Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Property Tax Relief Offered to Los Angeles County Wildfire Victims

Los Angeles County property owners affected by current wildfires can qualify for immediate property tax relief and payment deferrals, California tax officials announced today.

The State Board of Equalization said properties in Governor-proclaimed disaster areas or those experiencing qualifying calamities with damage of at least $10,000 of current market value can receive temporary tax reductions and potential refunds. Once properties are rebuilt, their pre-damaged values will be restored.

Affected owners must file claims with the Office of Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang within 12 months of the damage date or their County’s specified timeframe, whichever is later. Eligible owners can also defer their next property tax installment without penalties or interest.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the residents and communities impacted by these devastating wildfires, and we thank all of the courageous firefighters and first responders who continue to battle the ongoing fires,” said State Board of Equalization Chairman Ted Gaines.

“As a resident of Los Angeles County,

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Gov. Newsom Proposes Billions in New Funding for LA Fire Emergencies

CITY NEWS SERVICE

In an effort to secure $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts in the L.A. region, Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday expanded a special session of the California Legislature.

The governor signed a proclamation Monday, which expands the scope of the current special session and allows the legislature to consider and approve new funding requests without delay.

If any funding is approved, it would support recovery, cleanup, wildfire preparedness and reopening schools shuttered by the fires, according to Newsom’s office.

“California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger — including billions in new and accelerated state funding so we can move faster to deliver for thousands who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods in these firestorms,” Newsom said in a statement.

“To the people of Los Angeles: We have your back,” he continued.

The governor specifically requested $1 million to augment state emergency response funding —

Monday, January 13, 2025

Parts Of Kinneloa Mesa To Reopen After Eaton Fire

Los Angeles County officials announced a partial lifting of evacuation orders in fire-affected communities, allowing some residents to return home starting Monday afternoon.

“Your safety and resilience are what matter most,” officials emphasized in the announcement, outlining a detailed repopulation plan for specific zones within the Kinneloa Mesa area.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is announcing the repopulation of communities impacted by the Eaton Fire effective 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025,” according to the official statement. Orders are being modified “from Evacuation Orders TO Evacuation Warnings” for areas south of Heights Road to New York Drive and east of Outpost Lane to Sierra Madre Villa Avenue in the unincorporated Kinneloa Mesa Community. For those using the Watch Duty App and Protect.Genasys.com, this zone is listed as “KIN-KINNELOA.”

“The warning area of Kinneloa Mesa is considered a ‘soft closure’. Only residents are allowed,” officials stated. Meanwhile, “the remaining areas of the unincorporated community of Altadena” remain under evacuation orders.

Monday, January 13, 2025

LA County Board to Ratify Local Emergency Prompted by Wildfires

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Following state and federal emergency proclamations for the Los Angeles-area wildfires, the county Board of Supervisors is expected Tuesday to ratify the local emergency declaration.

The proclamations were declared to provide immediate access to recovery resources and funds, amidst wildfires blazing through the county. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the board chair, signed a county emergency declaration last week, but it must be ratified by the full board.

As of midday Monday, the two biggest fires, the Palisades Fire had burned nearly 24,000 acres with 14% containment and the Eaton Fire had burned over 14,000 acres with 33% containment, according to Cal Fire.

The death toll from the fires was reported to be 24 as of Sunday evening, while more than 10,000 structures were believed to have been destroyed or damaged.

The board on Tuesday will also ratify a Curfew Order issued on Thursday limiting public movement from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in evacuation zones and a Local Health Emergency declaration from Friday.

Monday, January 13, 2025

LA County Bans Leaf Blowers During Fire Recovery

STAFF REPORT

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a temporary ban on leaf blowers and similar air-blowing devices to protect public health during post-fire recovery efforts. The ban comes in response to hazardous air quality conditions, increased ash accumulation, and disrupted health services caused by recent strong winds and fires.

“Ash is like a fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands. It’s not just dirt,” said County Health Officer Muntu Davis, M.D., M.P.H.

The prohibition applies to all power air blowers throughout Los Angeles County and will remain in effect until the County Health Officer determines fire recovery conditions have improved sufficiently to permit safe operation of these devices. The measure aims to limit health impacts from fire ash, smoke, and particulate matter resulting from Critical Fire Events and Windstorm conditions.

The Department of Public Health has made additional guidance available in both English and Spanish to help residents navigate the emergency period.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Not Uncommon for Pollutants to Enter Water Supply After a Fire

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The City is testing the drinking water today amid concern that ash may have made its way into the supply.

Last week the City’s utility told local residents not to drink or cook with the water after the massive fire broke out in Eaton Canyon, which prompted a massive response from firefighters in Altadena and Pasadena.

Local residents should not use tap water for drinking and cooking. Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation.

Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe to drink.

It is not uncommon for wildfires to impact drinking water.

The Woolsey Fire in Malibu in 2018 contaminated drinking water with bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals.

The fire released VOCs like benzene, toluene, and styrene into the water,

Monday, January 13, 2025

DoorDash Waives Delivery Fees In Los Angeles County Amid Wildfires

STAFF REPORT

Company pledges up to $1 million donation to World Central Kitchen relief efforts

DoorDash announced it will waive delivery fees on all orders in Los Angeles County while simultaneously launching a charitable initiative to support wildfire relief efforts. The move aims to assist local residents accessing essential goods and services during the ongoing wildfire crisis.

“By waiving our fees on all orders – from local restaurants, to groceries and essentials like baby food, pet supplies, and toiletries – we hope that we can help getting through this next chapter even a fraction easier,” the company stated.

The fee waiver applies to all deliveries within Los Angeles County, including restaurants, groceries, and essential items. DoorDash noted that deliveries may experience delays as they prioritize Dasher safety, and operations remain suspended in areas with current evacuation mandates or where it is unsafe to deliver.

In addition to waiving fees, DoorDash will donate $1 to World Central Kitchen for every order placed in Los Angeles County,

Monday, January 13, 2025

Huntington Health Resumes Community Health Services in Wake of Devastating Wildfires

STAFF REPORT

President and CEO, Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, shares message of gratitude to first responders and impacted employees

Huntington Hospital remained open for safe emergency and inpatient care throughout this terrible disaster. Now, thanks to the swift and expert work of our teams, nearly all Huntington community physician offices, as well as partner locations for urgent care and imaging, are reopened. Most surgeries and procedures have resumed, both at the hospital and in Huntington’s outpatient surgery center.

“My heart is with our beloved community, and I know many of you are still reeling from these devastating fires,” said Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Health. “First, I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the tireless work of firefighters, police, and emergency responders working day and night to protect our community. Our incredibly devoted employees and physicians at Huntington Health continue their work caring for the community, 24/7, despite the loss of their own homes,

Monday, January 13, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivors Sue Southern California Edison for Damages

STAFF REPORT

Three law firms filed a mass tort lawsuit on January 13, 2025, against Southern California Edison Company (SCE) on behalf of survivors of the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, one of the communities devasted during the fast-moving wildfire. The legal action seeks compensation for property damage and personal injuries suffered by residents who live in Altadena following the January 7 fire that killed 16 civilians and destroyed 7,081 structures.

“This deadly fire and the property damage it has caused is catastrophic in scale,” said Alexander “Trey” Robertson, IV of Robertson & Associates, LLP, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs. “The area where the fire started is designated as a ‘High Fire Threat District – Tier 3′, which means there is an extreme risk to people and property from a utility-caused wildfire. Despite this risk, and during life-threatening fire weather conditions predicted by the National Weather Service, SCE did not de-energize its powerlines in the area where the fire started.”

Monday, January 13, 2025

Pasadena Mayor Addresses Community in Wake of Devastating Eaton Fire

STAFF REPORT

Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo issued a letter to residents on Monday, Jan. 13 addressing the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, emphasizing community resilience and outlining initial recovery efforts.

The message highlights the collaboration between Altadena and Pasadena communities while acknowledging the significant personal and material losses suffered by residents.

“In the wake of the Eaton Fire, we come together as a community to grieve the profound losses we’ve endured. We mourn the lives lost, the homes that held a lifetime of memories, and the cherished places that have been the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. These losses are deeply personal, and my heart is with every single one of you who is hurting today,” Gordo wrote.

The Mayor specifically recognized the contributions of first responders, including firefighters and police officers, who “rushed toward danger, putting themselves on the line to save lives and protect our community.”

He also praised the diverse volunteer response,