Resources for Those Impacted by The Wildfires
The recent fires have had a devastating impact on our community. THE PBA is compiling a list below of resources which you may find helpful during this challenging time. We will update the list as more information becomes available.
The City of Pasadena Eaton Fire Updates can be found here.
The City of Los Angeles Wildfire Information & Resources can be found here.
Insurance Support Workshop in Pasadena
Our State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will be bringing a team to Pasadena City College to assist our residents in getting help, such as understanding their insurance policies, being aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process, and answering their insurance-related questions. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their insurance policy, declaration page, and any relevant correspondence related to their concerns. Those who want to make a one-on-one appointment should contact CDI’s Hotline at 1-800-927-4357.
Pasadena Dates and Hours of Operation:
Saturday 1/25/2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1/26/2025: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
Walk-ins will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.
FEMA
Here’s how to apply for FEMA assistance:
1. Visit: disasterassistance.gov
2. Call: FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
3. Use: The FEMA mobile app
What does this relief include?
For residents and homeowners:
- Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for up to two weeks)
- $770 for essential personal items
- Larger direct grants to help cover essential needs such as medical bills, car repairs, and more
For businesses and homeowners:
- Low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) available at sba.gov
For Donations
The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has opened the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund providing an opportunity for those who want to support immediate and longer term needs.
Click here for more information.
State Bar of California
Affected attorneys: If you have been impacted by the wildfires, the State Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program is here to support you during this difficult time.
California attorneys (active, inactive, retired, or disbarred), bar applicants, and law students can access two free, confidential counseling sessions with a licensed therapist. These sessions are available to help you navigate the emotional and professional challenges brought on by these events. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lawyer Assistance Program using the online intake form, at 877-LAP-4-HELP (877-527-4435), or by emailing LAP@calbar.ca.gov.
Ethics hotline: Attorneys with questions about their ethical obligations, including communication obligations, file damage and destruction, and contacting fire victims, are encouraged to contact the State Bar Ethics Hotline for research assistance by calling 800-238-4427 from 9:00 a.m. to noon or completing a callback request form for a return call during business hours.
Want to volunteer to provide disaster legal assistance?
Prepare by taking disaster legal assistance training; a free MCLE course is linked on the State Bar’s webpage on pro bono for disaster victims. You can sign up to provide disaster legal assistance at the new statewide Pro Bono Portal.
Rules regarding solicitation: A reminder that California attorneys have duties under the Rules of Professional Conduct regarding solicitation in all circumstances, including disasters or other emergency scenarios. Rule 7.3 notes that lawyers are prohibited from:
- Soliciting clients in person or by telephone calls or other real-time electronic contact;
- Soliciting clients who have made known to the lawyer a desire not to be solicited or if the transmission of the solicitation involves intrusion, coercion, duress, or harassment;
- Mailing written communications offering legal representation unless the communication is clearly labeled as an advertisement on the outside of the envelope; and
- Sending recorded or electronic communications offering legal representation unless the communication is clearly labeled as an advertisement at the beginning and end of any such communications.
For the public: The State Bar is promoting its consumer webpage and pamphlet on legal help after a disaster. Please share.
Other Resources
California Pro Bono Portal www.calprobono.org providing pro bono legal services to those impacted by the fires.
Where to Start After a Devastating Fire PDF from The Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley
You may access this information at any time by clicking on the “Fire Resources” link in the top menu of our homepage.
