Question:
When will we be allowed to get back into the area to see the damage and collect our belongings?
Answer:
At this time we are deferring to LA County Fire and the Sheriff’s Department to let us know when it is safe to go back into the community. At this time there are mandatory evacuation orders in place and as we noted this morning, we need to keep the roads clear for first responders, for the public’s safety, and to prevent looting and other bad behavior.
Question:
What will happen to our mail given that the post office in Altadena burned down?
Answer:
We spoke with a local postmaster a few minutes ago who noted that Altadena’s mail will be routed to one of the Pasadena post offices. At this time the mail will not be delivered but it will be available at one of the locations. Residents will be allowed to go in with an ID to pick up their mail in-person.
The Postmaster will have a public release later today to provide more detailed information on this.
Question:
What can we do about property taxes if we have suffered damage or complete loss?
Answer:
Property owners can work with the LA County Assessor’s Office to file a Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief claim at:
https://assessor.lacounty.gov/
If a property is damaged or destroyed, property owners needs to file the misfortune and calamity claim with the assessor. The assessor then works with Treasurer-Tax Collector to pause the individual’s property tax payment until a reassessment can be completed. The Assessor will then issue a new bill to the property owner.
If the property owner payer has an impound account through their mortgage lender, they will need to contact their mortgage lender to make them aware that they have filed the misfortune and calamity claim. LA County Auditor-Controller then works with Treasurer-Tax Collector and the Assessor to refund individual for payments that they made after the property was damaged.
ADDITIONAL LINKS as they come:
- https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/news/important-information-eaton-fire-update-and-safety-measures
- ANF Closure News Release-20250108
- https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2025/red-cross-helping-in-southern-california-as-wildfires-force-thousands-from-their-homes.html
