Los Angeles County Parks has launched free emergency care camps at four locations to support wildfire-affected youth and families with meals, activities, and emotional well-being resources while parents focus on recovery.

In response to the devastating Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has launched emergency care camps to support families affected by the wildfires. Beginning January 13, the program offers children aged 5-12 a safe and nurturing environment to learn and play while their parents focus on recovery efforts. Two locations also provide extended programs for teens aged 13-17. In partnership with organizations like the Dodgers Foundation, Natural History Museum, and LA Philharmonic, the camps offer free field trips, meals, and engaging activities.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger and LA County Parks Director Norma E. García-González emphasized the importance of community resilience and support during this challenging time. The camps, operating through January 31, are available at five locations: Pamela Park, Arcadia Park, Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park, Descanso Gardens, and the Los Angeles County Arboretum. With a 1:5 staff-to-child ratio and a focus on emotional and physical well-being, the camps provide personalized care, meals, and enriching activities for all participants.
In addition to youth programming, parent lounges are available at each site, offering flexible options for family involvement. For registration and further details, families can visit the department’s website or contact [email protected].
FULL STORY: LA COUNTY PARKS LAUNCHES EMERGENCY CARE CAMPS FOR WILDFIRE-AFFECTED YOUTH

What the US Intercity Rail System Could Look Like
An FRA study shows how new Amtrak lines could connect tens of millions more Americans to rail travel.

Good Planning Under Bad Leadership
Planners must sometimes work under bad leadership. Here are suggestions for responsive planning in challenging political environments.

Amtrak Cascades Line Breaks Ridership Record
The route linking Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC served nearly one million riders in 2024.

California HSR Could Be Up and Running by 2033
A newly restructured leadership promises to speed up the arduous construction process and start running trains in five to eight years.

Heavier Vehicles Don’t Keep Passengers Safer
A new study shows that modern safety features are more important than size and weight once vehicles weigh over 4,000 pounds.

Study: Married People Struggle Least With Housing Costs
Both people who live alone and unmarried partners who live together spend more on housing than married couples.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Brookings
City of White Salmon
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service