Apr 28 2025
Pasadena PWP DC Fast Charging Status April 28, 2025

As many of you know the current state of DC Fast Charging in Pasadena with PWP chargers is not good, with the majority of the DC Fast Chargers NOT WORKING.

As of April 28, 2025

Del Mar – 2 DCFC – both appear with CCS only one works with Chademo, not usable simultaneously

Robinson Park – 5 DCFC – Two appear to work CCS and Chademo, A third is on but not working. Two others are off. Credit card readers are mostly broken.

Victory Park – 3 DCFC – None appear be working

Glenarm(Arroyo Electric Vehicle) –  6 DCFC none working, all DCFC OFF

Shoppers Lane –  11  – these are all CCS no Chademo available, Hard to know what’s working, reports are maybe a couple are working.

Marengo Plaza – 19 DCFC – a couple appear to be working, I have only seen one car charging on the end unit, all other units appear to be display errors or not on, several others are on, 16 are either off or blocked by barricade, cones

City of Pasadena PowerFlex app, is only showing DC Fast Chargers at Del Mar(1) and Victory Park (3)  so basically according to the app that City of Pasadena relies on and tells users to use, there are four DCFC,  Of those four maybe one is working.  If there are 46 DCFC and half are supposed to be fixed and working by the end of the month, the we should expect to see at least 23 working DC Fast Chargers.  That’s total, not taking into account those the city claims had been previously working. If we take all as not working.  If the city is now deciding to rip and replace chargers that would certainly be a new development and a request will be made when we see signs of that, as there are other operators with the same chargers that are having no problem with the chargers.  EVCS is one local company that is able to display the Tritium chargers and maintain the connection on those chargers. The mess with PowerFlex and Tritium has reached a new level and the cost to users attempting to use them and financial cost to the city will have to be revealed.

The city has stated there are 49 DC Fast Chargers but from what we can tell there are 46, where are the other three?  Are they in a private city lot?

The city of Pasadena Interim PWP manager has stated that half of the “broken” chargers would be repaired and operational by the end of April, which is two days.  We will report on May 1 to see what the status is.

Apr 25 2025
New Slate Auto Pickup Truck SUV from Amazon Backed Company

*Slate Truck is currently in preproduction; vehicle specifications and pricing are subject to change. Projected range estimates are based
upon an approximation of the EPA test cycle and are not oBicial EPA estimated range values. Review IRS website to determine eligibility
for potential incentives. Target pricing excludes taxes and fees.
press@slate.auto
Radically Customizable and A4ordable, Beautifully Simplified:
The Slate Truck Redefines Personalized Transportation
• Slate serves the consumer good. Slate is a new American company founded on a disruptive
business model of simplifying the manufacturing process and removing unnecessary content to
reduce cost and increase reliability.
o “The definition of what’s a9ordable is broken,” said Slate CEO Chris Barman. “Slate
exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto
industry. Slate is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-
seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.”
• The Slate Truck is a beautifully simplified EV 2-seat pickup, produced in a single configuration
from the factory. Approachable and timeless. Steel wheels outside. Crank windows and HVAC
knobs inside. Large Frunk along with a spacious cargo area with 1400-lb. payload.
• Unlimited personalization, powered by DIY. Slate vehicles are about accessible personalization.
Select from over 100 accessories, available individually or bundled, to make a Blank Slate yours – at
time of purchase or as your needs change over time.
• The truck can be anything – even an SUV. The flat-pack accessory SUV Kit turns the truck into a 5-
seat SUV, with a roll cage, airbags, rear seat. Do it yourself or have it done for you.
• Designed to be wrapped. By you or a pro. Three levels of vehicle wrapping make personalization
far more aRordable. Wrap, unwrap, rewrap for diRerent, inventive looks.
• Bring your own tech. Rather than learn a new interface, use the one you love. Slate introduces the
universal phone mount and USB power. Add a dedicated tablet if you want to.
• An EV for everyone. 52.7-kWh battery pack, 150 kW, rear-wheel drive, range target of 150 miles.*
An accessory 84.3-kWh pack has a target of 240 miles.* Using the NACS port, charge overnight for
your commute on a household outlet, or fast-charge to 80% at 120-kW in under 30 minutes.
• Top occupant safety. Designed to achieve the highest safety ratings. Active Emergency Braking,
Forward Collision Warning, and up to 8 airbags.
• Transparent pricing. Expected price of under $20,000 after federal incentives, making it among the
most aRordable new vehicles.*
• Made in America. Slate will manufacture the truck at a reindustrialized factory in the U.S.,
alongside a Customer Experience Center.
• Direct-to-consumer sales and a nationwide service network. Order your truck online, take
delivery near your home, and find service locations in your neighborhood.
• Refundable vehicle reservations open now at $50. Visit slate.auto to secure yours.
press@slate.auto
Specifications
Vehicle specifications are subject to change. Projected range estimates are based upon internal testing
and an approximation of the EPA test cycle.
Dimensions
Length 174.6 in.
Wheelbase 108.9 in.
Width (w/o mirrors) 70.6 in.
Height 69.3 in.
Interior volume, pickup/SUV 55.0 ft3 / 80.5 ft3
Cargo volume, frunk/bed/SUV behind seats 7.0 ft3 / 37.0 ft3 / 34.0 ft3
Weights, etc.
Curb weight 3602 lb.
Max payload 1433 lb.
Max towing 1000 lb.
Power, propulsion
Motor, drive wheels* Single motor, RWD
Pack size 52.7 kWh (std.), 84.3 kWh (accessory)
Power 150 kW (201 hp)
Torque 264 Nm (195 lb-ft)
0-60 mph, est. 8.0 sec.
Top speed 90 mph
Charging, range
Onboard charger 11kW
Level 1 AC, 3.6kW, 20-100% 11 hr.
Level 2 AC, 11kW, 20-100% Under 5 hr.
Level 3 DC, 120kW, 20-80% Under 30 min.
Charging NACS
Range, standard/accessory (est.) 150 mi., 240 mi.
Combined city/highway (est.) 96 MPGe
Chassis
Front suspension MacPherson strut
Rear suspension De Dion axle, coil spring
Wheel, tire 17” x 7” steel wheel, 29.5” 245/65R17 tire
Bed
Bed width btw. wheel wells 42.9 in.
Bed width min./max. 50.0 in./54.9 in.
Bed length/tailgate down 60.0 in./81.6 in.
*Permanent-magnet synchronous with hairpin winding, combined water and oil cooling. Gearbox: single speed
w/12.44 gear ratio, open diAerential, w/ integrated park lock

Apr 20 2025
Pasadena PWP State of Charging April 20, 2025 – Fast Charging in Pasadena, CA

As many have experienced the charging of EV’s in Pasadena has been disappointing, and when it comes to DCFC fast charging it has been horrible.

With most DCFC not working.  Well over 80% do not work.

This has been the case for a long time, even before Shell and the City of Pasadena parted ways, and after millions had been spent.

Greenlots failed on many levels and other cities experienced this well before Shell acquired them, and switched to other providers like Chargepoint, ripping out chargers from Greenlots.

Shell now is attempting again but again failing to deploy a network of chargers.   Buying other companies along the way, basically attempting to eliminate the competition.

This leaves Pasadena with approx 50 DC Fast Chargers, at several locations around the city, most notable is the Marengo plaza parking 5th floor top floor with 20 DCFC with most of them not working.  As of April 19, there was one that appeared to work with a vehicle charging.

Most have the old Shell labels or nothing, others have no signage or QR codes.  The city needs to be clear about what is being doing here, and has failed to do that.

The current status is that we are being told that half of the non functioning chargers will be repaired, whatever that number is we don’t know, since what is defined as not working.

The other half will be repaired within three months.  So in three months we should have working approx 50 DCFC in Pasadena. All with CCS and a good amount with Chademo connections at 50kw charging capability.

Current Status:

DC Fast Charging in Pasadena

Del Mar – 2 DCFC – both appear to with with CCS only one works with Chademo

Robinson Park – 5 DCFC – 2 working, both on CCS and Chademo

Victory Park – 3 DCFC – 1 working – only CCS.  2 others are on, but either QR code is incorrect or units are broken, even though city claims all units are operations.

Glenarm(Arroyo Electric Vehicle) –  6 DCFC none working, all DCFC OFF

Shoppers Lane –  possibly 2 are working  only CCS  chargers

Marengo Plaza – 20 DCFC – 1 appears to be working, several others are on, 16 are either off or blocked by barricade, cones

City of Pasadena PowerFlex app, is only showing DCFC at Del Mar(1) and Victory Park (3)  so basically according to the app that City of Pasadena relies on and tells users to use, there are four DCFC,  Of those four two work from what we can tell.

With less than two weeks for the city to repair the broken DCFC we certainly hope the city can deliver on the repairs of these chargers.

One continued comment we hear is that the rate for charging on Pasadena PWP chargers is one of the lowest.  I don’t think that is a good thing.  The city needs to figure out a competitive rate, and perhaps seriously revise rates, but also one thing that needs to be done is offer residents a preferred rate.  Also, the limit on DCFC should be 30minutes max.  There’s no reason anyone should be there longer, if they do, there needs to be surcharges.  If a charger is still available after 30minutes you can either restart a session, or move to another charger or move and allow someone else 30minutes of charge. When there are multiple vehicles attempting to charge like is common at Robinson Park, there needs to be a way to que vehicles and allowing others to charge.

Right now it seems that Robinson Park needs the most attention to chargers.  With 5 chargers and only two working, if the city could double that quickly it would really help the users.

As many Altadena residents who lost their homes have told me firsthand, they rely on fast charging, to get back and forth, many live far away and fast charging is the only viable way to get back and forth from their current housing.

 

The city sends people to this page:

Find an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Then sends them to Plugshare.  Notice that Robinson Park is not listed on the city website. Why?

 

Apr 18 2025
Public Health Issues Guidance for Parks and Outdoor Youth Sports to Prevent Lead Exposure

Public Health Issues Guidance for Parks and Outdoor Youth Sports to Prevent Lead Exposure

PASADENA, Calif.— On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported that soil sampling in two Pasadena neighborhoods revealed elevated lead levels above the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening threshold of 80 parts per million (ppm). Screening levels above 80 ppm do not imply the need for cleanup or remediation, but instead indicate the need for further evaluation. One neighborhood is generally bounded by Lincoln Avenue, Washington Boulevard, North Altadena Drive, and the city limit. The other neighborhood is generally bounded by North Altadena Drive, Orange Grove Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and Eaton Drive.

Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing, prolonged skin contact, or breathing in lead-contaminated soil. Lead particles from contaminated soil can also be tracked indoors on shoes or clothing, becoming lead dust. Young children under six years old are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or even eat soil. Due to these behaviors, extra precautions are necessary to protect children’s health. Soil testing at sites is needed in areas where children are more likely to play in or play on exposed soil. Until soil testing can be completed at these sites, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is implementing strategies to reduce potential exposure for youth at sensitive sites by prohibiting access to areas with exposed soil.

The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department is closing the baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park until results are available. Community members who use the infields will be notified about the closures and redirected to turf fields. Robinson ParkHamilton Park, and Alice’s Dog Park are outside the identified neighborhoods but, out of an abundance of caution, exposed soil will be tested at these three locations. All three of these parks will remain open during testing.

“We are taking proactive steps to help ensure that our parks are safe for all visitors, especially young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure,” said Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “Our community’s health and safety remain our top priority as we work closely with public health officials to help keep our parks a healthy and welcoming place for families to gather, play, and connect.”

For parks and youth sports fields with exposed soil, including but not limited to baseballdiamonds, soccer, track, and football fields within the Pasadena communities defined above, PPHD strongly recommends they:

1) Consult a qualified professional to conduct soil testing for heavy metals and if needed, complete remediation; and

2) Take immediate steps to implement the following within a reasonable timeframe and maintain these practices until testing results are available (or remediation is completed, when needed),

• Close all areas of fields with exposed soil using signs, fencing, or other barriers to prevent children and youth sports leagues from playing in or walking in the area.

o Areas with improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as well as areas with ground covers such as grass, rocks, mulch, or wood chips may remain open and available for use.

• Suspend all youth sports activities, including practices and games, that occur on exposed soil or relocate practices and games to improved surfaces or an area outside of the Pasadena communities defined above.

• Ensure access to handwashing stations with soap and water in temporary or permanent facilities.

• Build in time for youth sports league participants to wash their hands after outdoor activities.

These recommendations may be beneficial to all parks and youth sports activities within Pasadena, including those outside the neighborhoods defined above.

Individuals who are concerned about potential exposure to lead from wildfire can obtain blood lead testing for themselves, and their children, in one of three ways:

  1. Visit Your Medical Provider

    • Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.

    • Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.

  2. Go to a Quest Lab for a Free Blood Lead Test

    • Dial 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through Quest Labs.

    • Simple, convenient, and confidential.

  3. In-Person Mobile Blood Lead Testing

    • For a limited time, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will offer FREE mobile blood lead testing. Upcoming events are listed below. Additional events will be added in the months to come. More information can be found at the Fire Safety and Health information website.

Date: Sunday, April 27

Time: Noon – 5 p.m.

Location: Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104

Apr 17 2025
AC/DC Concert at the Rose Bowl 4/18

AC/DC Concert at the Rose Bowl 4/18

An AC/DC concert will be held at the Rose Bowl tomorrow, Friday, April 18.

Event hours:

  • 3 p.m.: Parking Lots Open
  • 3-6 p.m.: Happy Hour at Brookside Clubhouse
  • 3 p.m.: Shuttle Operation Begins
  • 5:30 p.m.: Stadium Gates Open
  • 6-11 p.m.: Concert (timing is approximate)
Estimated Attendance: 55,000+

The Recreational Loop will be closed from 10 a.m. on Friday, April 18, until 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. The Equestrian Loop will remain open at all times.

Lighting Hours: Due to the event, including load-in, preparation and load-out, stadium lights will remain on for most of the evening into the early morning hours beginning Wednesday, April 16, to Sunday, April 20, for safety and security purposes. They will be turned off at the earliest possible time.

Noise Levels and Sound: This event will bring the usual impacts on the nearby neighborhoods such as traffic and noise. The noise level for this event will be high and residents can anticipate hearing noise associated with this concert. There will be sound checks sporadically on Thursday, April 17, from 12-8 p.m. and on event day from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please note that there will be pyrotechnics associated with the concert on Friday evening. Pyrotechnics will be heard between the hours of 8:30-11 p.m. The firework displays will last for a few minutes at a time. All times are approximate and are subject to change slightly.

Traffic: Residents can anticipate heaviest traffic on Friday, April 18, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and again from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19.

For any resident questions or concerns on event days please contact the Rose Bowl Event Day Resident Hotline between the hours of 10-12 a.m. at (626) 397-4141. Click here to read more.

Apr 16 2025
Pasadena Officer Involved Shooting – Dog Killed by Pasadena Police Officer Video

Pasadena Officer Involved Shooting – Dog Killed by Pasadena Police Officer

Details are still a little sketchy but there is video on the Citizen app,

See link here

Police Shoot Unleashed Dog That “Suddenly Charged” at Officers @CitizenApp

809 E California Blvd Yesterday 9:18:46 PM PDT

The incident occurred on the evening of April 15, 2025 near California Ave and Hudson. 809 E. California Ave was the location on the Citizen app.

You can see in the video several Pasadena PD vehicles, police officers, Pasadena Fire, and Pasadena Humane Society vehicle pull up.

With a few minutes after hearing a woman yelling, apparently the dog charges officers and an officer shoots the dog, what appears to be two shots fired.

Why a taser or stun gun or other method was not an option will surely be investigated. Officer involved shootings are a serious matter.  Whatever happened the community deserves a transparent investigation.

After the dog is shot and killed the woman could be heard screaming over what just happened.  The original call for service was related to an incoherent woman in need of medical attention. Apparently the dog was unleashed. Which may have been the result of the woman needing medical assistance and incoherent.  The dog appeared to be a pit breed.

So far there has been no statement from Pasadena Police Dept.  spokesperson or from the chief. We hope that there will be a report soon.

Apr 11 2025
FoodieLand Event at Rose Bowl 4th of July 2025 Drone Show

FoodieLand Event at Rose Bowl 4th of July 2025 Drone Show

Parking is $15 on Friday the 4th.  Other days Saturday and Sunday 5-6 parking is free.

There is also a drone show apparently scheduled although details are sketchy and the Rose Bowl Operating Company(RBOC) has not released any details. Several media outlets and community  members have obtained varied details.  At this point we don’t know who will be putting on the drone show. There’s a few possible vendors.

Recently local drone shows have taken place at Crypto for the Video Game Awards, as well as AGT in Pasadena at the Civic.

One concern with drones is that when they malfunction and fall out of the sky they could cause bodily harm.  Those in charge should pay special attention to not have any spectators under where the drones are flying.   A drone show is certainly quitter and cleaner than a fireworks show, and many would argue safer.

Some of the top drone show companies:

  • Lumasky: Known for large-scale performances with a high number of drones.
  • Sky Elements: A major player in the US, known for record-breaking shows and work at high-profile events. – performed on AGT in Pasadena
  • Verge Aero: Offers turnkey solutions and software that simplifies show creation.
  • Dronisos: A significant presence in Europe, the US, and the Middle East, often featured at major events.
  • High Great: A Chinese company that manufactures drones and performs shows, known for large-scale displays.
  • Pixis Drones: A US-based company that does shows for big brands.
  • Nova Sky Stories: Company that acquired the Intel drone fleet.
  • Celestial: Focuses on storytelling through drone light shows.

FoodieLand Food Festival – Rose Bowl Stadium | July 4-6, 2025

Tickets will only be available online through Eventbrite. No tickets will be sold at the door. To help regulate the arrival of incoming guests, all tickets have a designated timed entry. There is no limit on how long you can stay for the day. In the event you need to change your entry time after purchasing, you can contact us through Eventbrite to request a free time slot change. Event tickets typically sell out prior to the event and we recommend purchasing them in advance.

Children under 5 are admitted for free.

There is something for everyone at FoodieLand.

Get ready to indulge your senses at FoodieLand, the ultimate outdoor food festival inspired by Asia’s iconic night markets. With events spanning California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas, FoodieLand is your ticket to a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating community, culture, and cuisine.

At FoodieLand, there’s something for everyone. Come experience foods and flavors from our diverse selection of cuisines, shop unique treasured goods from small businesses, challenge your friends to games, and watch live on-stage performances! Each of our events boasts a revolving collective of vendors, so you won’t experience the same festival twice. Save the date, grab your crew, and come hang with us!

Event Hours

Friday – 1 PM to 10 PM

Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM

Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM

Location: Rose Bowl Stadium (1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103)

Admission: Event tickets are available only through Eventbrite and must be purchased online prior to arriving at the event.

Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Parking is Free (Saturday & Sunday). ADA parking is available.

Sorry, no pets are allowed. Service animals are allowed.

Visit our website for more info: Click Here

Follow us on Instagram: Click Here

Apr 11 2025
Water Awareness Month Pasadena Water & Power PWP April-May 2025 Events

Don’t miss our upcoming events! May is Water Awareness Month, and this is a great time to learn how you can become a local water steward. Join PWP for events and tours where you can learn about water resources, conservation, infrastructure, and more.

April-19-Event-Final-SM-Post.png

Whole-System Gardens and Fire-Wise Plants
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery, 4550 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
Please join Pasadena Water and Power, in partnership with the Arroyo Seco Foundation for an event featuring discussions on whole-system gardens and fire-wise plants. Noted speakers will cover topics such as building healthy soil, harvesting water for resiliency, and native plants relationship to fire.

WAM25-Social.jpg

Garden Show and Tell
Monday, April 28 through Friday, June 13
Share your drought-tolerant garden transformations! This is your chance to be our Garden of the Week, featured on PWP’s social media and website. Must be a PWP customer to enter. Participants will receive a free native plant, while supplies last. To participate, click the link above for entry details.

Pop-In to Win at Pasadena Farmers Markets
Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Victory Park Farmers Market, 2900 Block of North Sierra Madre Blvd

Tuesday, May 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Villa Parke Farmers Market, 363 E Villa Street

Water Town Hall (virtual)
Wednesday, May 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
Learn about your water: where it comes from, what it takes to deliver it, and how we ensure sustainable and reliable delivery of safe, high-quality water into the future. This is a virtual event. Visit PWPweb.com/Events for more information.

Monk Hill Water Facility Tour 
Saturday, May 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
Address provided upon RSVP
Join PWP for a tour of the Monk Hill Water Facility. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the history of Monk Hill and its role in Pasadena’s water supply. PWP staff will provide a guided tour of the facility, giving the community an opportunity to learn about water treatment, storage, and delivery. RSVP is required for this event.

Preschool Storytime with a Water Treatment Operator
Tuesday, May 13, 10 – 11 a.m.
Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E Villa St 
Join us for a water-themed story time filled with stories, songs, crafts, and fun with our PWP crew! For ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. See a water distribution demonstration and enjoy a water wise craft.

Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore Pasadena’s drought-tolerant gardens at your own pace with our map available on our website.

Apr 10 2025
Public Health Releases Preliminary Soil Testing Results With Unanticipated Elevated Lead Levels in Parcels Downwind from Eaton Fire

Public Health Releases Preliminary Soil Testing Results With Unanticipated Elevated Lead Levels in Parcels Downwind from Eaton Fire

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released preliminary findings from representative soil sample testing in and around the Eaton and Palisades fire areas, revealing a higher percentage of soil samples with lead levels above health-based screening thresholds from parcels with intact homes downwind of the Eaton Fire.

The preliminary findings also indicate localized chemical impacts to soil above health-based screening thresholds are present in the Palisades fire area, but there is no evidence of widespread contamination from fire-related chemicals.

The County’s soil sampling and analysis, conducted by Roux Inc., measured levels of harmful substances that may be present after a wildfire—such as heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxins—on representative soil samples from various parcels in different areas and with different property conditions in and around the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. Over four weeks from mid-February to mid-March, soil samples were collected from destroyed, damaged, and intact properties within the burn areas, as well as from properties just outside, and compared to current residential soil screening level thresholds. A final report and analysis will be available in May.

Levels below the screening thresholds are considered protective over a lifetime of exposure, even for the most vulnerable people. If levels exceed the screening thresholds, it does not automatically mean cleanup is required, but it suggests the need to consider additional evaluation.

Representative soil sampling involves collecting soil samples from different areas affected by the fire to assess contamination levels, such as ash or chemicals, and understand the overall impact on the environment. The preliminary findings and accompanying analysis can be found on the Public Health Post-Fire Assessment page under sections titled Outdoor Soil – Yards and Outdoor Soil – Ash/Soot.

The identification of high frequent lead exceedances in soil samples from downwind of the Eaton fire are consistent with reports of elevated lead in air samples collected in the days immediately following the fire. The source of lead in the fire is reasonably expected to be from the burning of homes with lead-based paint, which was common prior to 1979. CalTech reported that more than 90 percent of the houses in Altadena were built before 1975.

However, because there are many potential sources of lead in soil in the Los Angeles area, additional assessments will help understanding how much of the lead found in the samples came from the 2025 wildfires versus other sources.

Testing identified isolated areas of heavy metal and PAH soil sample exceedances above screening thresholds in the Palisades fire area. The source is unknown at this time, but these are not consistent with communitywide impacts from fire-related smoke plumes.

This assessment provides a representative analysis of the soil in areas and under different conditions impacted by the fires. Individual parcels may have unique factors that result in differences compared to these representative samples. The reported results are not intended to imply cleanup or specific remediation is necessary; rather, the results identify areas potentially requiring additional evaluation.

Those with concerns about their specific property may want to consult an environmental professional about evaluating their property.  In all areas with on-going fire debris, residents are reminded to take precautions to not inhale, ingest or come into contact with ash, soot, and/or fire debris by using appropriate personal protective equipment. Additionally, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and consider taking appropriate precautions if your home is in one of the areas where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded. Residents can refer to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s FAQs for best practices to minimize exposure to these potential hazards.

In response to potential health risks from wildfire-related smoke, ash, and debris, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering free blood lead testing for individuals concerned about exposure to lead. Testing is available through three easy options: by visiting a medical provider (with costs covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal), scheduling a free appointment at a Quest Lab by calling 1-800-LA-4-LEAD, or accessing walk-in mobile testing offered at select community events. Testing is fast, free, confidential, and does not require insurance. Lead exposure can be especially harmful to children and pregnant individuals, and early detection is key. For more information or to find testing locations, visit ph.lacounty.gov/wildfires or call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323).

To have residential soil tested, some examples of resources for soil testing and analysis are listed here. This list is not exhaustive nor an endorsement of any particular group or entity; nor is criticism implied of similar groups or entities not listed.

Academic Institutions:

Private Laboratories:

  • CLS Labs (Soil, Water, Environmental)

         Rancho Cordova

         800-638-7301

         http://www.californialab.com / info@californialab.com

  • Eurofins Environmental Testing Calscience

         Garden Grove

         714-895-5494

          Eurofins Environmental Testing Calscience

Environmental Consultants:

Apr 9 2025
Caltech – Conversations After the Fires: Studying Lead in the Environment – Register April 10, 2025 11am PST
Topic Conversations After the Fires: Studying Lead in the Environment
Date & Time Apr 10, 2025 11:00 AM
Description
When the 2025 Los Angeles fires broke out, Caltech researchers on campus and at JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA, jumped into action, collecting and analyzing data as soon as flames erupted. In the webinar series Conversations After the Fires, you will hear about fire-related research as it is happening and have the chance to ask your own questions. In the first conversation in this series, learn more about what ash, soil, and water samples tell us about the amount of lead released in the environment during the fires. Join Caltech geochemist Francois Tissot, graduate students Merritt McDowell and Isaac Aguilar, and guest speaker Christine O’Connell, assistant professor of Biological Sciences at Chapman University, in a discussion about their ongoing research to address the environmental impact of urban fires, moderated by Caltech science writer Lori Dajose. Learn more about the speakers: https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/connect/conversations/conversations-fires
Presented by the Caltech Science Exchange

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