The Altadena Town Hall meeting addressed the aftermath of the wildfires, focusing on community support, insurance claims, and rebuilding efforts.
Key points included the importance of registering with FEMA for individual assistance, which provides up to $500,000 for home repairs and $100,000 for personal property.
The Small Business Administration offers loans up to $2 million for businesses and homeowners.
The Army Corps of Engineers is handling debris removal, emphasizing the need for property owners to sign right-of-entry forms.
The meeting also highlighted the need for unity and collective negotiation among residents to ensure fair rebuilding and protection against predatory practices.
Speaker 15 outlines a plan for Altadena to collectively rebuild after a fire disaster, leveraging $15 billion in insurance money and additional funds from Edison.
The strategy involves negotiating directly with manufacturers for materials like rebar, concrete, and appliances, aiming for significant discounts. The goal is to build high-quality, million-dollar homes for $500,000 each, with a team of architects and contractors on salary.
The initiative emphasizes community unity, with a call for residents to work together to avoid being taken advantage of by developers. The meeting concludes with a call to action for collective bargaining and support from local resources like World Central Kitchen.
Action Items
[ ] Sign up for the Army Corps of Engineers debris removal program.
[ ] Report any unsolicited offers to buy property below market value to the Department of Real Estate.
[ ] Reach out to Freddy Sage to get involved in the coalition to collectively negotiate and coordinate the rebuilding efforts.
[ ] Explore the resources and assistance available from FEMA, SBA, and other government agencies.
[ ] Stay connected with the "Altadena, Not for Sale" community group for updates and ways to get involved.
Outline
Opening Remarks and Announcements
Brooke introduces herself and mentions the availability of cards for questions, with Layla assisting.
Brooke announces a wildfire survivors jazz gig on February 22 and a petition with three main points: protecting residents, keeping large corporations out, and safeguarding future safety measures.
Speaker 13 shares a personal story about a woman he met and her impact on his life.
Speaker 14 asks attendees to find their seats and greets everyone, emphasizing the importance of unity in Altadena.
Introduction of Key Speakers and Community Support
Freddie Sage introduces himself and shares his deep connection to Altadena, mentioning the loss of several family homes and businesses.
Freddie thanks the pastor for opening his church and emphasizes the need for unity and rebuilding.
Pastor Kyle from La Canada Congregational Church welcomes everyone and highlights the community's strength and resilience.
Pastor Kyle leads a moment of silence and a prayer for strength and hope in rebuilding.
Community Support and Federal Aid
Freddie introduces Pastor BJ, who encourages attendees to show love and support to each other.
Pastor BJ leads a group hug and emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support.
Miley Plan, Director of Outreach for Congresswoman Judy Chu, discusses the federal support and resources available, including disaster relief funds and long-term recovery centers.
Miley highlights the efforts of Congresswoman Chu in securing federal aid and addressing concerns about toxic contaminants.
Local Resident's Perspective and Organizational Efforts
Leslie Aiken, a 49-year resident of Altadena, shares her personal story and the importance of organizing and cooperating in the recovery effort.
Leslie emphasizes the need for focus, organization, and support for senior residents who may need to relocate.
Leslie reads a poem about the impact of the fire and the need to create a new life and home in Altadena.
Freddie introduces Robin Fanning from Cal OES, who discusses the importance of registering for individual assistance and the public assistance program for infrastructure rebuilding.
FEMA and Individual Assistance Program
Item de Jesus from FEMA explains the two-phase process for individual assistance, including registration and the types of financial assistance available.
Item emphasizes the importance of contacting FEMA and insurance providers simultaneously to maximize support.
Item discusses the challenges of receiving rental assistance and the need for continuous communication with FEMA.
Item provides information on the inspection process and the appealability of FEMA decisions.
Small Business Administration Support
Corey Williams from the Small Business Administration discusses the various types of loans available for businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofits.
Corey highlights the importance of applying for SBA loans to have funds available while waiting for insurance recovery.
Corey provides information on how to apply for SBA loans and the resources available at disaster recovery centers.
Corey emphasizes the need for businesses to maintain operations during the recovery period.
Army Corps of Engineers and Debris Removal
Corey Coger from the Army Corps of Engineers explains the debris removal process and the importance of signing up for the program.
Corey discusses the types of debris that will be removed, including structural ash, hazard trees, and damaged vehicles.
Corey provides an update on the progress of debris removal in local schools and the importance of completing the program quickly.
Corey emphasizes the need for property owners to sign right-of-entry forms to allow the Army Corps to access their properties.
Insurance Claims and Legal Support
Bill Rafford from APEX Public Adjusters discusses the challenges of insurance claims, including underinsurance and the importance of proper documentation.
Bill emphasizes the need for a good public adjuster to help with the claims process and the potential for legal action against responsible parties.
Bill provides tips for negotiating with insurance companies and the importance of having accurate replacement costs.
Bill offers his services and encourages attendees to seek professional help for their insurance claims.
Protecting Against Predatory Practices
Abraham Patella discusses the importance of protecting against predatory practices by realtors, developers, and land grabbers.
Abraham provides information on how to roll back property taxes to land value only and the availability of mortgage forbearance.
Abraham emphasizes the importance of reporting any suspicious offers or approaches from potential buyers or realtors.
Abraham encourages attendees to unite and report any predatory practices to the Department of Real Estate.
Unifying Altadena for Rebuilding
Freddie Sage emphasizes the need for Altadena residents to unite and negotiate collectively to rebuild their community.
Freddie calls for a coalition of residents with various skills and talents to work together for the common good.
Freddie highlights the importance of becoming a singular voice and dictating the terms of rebuilding and recovery.
Freddie encourages attendees to join the coalition and contribute their skills and ideas to the rebuilding effort.
Altadena's Financial and Logistical Plan
Speaker 15 emphasizes the collective power of Altadena residents, estimating $15 billion in insurance money and additional funds from Edison.
The plan involves buying materials directly from manufacturers to save costs, such as 8000 AC machines and 8000 homes.
Speaker 15 suggests forming a team of architects and contractors to manage the construction process efficiently.
The goal is to build million-dollar homes for $500,000 each, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
Negotiating with Suppliers and Manufacturers
Speaker 15 proposes negotiating with suppliers like Dunn Edwards for paint and manufacturers for materials like rebar and concrete.
The idea is to buy materials in bulk to secure significant discounts, such as a million gallons of paint at a lower cost.
Heavy machinery and labor costs are discussed, with a suggestion to collectively buy and operate machinery to save on operational costs.
The plan includes negotiating with top manufacturers for items like hardwoods and appliances, ensuring quality and affordability.
Community Involvement and Support
Speaker 15 calls for community members to join the effort, offering their skills and expertise, such as web design and music.
The importance of local support is highlighted, with a focus on ensuring Altadena residents are the primary beneficiaries of the rebuilding effort.
The need for a united front is emphasized, with a call for collective bargaining and cooperation to avoid being taken advantage of.
Speaker 15 shares personal anecdotes about family and community, underscoring the importance of rebuilding for future generations.
Forming a Committee and Moving Forward
Speaker 15 suggests forming a committee to oversee the rebuilding process and ensure transparency and accountability.
The need for legal and financial expertise within the community is acknowledged, with a call for volunteers to step forward.
The importance of community solidarity is reiterated, with a focus on protecting each other and ensuring fair treatment.
Speaker 15 provides his personal contact information for anyone interested in getting involved, emphasizing the need for collective action.
Altadena Not for Sale Initiative
Speaker 7 introduces the Altadena Not for Sale initiative, emphasizing the community's commitment to preserving its character.
Speaker 10 outlines the mission of Altadena Not for Sale, including supporting the community and opposing overdevelopment.
The initiative aims to educate residents about their rights and provide resources for rebuilding, including a list of reliable contractors.
The importance of community involvement and support is highlighted, with a call for residents to report unscrupulous developers.
Acknowledgments and Closing Remarks
Speaker 15 thanks the team members who have contributed to the effort, including Christopher Wright and Pastor BJ King.
A special thanks is given to Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen for providing meals and support.
The importance of community gatherings and discussions is emphasized, with an invitation to enjoy dinner and continue conversations.
The meeting concludes with a call to action, encouraging residents to stay united and continue working towards rebuilding Altadena.
