The Sierra Madre City Council held a community listening session on May 17, 2025, aimed at addressing residents' concerns and gathering feedback on recent events. The meeting began with a focus on the issue of metal contamination in homes, a topic that has raised significant concern among community members. City officials acknowledged these worries and provided an extensive information packet detailing steps residents can take regarding contamination from fires.
Mayor Hernandez emphasized the importance of the meeting's focus, stating that the primary goal was to discuss the recent event, evaluate what went well, and identify areas for improvement. He assured attendees that their concerns had been heard and that follow-up actions would be taken, including an upcoming meeting with the County Department of Public Health scheduled for May 27.
Following the mayor's remarks, Curt Johnson, a consultant with extensive experience in the fire service and emergency management, introduced himself and his team. Johnson highlighted his familiarity with the community and the processes involved in managing emergencies, reinforcing the council's commitment to addressing residents' needs effectively.
The session underscored the city's dedication to transparency and community engagement, with officials promising to continue addressing the contamination issues and improving communication with residents. The council plans to follow up on the discussions and ensure that community concerns are prioritized in future planning and response efforts.