Pasadena Unified School District Sues SoCal Edison Over Eaton Fire

KCAL News, CBS Los Angeles

March 25, 2025

The Pasadena Unified School District joined the list of public institutions suing SoCal Edison, seeking to have the utility company pay for the campuses damaged during the Eaton Fire.

With help from "life-threatening" 100 mph wind gusts, the wildfire quickly spread through neighborhoods in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. In a matter of days, the Eaton Fire became the second most destructive fire in California history after it destroyed 9,418 buildings and damaged roughly 1,000 more, including six PUSD schools:

• Franklin Elementary
• Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School
• Odyssey Charter School
• Pasadena Rosebud Academy
• Oak Knoll Montessori School
• Aveson School of Leaders

"The destruction of multiple schools and educational facilities has created an immense burden on students, families, and the entire educational community," said John Fiske, a shareholder at Baron & Budd P.C., outside counsel representing the District. "This lawsuit seeks fair compensation to recover the taxpayer resources and district property lost as a result of this devastating fire."

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