Community Comes Together for Access to Free Lead Soil Testing

After the January 2025 fires, many LA County residents are still asking the same urgent question: Is my soil safe? According to the Department of Angels’ recent LA Fire Recovery Report, the vast majority of residents believe their property has some contamination, but over a third have not been able to access testing.

This past weekend, the Department of Angels and USC’s CLEAN program teamed up to help close that gap, hosting a free Community Soil Testing Day and resource fair at Loma Alta Park. Supported by the LA County Department of Public Health, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and a wide network of community partners, the event brought together scientists, public health experts, and community-based organizations in an outdoor setting with food, music, and activities for all ages.

By the Numbers

• 375+ attendees engaged directly with trusted health experts and recovery organizations

• 150+ soil samples were collected by USC’s CLEAN team for free lead testing

• Hundreds of attendees accessed soil health resources from USC CLEAN, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, and LA County Department of Public Health

• 80+ families accessed on-site blood lead testing provided by LA County Department of Public Health

• Dozens joined wellness activities like yoga, guided meditation, painting, and plant potting

• 70+ neighbors who could not attend the event signed up for volunteer assistance with collecting and submitting their soil samples

A Holistic Approach

Service providers cited meaningful interactions with survivors, and noted that the blend of environmental, social, and emotional health resources resulted in a well-rounded event that made resources easier for people to access, especially seniors and families with young children.

One participant shared, “I was pleased to find the mental health resources at the event on Saturday and I am definitely going to take advantage.”

And, a community partner noted it was “probably my favorite event I’ve tabled at.”

A Major Investment in Recovery

The day was also marked by an important announcement: Thanks to CA State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s leadership, the state budget committed $8 million in new funding for fire recovery in Altadena and the surrounding Eaton Fire burn area. The investments include the following environmental health initiatives:

• $2M for remediation and repairs at Altadena Vista Senior Apartments and similar affordable senior housing

• $2M for a pilot project with CONSORTIUM, a collaborative including USC CLEAN, CAP LA, and the LA Fire HEALTH Study, to remediate homes with the highest lead levels

This funding represents a direct response to survivor-led advocacy and is a crucial step in ensuring families can rebuild and recover safely.

Thank You to Our Partners

This event was only possible thanks to the incredible partnership of organizations that brought expertise, resources, and heart to the day:

Altadena Green • Amigos de los Rios • Bevel Coffee • Community Compound • David Lynch Foundation • DENA Heals • Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services • LA County Department of Public Health • CA Department of Toxic Substances Control • Eaton Fire Residents United • Hands In The Soil • Jazzy Jam for Empowerment • Sugarbloom Bakery • Trauma Resource Institute • UC Agriculture and Natural Resources • USC CLEAN

The Work Continues

Soil testing is one piece of the long recovery ahead, and every sample helps families make informed decisions about their health and homes. Together, we are proving that recovery is strongest when it’s community-led.