In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, South
Coast AQMD’s Working with Communities
(WWC) volunteer program participated in a San
Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity build project in
Altadena on Saturday, January 17. WWC organized
this Day of Service volunteer opportunity to recognize
Dr. King’s legacy of service. Approximately 15
volunteers, including South Coast AQMD employees,
family members, and friends, worked alongside
community partners such as Hillside Church and
the local Vons Pavilions supermarket. World Central
Kitchen donated and provided meals for volunteers
throughout the day.
It has been more than a year since the devastating
Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena.
The WWC Day of Service focused on helping rebuild
a home for the Wood family, including construction of
an accessory dwelling unit. This marks the first home
and family San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
is supporting as part of Altadena’s recovery efforts,
with plans to rebuild at least 25 additional homes in
the community.
South Coast AQMD also played an important role
in the wildfire response efforts last year. The agency
conducted special air monitoring in communities
impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, including
Pacific Palisades and Altadena, to help assess air
quality conditions. In addition, support was provided
to federal, state, and local emergency response efforts
through the issuance of Executive Orders allowing
expanded use of emergency standby generators, along
with technical guidance for cleanup and recovery
activities.