United in Recovery: Wildfires Disrupt Lives and Businesses Across the Los Angeles Area

EKA

The devastating wildfires sweeping through the greater Los Angeles area are a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience required to face such challenges. These fires, driven by high winds and drought conditions, have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, destroyed homes and businesses, and created hazardous conditions for travel. To those impacted—individuals and companies alike—we recognize your enduring hardships and stand ready to provide guidance, support, and resources to navigate this crisis. Together, we can work toward recovery and resilience in such adversity.  EKA has created a Wildfire Recovery page  on our website where you can find our previous updates with information on relief efforts.

New Fire Debris Removal Order Issued for Public Safety

On Wednesday, January 15, the County’s Health Officer has issued an order that prohibits the clean up and removal of fire debris and ash in the burned residential and business areas of the County until a hazardous materials inspection at the property is conducted.

Key Details:

  • Prohibition in Critical Areas: Cleanup or removal of fire debris in Critical Fire Areas (e.g., Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia Fires) is prohibited until an approved government agency completes a hazardous materials inspection.
  • Public Safety: Fire debris and ash contain hazardous substances such as asbestos and heavy metals, posing risks through inhalation, skin contact, and water contamination. Improper handling can endanger workers, residents, and the environment.
  • Examples of Fire Debris: Burnt building materials, household items, foundations, and contaminated soil.

Debris Removal Process:

  • Phase 1 – Hazardous Waste Removal: Certified agencies will assess all burned properties to determine cleanup requirements.
  • Phase 2 – Fire Debris Removal: State and federal programs will handle debris cleanup for property owners who opt in. Alternatively, property owners may hire contractors with prior approval and compliance with regulations.

This order applies only to fire debris and does not restrict the removal of personal property from affected sites. Personal protective equipment is essential for those retrieving belongings. Avoid handling damaged lithium-ion batteries, which pose significant risks.

Local Health Emergency

On Friday, January 10, Public Health declared a local health emergency in response to the widespread impacts of the ongoing multiple critical fire events and windstorm conditions. To help protect residents’ health and well-being, power air blowers, including leaf blowers, are prohibited until further notice. These devices stir up ash and particulate matter into the air, further worsening air quality and increasing health risks for everyone and their pets, particularly those with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations.

City of Malibu

The City is actively inspecting infrastructure, clearing streets of debris, assisting with damage assessments, and stabilizing the area to ensure safe re-entry and expedite rebuilding. In a statement, Mayor Doug Stewart addressed a rumor circulating in the community: there is no permit for expedited re-entry into evacuation zones. Any claims or offers to provide such a permit are false. The City knows some residents have hired private contractors seeking access to evacuation zones. At this time, private contractors are not permitted to access it.

Damage assessments remain ongoing. Residents in mandatory evacuation zones are encouraged to visit https://recovery.lacounty.gov for updates. This site is continually updated with property photos as CalFire completes assessments. By entering your address, you can check whether your property has been evaluated and access available information.

The City of Malibu is also actively participating in the Disaster Recovery Assistance Center at Westside Pavilions, located at 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. This center is available to support residents navigating the rebuilding process. Additionally, the City has scheduled a Town Hall meeting for Malibu residents on Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. at Malibu High School. This will allow residents to receive updates, ask questions, and learn more about ongoing recovery efforts.

If residents have critical needs such as pet recovery or medications, the City is working closely with Incident Command to compile a list. Please call (310) 456-2489 to provide information and specific access needs. For the latest updates specific to Malibu, follow the City of Malibu on official channels: Facebook, Instagram, and X: @CityofMalibu or visit www.malibucity.org/palisadesfire.

City of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles City Council has approved over 20 measures to aid recovery following recent catastrophic fires. These measures include a comprehensive recovery plan, expediting federal emergency funds’ arrival, assessing post-fire mudslides’ risk, and implementing new safeguards to prevent price gouging and evictions. Additionally, they address reuniting displaced individuals with their pets.

One proposal includes initiating work on a bond measure to fund repairs to existing fire stations and constructing new ones. Councilmembers Traci Park and Monica Rodriguez have proposed placing the bond measure on the June 2026 ballot. According to the proposal, the Los Angeles Fire Department has long struggled with insufficient funding to maintain its 106 fire stations, more than half of which are over 50 years old. Power: LADWP has restored power to all customers affected by last week’s windstorm, except those in the fire-impacted areas. This affects approximately 17,000 customers in Pacific Palisades, Encino and Brentwood. For LADWP customers who live in high-risk fire areas, if you experience an outage, LADWP crews may not be able to automatically re-energize power lines serving customers until it is safe to do so. LADWP will not re-energize power lines in high-fire risk areas until crews have patrolled the entire circuit. LADWP also has equipment affected by fire retardants that needs cleaning before they can re-energize these power lines.

Pets: The City has established a dedicated hotline for those who need help retrieving pets inside the evacuation area. Residents can call (213) 270-8155 to answer questions about their pet, its possible location, and its needs. LA Animal Services and LAPD will then notify individuals once they have visited the property.

Price gouging: Angelenos can now report price gouging by calling 311. It is a criminal offense to violate the legal price restrictions for goods, including consumer goods, emergency cleanup supplies, and repair and reconstruction services. These protections extend to housing costs, including hotel and motel rates and rental housing prices. Reporting price-gouging to 311 will support City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto and her office to hold bad actors accountable.

Palisades Fire: Evacuated Residents and Families and Small Animals Shelters: 

  • Stoner Recreation Center | 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center | 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center | 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

Emergency Evacuation Shelter for Large Animals

  • Hansen Dam Horse Park | 11127 Orcas Ave, Hansen Dam, CA 91342

City Disaster Recovery Center Open – This one-stop information and resource center located at the intersection of Westwood & Pico is open. The center will operate from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 7 days a week for several weeks. Services include:

  • Help for those who have lost vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, social security documentation).
  • Help for those who have experienced loss or damage to their homes and businesses apply for disaster relief loans.
  • Referrals for mental health counseling and other services.

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) Palisades Support Camps for School-Age Children and Teens – The RAP Support Camps are an initiative dedicated to assisting families impacted by the Palisades fire. RAP Support Camp provides free day camps at two Westside locations for children ages 5-12 and teens ages 13-17 whose families have been affected by the Palisades fire.

  • Oakwood Recreation Center in Venice and Mar Vista Recreation Center will operate camps Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, until Friday, January 31.
  • Age-appropriate programs for children ages 5-12 and teens ages 13-17 will include engaging and supportive activities like arts and crafts, sports, and games. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided to ensure they have the nutrition they need during these full days.

Free Hotel Vouchers

Hilton, American Express, and 211 LA have announced a plan to provide vouchers to people impacted by the fires so they can stay free of charge at Hilton properties. In a joint release with American Express, Hilton announced it is making 20,000 hotel room nights available at no charge to impacted people across the greater Los Angeles area. To be considered for the program, residents need to first apply to 211 LA for housing assistance using this application. Residents who have already applied through 211 LA do not need to fill out another application. Read more here.

Insurance Moratoriums

In response to unprecedented losses caused by current wildfires, the California Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 2025-1 (the “Bulletin”) on January 9, 2025. The Bulletin imposes a one-year moratorium on the cancellation or nonrenewal of residential insurance policies in zip codes specifically identified within the Bulletin that have been affected by the wildfires.

The Bulletin was issued under California Insurance Code section 675.1(b)(1), which prohibits insurers from canceling or refusing to renew residential property insurance policies for properties located in any zip code within or adjacent to the fire perimeter for one year following a state of emergency declaration. This restriction applies solely based on the property’s location in a wildfire-affected area. Notably, the moratorium applies to “policies of residential property insurance” as defined in the statute. This includes policies covering:

  • Individually owned residential structures with up to four dwelling units.
  • Individually owned condominium units.
  • Individually owned mobile homes and their contents.
  • Tenants’ policies insuring personal contents of residential units.

In other words, the moratorium extends to homeowners’ policies, renters’ policies, and policies covering the contents of residential dwellings.

The Bulletin specifies the zip codes subject to the moratorium, including areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. However, these designated areas may be updated if additional neighborhoods are affected by the wildfires. The moratorium on cancellation or nonrenewal of residential policies is in place for one year.

Damage Assessment Map

If you were displaced by the Eaton Fire and aren’t sure about the status of your property, there’s now an interactive map available. The map is searchable by address and includes photos of each property. Each structure is labeled according to how severely it was impacted by the fire. Homes marked black suffered no damage, green are 1-9% affected, yellow are 10-25% affected, orange is 26-50% affected, and red is more than 50% destroyed.

Evacuation Orders

If you’re still displaced and aren’t sure when you’re permitted to return back to your property, Incident Command is releasing evacuation order updates every day at 3 p.m.

On January 16, 2025, the Incident Command Center announced Palisades Fire Repopulation. Please note only certain areas impacted by the Palisades fire will be accessible and access will be given to residents only.

You can check the updated evacuation orders and warnings here.

Apply for SBA Loans and Restaurant Grants

Loans 

Grants for Owners

Grants for Workers 

Interest-free Loans 

Other Resources: 

The strength of Southern California lies in our unity and resilience. At EKA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing valuable information and support to help navigate this crisis effectively.

United in Recovery: Essential Resources for Wildfire Recovery and Support

EKA

It has been a week since the wildfire began, and the devastation remains overwhelming. Our hearts go out to all affected in Southern California. EKA mourns the loss of lives, homes, businesses, and livelihoods that define our communities. We empathize with the challenges of evacuations, power outages, poor air quality, and the lingering anxiety this disaster has caused. We stand with those feeling disoriented, exhausted, and discouraged during this difficult time. We have created a Wildfire Recovery page on our website where you can find our previous updates with information on relief efforts.

Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers Now Open

The City and County are partnering with the state and FEMA to provide critical support for those impacted by the fires. Disaster Recovery Centers are now open and will operate seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These centers can assist individuals and families with:

  • Replacing vital records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, and Social Security documentation.
  • Applying for disaster relief loans if you’ve lost your home or business.
  • Connecting with mental health counseling and other essential services.

Westside Location: UCLA Research Park West, 10850 Pico Blvd, at the corner of Westwood & Pico.

Eastside Location, Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107

N95 Masks Available

The South Coast Air Quality Management District advises Angelenos to wear well-fitting, medical-grade masks, such as N95s, when air quality is poor, or when smoke or ash is visible or detectable by smell. To support this effort, the City of Los Angeles has made N95 masks readily available at Los Angeles Public Libraries, Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, and through local nonprofit organizations. Click here to find your nearest library or here to find your nearest Recreation Center/Senior Center.

California’s Wildfire Smoke Standard and Protecting Employees

With the ongoing threat of wildfires across Southern California, employers must familiarize themselves with California’s wildfire smoke standard to ensure employee safety and compliance. Harmful air quality from wildfire smoke can develop anywhere in the state with little notice, making early preparation essential. The wildfire smoke standard applies to workplaces where:

  • The Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 151 (Unhealthy) or higher.
  • It’s reasonably anticipated that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke.

Employers can monitor the AQI using the following websites:

To assist in compliance, Cal/OSHA provides an updated list of vendors offering N95 respirators. Employers should also review wildfire-related compensation requirements and refer to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs, which address key employment issues during wildfire emergencies.

Income Tax Deadline Extended for Los Angeles County Residents

The income tax deadline for individuals, businesses, and trusts in Los Angeles County has been extended. Additionally, any payments originally due on or after January 7, 2025, will now have an extended deadline of October 15, 2025.

This extension provides relief as our community recovers from the aftermath of recent fires and wind events. It’s reassuring to know that residents and businesses in Los Angeles County have additional time to focus on recovery without worrying about filing tax returns or making tax payments until mid-October.

Currently, this extension applies exclusively to residents of Los Angeles County. However, the geographic boundaries could be expanded, as was the case with previous deadline extensions following flooding caused by heavy rains.

Mayor Bass Acts to Fast-Track Rebuilding

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an Executive Order to expedite rebuilding efforts for Los Angeles residents and businesses impacted by the ongoing firestorm. She also updated the local emergency declaration to accelerate recovery as dangerous wind conditions continue to threaten additional homes. The Executive Order includes:

  • Debris Removal and Weather Mitigation: Task forces will coordinate streamlined debris removal programs and mitigate risks from rainstorms, working with state and federal agencies.
  • Fast-Tracked Rebuilding: A one-stop shop will expedite permits, bypass CEQA review, and allow “like-for-like” rebuilding without discretionary City reviews.
  • Immediate Housing Solutions: The Department of Building and Safety will fast-track temporary occupancy approvals for 1,400 housing units in the pipeline.
  • Advocating for Additional Relief: City departments must identify regulatory relief and state or federal funding needs within one week.

LA Announces Donation Centers Open in Impacted Areas

The Los Angeles Fire Department extends its deepest gratitude for the community’s generosity and unwavering support during this challenging time. Donations have played a vital role in combating the wildfires affecting our communities. While they sincerely appreciate your kindness, they request that donations not be dropped off at fire stations or shelters, as this can disrupt the critical operations of first responders. For those who wish to contribute, the following guidelines ensure your donations make the greatest impact:

They can only accept non-perishable, individually wrapped items and essential goods for those affected by the 2025 wildfires. Please note that services are not being accepted at this time. The following drop-off locations are now open:

  • Council District 7
    • In partnership with North Valley Caring Services Food Pantry
    • Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
    • Friday: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
    • No weekend deliveries
    • Address: 15453 Rayen Street, North Hills, CA 91343
  • Council District 8
    • In partnership with It’s Bigger Than Us
    • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
    • Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
    • Address: 4308 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
  • Council District 11
    • Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
    • Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
    • CD11 Westchester District Office, 7166 W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Monetary Donations

If you prefer to make a financial contribution, we recommend donating to one of the following organizations:

Volunteer Opportunities

For those looking to volunteer, visit LAWorks.com to learn about opportunities to assist with wildfire recovery efforts.

Governor Newsom Expands Special Legislative Session

With recovery efforts already underway to support those affected by the devastating Los Angeles hurricane-force firestorm, Governor Gavin Newsom expanded the scope of the California Legislature’s special session, originally convened in November, to enhance response and initial recovery measures for the region. Governor Newsom is proposing a comprehensive plan that includes at least $2.5 billion in additional funding to bolster emergency response efforts, accelerate recovery, and support wildfire preparedness. The funding package prioritizes recovery and cleanup efforts, enhanced wildfire resilience, and reopening schools impacted by the fires.

The Governor’s proclamation allows the Legislature to consider and approve these critical funding requests without delay. Specifically, the Governor is calling on lawmakers to:

  1. Boost Emergency Response Funding
    Allocate $1 billion to augment state emergency response funds, ensuring immediate availability for emergency response, cleanup, and recovery in areas affected by the January 2025 disaster. These costs are expected to qualify for reimbursement by FEMA.
  2. Rebuild Schools Faster
    Provide targeted funding to offer technical assistance to local educational agencies in rebuilding and repairing schools damaged or destroyed by the firestorm, ensuring students can return to the classroom as quickly as possible.
  3. Increase Preparedness
    Accelerate the deployment of $1.5 billionto enhance statewide preparedness for firestorms, windstorms, and other natural disasters. This funding will complement federal contributions, strengthening California’s ability to respond to and recover from future emergencies.

This expanded special session underscores Governor Newsom’s commitment to ensuring Los Angeles and other impacted areas receive the resources and support needed to recover and rebuild stronger than before.

Resources

We have compiled a list of valuable websites to support those affected by the wildfires.

Preparedness

Recovery

Please know that our thoughts are with those impacted. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and unwavering support as you navigate this path toward healing and recovery. You are not alone.

United in Recovery: New Website Launches to Support Wildfire Survivors

EKA

To the thousands of Southern Californians devastated by the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Woodley, Lidia, Sunset, and Kenneth fires, words fall short of capturing the profound scars left on our landscape and in our hearts. These fires have reshaped our communities and lives, leaving behind a trail of pain, loss, and uncertainty.

At EKA, during this time of heartbreak and uncertainty, we are committed to providing unwavering support, valuable resources, and expert guidance to help navigate the challenges ahead. To assist those affected by these unprecedented events, we will continue providing essential information designed to offer clarity and assistance when needed most.

Even as our brave first responders tirelessly fight to protect lives and property, we want to remind everyone that hope is within reach. Resources are available to help you rebuild your life and recover from this devastating time. We urge you to take that first courageous step toward healing by applying for federal assistance today. You are not alone; together, we can rise stronger than ever.

California has launched CA.gov/LAfires, a comprehensive hub for information and resources from state, local, and federal agencies. This platform is designed to guide wildfire survivors on applying for assistance and accessing the help you need.

How to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance:

  • Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By Phone: Call (800) 621-3362
  • FEMA Smartphone Application
    • FEMA Recovery Centers (Countywide): 8 County libraries open Monday, January 13, 2025, from 9am-5pm to assist residents affected by the wildfires to submit applications for disaster relief.
      • San Fernando Library
      • West Hollywood Library
      • Alhambra Civic Center
      • La Crescenta Library
      • La Canada Flintridge Library
      • Live Oak Library
      • Temple City Library
      • San Gabriel Library

 New FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opening

The Disaster Recovery Center is open at the UCLA Research Park – 10800 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles CA 90064, formerly known as the Westside Pavilion. It will operate from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 7 days per week. These centers will help people:

  • Who have lost vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, social security documentation).
  • Who have lost their homes or businesses apply for disaster relief loans.
  • And they will provide referrals for mental health counseling and other services.

Emotional Support:

We understand that the toll of these fires isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. This national hotline offers free, 24/7 crisis counseling to anyone facing emotional distress related to these wildfires.

Care Camp (Emotional Support Youth and Children)- LA County Parks and Recreation

Support for Rebuilding and Recovery:

In recognition of the urgent need to rebuild, Governor Gavin Newsom has suspended certain environmental laws to expedite construction and recovery in affected wildfire zones. Building permit requirements and reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act have been streamlined for impacted areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

The Governor has also issued an executive order to ensure immediate debris removal and preparation for potential mudslides or flooding as winter rains approach. These proactive measures aim to protect our communities from further harm. You can read the full executive order here: Executive Order N-5-25.

Additional Resources:

A ‘One Hub’ resources website providing emergency information and recovery resources is live at lacity.gov.

The Greater Los Angeles Education foundation created the Wildfire Recovery Fund @GLAEF to help provide vital resources to students, families and educators that have been most affected. You can donate – here.

The Valley Economic Reliance will be hosting a free webinar on January 14th at 10:00 AM designed to connect small businesses with vital information and recovery tools. To register, click here.

Donation Drop-Off Centers: 

City of Los Angeles: Donation items are requested based on reported community needs. Please do not bring donations to fire stations. For more information on the Donation Drop-Off Centers in the City of Los Angeles, click here.

Non Profit Donation Centers: 1/11-1/17 (Partner organizations will distribute to the impacted areas)

  • CHIRLA: 2533 W 3rd St, #101 LA CA 90057 (M-F 10AM-4PM)- Rampart Village
  • SCOPE: 1715 W Florence Ave, LA CA 90047 (Sat 9AM-1PM; W, TH, F 9AM-5PM)- South L
  • Community Coalition: 8101 S Vermont Ave LA CA 90044 (Sun 10AM-2PM; MON,Tu 9AM-8PM)-South LA

City of Pasadena: NEW Donation Location- Santa Anita Race Track (South Side, Lot B by Gate 3 or 8), 285 Huntington Dr. Arcadia CA 91007. Please DO NOT take donations to the Pasadena Convention Center, Rose Bowl, and Parson Complex Parking Lot, click here.

Eaton Fire Recharge Donation Center

LA County Recovery Maps

Maps showing the status of buildings in the Palisades and Eaton wildfire zones are available on Los Angeles County’s recovery website: Los Angeles County Recovery Maps

To all who have been impacted, know that you are not alone. Together, we will heal, rebuild, and rise stronger than before. Californians are resilient, and we are here for you every step of the way.

United in Recovery: Supporting Los Angeles Wildfire Victims Through Hope and Action

EKA

Wildfires across the Los Angeles area have devastated our community, burning tens of thousands of acres, destroying homes, and displacing families. The Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires ignited on Tuesday, followed by the Woodley, Lidia, Sunset, and Kenneth fires, all driven by unrelenting winds. These disasters have left scars not only on our landscape but on the hearts of all those affected.

At EKA, we stand united with our friends, families, and clients during this time of heartbreak and uncertainty. We are here to provide support, resources, and guidance to help navigate the challenges ahead. EKA has compiled critical information to assist those impacted by these unprecedented events.

If you or someone you know has been affected, there is hope. Individuals and families in designated areas may be eligible for financial assistance to cover essential items like food, water, baby supplies, medication, and other emergency needs. Temporary housing support is available for those who cannot return home, with funds for hotel stays, family or friend accommodations, or other options while searching for a permanent solution. Assistance also extends to rental aid, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other wildfire-related expenses. For more details, please visit: www.fema.gov.

If you are a business in the City of Los Angeles or have workers that have been impacted by the recent events, please visit: ewddlacity.com.

Amid the devastation, regional organizations have stepped up to provide relief. World Central Kitchen, led by chef José Andrés, is serving meals and water to affected areas, ensuring no one faces hunger alone. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation has mobilized its wildfire emergency fund to equip our courageous firefighters with the tools and supplies they need. The California Community Foundation and other nonprofits are raising funds to rebuild homes, restore belongings, and provide critical mental health services. Meanwhile, the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in Koreatown is collecting donations of food, snacks, water, and other essentials to support those in need.

If you feel moved to help, please consider contributing to one of these trusted organizations leading relief and recovery efforts in our region:

In the face of overwhelming adversity, the strength and resilience of our community remains unshaken. Together, we will rebuild, recover, and emerge stronger than before. Let us stand as one, supporting each other every step of the way.

Developing an SEO Strategy to Mitigate Reputational Harm

Download the complete report here.

EKA partner Eric Rose and James F. Haggerty of PRCG | Haggerty LLC have returned with a look at how developing an SEO strategy for you and your firm’s online presences can help mitigate reputational harm.

To paraphrase an old expression: We live in an age where reputational damage can be worldwide before repair attempts get their boots on.

For online reputation repair, an important facet involves search engine optimization (SEO), sometimes called content suppression, a method to mitigate the impact of negative or misleading information by strategically managing search engine results. This involves a multifaceted approach, after an initial, and crucial, first step of identifying keyword groups pertinent to the individual’s online presence.

Download the complete report here.

Waste Hauling Company

EKA has represented several waste hauling firms that were coming up for contract renewals. By working with city staff in various cities, EKA has been successful and instrumental in helping the companies to avoid the RFP process and negotiate contract extensions. When needed, EKA has also helped those same companies win numerous waste hauling RFPs throughout Los Angeles County.

New White Paper, ‘Navigating Reputational Harm’ by Eric W. Rose and James F. Haggerty Analyzes Managing Reputational Issues in the Digital Age

EKA

New York, NY (April 4, 2024)–Attorney James F. Haggerty and Eric W. Rose, a nationally known expert on reputational damages, are pleased to announce the publication of a new white paper, “Navigating Reputational Harm: A Deep Dive into Repairing, Measuring, Metrics, and Legal Implications of Reputational Harm in the Internet Age,” published by Hart + Harvest Press as part of their new Media Monograph Series.

With a rise in false and defamatory content due to social media and the internet, managing a reputation has become increasingly difficult. Presenting challenges to the traditional reputational response methods. This white paper features a comprehensive analysis on how to handle the growing challenges of repairing reputational damage in a media-driven era.

Haggerty and Rose provide a guide on the best practices moving forward to help properly handle a reputational crisis online, along with addressing the more prominent role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in perpetuating reputational harm.

“Simply put,” the authors, write, “in today’s world, everyone is a publisher, everyone has an opinion, this opinionated “news” can be transmitted globally with the touch of a button, and we all have actual malice toward each other — or, at least, toward anyone with an opposing or adversarial viewpoint.”

Haggerty and Rose add that “the difference between fact and opinion, which has traditionally been critical to defamation cases, has also blurred. Indeed, this brave new world has changed, and will further change, the framework and cost-benefit analysis surrounding modern defamation law. This will likely result in more defamation suits and greater damages, both in the United States and in other jurisdictions.”

A guide for public relations professionals, organizations, and legal professionals dealing with reputation issues online, Navigating Reputational Harm outlines various tools and techniques for addressing reputational damage, including social media monitoring platforms and sentiment analysis tools.

This white paper is available for download on the websites of EKA PR, and PRCG |Haggerty, and at hartandharvest.com.

 

About The Authors

James F. Haggerty, CEO of PRCG | Haggerty LLC, is an attorney, author, and communications consultant with more than 30 years of experience advising corporate, nonprofit, and individual clients. Business Insider recently named Jim as one of the “18 top public-relations experts CEOs scramble to hire in a crisis.” He has also been repeatedly ranked as one of the top legal communications professionals in the United States by Chambers and Partners, the international legal directory, and in 2017 was named one of 50 “Game-Changers of PR” by PR News for his work in litigation-related communications. Jim is also President of Reputation Advisors International, a network of senior communications professionals in 16 cities across the globe.

Jim’s influential first book, In The Court of Public Opinion: Winning Strategies for Litigation Communications, has been called “…the perfect handbook for this age” by the Financial Times and remains a definitive exploration of public relations in legal disputes. In the Court of Public Opinion is now in its Third Edition, published by Hart + Harvest Press (2022). Jim’s second book, Chief Crisis Officer: Structure and Leadership for Effective Communications Response, was the best-selling public relations hardcover of 2017 and was recently released in paperback by Hart + Harvest Press, with a new Preface by the author. Chief Crisis Officer has received recognition in the Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, and Fortune magazines, among others. Jim was also a columnist for American Lawyer’s Corporate Counsel magazine from 2011 to 2015.

Jim is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. As an attorney, his legal work spans diverse areas, including reputation matters, First Amendment issues, and false advertising cases. Jim was also lead counsel on behalf of more than 3,000 victims of the Haitian Cholera disaster, in a case against the United Nations that reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2019.

Eric W. Rose is a veteran executive in public relations, marketing, and communications with over 35 years of experience. He is a partner at EKA in Los Angeles, specializing in guiding clients through complex corporate reputation challenges and has assisted clients in navigating crises stemming from natural and human-made disasters, labor disputes, product recalls, layoffs, and plant closures.

Eric has distinguished himself in litigation, crisis communications, reputation management, image repair, and counseling. Eric has created public relations and marketing / communications programs for the legal profession and has provided litigation support throughout the United States. Eric has served as an expert information source and analyst for the mass media on crisis communications, image repair, and reputation management issues.

He is a respected court-qualified expert witness and has testified on matters relating to crisis communications, defamation, damaged image, reputation prevention, and the costs of implementing repair programs. He has provided expert testimony nationally on the costs and measures required to restore reputations. Eric has also been a rebuttal expert witness and excels in reputational repair and identifying and mitigating social media vulnerabilities.

Eric excels at distilling intricate legal matters into digestible, clear, and impactful narratives tailored to specific audiences. He also specializes in crafting communication strategies designed to navigate the litigation processes. His track record includes shaping narratives in high-profile cases, anticipating potential case outcomes, and effectively influencing key stakeholders to cultivate an environment conducive to the client’s objectives.

Media Contact

PRCG | Haggerty LLC

Sandra Prendergast

(212) 683-8100

sprendergast@prcg.com

EKA’s Alex Cherin on Baltimore’s impact on LA’s Ports

EKA's Alex Cherin speaks to NBC Los Angeles' Eric Leonard about Baltimore's impact on LA's Ports

EKA’s Alex Cherin speaks with NBC Los Angeles about the impact of Baltimore’s port closure on LA-area ports.

PR News: DOJ’s Lawsuit Against Apple

PR News logo

The U.S. Department of Justice along with 16 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Apple on Thursday, alleging that the company has illegally monopolized the smartphone market, and in doing so stifled innovation by locking out competitors from its app ecosystem, harmed consumers and caused prices to be artificially high.

The move sent the tech company’s stock price further south—dropping 4.1% on Thursday—following several weeks of bad news, including the cancellation of its decade-long, costly electric vehicle project, copious Apple Vision Pro returns and a $2 billion anti-trust fine handed down by Europe.

Communications takeaways: Communications experts agree that Apple’s response, which promises to “vigorously defend” against the suit, signals a firm stance in the face of legal challenges. But as the legal battle ensues, Apple could take a more personalized, consumer-led approach.

Eric Rose, partner at public affairs firm EKA and crisis and reputation expert, commends Apple for the company’s “swift and assertive” response. But moving forward, a more personal and human touch is warranted. “The high-profile nature of the altercation demanded more than just a statement,” he says. “Apple must quickly pivot and recognize the need for direct and personalized communication.”

Similarly, Geoff Vetter, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at CLYDE, says that Apple’s response, which emphasizes how the proprietary nature of their technology increases security and interoperability, is a common argument from tech companies facing regulatory or political hurdles in recent years. But a personalized approach that highlights the consumer perspective would be appropriate.

“What’s next for Apple, and an important approach for any organization facing this level of scrutiny, is responding through the authentic perspective of their customers,” he says. So, it would behoove the company to prove that it’s in fact delivering a beloved service for consumers rather than limiting their experiences. “At the end of the day, most people like using their iPhones because they work well,” Vetter says. “Elevating those voices is how you turn a fight over profits and patents into one where you’re protecting consumers.”

As for the implications on the tech industry as a whole, how Apple fares in this legal quagmire will determine how other tech companies behave and operate in the future.

“The lawsuit itself represents a significant challenge to Apple’s business practices,” Rose says. “Accusations of monopolistic behavior and anti-competitive practices strike at the core of the company’s operations. Apple’s ability to navigate this legal battle will have far-reaching implications for the future of the smartphone market and the broader tech industry.”