Dear beautiful EFSN community,

It’s hard to believe we’re coming up on six months since this community was born. Six months of heartbreak, of fighting to recover, and of lifting one another up.

Now, it’s time for us to come together to share hugs (yep, you read that right — IN PERSON)!

 

Ditch work for the morning of Monday, July 7 and join us. With our 6-month fire anniversary coming up, how wonderful it will be for us to be not alone, but together.

Here’s what’s in store:

 

Live Zoom Q&A with LA County Assessor Jeff Prang: Property Tax Relief for Fire Survivors
Wednesday, June 25 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM PT | Zoom [Register here]
Your home was damaged or destroyed. What now — financially? Jeff Prang is leading efforts to help fire survivors like us navigate the tax system and get the relief we’re entitled to.

 

Survivor Media Training — FREE on Zoom! [Register here] 
Wednesday, July 2 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM PT 
Want to share your story with impact? Learn how to work with reporters, advocate for yourself, and speak up for all survivors. You’ll leave ready to shine at the 6-Month Fire Anniversary Press Conference.

 

6-Month Fire Anniversary: Survivor Press Conference & Postcard Party
Monday, July 7 | 9:00 – 11:30 AM | Altadena [Register here] 
After months of fighting this battle alone, this is our chance to finally be together. We’ll hug. We’ll share our stories. We’ll hold our insurers and regulators accountable. Space is limited — RSVP soon!

 

 

Every time we show up together, we grow stronger. I cannot wait to finally see you — face to face — on July 7!

 

With love,
Joy

When we identify issues through conversations in our Discord, we review urgent needs emerging from our community and escalate to help suggest recommendations that help the community recover faster and stronger. Here are a few key issues we've been advocating for recently.
 

 

Big news—Los Angeles County Supervisors have officially approved permit fee relief for wildfire survivors in Altadena!

Shared by Claire, this win is thanks to powerful community advocacy, especially Leonor’s Change.org campaign. It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can make change.

Read Claire's post 

 

Help keep Altadena neighbors in their homes—urge Governor Newsom to support community-led solutions that fight real estate speculation and prevent displacement.
It takes just a minute to sign the letter and send an email directly to the Governor. Every voice counts—please share with others across California!.

Read Ali’s post or Sign the Petition

 

Community Member Sarah shares her tips on how she successfully advocated for Wells Fargo to join the CalAssist Mortgage Fund! Which offers up to 3 months of mortgage relief (up to $20,000) for families displaced by California disasters. If you are advocating to get your mortgage provider added, don’t forget to remind them that  lenders can email servicers@CalAssistMortgageFund.org to join.

 

Thanks to Iva and John for sharing this important resource: the YMCA is offering free summer camp for children affected by the fires. This was announced at the My Tribe Rise luncheon and is a great opportunity for families needing extra support this summer.

Read John’s post,  See Iva's post or Fill out YMCA Form

 

If you’ve faced rent hikes after the fires, you may be protected under California’s wildfire disaster rent gouging laws. Join Legal Aid Foundation of LA on Wednesday, June 25, 2–4:30 PM for a free legal clinic. Housing attorneys will answer questions and help you understand your rights

 

John shared that FEMA has approved 26 commercial properties in Altadena for wildfire debris removal through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most are located on Lake Ave. and Fair Oaks Ave., signaling a shift from case-by-case approvals to broader eligibility.

 

 

New CalAssist Mortgage Fund Opened on June 12, 2025

The State of California’s new $105 million mortgage relief fund, CalAssist Mortgage Fund offers up to $20,000 in grants to cover up to 3 months of mortgage payments. Funds are limited and applications will be reviewed in the order received. Having trouble with your application? The Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County is now offering appointments to help. Click here to schedule an appointment with the NHS.

 

Help The New York Times investigate which insurers are doing right by survivors—and which are not.

 

Provide the evidence public advocates need to hold our insurers accountable

 

Watch the replay of the first-ever Eaton-Palisades strategy session for insurance accountability that Joy led. Learn how, together, we can secure the payouts we need to recover and rebuild.

 

 

With love, determination, and solidarity,