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Wildfires Briefs: Rain Forecasted, Mayor Issues Emergency Order and Library Foundations Support Los Angeles Fire Victims

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Wildfires Briefs: Rain Forecasted, Mayor Issues Emergency Order and Library Foundations Support Los Angeles Fire Victims

 

With Rain Forecasted, Mayor Issues Emergency Order to Shore Up Burn Areas & Protect Watershed and Beaches From Hazardous Runoff

LOS ANGELES — Ahead of possible rain, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an Emergency Executive Order Jan. 21, to support burn areas and to mitigate the serious health and environmental impacts of fire-related hazardous pollutants on the stormwater system, beaches and ocean. The order marshals City Public Works crews to clear and remove vegetation, shore up hillsides, reinforce roads and clear debris from neighborhoods and burn areas ahead of rainy weather that could arrive on Saturday.

Mayor Bass’ order directs actions including:

  • Preparing for future wet weather by installing reinforced barriers
  • Removing fire debris with heavy duty equipment
  • Capturing stormwater and diverting it to the sewer system

The order will be implemented in coordination with LA County and state departments. Later on Jan. 21, Mayor Bass will inspect progress made by city crews to install reinforcements and on other protective measures.

Emergency Executive Order No. 2

Watershed Protection

Issue Date: January 21, 2025

Subject: Expediting Measures to Protect Water, Beaches and Ocean From Hazardous Pollutants in the Coming Rainy Season

In accordance with my Emergency Executive Order No. 1 issued on January 13, 2025, the five Bureaus of the Board of Public Works established the Watershed Hazards Mitigation Task Force to evaluate and recommend emergency mitigation measures in anticipation of Los Angeles’ rainy season.

To protect infrastructure, properties, local waterways, beaches, coastal waters, and groundwater basins from mudflows, debris flows, and toxic runoff caused by the firestorm, pursuant to City Charter Section 231, subsection (i), and under the provisions of the Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 8.29 that authorize me to promulgate, issue and enforce emergency rules, regulations, orders, and directives, I hereby declare the following order to be necessary for the protection of life and property and I hereby order, effective immediately that the City take the following actions utilizing City staff or contracts:

  1. Wet Weather Preparedness
  1. Implement temporary erosion control and debris-flow mitigation measures within the streets and flood control infrastructure of burn areas to keep contaminated materials from entering the storm drain, in cooperation with California Office of Emergency Services, Los Angeles County and other government organizations. This will include sandbags, straw wattles, and other flow control and filtration measures, as needed.
  1. Remove vegetation and sediment from debris basins in the Palisades area in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-13-25, issued on January 20, 2025.
  1. Restore the use of Low Flow Diversion pump stations that capture stormwater and divert it to the sewer system during low flow conditions to prevent fire-contaminated stormwater from being directly discharged to the ocean. Actions required include acquiring and utilizing portable generators until utility power is restored, assessing the power and communications status, and completing any necessary repairs.
  1. Identify opportunities for soil stabilization on private properties and notify homeowners of County, State and Federal guidance for flood, debris, and erosion control.
  1. Burn Debris Control Measures
  1. Install caps or plugs on the sewer house connections from damaged homes to keep contaminants and debris from entering the sewer system. This debris may collect in the City’s sewer system and cause sanitary sewer overflows that could enter nearby catch basins and discharge to the ocean.
  1. As allowable by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and in cooperation with State and Federal agencies, conduct street sweeping in the Palisades area to remove debris with potential contaminated materials from the public right-of-way before they enter into the City’s storm drain systems.
  1. Encourage residents not to wash cars and driveways such that the runoff leaves their property. For properties with no fire damage, residents are directed to follow Los Angeles County Public Health guidelines to properly collect and dispose of the ash.

LA County Library Foundation and Altadena Library Foundation Launch Connected Wellness Campaign to Support Los Angeles Fire Victims

Los Angeles County — In response to the devastating impacts of the Los Angeles Wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, LA County Library Foundation and Altadena Library Foundation have partnered to launch the connected wellness campaign, a collaborative effort to provide essential resources to affected families and individuals.

The campaign aims to address three critical needs:

  • New Books and School Supplies: Funds will provide new books and school supplies to help children and families continue their education with essential learning materials.
  • Free MiFi Internet Services: Donations will be used to provide MiFi devices with a data plan. These portable hotspots utilize cellular networks to offer Wi-Fi, keeping families and individuals connected to vital resources.
  • Diapers, Wipes, and Menstrual Products: Contributions will support the purchase and distribution of diapers, wipes, and menstrual products that are crucial to maintain health and well-being.

This partnership underscores both foundations’ commitment to helping the community recover by providing resources that enhance connectivity and well-being during this challenging time.

Community members across Los Angeles County are encouraged to support this vital effort. Due to space limitations, the library systems can only accept monetary donations at this time. Visit LACountyLibrary.org/connected-wellness or AltadenaLibrary.org/connected-wellness to learn more and donate.

Eighteen States Sue to Stop Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

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Eighteen States Sue to Stop Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

New Jersey Democratic Attorney General Matt Platkin Jan. 21 said he’s leading a group of 18 states, the District of Columbia and the City of San Francisco, in filing a lawsuit blocking President Donald Trump’s order that would end birthright citizenship.

“Today I’m announcing that New Jersey is leading a group of 18 states the District of Columbia and the City of San Francisco in filing a suit to block president Trump’s executive order eliminating Birthright citizenship. For many Americans the executive order renders many children born on American soil without citizenship, creating for the first time a class of American born children whose health and well-being are threatened by the their own government. This is an extreme and unprecedented act and this executive order is an assault on the rule of law. It attacks a right that is core to our nation’s earliest days. Presidents in this country have broad powers but they are not Kings.”

The AP reported that Trump’s roughly 700-word executive order, issued late Jan. 20, is a fulfillment of something he’s talked about during the presidential campaign. But whether it succeeds is far from certain amid what is likely to be a lengthy legal battle over the president’s immigration policies.

Even for a president it will not be easy to get around a constitutional amendment.

According to FindLaw, (a business that provides online legal information in state laws, case law and codes, legal blogs and articles) there are two ways to repeal an amendment.

One way is for the proposed amendment to be passed by the House and the Senate with two-thirds majority votes. Then, the proposed amendment would have to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. The second way to repeal an amendment is to have a Constitutional Convention. It would take two-thirds of state legislatures to call for this convention and the states would draft amendments, which would have to be ratified by three-fourths of the states.

Details: Read more at: https://bit.ly/3E0WGBB

 

State of the Port’ Event Available Via Livestream, Jan. 23

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State of the Port’ Event Available Via Livestream, Jan. 23

 

LOS ANGELES — The Port of Los Angeles will be offering a livestream of its sold-out 10th annual ‘State of the Port’ event on Jan. 23, providing all stakeholders the opportunity to get an update on the Port’s 2025 priorities and programs.

The livestream will begin at 12 p.m., Pacific. The video will be available live and for playback on the port’s YouTube channel and website.

Port Executive Director Gene Seroka will outline the port’s priorities for 2025, including sustainability and the environment, investment in the community, workforce development, cargo efficiency and supply chain digitization.

The event is hosted by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association or PMSA in conjunction with the Port of Los Angeles. All proceeds from sold-out event will support two local non-profit organizations: EXP, which focuses on next-generation maritime workforce development, and the International Seafarers Center, which provides and maintains facilities and services for merchant seamen calling at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Guests attending the event in person and those watching via livestream are encouraged to help those affected by the Los Angeles area wildfires with financial support, donations or volunteering. More information is available at lacity.gov/lastrong.

Rep. Barragán Introduces “Commitment to Environmental Justice Act” to Lock In Protections for Vulnerable Communities

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Rep. Barragán Introduces “Commitment to Environmental Justice Act” to Lock In Protections for Vulnerable Communities

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) Jan. 21 introduced the “Commitment to Environmental Justice Act,” to lock-in a government-wide commitment to environmental justice by federal agencies. The bill is in response to several of President Donald Trump’s first day Executive Orders that aim to roll-back the federal government’s progress on environmental justice and equity.

By codifying President Biden’s Executive Order 14096, “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All,” the bill ensures that prioritizing environmental justice remains a core responsibility of federal agencies, regardless of changes in administration.

“Every federal agency must have environmental justice as a guiding principle for their work,” said Rep. Barragán. “This legislation makes sure that the most vulnerable communities are not forgotten, and that our government will continue to protect clean air and clean water for communities of color and disadvantaged communities.”

By codifying Executive Order 14096, the Commitment to Environmental Justice Act will defend overburdened communities from the disproportionate environmental and health impacts they face, and mandate federal agencies to integrate environmental justice into their missions and actions permanently.

Details: A copy of the bill can be found here.

Murder Investigation, Coachella Ave. LB

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Murder Investigation, Coachella Ave. LB

Homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a male adult victim that occurred on Jan. 18, on Coachella Ave.

About 9:15 p.m., officers responded to the 6800 block of Coachella Avenue regarding a shots call, later determined to be a hit shooting. Upon arrival, officers contacted three male adult victims with gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until being relieved by Long Beach Fire Department personnel, who transported the victims to local hospitals, where one of the victims succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The motive for the shooting and circumstances of the incident are currently under investigation.

The decedent has been identified as Tyrant Otee Walker, a 55-year-old resident of Compton. The second victim remains in critical but stable condition, and the third victim was treated at a hospital and released.

This incident is being investigated as possibly gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Leticia Gamboa and Oscar Valenzuela at 562-570-7244 or anonymously at 800-222-(8477, www.lacrimestoppers.org.

 

RPV City Council to Host Landslide Dewatering Well Discussion Jan. 21

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RPV City Council to Host Landslide Dewatering Well Discussion Jan. 21

The Rancho Palos Verdes city council Jan. 21 will consider potentially expanding the city’s network of deep dewatering wells in the Portuguese Bend Landslide area.

Since installation began in September 2024, 11 wells have removed over 112 million gallons of groundwater that has fueled unprecedented land movement.

These productive wells have yielded positive results. Land movement in the vicinity has decelerated significantly, with no new movement recorded in the Seaview and Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods in the past three months. To date, the council has allocated $14.7 million for the emergency dewatering well program through the end of March 2025. This does not include other landslide remediation costs such as repairs to Palos Verdes Drive South and winterization efforts. The city has funded this major project without financial assistance from the state or federal government.

At this week’s meeting, the council will be asked to consider whether to install more wells, and if so, how many. If additional wells are desired, the council will consider which other capital projects could be postponed to make funding available for any new wells. City staff has identified about $4 million worth of such projects, which will not be ready for construction by the end of the fiscal year.

A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the city website.

Meeting Info

To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.

Time: 7 p.m., Jan. 21

Cost: Free

Details: Watch live on RPVtv’s YouTube channel, at rpvca.gov, or on Cox 33/FiOS 38

Venue: On Zoom and in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes

Updates on Eaton and Palisades Fires, Jan. 20

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Updates on Eaton and Palisades Fires, Jan. 20

Find the latest updates below from LA County’s Coordinated Joint Information Center as of 10 a.m. on Jan. 20.

Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning Issued in LA County

Due to powerful, damaging Santa Ana winds, a particularly dangerous situation Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 12 p.m., until Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. These conditions may lead to extreme fire conditions, downed trees, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions. The public is urged to sign up for emergency alerts and have an evacuation plan. To read the media release, click here.

Casualties

The fires have resulted in 27 confirmed deaths, according to the LA County Medical Examiner. The office continues investigating these deaths and will update their website with additional cases if more deaths are determined during search and rescue operations.

Eaton Fire

  • Structures Threatened: 8,992
  • Structures Damaged: 1,064
  • Structures Destroyed: 9,416
    • Note: Does not include structures believed destroyed, but pending confirmation.

Palisades Fire

  • Structures Threatened: 12,280
  • Structures Damaged: 788
  • Structures Destroyed: 6,051
    • Note: Does not include structures believed destroyed, but pending confirmation.

Details: https://www.youtube.com/@CountyofLosAngelesNewsroom/videos

Gov. Newsom Extends Property Tax Deadlines for Los Angeles County Wildfire Victims to April 2026

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Gov. Newsom Extends Property Tax Deadlines for Los Angeles County Wildfire Victims to April 2026

LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom today, as part of continued support for the Los Angeles communities impacted by the recent firestorms, issued an executive order to suspend penalties, costs, and any interest accrued on late property tax payments until April 10, 2026, for properties in areas affected by the firestorm. This has the effect of extending the deadline for residents in those areas.

The Governor’s executive order:

  • Suspends until April 10, 2026, certain state tax laws that impose penalties, costs, and interest for late payments of property taxes due in calendar year 2025.
  • Suspends certain additional state tax laws requiring the filing of various property tax statements.
  • Applies to properties in ZIP codes 90019, 90041, 90049, 90066, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001, 91040, 91104, 91106, 91107, 93535, or 93536.

A copy of the executive order can be found here.

In addition to the immediate and automatic relief provided by the Governor’s executive order, property owners may seek disaster relief to have property destroyed or damaged in the fires reassessed, and property taxes adjusted downward, based on its current state, by filing a claim with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed.

Property owners may also seek further suspension of penalties and interest, for up to four years, by submitting a Penalty Cancellation Request Form with the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.

$31 Million Awarded to Catalina Express, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and Port of Los Angeles for Zero-Emission Vessel Testing

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$31 Million Awarded to Catalina Express, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and Port of Los Angeles for Zero-Emission Vessel Testing

LOS ANGELES —In partnership with Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises, the Port of Los Angeles Jan. 16 announced it will soon begin emission-reduction technology demonstration projects for specialized harbor craft, thanks to a $31 million grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board or CARB. The project will involve testing and evaluation of two different harbor craft emission-reduction technologies, and a comprehensive evaluation of next-generation, less-polluting harbor craft.

The Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction or LA MER project will involve the design, construction and launch of a passenger ferry with Tier 4 engines and potentially a CARB-verified, U.S. Coast Guard-approved diesel particulate filter. Operated by Catalina Express, this new ferry will use renewable diesel and replace three smaller ferries using Tier 2 and Tier 3 engines, enhancing the efficiency of regional ferry service and also increasing emissions benefits.

Additionally, in partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the LA MER project will entail the design, construction and deployment of two zero-emission capable excursion boats. The vessels are expected to exceed the regulatory definition of a Zero-Emission Advanced Technology or ZEAT vessel and will be able to operate a minimum of 30% of the time in zero-emission mode, with some trips operating as much as 100%, depending on route length and other factors.

The project capstone will be an evaluation on the feasibility and commercial status of both emission-reduction technologies, including identifying infrastructure gaps for zero-emission harbor craft and the potential for marinizing the diesel particulate filter. The evaluation will also look at workforce development needs related to training harbor-craft workers in new engine technologies and advanced battery-electric solutions for tugs, ferries and pilot boats operating in the San Pedro Bay.

Grant partners Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises will each contribute a $15 million match toward their respective demonstration program. The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved $650,000 of Port of Los Angeles funds to help fund the project evaluation study. The Port of Long Beach will contribute approximately $340,000 to support the Port of Los Angeles’ technology evaluation in coordination with harbor craft operators, regulators, engine manufacturers, technology developers and the U.S. Coast Guard.

LA MER is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts Cap-and-Trade dollars to work.

Resource Roundup For Victims of Wildfires: Support and Recovery Assistance

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Resource Roundup For Victims of Wildfires: Support and Recovery Assistance
All around LA, neighborhoods and communities have joined to help the victims of the devastating wildfires. Random Lengths has gathered a few resource announcements for folks to utilize or to share with their own communities. You can look for more resources here as they emerge.
Stay safe out there.
Barger Puts Spotlight on Damage Assessment Maps for Wildfire Survivors

To help wildfire survivors who are wondering whether their house is still standing, Los Angeles County has launched an interactive map that shows the status of their property. The virtual map includes photos and a color-coded key that reflects levels of damage.

Residents displaced by the Eaton Fire can visit recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire to see the map. Each structure is labeled according to how severely it was impacted by the fire. Homes marked black suffered no damage, green are 1-9% affected, yellow are 10-25% affected, orange is 26-50% affected, and red is more than 50% destroyed.

More properties will be added on a rolling basis as Cal Fire continues damage inspections.

Learn About New Insurance Protections

If you live in areas affected by wildfires, a new one-year rule prevents insurance companies from canceling or not renewing your policy. There’s also a six-month pause on all cancellations and non-renewals for homes near wildfires, including notices sent up to 90 days before January 7, as long as they take effect after the fires started.

To check if your home is protected, visit the California Department of Insurance website. If you’re in a protected area but your insurance company cancels or refuses to renew your policy, call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or use their chat or email support for assistance.

City Advises Residents of Scam Alerts for Relief Efforts Supporting Wildfire Victims

The City of Long Beach urges all people to be aware of scams related to the wildfires and relief efforts. In recent days, there has been an outpouring of compassion by people wanting to help those affected by the wildfires and, as in any emergency, scammers use the opportunity to take advantage.

Tips for avoiding scams:

  • Donate directly. Visit the organization’s official website to make a donation; avoid responding to unsolicited emails, social media posts, or phone calls, where scammers might be impersonating legitimate organizations.
  • Stick to known organizations, such as those listed below.
  • Never give out personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number or bank information to unsolicited callers.
  • Review additional tips for avoiding scams, offered by the Long Beach Police Department at:https://tinyurl.com/Tips-to-Avoid-Scams

Details: https://tinyurl.com/Scam-alert-for-wildfire-relief

 

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