Alhambra ratifies local emergency, outlines cleanup and relief after windstorm and Eaton Fire

The Alhambra City Council ratified a local emergency and approved the consent agenda Jan. 13 as the city reported storm and fire cleanup, support services and safety updates.

Mayor Wong opened the meeting with a staff update on the recent windstorm and Eaton Fire incident and thanked city employees for response and cleanup work. "In our parks alone, 19 trees were downed, and a total of 50 more trees impacted citywide," the mayor said, and added that the library opened Rees Hall to FEMA staff where "20 to 25 people in our community received assistance." The council approved the consent agenda — items 4 through 14 — on a unanimous roll call that included the official ratification of the local emergency declaration.

City staff described operational adjustments and public notices: overnight parking enforcement, street sweeping and scheduled waste services resumed; temporary parking permits are available online or at kiosks for evacuees; Republic Services will accept bundled green waste up to 8 feet long and 4 feet wide for bulky pickup; and city officials said the municipal water supply remains safe. The council relayed a Los Angeles County health order that prohibits the use of power air blowers "to reduce public health risk from fire, ash, and smoke." Officials urged residents to sign up for Alhambra emergency alerts and recommended the Watch Duty app for updates.

Residents repeatedly thanked emergency and public works staff. Jennifer, a frequent commenter, said public works "tried to keep us as safe as possible, as fast as possible," and urged a clearer public hotline or web banner for reporting downed lights or other hazards. Lou McCammon praised the city's proclamation of a local emergency on Jan. 7 and noted that local declaration "allows the city's ability to mobilize local resources, coordinate interagency response, accelerate procurement of vital supplies, use mutual aid, [and] seek future reimbursement by state and federal governments." He urged tracking damages for potential federal reimbursement.

Council members commended staff and emphasized continued community support for neighboring jurisdictions affected by the fires. Council Member Maloney described the volunteer response and said city social media and public information efforts helped distribute critical instructions, including clarifications that Alhambra's drinking water and systems were not affected. Council members also discussed long‑term recovery needs and encouraged ongoing coordination with Los Angeles County and regional partners.

The consent agenda motion to approve items 4–14 (including ratification of the local emergency) was moved and seconded; the roll call was Maloney — yes; Lee — yes; Andrade Stadler — yes; Maaza — yes; Wang — yes. The motion passed unanimously.

Council members asked staff to continue outreach about available services and to monitor requests for streetlight and debris repairs; they also requested staff track actions that may qualify for state or federal reimbursement.