secure additional resources for those uninsured or underinsured.
Barger highlighted that the county’s reserves for fire recovery have been depleted, partly due to legal settlements related to abuse claims in juvenile halls. This underscores the urgency of accessing state funds to support the community’s recovery.
Initially, Governor Newsom announced that the relief funds would be available for fire recovery with “no strings attached.” However, his office later clarified that funding is limited to projects eligible for reimbursement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Barger insists that these questions deserve answers to ensure the community’s needs are met.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
