Thursday, January 16, 2025

LA County Board To Consider Rental Protections Following Fires That Caused Massive Property Damage

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Kathryn Barger and Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, will convene Tuesday to consider measures responding to last week’s continuing fire disasters as well as development plans that could reshape housing availability across multiple communities.

The Supervisors will consider a resolution on rental protections and short-term rentals following the Proclamation of Local Emergency for the January 2025 Windstorm and Critical Fire Events.

The Board will also review the South Bay Area Plan, which proposes Housing Element changes to accommodate 5,361 potential units across 94 properties in eight communities including Alondra Park/El Camino Village, Del Aire, and Lennox. The plan also includes technical changes affecting 2,511 properties and additional changes to 283 properties in Del Aire and 13 opportunity area sites.

Parallel to this, the Westside Area Plan proposes enabling 5,548 housing units across 62 properties in seven communities including Ladera Heights, Marina del Rey, and Ballona Wetlands. Both plans aim to increase housing density near transit while preserving community character.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Free Stays at Hilton Hotels for Local Residents Who Lost Homes to Eaton Fire

L.A. County residents who lost their homes to the wildfires can apply for a hotel voucher to stay free at Hilton properties for up to seven nights, officials announced Wednesday.

Hilton, American Express and 211 LA announced plans Wednesday to provide the vouchers, making 20,000 hotel room nights available. Residents can apply to 211 LA for housing assistance at bit.ly/211-Emergency-Services- Request.

Residents who have already applied through 211 LA do not need to fill out another application.

“We are deeply grateful to Hilton and American Express for their emergency support during this heartbreaking time,” Maribel Marin, executive director of 211 LA, said in a statement. “Their generosity in providing shelter to those who have lost so much, as well as to the brave first responders on the front lines, reflects the best of what it means to come together as a community.”

Before any vouchers are distributed, the organizations will verify evacuation zones to ensure fire victims can receive aid.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

County Health Officer Issues Order Prohibiting Removal of Fire Debris

CITY NEWS SERVICE

An order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of debris from critical fire areas, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed was issued Wednesday by Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis.

Fire debris, ash and dirt from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Exposure to those toxic substances can occur through inhaling ash and fire dust particles, contact with skin or contamination of drinking water supplies.

Improper handling or disposal of fire debris can increase these risks, spreading hazardous substances throughout the community and endangering workers, residents and the environment, the statement said.

Removal of fire debris will be conducted in a two-phase process.

The first phase will consist of a hazardous materials assessment of all burned properties by the Los Angeles County Fire Health &

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Santa Anita Racetrack Halts Donation Acceptance Amid Overwhelming Community Response

The City announced that Santa Anita Race Track has suspended accepting donations following an outpouring of community support and contributions.

“Due to an overwhelming outpour of donations and support, Santa Anita Race Track is no longer able to accept donations of any kind until further notice. We ask that donations be sent to local nonprofits and organizations aiding in relief efforts,” city officials said in a Facebook post.

The announcement concluded with gratitude for the public response, stating “We thank you for your generosity.”

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Hip-Hoppers Among Stars of Online Wildfires Relief Benefit

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Musicians will.i.am, Derrick “D-Nice” Jones and DJ Hed, along with actor-philanthropist Etienne Maurice, will present a livestream benefit event Thursday evening to support those impacted by the L.A. County wildfires.

Modeled after the “Club Quarantine” created by D-Nice in his living room during the COVID-19 pandemic, “LA Check In” is aimed at rejuvenating fire-affected residents “during a time of displacement and isolation,” according the Annenberg Foundation and the i.am Angel Foundation, the event’s sponsors.

The 6 p.m. event will originate from will.i.am‘s FYI Campus and can be viewed on Instagram and YouTube. It will include sets featuring D-Nice and DJ Hed, and will include updates on available resources and feature “stories of hope,” according to the producers.

The event is expected to include unidentified celebrity guests and “hometown heroes.”

LA Check In will also provide information on ways to donate to first responders, evacuees, and about shelters for people who were already homeless before the fires,

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Eaton Fire 55% Contained, Death Toll Backs Down to 16 But 18 Remain Missing

CITY NEWS SERVICE

More evacuation orders were lifted Thursday on the outskirts of the deadly Eaton Fire burn area in and near Altadena and Pasadena, with containment of the blaze steadily increasing and Santa Ana winds finally backing down.

As of Wednesday evening, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres, with containment at 45%, up from 35% Tuesday night. By 6 a.m. today, Cal-Fire raised containment to 55%.

The break in the winds is expected to be a major boon for the firefighting effort, which was hampered over the last three days due to escalating winds, even though the Santa Anas never reached the previously anticipated strength.

The County’s red flag warning of critical fire danger expired in the San Gabriel Valley, but it will remain in effect until 3 p.m. Thursday in the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, with winds of 15 to 25 mph anticipated, along with gusts of up 40 mph.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Altadena Family Displaced by Eaton Fire Faces Illegal Price Gouging

STAFF REPORT

An Altadena family who were victims of the Eaton Fire now say they have been victimized again.

Warren Skidmore and his family were forced to leave their home when the fire ravaged their community.

Seeking temporary refuge, they found an Airbnb in nearby Pasadena, only to discover, they say, that the rent for their stay increased by more than 43% in the following week.

Many people are reporting illegal price gouging as they struggle to secure housing in the aftermath of the blaze.

“My kids are great kids, and they’ve grown up in that house. That was their place, and they’ve lost their place,” Skidmore told ABC News Channel 7. “They’ve lost their little havens they’ve made for themselves.”

California law prohibits businesses from increasing prices by more than 10% during a state of emergency, a rule aimed at protecting vulnerable consumers during times of crisis.

Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed that price gouging during the ongoing emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is illegal,

Thursday, January 16, 2025

County Health Officer Issues Order for Safe Removal, Transport, and Disposal of Fire Debris

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued a new order in preparation for fire recovery operations and to ensure the safe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris resulting from recent wildfires. This order aims to protect public health and safety during the cleanup process for fire debris.

The devastating fires throughout Los Angeles County have caused the destruction of thousands of residences and other structures, leaving behind fire debris and ash that pose significant threats to public health. To ensure public health and safety, the Health Officer has issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris at fire damaged and burned properties located in Critical Fire Areas, including the areas of the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia Fires, among others, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an approved government agency.

Fire debris removal activities must be approved and comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The County has requested state and federal assistance to expediate recovery activities and ensure the safe removal of fire debris from structures damaged by the fires.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Spectrum Pledges $2.5 Million for Southern California Wildfire Relief

STAFF REPORT

Telecommunications provider launches comprehensive support package with cash donations, small business loans, and community assistance programs

Spectrum announced a $2.5 million commitment to support wildfire relief efforts in Southern California, launching a multi-faceted response aimed at helping affected communities stay connected and rebuild. The January 14, 2025 initiative combines direct financial aid, small business support, and infrastructure assistance to maintain critical communications during the ongoing crisis.

The support package includes $500,000 in cash contributions split between the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, and the California Fire Foundation. Spectrum has allocated $1 million through its Community Investment Loan Fund, working with community development financial institutions to support small businesses serving underserved communities. An additional $1 million will fund public service announcements supporting nonprofit organizations’ relief efforts. The company has also established a microsite to facilitate employee donations to the American Red Cross.

Through its Spectrum Community Center Assist program, the company will improve community centers in underserved rural and urban areas while supporting job skills training programs.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

State, Federal Tax Filing Deadlines Extended for LACo Residents Due to Fires

CITY NEWS SERVICE

As a result of the devastation caused by the Los Angeles-area wildfires, residents countywide will have additional time this year to file their federal and state income taxes.

Normally set on April 15, the tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County residents and businesses will now be Oct. 15, according to the Internal Revenue Service and the governor’s office.

“The Oct. 15, 2025, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025,” according to a statement from the IRS. “This relief also applies to the 2024 estimated tax payment normally due on Jan. 15, 2025, and estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16, and Sept. 15, 2025. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Jan. 7, 2025, and before Jan. 22, 2025, will be abated as long as the tax deposits are made by Jan. 22, 2025.”

The California Franchise Tax Board mirrored the IRS’