Latest news with #KathrynBarger
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Eaton Fire 5 months later: A look at the progress that has been made
LOS ANGELES - It's been nearly five months since the Eaton Fire erupted in Altadena, burning 14,021 acres and killing 18. The fire, which erupted Jan. 7, destroyed over 9,000 structures and damaged another thousand. Nearing the five-month anniversary, Los Angeles County officials are highlighting the progress and work that has been done to rebuild the community. What they're saying According to Supervisor Kathryn Barger, over 5,000 (88%) of fire-damaged properties have been cleared of debris by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Of those 5,000 properties, 3,440 sites (60%) received final sign-off and returned to the county for follow-up. Barger says the Corps currently has 81 active debris removal crews operating in the area, clearing roughly 57 properties per day. To date, they have removed over 1.3 million tons of debris. "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is demonstrating exceptional speed, efficacy, and dedication in their debris removal mission in Altadena. Their tireless work is helping our community heal and rebuild faster than many thought possible. I wholeheartedly appreciate their commitment and am proud to work alongside them as we support Altadena's road to recovery," Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement. In terms of parks and community spaces, Charles White Park is fully cleared, the Eaton Canyon Nature Center is 95% cleared, and Farnsworth Park is halfway complete. Barger said all parks are projected to be fully cleared of debris within two weeks. Work is also underway to clear debris at the Altadena Senior Center, The Bunny Museum, and Lifeline Church. Barger said some of these properties are in various stages of clearance, with some already completed and others pending final contract approvals. Loma Alta Park became the first public park to reopen after the fire. Altadena had a grand re-opening celebration for Loma Alta Park on Saturday, May 10. According to the county, property owners who have fire debris on their property and have opted out of the government-sponsored debris removal program must hire a contractor to complete the work. Those who opted out or did not submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form must now obtain a Fire Debris Removal (FDR) permit and hire a licensed contractor by June 1. PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Eaton Fire survivors struggling with housing, essential supplies 3 months after wildfire County officials say if a permit is not obtained by the June 1 deadline, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance. The Source Information for this story came from the office of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
LA County offering free soil testing for residents near Eaton Fire burn scar
Thanks to a new program through Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health, residents near the Eaton Fire burn scar can get their soil tested for lead for free until the end of the year. "This soil testing program is free, convenient, and will provide residents accurate information about the environmental health of their soil," said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the communities affected by the wildfire. The Department of Public Health provided instructions on how to collect soil samples. After retrieving the dirt, residents can drop off their samples at the One Stop Permit Center, 464 W. Woodbury Road, Suite 210, in Altadena, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Public health staff will return the results within 7-10 business days via email. The program will run through December 2025. Depending on the demand, the free service could be extended. "Los Angeles County is committed to being responsive to the needs of our residents impacted by the Eaton Fire, which is why we're providing timely soil testing resources and support to ensure residents can make informed decisions about their health," Barger said. The Board of Supervisors approved the $3 million program in April after a preliminary study commissioned by the public health department heightened concerns about elevated levels of lead and other heavy metals. "The overall percentages of lead in the 30 or 40% range would not be necessarily surprising in an urban setting, but what we see here are levels of exceedances downwind of where the main burn area is," principal scientist at Roux Inc., Adam Love, said in April. "We see the percentages of lead in those samples that are 70% up to 80% of the soil samples exceeding the screening levels." Scientists believe the higher-than-anticipated levels of lead could be linked to burned homes. Lead-based paint was common in houses before the federal government banned it in 1978. A Caltech study found that 90% of the homes in Altadena were built before 1975. "Wildfires can stir up lead that's been trapped in older building materials, paint, pipes or surrounding soil," said DPH Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Nichole Quick in April. "When those materials burn or when ash and dust are disturbed, lead particles can become airborne or settle on surfaces where children play and people live their daily lives." However, the further screening showed that lead levels were below the California Department of Toxic Substances Control guidelines of 80 parts per million and much lower than the Environmental Protection Agency's threshold of 200 ppm. Additionally, test results for heavy metals showed that they were below state and federal regulations.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sunday 'Gayle on the Go!', Sunday, May 11th, 2025.
It's Sunday. It's Mother's Day! Many Mothers who would attend church today, don't have one. It might have been destroyed by the Southern California wildfires. There are opportunities to help the churches as well as help Mom have a great day. Here are some suggestions on the Sunday 'Gayle on the Go!' list. Let me suggest you look at this broadcast and then scroll down this page for more information I did not have time to tell you. Enjoy! Please stay safe! Gayle :-) -000- Altadena Baptist Church Fire Relief Fund 626 797 8970 Altadena Baptist Church was lost in the Eaton wildfire. According to Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's office, ten churches have been destroyed, two suffered minor damage and nine sustained no damage. Altadena Baptist Church is among the ten destroyed. It now faces significant rebuilding challenges. Church insurance will cover some expenses, but it will fall significantly short of the needed funds to reestablish the church. The problem is faith-based organizations, including Altadena Baptist Church, do not qualify for FEMA assistance, and insurance only covers a very small portion of the debris removal. Pastor Connie DeVaughn says church debris removal would cost between 300-thousand and 500-thousand dollars. The church has established a fire relief fund hoping to cover some of its debris removal expenses. Fundraising details are on the website. According to FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) they typically provide debris removal services under a federal mission assignment when debris poses a threat to public health and safety. These efforts are primarily focused on public areas and residential properties, not private commercial or nonprofit sites. So, churches and other faith-based institutions are not currently eligible for debris removal using the USACE-led operation. USACE says these organizations should plan to manage and fund their own debris removal and should work with their insurance providers. However, if a church or nonprofit believes extenuating circumstances exist, they are encouraged to communicate directly with Los Angeles County officials, who can evaluate unique situations and, if appropriate, elevate them for further consideration. Altadena Baptist Church, and other burned-out churches are doing just that. They await a decision. In the meantime, if the public has any financial suggestions or resources, they are encouraged to contact Altadena Baptist Church. Lift International Church Eaton Fire Fund Not far from Altadena Baptist Church, Lift International, burned down to its foundation. This church also faces the challenging cost of debris removal. In the meantime, the church has found a temporary location. In the meantime, Lift International has established a fire fund while also supporting the community with housing assistance, mental health support, and resource information. If you would like to help, details are on the website: Ode to Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena California African American Museum 600 State Drive Exposition Park Los AngelesOde to Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena is on display at the California African American Museum. It salutes the artists who illustrate the history, the legacy and the survival of Altadena in the wake of the Eaton wildfire. Exhibition details are on the website: Admission is free! SCLARC's Job Fair 9a.m. to 1p.m. South Central Los Angeles Regional Center 2500 South Western Avenue Los Angeles One of the largest non-profit service agencies in Los Angeles is having a job fair Saturday, May 17th. The South Central Los Angeles Regional Center is hiring. It's clinical, children, adult, community services, and administration departments are looking for talented people. The website says bring you resume and make sure you are professional dressed for the 9a.m. to 1p.m. event at SCLARC's Western Avenue headquarters. Closing Sunday, May 11th Work in Progress Gallery California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Drive Los Angeles These artifacts on display in the WORK IN PROGRESS GALLERY at the California Science Center, will not be on display much longer. This special exhibition closes Sunday, May 11th. The website says once this exhibit closes, we won't be able to see them again until their new home in the under construction Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is complete, also the new home for the space shuttle Endeavour. Open Now Thru Mother's Day The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch Carlsbad 1-855-235-2867 This is it! Mother's Day, the perfect day for Mom to experience the colors of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. More than 50-acres of beautiful ranunculus flowers only blooming for approximately six-to-eight weeks, now at their peak this Mother's Day weekend. To experience all of this spectacular color, you should know before you go that tickets must be purchased in advance. There are no onsite sales. Tickets are available on website: So, let's make this a happy Mother's Day Sunday. Gayle Anderson, KTLA 5 News. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Security cameras installed across Altadena amid surge in residential burglaries
The Brief The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is deploying advanced security camera systems in Altadena to deter thefts and burglaries. Lawmakers emphasized the cameras' role in reducing property crimes and aiding law enforcement, especially following the Eaton Fire. Residents are encouraged to share video evidence from personal cameras and participate in the Altadena Home Check Program. ALTADENA, Calif. - The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has initiated the deployment of advanced security camera systems throughout Altadena to deter crimes and ensure public safety. What we know The cameras are positioned in high-traffic areas to prevent crime and assist in investigations. Acting Captain Ethan Marquez emphasized the effectiveness of security cameras in reducing property crimes and supporting prosecutions. SUGGESTED: Residential burglaries in Altadena burn area surging, authorities say The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the community and respond swiftly to criminal activities, especially after the Eaton Fire. The initiative includes ongoing high-visibility patrols, crime suppression operations, and partnerships with local non-profit organizations to help secure residents' property. What they're saying Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger expressed support for the installation of FLOCK cameras, highlighting their role in enhancing public safety, especially after the Eaton Fire. SUGGESTED: 9 charged with looting in LA fires, 1 with arson, DA Hochman says She noted the cameras' importance in helping law enforcement respond quickly to protect residents and their property. What you can do Residents and business owners are encouraged to share video evidence from their personal security cameras with the Altadena Sheriff's Station. Additionally, community members can sign up for the Altadena Home Check Program, which offers post-fire home checks by deputy sheriffs. To participate, residents can email AltadenaHomeCheck@ with their name, address, and cell phone number. SUGGESTED: Tenants at Altadena apartment complex demand answers after Eaton Fire:' Protect our elders' Community members are urged to report suspicious activity or crimes to the Altadena Sheriff's Station. For anonymous tips, individuals can use "Crime Stoppers" by calling (800) 222-TIPS, downloading the "P3 Tips" mobile app, or visiting Working together, the community and law enforcement aim to keep Altadena safe. The Source Information for this story is from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Altadena Sheriff's Station.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
L.A. County approves $4-billion sex abuse settlement, largest in U.S. history
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history on Tuesday, agreeing to pay $4 billion to victims abused as children in county-run juvenile facilities and foster homes. The vote is the culmination of years of fighting by victims, who argued that no one had paid the price for the rampant sexual abuse they said they suffered in county custody. The settlement includes nearly 7,000 claims, most of which involve alleged abuse from the 1980s through the 2000s. 'I never would have imagined persons hired to be the safety net and care for the most vulnerable could or would abuse their position and power in this way,' said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. 'It angers and sickens me.' The thousands of claims tell the story of a county government that did little to screen for abusers, allowing a sprawling network of facilities for young people to become hunting grounds for predators. Victims said staffers were seldom disciplined for preying on vulnerable kids. 'We have to remember the people who are being compensated were victims of horrific abuse and rapes,' said Adam Slater, a lead plaintiffs' attorney in the settlement. 'This will hopefully give them some measure of closure and the ability to move on with their lives.' The settlement dwarfs the most infamous sex abuse settlements. The Boy Scouts settlement was for $2.46 billion. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has paid out about $1.5 billion to victims of abuse by Catholic priests. Victims of USC gynecologist George Tyndall got $1.1 billion, and Michigan State University paid $500 million to victims of team doctor Larry Nassar. L.A. County, which has a roughly $48-billion budget, has said it will pay for the mammoth settlement by taking out bonds and draining its rainy day fund. All the money will be made available to victims in the next five years, while the county expects to be paying for the bonds for the next 25 years. 'We are going to be paying hundreds of millions of dollars that could be invested into the communities, into parks, libraries, beaches, public social services, until 2050,' said L.A. County Chief Executive Fesia Davenport. The county has taken several steps to try and prevent abuse, Davenport has said, including bolstering the vetting of foster parents and probation staffers and winding down the use of group homes. The supervisors approved the settlement 4-0, with Lindsey Horvath absent. Supervisor Holly Mitchell said Tuesday that she wants to make it easier to fire workers credibly accused of sexual abuse, while Supervisor Janice Hahn floated the idea of tying department heads' salary, in part, to their work cracking down on alleged abuse. 'They've got to feel like this rests with them,' said Hahn. The historic vote came as roughly 55,000 county workers entered the first full day of a two-day strike, accusing the county of slow-rolling contract negotiations and bringing paltry offers to the bargaining table. Davenport has said it would be reckless to offer big raises, considering the sex abuse settlement, an estimated $2 billion in wildfire costs and threats from the Trump administration to slash millions in federal funding. Slater, whose firm represents about 3,500 victims in the settlement, said former L.A. County Superior Court Judge Louis Meisinger will be leading the allocation process to decide how much of the $4-billion pie each victim receives. Slater said the money will be doled out starting in January. The historic settlement arose from Assembly Bill 218, a 2020 state law that gave victims of childhood sexual abuse more time to sue, even though the statute of limitations had expired. For L.A. County, which ran dozens of facilities that confined and cared for juveniles, the law kickstarted a deluge of litigation that still hasn't stopped. Thousands came forward to describe sexual abuse at the now-closed MacLaren Children's Center, a county-run home for foster youth now infamous for staffers who drugged and molested kids in their care. A report found that the facility had gone decades without conducting criminal background checks on its staff. 'The system has been too lax,' said Supervisor Hilda Solis, who called MacLaren a 'stain' on the county. Jimmy Vigil, a 45-year-old mental health case manager, said he was repeatedly abused by a physician at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, where he was imprisoned as a teenager. Vigil, who sued the county and is expected to receive money from the settlement, was later sent to a camp in Lancaster, where another staff member forced all the boys to masturbate in a control room. The boy who ejaculated first was supposed to yell "Bingo," Vigil said. When he complained, Vigil said, he landed in solitary confinement. 'These people should be in jail,' said Vigil. 'There's no amount of money in the world that is going to undo what they did, that is going to wipe that away from a human being's memory.' Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
