Eaton Fire survivors rally demanding $200K relief, FEMA extension

Eaton Fire survivors and civil rights groups gathered outside Southern California Edison's Altadena office Friday, demanding the utility advance $200,000 per displaced household and pressing federal officials to extend disaster aid past July.

The demonstration, timed to Mother's Day weekend, reflects deepening frustration among displaced families as FEMA assistance is set to expire in July and many residents remain unable to return home months after the blaze tore through Altadena and surrounding communities.

Holding signs and chanting outside the utility's office, demonstrators called on Edison to release funds without delay. "We're here to let Edison International know that they need to fix what they've broken," said Heavenly Hughes of My Tribe Rise, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Adriata Bautista of the Dena Rise Up Coalition laid out the protesters' central demand. "We are demanding Edison advance $200,000 for every household that's been displaced from the fire, immediately," she said.

SoCal Edison spokesperson Scott Johnson said the company's Wildfire Recovery Compensation Fund has paid out more than $120 million to more than 800 claimants. He added that $550 million has been offered to nearly 1,600 people who filed claims but have not yet accepted compensation. Johnson encouraged survivors to engage with the process, saying the initial step carries no commitment. "What they need to do is submit a claim," he said. "You're only locked in once you see the offer and decide, 'This is perfect for me and I can accept the compensation and move on with the rebuild.'"

Federal assistance remains a parallel pressure point. Rep. Judy Chu said she is pushing the White House to act on the state's relief request. "We continue to call on President Trump to take up Governor Newsom's disaster supplemental request in full to provide desperately needed infusions of federal funds for rebuilding and recovery," Chu said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Gov. Gavin Newsom has formally asked for a one-year extension of FEMA aid for fire victims.

Hughes closed the rally by invoking the holiday. "These mothers are unable to be with their families on Mother's Day in their homes," she said.