United in Recovery – Jan. 22nd Update

The wildfires have had a devastating impact, destroying countless homes and businesses across the region. At EKA, we recognize the urgency of your needs and are committed to providing the support and resources necessary during this challenging time. Visit our Wildfire Recovery page for essential updates, guidance on applying for aid, tax relief information, and support for employers facing recovery challenges. Together, we will overcome this crisis and build a stronger path to recovery.

Yesterday, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support the following motions to aid in the relief and recovery efforts of the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

  • Calling for state and federal assistance for emergency response, recovery, and wildfire prevention efforts. Read the motion here.
  • Advancing a resolution to strengthen protections for renters and expand short-term rental availability for wildfire survivors.  Read the full proclamation here.
  • An emergency motion to mitigate dangerous debris flows and expedite cleanup efforts in fire-affected areas. Read the motion here.
  • Conducting a comprehensive after action analysis to understand the recent events and improve the County’s emergency management practices while protecting its residents. Read more here.

In advance of the rainy season, Mayor Bass issued her second emergency order, to prepare burn areas for incoming rain by deploying crews to clear debris, install barriers, and mitigate the environmental and health risks from fire-related pollutants.

Earlier this week, Mayor Bass also announced the extension of the deadline for businesses affected by the wildfires to file their City business taxes from February 28, 2025, to April 14, 2025, while also providing a range of support services through various city, state, and federal agencies.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a $25,000 relief fundfor northeast San Fernando Valley residents who lost income due to the multiple fires that devastated the region this month. The fund will be administered by a local Business Source Center serving North and South Valley regions.

Applications are now open and available at iconcdc.org/la-wildfire-relief.

Price-Gouging Laws Apply to Rental Bidding Wars After LA County Fires

California Attorney General Rob Bonta reminded landlords that California’s price-gouging laws, triggered by the state of emergency due to the Los Angeles County fires, also apply to bidding wars for rental properties. These laws prohibit landlords from charging more than 10% above pre-crisis rental rates. Despite the rules, some landlords have advertised rent increases exceeding 50% to 100%, sparking backlash from politicians, tenant groups, and even some landlord organizations.

Bonta clarified that landlords cannot accept offers above the legal cap, even if tenants willingly bid higher prices. Violating these laws can result in up to a year in jail and fines of $10,000 per violation. The attorney general urged residents who suspect price gouging to report incidents on the California Department of Justice website at oag.ca.gov/report.

Recovery Resources

FEMA Assistance
FEMA can help cover specific costs, such as essential items, temporary housing, replacing personal property, or making basic repairs to your home. You can apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:

  • Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish-language site at DisasterAssistance.gov/es.
  • By Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-33621-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.
  • On the FEMA App: Download the FEMA App for mobile devices to apply and access resources.
  • Local Assistance Center (LAC) A Local Assistance Center is available to support residents at UCLA Research Park West(former Westside Pavilion),10850 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.

The LAC opens daily at 9:00 AM and offers help from city, county, state, federal, and nonprofit agencies. If FEMA has denied your application, visit the LAC to receive support from FEMA staff directly.

Personal Records Replacement
Los Angeles County residents can request property and vital records (e.g., birth, death, marriage certificates) at no cost for recovery efforts. Call (800) 201-8999 and select Option 1, then Option 2. Send requests to recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov .

Prescription Medication Assistance
Local Assistance Centers provide services to help residents obtain prescription medications.

Mental Health Resources
Mental health resources are available if you are feeling overwhelmed or in distress due to the fires. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for free 24/7 crisis counseling.

Insurance Tips and Fraud Warnings
The California Department of Insurance has teams ready to assist wildfire evacuees and impacted residents. Stay alert for potential scams targeting affected communities. For tips and information, visit the California Department of Insurance website.

How to File a Misfortune and Calamity Claim with the Assessor

The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office has provided essential guidance on filing a Misfortune and Calamity claim for property damage or destruction:

  • Deadline: You have one (1) calendar yearfrom the date of damage or destruction to file a Misfortune and Calamity Claim with your local Assessor’s Office.
  • Tax Payment Postponement: If you require financial relief and wish to postpone your second installment of the 2024-2025 property tax bill without penalty, you must file a separate claim form for consideration. Although it is unclear if the Governor’s executive order (referenced below) renders this form unnecessary, it is advisable to file the claim to ensure your eligibility.
  • Rebuilding and Property Tax Rules:Rebuilding your property can be a long and challenging process. To restore your old Prop 13-protected base value, specific property tax rules and regulations must be followed. For those planning to relocate within California, assistance is also available to transfer your Prop 13-protected base value to a replacement property.

If you need help filing your Misfortune and Calamity Claim or navigating the Prop 13 rules, the Assessor’s Office can help.

City of LA Business Tax Filing Deadline For Businesses Impacted by Wildfires

Mayor Bass has announced that City business taxes have been extended for businesses directly impacted by the wildfires. The due date for those businesses impacted has been extended from February 28, 2025, to April 14, 2025. Additional information from The Office of Finance is available at finance.lacity.gov.

Support for Businesses is Available Now

Preparing to Return

Many residents are being permitted to return their property after the fires, but it will take longer for residents in some of the most heavily impacted communities.

When re-entering the evacuated zones, be prepared to show proof of residency, as only residents are allowed in at this time. Permitted re-entry documents include any government-issued ID showing a current address. If the address on your ID has not been updated to match the evacuated zone, you will need to bring additional proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, mortgage documents, property deed, or any other similar proof of ownership or residency.

  • Eaton Fire: For full details on communities that can return, see the LA County Sheriff’s Nixle alert.
  • Palisades Fire: For full details on communities that can return, see the LA County Sheriff’s Nixle alert.
  • Palisades Fire Evacuation Map, please visit: Palisades Fire | CAL FIRE

KNOW YOUR ZONE: Knowing your zone is critical to staying safe during a public safety emergency such as a wildfire, flood, tsunami, hurricane, earthquake, or active shooter incident. Zones will be used in emergency alert notifications to communicate who is impacted by an emergency and what actions should be taken.  Visit protect.genasys.com and type your address into the search bar at the top left.

Evacuations remain in place due to numerous downed trees, downed power lines, gas leaks and power outages. If you have questions or need specific clarification regarding evacuations in your area, please reach out to your City’s official government website to receive further information. Recovery Information: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/ Local Road Closures: https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures  and State Road Closures: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Restaurant Suppliers Step Up to Support Relief Efforts

In these challenging times, acts of generosity shine brightly. As detailed in CityWatch, Chef Eric Greenspan, the Tehachapi Grain Project, and RC Provisions have stepped up by donating 10,000 pounds of chili and 5,000 pounds of meat to organizations including World Central Kitchen, Dream Center LA, the Justin Turner FoundationOperation BBQ Relief, and the Guy Fieri Foundation, which tirelessly provide meals to displaced families and first responders.

How Employers Can Help

Employers in California can support employees impacted by wildfires by offering various forms of assistance, ranging from leave options to financial aid. Here’s a summary of the key ways employers can help:

Leave Options for Affected Employees:

  • Paid Sick Leave, Vacation, or PTO for employees dealing with mental, physical, or personal effects of the fires.
  • Bereavement Leave for employees who have lost family members.
  • FMLA/CFRA Leave for serious health conditions affecting the employee or their family (partial wage replacement may be available through SDI or PFL).
  • ADA/FEHA Accommodations for physical or mental health conditions, including remote work or unpaid leave.
  • School/Childcare Closure Leave for emergencies caused by school or childcare closures due to fires (up to 40 hours per year for employers with 25+ employees).
  • Emergency Services Leave for volunteer firefighters, emergency responders, or military service members aiding in relief efforts.
  • Personal Leave as a voluntary measure to support employees, with health insurance continuation considerations.

Financial Assistance and Other Aid:

  • 401(k) Plan Adjustments: Employers can work with plan administrators to allow hardship withdrawals or loans.
  • PTO/Vacation Cash-Outs: Permit employees to cash out unused PTO or vacation time, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
  • Leave Donation Programs: Establish leave-sharing programs that comply with IRS rules to avoid tax implications for donating employees.
  • Direct Disaster Relief Payments:Employers can provide financial assistance through a qualified disaster relief plan under IRS Code Section 139, potentially excluding relief payments from employees’ taxable income.

Executive Orders from the Governor’s Office

California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued several Executive Orders in response to the Palisades and Eaton Fires, impacting real estate and rebuilding efforts:

  1. Executive Order N-8-25: Suspends certain California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations and California Coastal Act permitting requirements to streamline rebuilding efforts by reducing bureaucratic delays.
  2. Executive Order N-4-25: Addresses state permitting requirements that could hinder rebuilding efforts and includes measures to prevent price gouging.
  3. Executive Order N-10-25: Provides relief for residents in specific zip codes by suspending late payment penalties for 2025 property taxes, with penalties and interest waived until April 10, 2026. It also allows businesses in these zip codes to file personal property statements up to a year late.

CalFresh Benefits

CalFresh is offering replacement benefits to SNAP beneficiaries impacted by recent wildfires to help compensate for lost food, but you must apply within 10 days of food loss.

Eligible individuals should contact the Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services at (866) 613-3777 to apply and access this vital support during recovery. To apply, download a Replacement/Affidavit/Authorization Form at https://SDHunger.org/replacement-calfresh  To submit your form, you can either walk it into your local Health and Human Services office, contact a local CalFresh Application Assistance Provider at https://sdhunger.org/calfresh-assistance(link is external), or submit the form online at https://GetCalFresh.org/docs

Precautions When Returning Home After the Fire

LA County Public Health has provided guidance for returning after the fire. Areas that have been affected by the wildfire are impacted by smoke, soot, ash, chemicals, water, and structural damage. Before entering any area heavily damaged or destroyed by a wildfire, be sure that officials have cleared the area and allowed entry. Once you can enter a burned-out area, please take appropriate precautions and be aware of hazards to your health and safety when returning to a property.

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