As rebuilding continues after the Eaton Fire in January 2025, local attention is shifting to another risk that can follow a disaster.
A Sept. 22 town hall in Altadena was organized to help survivors spot and avoid fraud and crime during the recovery process, according to Pasadena Now.
Here's what to know
The Pasadena branch of the NAACP scheduled a Sept. 22 town hall in Altadena featuring Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
Community members were invited to attend from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Road in Altadena. It was open to the public and did not list an admission fee or a registration requirement.
Rather than revisiting the fire itself, organizers focused on misconduct that can surface as survivors rebuild, Pasadena Now reported.
Topics included contractor scams, elder financial abuse, vandalism, looting, and rent gouging.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
The event followed enforcement work related to the Eaton Fire burn zone.
In December 2025, prosecutors announced charges involving unlicensed contracting inside the disaster area, and the District Attorney's Office said those cases were still under investigation with the Contractors State License Board.
Separate cases filed by the office have involved wildfire-related burglaries in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
Authorities have also pursued alleged rent gouging.
Pasadena Now reported that Langham Hotels Pacific Corporation — owner of The Langham Huntington, Pasadena — agreed in July to pay $320,000 to resolve a lawsuit filed by the District Attorney's Office together with the Los Angeles County Counsel's Office.
The suit alleged the hotel billed guests more than 10% above its regular rates advertised before the emergency declaration, and the company also agreed to provide at least $216,795 in restitution to eligible guests.
What's being done?
Since opening in October 2025, The Collaboratory has served as a recovery hub for fire survivors seeking information and support.
For more information, Pasadena Now said residents can contact the Pasadena NAACP branch at (626) 793-1293 or visit the NAACP Pasadena website.
Where can I learn more?
Recovery doesn't end when the fire is out, and costs can keep piling up. These stories take a closer look at Eaton Fire aid demands, homeowners association costs, and insurance disputes in Los Angeles.
• Eaton Fire survivors in California pressed Sacramento for insurance fixes and $200,000 housing advances.
• In Altadena, wildfire victims were slammed with $23,000 HOA bills while rebuilding.
• Los Angeles homeowners had trouble with their insurers before the Palisades Fire displaced them.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
