It has been four months since the historic wildfires swept through Southern California. Recovery efforts continue, and many affected residents are in a race against time, trying to rebuild their homes—and their lives.
Among the severely damaged areas is Altadena, where more than 9,000 homes were destroyed by the Eaton Fire. An immediate response is still urgently needed, according to Anish Saraiya, a civil engineer and director of Altadena Recovery under Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Altadena.
“I think that the government doesn't necessarily fit well into just helping people on the ground. I think there's so much need out there,” Saraiya said in a conversation with leaders of Lotus Rising LA. “I think the challenge we're facing is that the immediacy of need is basic recovery.”
Saraiya is leading the county’s response to the devastating Eaton Fire. He has been coordinating recovery efforts, advocating for streamlined permitting processes, and promoting equitable rebuilding strategies.
He said one of the most encouraging aspects to emerge from the tragedy is the way individuals and small organizations like Lotus Rising LA have stepped up to support survivors.
Still, the path to recovery is complex and exhausting, as many people struggle to stay afloat while navigating bureaucratic systems.
“It’s almost like two parts of it, right?” he said. “People need to stabilize their families and then, at the same time, go through this somewhat cumbersome process filing insurance claims, rebuilding their homes, and dealing with permitting.”
Saraiya said one of the biggest challenges facing the community is the lack of adequate housing. There is a pressing need for short-term and interim options for people still living in hotels or vacation rentals such as Airbnb properties.
“We know that people are looking for stabilized housing options, whether that’s a short-term lease, six months to a year, or even something longer,” he explained. “But at the same time, they’re trying to rebuild their homes.”
Saraiya is also involved with the Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR), an arm of Supervisor Barger’s Altadena Rebuild and Recovery Commission, which includes local leaders from the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, and various organizations. The coalition aims to ensure a coordinated and inclusive approach to rebuilding, while fostering community engagement in the recovery process. The group’s first meeting was on April 3.
According to Barger, CCAR was launched under her leadership “to ensure that Altadena residents are at the forefront of recovery and rebuilding efforts following the Eaton Fire.”
The CCAR, she explained, “brings together representatives from local organizations, including the Altadena Town Council, Altadena Historical Society, Altadena Heritage, Altadena NAACP, Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Altadena Wild, Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations and Altadena Rotary.”
Efforts are underway, but financial resources remain limited for survivors, while the clock keeps ticking.
“Some folks are dealing with alternative living expenses that are being paid forward through insurance, while others are relying on individual assistance—but we know those things are time-limited,” Saraiya said in the interview.
According to Saraiya, many of those affected by the fires didn’t have the necessary tools or resources to obtain insurance. Some were unsure whether they qualified for loans or mortgages; particularly those without enough assets.
“We know that there is a large percentage of people who are underinsured,” he said.
He noted that many homeowners don’t update their insurance policies regularly, leaving most underinsured and around 15 percent entirely uninsured.
“These are folks who didn’t have mortgages, who didn’t transfer the property from one generation to another; and they didn’t have insurance because they didn’t have a mortgage,” Saraiya explained. “They’re facing a very complicated financial issue, trying to figure out how to even afford it.”
Saraiya said many people are still in urgent need of support. But he remains confident in the ongoing efforts from the community and grassroots organizations who are stepping in to help recovering families and individuals start a new chapter.
Local groups like Lotus Rising LA are part of that broader support network. The organization offers three programs focused on supporting families through practical recovery:
- Rebuild Ready - helps families explore affordable rebuilding options, including prefab housing models
- House to Home - partners with local donors and businesses to provide essential items like furniture, appliances, and other basics that families need
- The Village - connects families with trusted community members who can help them navigate the recovery process, including paperwork, logistics, and access to mental health professionals
The programs are still coming together. Lotus Rising LA depends on neighbors, donors, and local partners to keep them going and to reach more families who need a hand.
Working together with policymakers, local leaders and businesses, and other community organizations is a central theme in Altadena’s recovery. And Lotus Rising LA aims to be a part of the process, helping Altadena to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible.
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