John Muir High School

Class of 1972

Helping our Family and Friends

LAtest News

Debris Removal, FEMA, SBA Deadlines Extended to Monday, March 31 State Economic Blueprint The Governor announces new support to aid in LA’s rebuilding and recovery efforts

Back-To-Back Storms Expected

Flood watch is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday March 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13. The National Weather Service is forecasting moderate to heavy rain that may occur on Wednesday, March 12 through Friday, March 14.  Light to moderate rain is expected Monday and Tuesday (March 10-11).   Los Angeles County Flood Control District states that all protective measures to safeguard communities during the last series of storms remain in place. That includes 1000s of feet of k-rails deployed in Palisades and Eaton Burn Areas.
For storm preparedness tips and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit READY.LACounty.gov.
Protections are effective through July 31, 2025 and apply countywide including all 88 cities and unincorporated areas.
Eligible tenants can use the sample notification form to give notice to their landlord that they are experiencing financial hardship due to the wildfires. Giving notice to landlords is required to secure eviction protections for workers impacted by the wildfires.
US Army Corps of Engineers started Phase 2 Personal Property Debris Removal Residents can visit the Phase 2 Debris Removal: What to Expect page for the new interactive visual and the latest announcements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers such as the video below where Col. Swenson discusses the qualifications to remove trees as part of the debris removal process.
Altadena Post Office (2271 Lake Ave.) – effective Jan. 9, mail pickup location at Pasadena Post Office (600 Lincoln Ave.)

Altadena NEws: Past and Present

Kevin Williams PBS SoCal Video

Let People know your needs

Be sure to Set List Privacy to “Public” or “Shared”Public: Anyone can find it and donate.Shared: Only people with the link can access it.Add Essential ItemsSearch for Needed ItemsClothes (check sizes)Toiletries (toothpaste, soap, deodorant)Non-perishable foodFirst aid suppliesBedding (blankets, pillows)Baby supplies (diapers, formula)Pet supplies (if applicable)Click “Add to List” for each item.Set Priorities: Mark essential items as “High Priority.”Step 3: Customize the ListInclude a Delivery Address:Use a central location (e.g., shelter, donation center) if available.
Links posted on this website are for easy reference and informational purposes only. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of any information, products, or services mentioned.

Fire Relief Links

Financial Resources
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 31, 2025.
Got a FEMA denial letter? - Appeal
We have come together as a Class to collect donations for gift cards to support our classmates impacted by the fires. So far, thanks to our classmates generous donations, we have gifted over $1,500 to our classmates affected by the fires!

Reach out to Friends

Kathy Matthews Woods: kwoods6969@yahoo.com LuEllen Crist Benjamins: luellen.benjamins@gmail.com Karen Glasgow: karenskreations@yahoo.com Batya Bell de Berenfus: Jb@jbbizwiz.com Leslie Nishimi: lesnish@msn.com Frank Vernon: flvernon@mac.com Mark Rich: mgrich@gmail.com Donations for Class of 1972: Zelle kathywoods@johnmuirclassof1972.com

Coming together For Local kids

April 30th: In support of the Eaton Fire recovery efforts, the following summit will provide resources to aid youth affected by the disaster. In the spirit of community unity, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and Rose Bowl Stadium are joining forces to host Empowering Tomorrow, Today: A Youth Leadership Summit, combining their previous youth empowerment programs into one impactful event including a resource fair and brunch, all completely free of charge!
This collaboration aims to equip students with essential resources, education, and life skills, particularly in response to regional challenges such as natural disasters and economic hardships. (Taken from the Tournament website)
Mental Health Help Line – 24/7 multilingual LA County hotline enables disaster victims to receive screening, assessment, referrals and crisis counseling over the telephone.
Call (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741 to find immediate help or access local mental health services. Para cualquier pregunta relacionada con el manejo del estrés y problemas de salud mental, comuníquese con nuestro departamento de salud mental al numero (800) 854-7771
Trauma Resources: NAMI: Connect With Hope Warmline at (818) 208-1801 10 a.m.–8 p.m.Monday-Friday. Or email the Connect With Hope Warmline at hope@namiglac.org.

Frank Vernon's Article on Recovery

In 2003, Frank Vernon lost his home in the Scripps Ranch community of San Diego. In this article, Frank offers his support, insights & recommendations about recovery based on his own experience.
As a result of the devastating fire, Frank's neighbors put together a resource--a way to organize "to feel in control again" Home Loss File System Home Lose Digital Files

Business Recovery Resources and Funding Solutions

LA County Dept. of Economic Development Business to Business Bulletin

Stay Informed: Government updates

The deadline to opt-in or opt-out of the government-sponsored debris removal program and apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, March 31, 2025.
Submit the Right of Entry form here. The form is available in Spanish, Russian, Armenian, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
County's Household Relief Grant Key Details: a fund of $32.2 million, dedicated to aiding our community during these challenging times.Grant Amounts: Depending on the size and specific needs of your household, you could be eligible for grants ranging from $6,000 to $18,000.Eligible Uses: These funds are available to help cover essential needs such as housing and living expenses, funeral costs, and necessary repairs that other aid does not cover.Prioritized based on need, factors include such things as insurance coverage, economic vulnerability, health conditions, and the extent of damage suffered.In-person support in both English and Spanish is at Disaster Recovery Centers
Apply For Federal Assistance Before Monday, March 31Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the wildfires have less than one week to apply for federal disaster assistance. Monday, March 31 is the deadline to apply for both FEMA disaster assistance and a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan.
REMEMBER: You can apply for an SBA disaster loan at the same time you apply to FEMA for assistance. From FEMA site: "Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future."
Disaster Recovery Center 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.540 W Woodbury Rd. Altadena, CA 91001
Cleanup Resources - State of CA

helping each other

Amazon Lists - email your list to Kathy Woods at: kwoods6969@yahoo.com

Community Support

More information below

Clearing the Property

Excerpts from LA County Fire Relief page... As a resident affected by the wildfires, you have two choices for managing debris removal on your property.Option 1: Opt-In to the Government-Run Debris Removal ProgramHow to Opt-In:Step 1: Complete and submit the Right of Entry (ROE) form and authorize the government to manage debris removal on your property.ROE Form Availability:Closure Date: March 31, 2025Where to Get It:Complete the opt-in form online: https://forms.office.com/g/Nm7XcLZJwqDownload and complete a form: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/lac/1176418_Opt-InForm.pdfIn Person: Right of Entry forms are available at Disaster Recovery Centers.What Opting In Entails: By opting in, you authorize the government to perform various activities includingPotential Foundation Removal:Your Choice: When you opt into the debris removal program, you will need to decide whether you want the government to remove your property’s foundation or leave it in place.Property Assessment: A site visit will be conducted to evaluate your foundation and discuss the best option for your property with you before any debris removal begins.

Recover & Rebuild

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Info

Prefab possibilities

DYI Debris Removal - Apply for a Permit from the County in EPIC-LA to handle debris removal on your own after you receive EPA certification of phase 1 completion for your property. https://epicla.lacounty.gov/energov_prod/SelfService/#/home Costs: You will be responsible for any costs of the removal that exceed your insurance settlement amount for debris removal Spanish Opt In and Opt Out Forms Descargar Formulario de Derecho de Entrada en recovery.lacounty.gov Obtar por no Recibir Servicios

Insurance FAQs

Personal Property (Contents) Coverage: An advance payment of at least 30% of the policy limit for the dwelling's structure, up to $250,000, without requiring an itemized inventory.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): An advance payment covering no less than four months of living expenses to assist with temporary housing and related costs.
Bulletin to Insurers and Adjusters-Property Owners Rights

Be Sure to Confirm credentials of attorneys/ professionals

Volunteer/ Donate

Help organize and distribute essential supplies to area families impacted by the Eaton Fire at the Carrow’s Distribution Center.