California lawmakers on Saturday toured the remains of the still-raging Eaton Fire in Altadena and north Pasadena.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, whose district includes the parts of Los Angeles County hardest hit by the Eaton fire, led California lawmakers on a tour of destroyed neighborhoods and streets.
The Eaton Fire has grown to more than 14,100 acres with 15% containment, Cal Fire reported Saturday night. Approximately 7,000 buildings were destroyed.
The burned-out exterior of Altadena Community Church in Altadena, California, ravaged by wildfires. (Derek Schock, FOX News Digital)
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“I'm so grateful to my colleagues in the California State Legislature who were able to drop everything and show Los Angeles County and the nation that we, as Californians, support each other,” Chu said in a statement after the tour ended. I did,” he said.
Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena City officials discussed ongoing fire suppression and disaster relief efforts with members.
The burned-out shell of Altadena Community Church in Altadena, California, destroyed this week by the Eaton Fire. (Derek Schock, FOX News Digital)
“Pasadena officials have told my colleagues how difficult the rebuilding process will be and that it will require significant support from the federal government to be successful,” Chu wrote. “They also emphasized that many black families who found refuge from segregation and redlining in parts of Altadena and Pasadena lost all the wealth they had built over generations. My colleagues witnessed the complete destruction of streets, neighborhoods and community facilities.” ”
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Estimates of damage and economic losses rose to $135 billion on Thursday, according to AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impacts.
Chu said she looks forward to working with her colleagues to secure the disaster relief funds needed for recovery and rebuilding.
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He added that he would push for legislation to “prevent a disaster like this from happening again.”
The burned-out exterior of Altadena Community Church in Altadena, California, ravaged by wildfires. (Derek Schock, FOX News Digital)
“At all levels of government, partnerships are essential to successfully respond to natural disasters and provide immediate and long-term relief to those who have lost loved ones or returned to their homes and businesses with nothing left. is essential,” Chu wrote. “Victims of Southern California's wildfires will rely on Congress to pass bipartisan emergency disaster spending to support long-term recovery. …We have a long road ahead of us. But Californians, like the rest of America, are entitled to disaster relief that gives us the ability to rebuild.”
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Representatives in attendance included: Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus; House Financial Services Ranking Member Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43). Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (CA-38). Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35). Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). Congressman Sidney Kamlager Dove (CA-37). Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29).
