One hundred days have passed since the terrible Eaton fire swept through our beloved foothill communities, forever altering the lives of so many in Altadena and beyond.
The staggering numbers tell part of the story: more than 7,000 residential structures lost. Sixty-one schools, hospitals, houses of worship reduced to ash. Eighty-two miles of roadway damaged or destroyed.
These are not just statistics—they are the homes, institutions, and vital infrastructure that shaped the rhythm of daily life for thousands of our neighbors.
But in the wake of so much loss, I want to share a different message today—one focused on resilience and the promise of recovery.
As of today, every single private property owner has submitted their debris removal plans to Los Angeles County. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the perseverance of our residents, more than 1,220 lots have already been cleared—a remarkable achievement in just over three months that reflects the unwavering determination of this community.
This success also reflects the countless hours of coordination, planning and sheer grit demonstrated by teams working around the clock to make progress possible. Every cleared lot is a small victory, a signal that healing has begun and that renewal is not only possible — it is already underway.
That progress didn’t happen on its own. It’s a testament to what happens when government agencies, local leadership and everyday people work in lockstep toward a shared goal. I’ve visited countless neighborhoods since the fire, and while the devastation is profound, what strikes me even more is the grit, grace and generosity of spirit that define this community. Neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers showing up every day, and families facing hardship with courage—this is what real strength looks like.
Still, progress is not uniform and that is where my focus remains. While we have moved quickly to clear properties, the next step—rebuilding—has not met my expectations. As of today, just one rebuilding permit has been approved by the County’s One Stop Rebuilding Center. We can and must do better.
If the county expects those who opted out of the government-sponsored debris removal program to meet deadlines, then we must lead by example. We must walk the talk.
That is why I brought forward a motion last week that was approved by my colleagues on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. It establishes a Unified Permitting Authority tasked with picking up the pace and eliminating the bureaucratic roadblocks currently delaying reconstruction.
We owe it to our residents to provide a clear, efficient and reliable path forward—one that honors their urgency and respects their perseverance.
I am also working to establish a self-certification process for rebuilding plan approvals. This would allow property owners, working with licensed professionals, to move through permitting more quickly and without sacrificing safety or oversight. We must be nimble and creative if we are serious about restoring our communities in a timely manner.
Let me be clear: this journey is far from over. We still face a long road ahead. But if there’s one thing the last 100 days have proven, it is that the Altadena community is not alone. We’ve seen the strength of a unified response — from federal, state and county leadership to the incredible support from philanthropic organizations and nonprofits who stepped up when it mattered most.
Recovery is never easy. But hope is not lost. Far from it.
We must continue to push forward, together—because our Altadena neighbors deserve nothing less. And with continued unity, accountability and determination, I am convinced we will rebuild stronger than before.
Kathryn Barger is the chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, representing the 5th District, which includes Altadena.