Eaton Fire survivors travel to California capital to get help

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(The Center Square) – More than 100 Eaton Fire survivors were headed to Sacramento Tuesday to speak with legislators and others about the Community Aid for Rebuilding Equity Fund.

Before they started their six-hour ride on buses to California's capital, the survivors talked to reporters during a press conference in the Los Angeles County city of Pasadena.

Support was expressed for the CARE Fund, which is a proposed $25 million disaster recovery fund pushed by various organizations. The goal is to ensure low-income families and renters are not permanently displaced by the Eaton Fire.

The NAACP is in favor of the CARE Fund, and speaking Tuesday at the sendoff, Pasadena NAACP President Brandon Lamar said his mission is not complete until every displaced family can return home.

On Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire hit Pasadena and the neighboring unincorporated community of Altadena. The 24-day blaze killed at least 19 people and destroyed more than 9,400 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention. The fire, which burned more than 14,000 acres, is regarded as the fifth deadliest and second most destructive wildfire in California history.

“I’ve always said that disasters don’t discriminate. Recovery does,” Lamar said at the press conference outside the Pasadena Community Job Center. “If our families are not coming home, then our job is not complete.”

Altadena fire survivor Damon Blunt shared his experience of losing his home, job and truck in the blaze after living in the area for 26 years. Blunt explained that “loans are not going to cut it” for victims.

“We need grants to be able to come home, and that’s why I’m specifically going up to ask for this CARE Fund,” said Blunt.

Jose Madera, the job center's director, called out Gov. Gavin Newsom for what Madera called unfulfilled post disaster promises to fire victims. According to Madera, survivors still lack the funding and permits necessary to rebuild their homes and lives.

“Over 100 fire survivors, advocates, and allies are going to Sacramento united and strong with a united voice saying that we are strong and that we need the support,” said Madera. “We don’t need lies. We don’t need false promises.”

Other organizations involved with Tuesday’s send-off include Dena Rise Up Coalition. The coalition includes My Tribe Rise, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, End Child Poverty CA and Altadena Rising.