LA Rises

05/18/2026

More than 1,100 LA firestorm survivors have now received mortgage relief through Governor Gavin Newsom's expanded CalAssist Mortgage Fund 💛

The updated program now provides eligible homeowners with up to 12 months of mortgage assistance, covering as much as $100,000 in payments made directly to mortgage services.

“California is committed to ensuring disaster survivors can actually access relief directly. While Trump continues to turn his back on this community, we’re building programs that meet people where they are and deliver real support when they need it most. I’m proud this expanded program has now helped more than 1,100 families by providing a full year of mortgage assistance that never has to be paid back,"" says Governor Newsom

The expansion was designed to help families focus on recovery, rebuilding, and basic needs without the added pressure of keeping up with mortgage payments on homes that were destroyed or severely damaged by the fires.

The state also shared that the program has already awarded nearly $40 million in relief to households impacted by disasters, including many families across Altadena, the Palisades, and surrounding communities 👏

🔗 Read More: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/05/12/more-than-1000-la-firestorm-survivors-have-accessed-calassist-mortgage-relief/

State of California

05/18/2026

Friends of the Altadena Library Annual Meeting
with Paradise Mayor Steve Crowder

▪️Tuesday, June 2, 2026
6:00-7:30pm

Altadena Community CenterSpace is limited, and an RSVP is required. You can RSVP or submit a question for Mayor Crowder here:
https://forms.gle/VYXyis6NmyNEQXFK7

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

Shop our full collection of limited edition Webster’s Centennial gear 🫶

🎨 Centennial logo by Austin Scott
🎨 Storefront print by Keni Arts



Altadena | Altadena Strong | Webster’s 100

05/14/2026

Many LA fire survivors are still far from returning home and are now calling on the federal government to extend critical FEMA support before funding is set to expire this summer 🗣️

Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested a 12-month extension of FEMA disaster assistance programs that will help survivors access temporary housing and financial support while rebuilding.

According to recent survivor surveys, many families across Altadena and Pacific Palisades remain displaced, with some already facing the loss of housing coverage and mounting financial uncertainty 🫂

" The data is clear, This recovery is not over. If you are a survivor, you know this in your bones. For many families, it has barely begun. People have just begun to stabilize. We need federal support that reflects the scale of this disaster and systems that survivors can actually navigate and access over time," expressed Angela Giacchetti (Department of Angels)

Recovery is still in its early stages and continued federal support could play a major role in helping families remain housed.

📰: LAist
Read More: https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/fire-survivors-call-on-trump-administration-to-extend-federal-support

05/13/2026

A powerful moment of faith for the community in Pacific Palisades 👏

More than a year after the devastating wildfires impacted The Pacific Palisades Ward meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , members gathered to rededicate their chapel, marking an emotional step forward in the recovery journey.

"Returning to our chapel after a year of work is a joyful milestone that fills us with renewed hope for the future, " says Brian C. Ames (President, Los Angeles California Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

The ceremony served as a reminder that recovery is not only about rebuilding structures, but restoring the spaces and communities that help people feel grounded and at home again. For many, the space represents far more than a building, It’s a place of comfort.

" Now there is hope that we can reclaim the lost pieces of our lives, working together in a single place, continuing to recover as a community," expressed Kayce Mammen (Wife of Bishop Taylor G. Mammen of the Pacific Palisades Ward)

Across Altadena, the Palisades, and surrounding communities, faith leaders and local organizations have continued showing up for survivors through advocacy and community care during every stage of rebuilding 💛

📰 Read more via - https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/04/16/pacific-palisades-chapel-rededicated-after-southern-california-wildfire/ #:~:text=Members%20of%20the%20Pacific%20Palisades%20Ward%20gather%20inside%20their%20rededicated,feeling%20of%20loss%20was%20overwhelming

05/12/2026

Our next letter to the community comes from Pasadena CLSC. Co-Founder, Dennis Robinson ✍️

Dennis reflects on growing up in both Pasadena and Altadena, or as many know it, simply “DENA.” From shared educational foundations to Saturday morning grocery store runs and neighborhood strolls, it’s the everyday experiences and connections between neighbors that helped shape the strong sense of community generations have grown up with 🫂

Those shared moments created more than memories. They built a foundation of pride and togetherness that continues to keep DENA closely connected across generations and beyond 💛

05/11/2026

In a city filled with tall buildings, bright lights, and constant movement, it can be easy to forget just how much nature has to offer us, especially during seasons of healing ✨

Our glow worms hike with Jason Wise AKA Jason Journeyman brought the community together for an evening of connection and appreciation for the beauty that continues to grow throughout Altadena and the San Gabriel foothills.

As the landscape continues to recover, and organizations and community members work to preserve and restore what was impacted, moments like these remind us that rebuilding can also look like slowing down and finding peace in the world around us 🌱

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the adventure 🪱💛

05/09/2026

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a warning to insurance companies following a major state enforcement action against State Farm over the alleged mishandling of claims filed by LA fire survivors. The announcement reinforces growing concerns from residents navigating delayed payments, denied claims, and barriers to rebuilding 🗣️

For many survivors, access to insurance coverage is one of the most critical parts of the recovery process and can directly impact their ability to return home and move forward.

The state also highlighted the many ongoing efforts to support rebuilding through permitting relief, mortgage assistance, wildfire mitigation investments, and consumer protections aimed at helping impacted communities recover more quickly.

Visit our website LARises.org for additional information and tips that can support you or a neighbor duing your rebuilding process. 💛🔗

05/07/2026

05/06/2026

24LA was created from friendship, community, and a commitment to show up when it mattered most 💛

Founded by best friends Kenyan Armitage and Malin Smith just days after the fires, 24LA has already helped support more than 16,000 Angelenos impacted by the wildfires through the distribution of over $6 million in new in-kind donations.

As recovery continues, so does the need. Their mission is not only to provide essentials, but to ensure families are able to shop with dignity, care, and support during an incredibly difficult time 🫂