United in Recovery – Jan. 29th Update

United in Recovery: Resources and Support for Wildfire Victims

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up to receive it directly by visiting the bottom of the page and clicking ‘Join EKA’s Newsletter.’ For vital updates, resources on applying for aid, tax relief details, and support for employers navigating recovery challenges, visit our Wildfire Recovery page

LA County Launches Online Wildfire Debris Removal Program

Los Angeles County is expediting wildfire recovery efforts by making Right of Entry (ROE) forms available online for property owners. This initiative, a collaboration between the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles County Public Works, aims to streamline debris removal and accelerate rebuilding for wildfire survivors. Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger commended the collaboration and emphasized the importance of quick recovery efforts, noting that ROE forms allow property owners to opt into the program, enabling safe and efficient debris clearance. The forms can be accessed at https://recovery.lacounty.gov

Hazardous materials from burned properties require special handling and safe disposal by US EPA’s cleanup crews. These materials will be sent to licensed disposal facilities (not municipal landfills). The EPA has been assessing and preparing to remove the first phase of debris – hazardous materials such as lithium batteries, asbestos, paints, cleaners and pesticides. Read more and check out EPA’s interactive map. To watch what Col. Eric Swenson of the US Army Corps of Engineers has to say to residents about what they can expect during the debris removal process, click here. Read more about what to expect after your return to your community in this FAQ.

Disaster Recovery Center

  • A new Disaster Recovery Center is open in Altadena to provide essential recovery services to fire victims. The center is open seven days a week at 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001.

State of California Assistance

  • The state has set up a website where fire victims can apply for assistance, replace documents, and start the recovery process.  The website is https://www.ca.gov/LAfires  

Returning Safely to Altadena and the Pacific Palisades

Yesterday, City and County leadership along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided updates on reentry, public safety and the debris removal process. This town hall included an overview of the right-of-entry (ROE) forms and the opt-out process for residents.

  • To participate, residents must complete the Right of Entry form, which is now available to download or complete online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal and at Disaster Recovery Centers.
  • The Right of Entry form is part of Phase 2 of the debris removal program where residents can Opt-In for free nonhazardous debris removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or residents can Opt-Out. Currently underway is Phase 1 of the debris removal program, which includes the removal of hazardous debris.
  • To participate in the free service, residents must complete a Right of Entry form by March 31, 2025. The US Army Corps of Engineers and their contractorscannot access a property to conduct the debris removal unless this form is completed.
  • Residents can call the Fire Debris Hotline with questions, or if they need help filling out the form at: 844-347-3332. In-person assistance also is available at the Disaster Recovery Centers open 9 AM to 8 PM.

The free debris removal program covers property assessment; asbestos removal; tree removal; ash and soil removal; burned debris removal; structural demolition; vehicle removal; erosional control; environmental monitoring; and potential foundation removal.

As residents return to their neighborhoods, the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Health and Mental Health ask fire victims to take the appropriate steps to safeguard their physical and mental health by following these safety tips and reaching out for professional help if experiencing mental health distress.

  • Eaton Fire: All areas are open to residents
  • Palisades Fire: All residents in the Pacific Palisades can now access their properties. For more information on reentry guidance, including knowing the risks and ways to keep safe, visit the City’s website. Contractors will be allowed in the fire area (LA City) to conduct assessment work. Contractors will be required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas. Contractors must report to the check-in area (Lot 3) to be granted access and will be provided a pass to enter.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also assigned the US Environmental Protection Agency to survey, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials from properties burned by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. This work is free to residents.

Gov Newsom Signs $2.5 Billion Bipartisan Relief Package

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation allocating $2.5 billion in disaster relief to expedite recovery from the Los Angeles firestorm. The funds will support emergency response efforts, streamline rebuilding, and restore fire-damaged infrastructure.

  • Immediate Relief: $2.5 billion for emergency measures, including evacuations, sheltering, debris removal, and hazard mitigation.
  • Rebuilding Support:
    • $4 million to expedite planning and inspection processes for faster rebuilding.
    • $1 million to assist schools in recovery efforts.
  • Protecting Survivors:
    • Tax relief and extended filing deadlines for affected businesses and residents.
    • Executive orders to streamline temporary housing construction, prevent evictions, and offer mortgage relief.
    • Safeguards against price gouging on housing, construction materials, and rent.
    • Protections against predatory real estate practices targeting fire victims.
  • Debris Cleanup and Flood Mitigation: Accelerated efforts to clear hazardous debris and stabilize fire-damaged areas to prevent mudslides and flooding.

Governor Newsom emphasized bipartisan collaboration, pledging ongoing support for Los Angeles to recover and rebuild stronger and faster. Legislative leaders described the funding as a “down payment” on long-term recovery efforts.

Assessor Announces Online Disaster Relief Filing for Homeowners

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang has introduced an online Disaster Relief e-Form, allowing property owners impacted by recent wildfires to file Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) claims anytime, anywhere, using any electronic device. This modernized service improves accessibility while maintaining traditional options like mail, phone, and in-person visits. The M&C program helps property owners with over $10,000 in damage qualify for reassessment at a reduced property value, lowering property taxes during recovery. Claims must be filed within 12 months of the disaster date. Filing is easy: visit ADS-820 Misfortune & Calamity e-Formto review the required documents, complete the form, and submit it online.

Additional Benefits for Fire-Affected Property Owners:

  • Tax Deferrals: Eligible owners may defer property taxes during claim reviews.
  • e-Service Accounts: Property owners can register on the Assessor’s website to track claims, update contact information, and prevent fraud through email alerts. For more details or to file a claim, visit assessor.lacounty.gov.

City of Malibu Hosts Town Hall

On January 25, the City of Malibu hosted a Town Hall focused on recovery and rebuilding efforts following the Palisades Fire. The City committed to addressing unanswered questions via its website. Mayor Doug Stewart expressed gratitude for partner agencies and reaffirmed the City’s dedication to a smooth recovery process. Key actions, including amendments to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Municipal Code, will be considered at the January 27 City Council meeting. Proposed changes aim to streamline rebuilding permits, allow size increases for damaged structures, and align regulations with the Governor’s Executive Order to expedite recovery. The City is also establishing a permanent Rebuild Assistance Office to centralize resources and support for affected property owners and expanding its workforce to process rebuilding applications more efficiently. Visit https://malibucity.org/1168/Palisades-Fire  for updates.

Small Business Relief: If your business or work has been impacted by the wildfires, you may be eligible for a Small Business Administration Loan if you incurred physical or economic damage. Learn more here and apply before March 10.

Personal Records Replacement: Los Angeles County residents can request property and vital records (i.e., birth, death, marriage) at no cost to support their recovery efforts. Anyone in need of vital records should call 800-201-8999 and select Option 1, followed by Option 2, or email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for assistance.

Prescription Medication Assistance: Local assistance centers will provide medication assistance services to assist residents in need of prescription medications.

Mental Health Resources: Anyone feeling overwhelmed or in distress because of the fires can access mental health resources at Local Assistance Centers. Residents can also call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 to receive free crisis counseling.

Report Unlawful Price Gouging: The price of rent or other items cannot be increased by more than 10%. Contact local law enforcement or the California Attorney General here to report any rent or price gouging that is taking place. You can also contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222.

Insurance Tips: The California Department of Insurance has teams ready to assist evacuees and people impacted by wildfires. The Department is also warning of fraudulent activities targeted at affected residents. Find tips information here.

LA County Page For The Palisades, Eaton, And Other Wildfires

LA County has created a site with information for wildfire victims. Click here. You can also register for emergency notifications here.

Do Not Drink Notice

Effective January 10, 2025, LADWP issued a Do Not Drink Notice in the zip code 90272 and the LADWP service area immediately south of the 90272 zip code and north of San Vicente Blvd. Check this interactive map to see if your area is affected and learn how it impacts your tap water.   LADWP is providing bottled drinking water to all impacted customers at these locations:

  • Veteran’s Barrington Park | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM until further notice.
  • Palisades Branch Library | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM until further notice.

Deadline to Apply For Federal Assistance is March 10, 2025

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance and SBA loans – including help for homeowners, renters and businesses – is March 10, 2025. Visit lacity.gov to learn more or stop by the City Disaster Recovery Center located at the UCLA Research Park, formerly known as the Westside Pavilion at 10850 Pico Blvd. Current hours of operation are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 7 days a week.

Fire Waste Headed For Collection Sites In Malibu & Azusa

The EPA is opening two hazardous waste collection sites to handle debris from the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The Malibu site, near Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, will manage Palisades fire debris. The Azusa site, located at Lario Park, will handle Eaton fire debris but has drawn opposition from neighboring cities, including Azusa, Duarte, Irwindale, and Baldwin Park. These sites are part of the first phase of wildfire debris removal, focused on safely handling hazardous materials such as paint, cleansers, oils, propane tanks, batteries, and asbestos. The service is free for property owners, with waste being sorted and transported to hazardous waste landfills.

EKA