Stanislaus News

Assembly Republicans have conducted a tour of areas affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. The visit, which took place on March 31, was aimed at evaluating the damage, understanding the response, and reviewing ongoing efforts for cleanup and rebuilding.

The group included several Assembly Republicans such as James Gallagher (East Nicolaus), Juan Alanis (Modesto), Leticia Castillo (Riverside), Diane Dixon (Newport Beach), Jeff Gonzalez (Indio), Heather Hadwick (Alturas), Tom Lackey (Palmdale), and Tri Ta (Westminster). They were accompanied by Steve Crowder, the Mayor of Paradise, which experienced a significant wildfire in 2018.

Stops during the tour included Eaton Canyon, the origin of the fire, a commercial district that faced significant devastation, and a residential area still in need of cleaning. Local leaders and fire officials provided detailed accounts of the challenges faced by the community in their recovery efforts. Mayor Steve Crowder shared his experiences in rebuilding after the Camp Fire in Paradise.

Assemblyman James Gallagher commented on the resilience of the local community while emphasizing the importance of removing bureaucratic barriers: "Altadena is proving how resilient communities can be, but they shouldn’t have to fight through bureaucracy to rebuild their homes and businesses," Gallagher said. Recognizing the importance of swift action, he highlighted the role of the Army Corps of Engineers who have cleared 1,300 lots under President Trump's direction to facilitate rapid community rebuilding.

The tour also paved the way for Assembly Republicans to introduce legislation aimed at expediting fire prevention work and aiding community recovery efforts.

Juan Alanis, who represents the 22nd Assembly District encompassing several communities including Modesto and others, was among those present during the tour.