EFSN Discord Digest: What’s New This Week
EFSN Community Update: Week of May 30th
The Eaton Fire Survivors Network is a community of 2,100+ families - displaced survivors building community and accessing expert resources so that we all can recover faster and stronger. Join us on Discord by clicking here. This week, we’re sharing crucial deadlines and steps that you can take to speed recovery for yourself and others.
Key Dates for Recovery
ASAP: Update Your Mailing Address For Your Tax Return
Jeff Prang, LA County Assessor explains that they are trying to send out Tax Refunds to property owners but don’t have your temporary or new address. To update your mailing address to ensure you receive your refunds and other critical documents either Register Property and Create an Owner Profile here or fill out a change of Mailing Address here.
May 31, 2025: SBA Loan Deadline
This is not just for Businesses! A 30 day grace period has been granted until 5/31/25. You'll need to visit a FEMA representative at the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center 540 W. Woodbury Road Altadena, CA 91001.
June 1, 2025: SBA Loan Deadline Fire Debris Removal Permit
All property owners who opted out or failed to submit an ROE must obtain a Fire Debris Removal (FDR) permit and hire a licensed contractor by June 1.
June 2, 2025: New Disaster Recovery Centers are OPENING
The current Disaster Recovery Centers on Pico and Woodbury are CLOSING May 31st. The new location will open at the Altadena Community Center: 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001 on June 2nd.
June 30, 2025: Complete Debris Removal
If you opted out of the Army Corps program, your property must be fully cleared by June 30. If cleanup is not completed by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
Missed Our Star-Studded Eaton & Palisades Strategy Session to Fight Insurance Fraud?
This past week, we hosted the first-ever gathering of Eaton & Palisades fire survivors to gain access to the insurance payouts we need to recover and rebuild. We were joined by some of the world’s most powerful journalists and legal advocates – all committed to shine a light on what’s really happening with our insurance payouts, and to help us secure the payouts we’re owed. And to fight against insurance fraud.
Who joined us?
• New York Times investigative reporters Rukmini Callimachi and Blacki Migliozzi
• Legal legends from Consumer Watchdog, including founder Harvey Rosenfield
• And most importantly—hundreds of YOU. Survivors, neighbors, organizers. Ready to take action.
Together, we unpacked what insurance fraud really is, how to protect our families from it, and what it will take to win the payouts we are owed. Because let’s be honest: recovering Altadena starts with getting what we’re legally entitled to.
The replay is deeply emotional, surprisingly uplifting, and full of next steps.
Here’s the full replay:
Here’s a 29-minute highlight reel!
Community Conversations This Week:
Crime Surge:
Reported Altadena burglaries are up 450% from last year. The Sheriff is installing new security cameras are being installed to deter theft..Some in our community are wondering why the National Guard is not protecting Altadena the way they are still protecting the Palisades. Meantime, here are resources that are available to us:
LA County Sheriff's Home Check Program
Request regular visits to your home: email your address and cellphone number to: AltadenaHomeCheck@lasd.org
Report suspicious activity: altatheft@lasd.org
Toxic Contaminants:
Current Local recovery efforts face a critical barrier: the absence of clear soil safety standards, State Senator Allen and Pérez are championing the request to implement or develop State Standards.
On May 12 Senators Ben Allen and Sasha Renée Pérez submitted a joint letter to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) urging immediate action. Their letter requests the department to either share or create protocols and interim safety thresholds for post-wildfire soil testing to protect public health and restore community confidence.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the LA Department of Public Health launched a new soil testing program. This program is free soil lead testing for residents living downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area, to check your eligibility and get more information go to the county website here: Eaton Soil Testing
Small Actions with Big Impact!
Here’s how you can make a difference right now:
Got Home Insurance? (Takes 5 minutes)
Complete the New York Times Insurance Survey. Help shine a light on which insurers are fulfilling their contracts—and which are delaying, denying, and discouraging.Is Your Insurer Not Being Fair? (Takes 5 minutes)
File a complaint with the Consumer Watchdog Complaint Form. Help shine a light on which insurers are fulfilling their contracts—Provide the evidence public advocates need to hold our insurers accountable.Learn How Insurance Fraud Works
Watch the replay of the first-ever Eaton-Palisades strategy session for insurance accountability that Joy led. Learn how to spot fraud and how, together, we can secure the payouts we need to recover and rebuild. Watch the full replay (90 minutes) or Watch the highlight reel (20 minutes)
