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As fire victims flock to GoFundMe for help in rebuilding, Los Angeles County government will create its own fund for residents who have lost their livelihoods or had their homes and businesses reduced to rubble in the devastating wildfires. It’s planned.
The County Board of Supervisors, meeting Tuesday for the first time since fires destroyed large swathes of the county, gave the chief executive a week to iron out details. The fund would likely be made up of individual donations and could be used to cover a variety of costs, such as moving costs and wage reimbursements.
“We know the list of needs is wide-ranging and ranges from child care to housing assistance,” said Superintendent Kathryn Berger, whose district includes Altadena, which was partially destroyed by the Eaton Fire. “This gives funders the opportunity to support a tremendous amount of need across the county.”
Berger, along with Superintendent Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes the Pacific Palisades, put together an initial blueprint for the region’s recovery, including measures to accelerate rebuilding, crack down on price gouging and raise money for disaster victims. Supervisors passed the motion 5-0 during a board meeting that felt oddly routine as wildfires continued to rage miles away.
Horvath said the county does not yet know the cost of the fire and warned that the fire could worsen if high winds are expected.
“The economic and emotional toll on our community is immeasurable,” she said.
The plan calls on leaders to find a way to suspend permit requirements in unincorporated areas of the county, including Altadena, so residents can rebuild as quickly as possible. Planning Department Director Amy Bodek said in an interview that residents in unincorporated areas can rebuild without worrying about new zoning codes.
“The good news is that even if you have a home that doesn’t meet the current zoning requirements, you can still build your home just like you did before,” she said.
The Los Angeles City Council passed its own measure Tuesday aimed at helping wildfire victims in the Pacific Palisades and other parts of the city, including protections against price gouging and evictions. The city council also took steps to secure funding for rebuilding and restoration.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell said she wants to distribute the money from the county fund in a way that “highlights, gives voice to, and supports historically disadvantaged communities.”
Chief Executive Officer Fethia Davenport said there would be a “natural prioritization” of funding based on the severity of applicants’ needs. For example, he said people who received temporary housing subsidies from insurance companies could be placed after applicants. Someone who got nothing.
“We’re not necessarily saying we’re going to exclude anyone, but we know that not all homeowners are in the same position. Some had insurance. Some people don’t have insurance right now. I did,” she said. “Some people are on the verge of becoming homeless.”
Supervisors praised Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone. This is in stark contrast to the city of Los Angeles, where the relationship between Mayor Karen Bass and Fire Chief Kristin Crowley publicly soured amid national attention.
“Chief Marrone, you’re a superhero,” director Hilda Solis said, as the crowd erupted in applause.
Commissioners in other counties were grilled by supervisors about repeated questions from voters.
What is being done about rent hikes?
Rafael Carvajal, director of the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs and Commerce, said officials are “actively investigating” the perpetrators through a task force and the county attorney has begun issuing subpoenas.
Will property owners who wish to rebuild be appraised at current market value?
County Assessor Jeff Plan said the abandoned home’s assessment will remain as it was before the damage occurred.
And perhaps the most pressing question is when can residents return?
Kevin McGowan, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management, said there is no firm timeline yet as crews rush to remove fire debris and hazardous waste.
“If you find out you can’t bring people home for another week, they want to know that, so you can be angry once, you can be disappointed once. Instead of being told every day, today is the day. There isn’t,”’ Berger said.
The Rev. John Shaver, pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Pacific Palisades, went downtown to plead with supervisors to let him into the neighborhood after losing his home and church. He said many of the area’s residents have not lived in the area since the evacuation, but are in dire need of faith leaders.
“You help us get in,” he said. “No one will help us.”
Times staff writer Tony Barboza contributed to this report.
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