abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Altadena, CA

Home Care Altadena, CA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic McNally House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Altadena, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Altadena, CA

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things. They have kind caring and knowledgeable staff and respond in a very timely manner. What a great service they have provided both mentally and physically for our family. Highly recommended.”

Deee D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”

Doug J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”

Doug J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having a difficult time finding a right one until I got connected with Diane. She was so professional and productive!!! Definitely a go to person if you ever need her service. Thank you so much Diane!!”

Julia C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”

dwjones
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for an assistive living with memory care facility care for my 90 year old step mother. Diane took her time, spoke with us and provided several options. We are now in the process of relocating my step mother to an excellent facility that she recommended and would not be able to do this relocation without her help.”

Lee G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena for everything they did to help me find a place for my mother to reside at. They are very dedicated and supportive to all the families they help. My mother could have become homeless without Ly’s expertise, empathy, commitment and clear communication on what to do next. Always Best Care specifically matched my mother's unique circumstances, social needs, desired location and budget. Diane and Ly are very passionate about senior care and will help you and your family with the highest level of service. I will never forget this experience or their kindness. I highly recommend them to everyone! We made the best choice working with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena.”

Mas T.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Altadena, CA?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Altadena, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Altadena, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Altadena, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Altadena, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Eaton Canyon Falls with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Altadena, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Arbour or visit WoodburyStory House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Altadena, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Altadena, CA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Altadena, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Altadena, CA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Altadena, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Altadena, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Altadena, CA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Altadena, CA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Rose Valley Altadena II
  • Eaton Canyon Villas Senior Living Facility, Board and Care, Memory Care
  • Pasadena Highlands
  • North Lake Villa
  • MonteCedro Retirement Community Senior Living, Independent Living
  • Regency Park Oak Knoll
Home Care Altadena, CA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Altadena, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Altadena, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Altadena, CA

Latest News in Altadena, CA

Remembering Altadena, California: NCAT Professor Highlights Town's Role in Evolution of the Black Middle Class

As communities rebuild across California after January's fires, one NCAT professor sheds light on ongoing concerns in Altadena Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Reporter GREENSBORO, N.C. —One month after fires destroyed thousands of homes in several central California communities, a North Carolina A&T professor is shedding light on the ongoing concerns of ...

As communities rebuild across California after January's fires, one NCAT professor sheds light on ongoing concerns in Altadena

Share

Infinite Scroll Enabled

Reporter

GREENSBORO, N.C. —

One month after fires destroyed thousands of homes in several central California communities, a North Carolina A&T professor is shedding light on the ongoing concerns of residents in one of the hardest hit towns, Altadena.

Ernest Hooker grew up in the Altadena area, in the 1980s and 90s.

He said he still can’t believe it’s gone.

“A friend of mine called me… he basically said, Altadena is on fire,” he said, “I immediately just dropped.”

Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here

Hooker says while the homes may be burned, as an African American history professor, he will make sure the cultural significance of this town is never forgotten.

In the 1960’s Altadena was one of few areas in the county that were exempt from redlining.

“African Americans were discriminated against for buying homes in that area, especially in Los Angeles, but in Altadena in particular, where they started buying houses,” he said.

The professor said homeownership catapulted a surge of black and brown families into the middle class, allowing them to pass them down and create generational wealth.

Hooker said living in this culture shaped who he is today.

Hooker's Childhood Home in Altadena-

Hearst OwnedErnest Hooker

Ernest Hooker’s Childhood home in Altadena, California

“Walking to school and just seeing people who looked like me, doctors, lawyers, some owned restaurants, some owned barbershops,” he said.

Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.

Right now, friends still living there tell him, that between insurance claims, and companies trying to buy their burned land, rebuilding could become harder for some.

But the professor says he is going to make sure the story of his home is never forgotten.

“Now that I'm teaching, you know, African American history lets me know how much of we have achieved, one as African American to, as a country to know that a small city did,” he said.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |

Senior Center Spotlight: Destroyed by California Wildfire, Altadena Senior Center Hopes to Rebuild

As a community cornerstone for more than 40 years, the Altadena Senior Center was a beloved place to gather.Closed as a precautionary measure on Jan. 7, 2025, the center was tragically destroyed by the Eaton Fire that devastated much of Altadena the next day."We are sharing in the loss with all of our neighbors as we, too, experience that level of devastation by losing one of our anchor senior...

As a community cornerstone for more than 40 years, the Altadena Senior Center was a beloved place to gather.

Closed as a precautionary measure on Jan. 7, 2025, the center was tragically destroyed by the Eaton Fire that devastated much of Altadena the next day.

"We are sharing in the loss with all of our neighbors as we, too, experience that level of devastation by losing one of our anchor senior centers," said Laura Trejo, DSW, Director of the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department, in a CBS News/KCAL interview days after the fire. "It's affecting over 700 older adults who came to participate in activities and services there on a daily basis. It's affected our staff who had worked there, some of them, for decades."

Senior centers are the definition of resilience

Despite the loss, the county's commitment to its older adults remains unwavering. There was an immediate response to restore services. This resilience highlights the enduring strength of the aging network, ensuring that even in the face of catastrophe, support systems for older adults in the community remain intact and active.

"I can tell you, one of the things that makes me extremely proud is to see the resilience of not only the older adults we are in communmity with, but also our teams, our county family, and our partners," Trejo said. "We've had almost no interruption of services because everybody has been so dedicated to being sure we are there for those that need us."

Working with libraries, other nearby senior centers, and community partners, the agency is ensuring free meals are being offered and older adults have support.

"We are reaching out, basically, to everybody in the community that we know to make sure that we can continue to provide our services," Trejo said.

Senior centers foster community among older adults, offering essential services and social engagement opportunities. In times of crisis—like the Eaton Fire—their importance is magnified as they become hubs for information dissemination, resource distribution, and support networks, like Los Angeles County's other senior and community centers.

In mid-January, California Health & Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson toured the nearby Pasadena Senior Center, an alternate site serving older adults after the Altadena Senior Center was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Johnson and leaders from the YWCA of San Gabriel Valley and the Pasadena Senior Center talked about the critical needs of older adults impacted by the fire, particularly in areas such as nutrition, mental health support, and emergency coordination.

Leaning on each other and looking to the future

Both the Altadena Senior Center and the Altadena Community Center are closed (the senior center due to fire damage and the community center as it supports the ongoing emergency response effort). The area has 11 other senior and community centers to help provide services and support.

According to an article posted on the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department website:

"Despite the devastating loss of the building, the department swiftly responded to ensure that members received ongoing support. The center had closed for precautionary measures on January 8, 2025, and staff immediately began reaching out to all active participants, providing updates and connecting them with available resources. Center staff continues to follow up with those they have not yet been able to contact. While some members were relocated or staying with family, tragically, six members reported losing their homes in the fire. Those affected were referred to other meal sites and support services, including the Jackie Robinson Park & Community Center, where they can pick up grab-and-go meals.

Diana Lee, a longtime participant at the Altadena Senior Center, shared a heartfelt reflection on the profound impact the Center had on her and others. “We’ve been multigenerational at the Altadena Senior Center. My grandmother would go to the Center. When she stopped driving, I’d drive her there and she would go to the gym. That’s how I started going and became a regular,” she said. Diana, who frequented the center for classes, social gatherings, and fitness activities, emphasized how crucial the community connection was. “I’d be there Monday through Friday, taking classes like Tai Chi, Zumba, and working out in the gym. I enjoyed the holiday parties. I’d go on the trips. The social connection has been so important.”

Reflecting on the bonds formed at the Center, Diana continued, “About twelve of us ladies became close. We call ourselves Ladies of the Round Table. The connection was like a lifeline during this disaster. It was really a good thing to know our friends were OK and where they were. Three of the ladies lost their homes.” She also shared a deeply personal moment during the fire, “I got to see firefighters save my home. They are heroes. For me, it was Battalion 91 from Fresno. I’ll never forget them.”

Trejo said the hope is strong that the Altadena Senior Center will rebuild.

"Right now, that is something that we're still looking at," Trejo said. "I'm hopeful."

Still not a member of the National Institute for Senior Centers? Join today, membership is free.

If your center has completed a recent study or assessment or is trying out some new programming approaches, we’d love to hear about it. And if you haven't already, we'd encourage you to join the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Free to all senior centers (and their personnel), NISC supports senior centers with best practices and innovations in programming, as well as networking and training opportunities. Find out how you can become a NISC Affiliate today.

Photos from CBS News Los Angeles video and courtesy Altadena Senior Center

Share Your Senior Center Story

In Altadena, Governor Newsom joins federal and state leaders to launch new phase of firestorm debris removal

What you need to know: The fastest large-scale debris removal in modern state history began today in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, in roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today joined federal and local partners to begin work on structural debris removal from the Los Angeles firestorms, building on the US EPA’s work already underway to initially remove household hazardous waste.The Federal Emergency...

What you need to know: The fastest large-scale debris removal in modern state history began today in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, in roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.

LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today joined federal and local partners to begin work on structural debris removal from the Los Angeles firestorms, building on the US EPA’s work already underway to initially remove household hazardous waste.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began private property debris removal Tuesday morning in Altadena and Tuesday afternoon in Pacific Palisades, closely coordinating efforts with local officials. The Governor also highlighted the completion of debris removal from an Altadena K-8 school, the site of this morning’s announcement.

“The new phase of debris removal that’s starting today marks a foundational step in helping Angelenos build back stronger. I’m grateful to the state and federal workers who are clearing debris at record-pace so firestorm survivors can begin the rebuilding process as quickly and safely as possible.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

The removal process that began today comes only 35 days after the fires ignited — roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.

Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has expedited the cleanup process by cutting red tape and eliminating bureaucratic barriers, allowing highly trained crews to enter impacted communities sooner and help survivors rebuild their lives faster.

See all of the Governor’s actions →

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, in partnership with six locally affected jurisdictions, has worked around the clock to collect Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms from residents, develop haul routes, and coordinate safe transport of fire ash and debris.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rapidly completing the removal of household hazardous materials at record speed, clearing the way for this next phase of cleanup.

Last month, Governor Newsom announced that FEMA, working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), had tasked the EPA with safely removing and disposing of hazardous materials from homes and structures impacted by the fires. This crucial first step — one of the most complex phases of wildfire cleanup — paved the way for the structural debris removal now underway.

As these operations continue, residents should anticipate an increased presence of debris removal teams in their communities and plan accordingly. The agencies involved appreciate the public’s support and patience as crews work to eliminate health and safety risks from impacted properties.

Track LA’s recovery progress →

Since the fires began, Governor Newsom has led an aggressive, coordinated, whole-of-government response to support impacted communities. Prior to the fires breaking out, the state had already deployed thousands of firefighters and personnel, with more than 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of response efforts. In the days that followed, the state has launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to ensure Los Angeles communities receive the support they need.

Fire survivors can sign up for the federal debris removal program by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or online at ca.gov/LAFires

Governor Newsom signs executive order to build Los Angeles back faster, prevent future fires

What you need to know: Governor Newsom is taking additional steps to speed up the rebuilding process for Los Angeles by further suspending CEQA and the California Coastal Act to expedite the rebuilding of utility and telecommunication infrastructure, including the undergrounding of equipment.LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order to suspend unnecessary permitting and review requirements to accelerate the rebuild of Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades following the devastating Jan...

What you need to know: Governor Newsom is taking additional steps to speed up the rebuilding process for Los Angeles by further suspending CEQA and the California Coastal Act to expedite the rebuilding of utility and telecommunication infrastructure, including the undergrounding of equipment.

LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order to suspend unnecessary permitting and review requirements to accelerate the rebuild of Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades following the devastating January fires.

Today’s executive order expedites the process of repairing and replacing electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure in communities damaged by the fires. The order also speeds the process of “undergrounding” utility equipment to help communities recover more quickly while building resilience to preventing similar catastrophic fires in the future.

“We are determined to rebuild Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades stronger and more resilient than before. Speeding up the pace that we rebuild our utility systems will help get survivors back home faster and prevent future fires.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

Read the executive order

Previously, Governor Gavin Newsom had called upon the electric utilities serving the firestorm-impacted communities in Los Angeles to begin the process of rebuilding safer and more resilient electric infrastructure, including the undergrounding of such infrastructure.

The letters sent to Southern California Edison and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, urged the utilities to rapidly develop rebuilding plans for the communities of Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu, including plans for undergrounding electric distribution infrastructure by the end of March.

Further suspends the Coastal Act

Previously, Governor Newsom signed an executive order reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders.

Today’s directive expands upon that effort and by removing regulatory hurdles that could otherwise prevent utilities from rebuilding quickly and hardening and upgrading equipment following fires.

Protecting Californians from future fires

Since the first day of his administration, Governor Newsom has taken significant action to protect Californians from wildfires.

This has included hardening the state’s electrical grid to increase resiliency and reliability, and to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from transmission and distribution lines, which include strategies such as undergrounding of lines.

In response to climate change and heightened wildfire threat, California has expanded resilience efforts through increased investments in fire mitigation and response, community hardening, and emergency preparedness. California’s electric utilities must be part of the solution to this problem.

Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires.

Executive Orders, Press Releases, Public Safety, Recent News

Recent news

California releases Master Plan to better support people with Autism and other developmental disabilities

Mar 28, 2025

Federal government approves California’s request to expand LA fire debris removal program

Mar 28, 2025

California urges FEMA to add businesses, non-profits, and multi-family structures to LA fire debris cleanup

Mar 27, 2025

Meal Distribution Sites: Southern California wildfires

Back to NewsWorld Central Kitchen is serving free hot meals at key hub locations, offering potable water stations, and supporting biweekly farmers markets across Southern California. These are available to anyone who needs them.Below are the updated locations and hours.East LA SitesGordy’s Garage Parking LotWednesday, Friday, Sunday4:00 PM - 8:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd.AltadenaIglesia Del Na...

Back to News

World Central Kitchen is serving free hot meals at key hub locations, offering potable water stations, and supporting biweekly farmers markets across Southern California. These are available to anyone who needs them.

Below are the updated locations and hours.

East LA Sites

Gordy’s Garage Parking LotWednesday, Friday, Sunday4:00 PM - 8:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd.Altadena

Iglesia Del NazarenoMonday - Friday4:00 PM - 7:00 PM3541 Brandon St.Pasadena

West LA Sites

Post Office Exposition BlvdMonday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM11270 Exposition Blvd Fl 1Los Angeles

American Legion Palisades Post 283Monday - Saturday11:30 AM - 3:00 PM15247 La Cruz Dr. Pacific Palisades

Water Distribution Sites

Gordy's GarageWednesday and Friday4:00PM - 8:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd. Altadena

World Central Kitchen Farmers Markets

Gordy's GarageWednesdays from 4:00 PM- 8:00 PMFridays from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM843 W Woodbury Rd. Altadena

Sierra Madre LibraryWednesdays 4:00 PM- 8:00 PMFridays 11:00 AM - 3:00PM350 W Sierra Madre Blvd.Sierra Madre

Boys & Girls Club at Third SpaceWednesdays from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM23357 Pacific Coast Hwy.Malibu

Renew LA Church Santa MonicaThursdays 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM1302 14th St.Santa Monica

Help WCK provide nourishing hot meals to families recovering from wildfires in California.

Support Our Efforts

Related News

All News

Chefs For California

WCK relief team expands efforts in Southern California

standard • 1/16/2025Chefs For California

Chef Corps member Evan Funke cooks for people impacted by LA...

standard • 1/15/2025
Chefs For California

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.