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Red flag conditions expire in Southland fire areas, but winds may return

By City News Service

With the latest Santa Ana winds behind them,firefighters are working Friday to extend containment of the Eaton and Palisades fires and douse hot spots, but while conditions have improved dramatically, authorities said it could still be more than a week until most evacuated residents are permitted to return home.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said he understands the desire for people to return, especially if their homes are undamaged and habitable, but he expects it to be “at least another week, and that’s an estimate, but I believe it’s going to be longer than that.”

While much of the active fire has been doused, Luna and county Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted that there is extensive work still going on in the fire zones, including securing utilities to ensure safety, removing hazardous wastes from the area and -- most delicately -- searching for human remains.

“Our search and rescue efforts continue,” Luna said. “... There are areas we are holding because we believe there may be deceased victims there.”

He said the process is “going to take a little while. Please be patient with us.”

He added that while he is empathetic to people anxious to return home, he is more empathetic to people waiting to learn about missing loved ones who may have died in the fires.

Luna also noted that in many of the severe burn areas, “It literally looks like a bomb dropped. There are things everywhere.”

Marrone also estimated that it could be a week or more for many residents to return, saying authorities have to ensure the areas are

safe to reoccupy.

“The last thing we want as public safety and the county and city leadership, we don’t want people going back to an area and getting injured,” he said. “We know there’s a lot of conversation about when we can come back, they want a date. We don’t have a date.”

Some evacuation orders have been lifted in recent days in the Eaton and Palisades Fire burn areas, but the bulk of the orders will likely stay in place well into next week.

Authorities had initially been running some escorts, with officers accompanying residents into the burn areas for brief periods to retrieve items or view their homes, but Marrone said that process became too unwieldy, occupying too many law enforcement personnel.

A three-day Santa Ana wind event wrapped up Wednesday night, failing to

ever produce the hazardous gusts that authorities feared might re-ignite the fires. Red flag warnings of critical fire danger expired in most of the region at 6 p.m. Wednesday, although a red flag warning was 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.

According to the National Weather Service, the region was expected to see a “significant cooling trend through the weekend.” And more importantly for firefighters, humidity levels will rise, alleviating the dry conditions that helped fuel the spread of wildfires over the past week.

“By Thursday afternoon a solid onshore flow will be arriving along the coast

and working its way inland through the rest of the day, finally bringing this long offshore stretch to an end,” according to the NWS. “For Friday and the weekend, much cooler temperatures are expected as the cool onshore flow off the ocean will prevail.”

Forecasters warned, however, that Santa Ana winds are likely to return early next week, “especially later Monday into Tuesday,” but it was too early to judge how strong that event might be.

As of Thursday, the nearly 24,000-acre Palisades Fire was 27% contained, and containment of the 14,117acre Eaton Fire was at 55%.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said Thursday that with the latest wind event ending, crews were focused on locating “hot spots and

LAFD chief defends predeployment decisions prior to Palisades Fire

By City News Service

LAngeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley on Wednesday defended pre-deployment decisions made by the agency prior to last week’s devastating windstorm that fanned the deadly Palisades Fire, saying resources were pre-positioned at a level beyond what would normally be deployed in a Santa Ana wind event, while also maintaining adequate staffing across the city.

“We deployed resources in very, very calculated ways throughout the city,” Crowley said Wednesday morning. “We’re very system and process-oriented, for the right reasons. We follow a system. We did that. We pre-deployed the necessary resources (after the wind forecasts) ... not knowing where a fire might break out in the city.”

Her comments followed a report in the Los Angeles Times contending that department officials chose not to assign about 1,000 available firefighters and dozens of water-carrying

engines for emergency deployment before the Palisades Fire erupted Jan. 7.

Citing interviews and internal LAFD records, the Times reported that officials chose not to order firefighters to remain on duty for a second shift as the winds were building that day, staffing only five of more than 40 engines available for deployment to battle wildfires. Those extra engines and firefighters were called into duty after the fire started raging, according to The Times.

The paper reported that no additional engines had been placed in the Palisades area, but nine engines were pre-positioned in the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, while additional engines were moved the morning of Jan. 7 to the northeast Los Angeles area. Crowley insisted Wednesday that the department “pre-deployed the resources on top of what we would normally do.”

Once the fire erupted, she said, crews “went to

Kristin Crowley, Los Angeles Fire Department chief. | Photo courtesy of the LA County Fire Department

A firefighter douses a building destroyed in the Eaton Fire. | Photo courtesy of Cal Fire_Official/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund kicks off with $12M

AcoalitionofLos Angeles arts organizations and philanthropists, led by the J. Paul Getty Trust, Wednesday announced the creation of the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund to aid artists and arts workers impacted by the wildfires.

Launched with $12 million, the fund will provide emergency relief to artists and arts workers “in all disciplines who have lost residences, studios, or livelihoods or have otherwise been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires,” according to the Getty.

The fund will be administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, an arts support organization.

Los Angeles has an exceptionally diverse and vibrant community of artists, arts workers and related professionals, the Getty said.

The city’s arts community has been “gravely affected as the ongoing fires

have destroyed residences, studios, archives, artworks, and places of employment, striking a blow at thousands of individuals and the creative economy of Los Angeles and its region,” according to the coalition.

BeginningMonday, artists and arts workers in all disciplines who have been impacted by the fires will be able to visit www.cciarts.org to apply for an emergency grant. The process is being designed with an understanding of the need to get funds to impacted individuals as rapidly as possible.

As the situation evolves, funds raised may eventually be applied to longer-term needs, the Getty said.

The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund is one of several fundraising efforts in Los Angeles and across the nation designed to help with wildfire relief.

“People around the world are watching in horror as

putting them out.”

As of Thursday, 27 deaths have been reported in the two fires — 10 in the Palisades Fire and 17 in the Eaton Fire, according to the county Medical Examiner’s Office. That total is up two from Wednesday.

Luna said the sheriff’s department has 31 active missing-person cases relating to the fires, Luna said, with 24 in the Eaton Fire area and seven in unincorporated areas in the Palisades Fire zone.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said the department has five active missing-person reports in the Palisades Fire area.

Marrone said residents can visit recovery.lacounty. gov for damage information on individual properties in the burn areas. The website has maps of the fire areas, with icons placed on properties that have been inspected. It is updated in real time as more properties are surveyed.

Roughly 5,000 structures are believed to have been destroyed or damaged in the Palisades Fire, and at least 7,000 in the Eaton Fire. Those numbers could also rise as more inspections are completed.

Authorities were warning residents near the fire areas that air quality continues to

By City News Service

vast areas of Los Angeles burn, but this regional tragedy has global cultural repercussions,” Katherine Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, said in a statement.

“Amid the losses suffered by the artists and arts workers who so strongly define LA, Getty is grateful to the many partners, local, national, and international, who have come together to meet the urgent needs of this community.”

Contributors include the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation; the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; East West Bank; the Ford Foundation; and the Mohn Art Collective, which comprises the LA Museum of Art, the Hammer, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles is home to one of the world’s most prolific and creative group of artists and people working

to support our many artists, galleries, and art institutions,” according to a joint statement issued by the Mohn Art Collective. “In particular, the fire-ravaged neighborhoods in Altadena are long-time home to an astounding concentration of artists and art workers. Our local spirit of collaboration is being evidenced right now. And we’re immensely grateful to those outside LA offering support.”

Joel Wachs, president of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, said Los Angeles “still feels like home to me, despite my years away from it, and LA’s artists in many ways remain my community.”

Wachscontinued, “Contributing to the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund is an expression of the Warhol Foundation’s mission of responding to the needs of artists and is also a moral imperative for those like us who recognize the critical importance of Los Angeles to the world of the arts.”

Fire areas

be highly unhealthy. People were urged to suspend the use of leaf blowers, to stay inside with doors and windows closed as much as possible, and to wear masks if they do go outside.

With high winds and power lines presenting a potential further fire danger, power was shut off for thousands of customers as a precaution. Southern California Edison reported Thursday that nearly 12,000 of its customers in Los Angeles County were without power due to the shutdowns.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced Monday that it had restored power to all its customers who lost electricity during last week’s windstorm, with the exception of 17,600 customers in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Sylmar and Encino, where lines remained deactivated as a public safety measure.

The county has implemented a curfew that continues to be in effect nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the mandatory evacuation areas in the Eaton and Palisades fire zones. Only firefighters, utility workers and law enforcement personnel are allowed in those areas.

Luna reported 47 arrests so far, 36 in the Eaton Fire area and 11 in the Palisades Fire area. Those arrests include two men for imper-

sonating a firefighter in an effort to burglarize homes.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported 14 arrests as of Tuesday morning, including curfew violations, impersonating a police officer, impersonating a firefighter, DUI, vandalism, ammunition possession, burglary and other offenses.

The Santa Monica Police Department has announced about 40 arrests of people in evacuation zones in the northern reaches of that city.

Starting Tuesday, FEMA services and assistance were made available at a pair of Disaster Assistance Centers located at UCLA Research Park — formerly the Westside Pavilion in West Los Angeles at 10850 W. Pico Blvd. — and at Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd.

Those centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The deadly wildfires have destroyed at least 35 historic places, according to the latest count by the Los Angeles Conservancy.

By the time all the damage in assessed, the fires are expected to constitute one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. Newsom told NBC News on Sunday that he believes the fires will be the worst natural disaster in the history of the country

“in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope.”

On Monday, AccuWeather experts increased their estimate of total damage and economic loss from the fires to between $250 billion and $275 billion. That’s up from its estimate last week of $135 billion to $150 billion.

“Multimillion-dollar homes with priceless contents have already been

lost in one of the world’s most expensive neighborhoods have contributed to this increase as well as the high costs to mitigate smoke damage and water damage due to fire suppression efforts,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement.

“There will also certainly be a decrease in real estate values in some of the affected areas as a result of the fires. And perhaps even migration

changes as large numbers of people leave California rather than choose to rebuild.”

Emergencies have been declared in the county and the state, and President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state. Both Newsom and County Supervisor Kathryn Barger have invited President-elect Donald Trump to visit the area and assess the damage.

Flames engulf a home in the Palisades Fire’s path. | Photo

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TLA, OC district attorneys want state prison sentence for looters

he district attorneys for Los Angeles and Orange counties Wednesday are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to convene a special legislative session to enact urgency legislation that would allow state prison sentences for looting during a local emergency.

The proposed legislation was submitted Monday to the state Legislative Council by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.

It calls for the punishment for looting to be increased to between two and four years in state prison rather than a sentence as low as 16 months in county jail, and for the creation of a looting enhancement that could add between one to three years for any felony crime committed during a local emergency.

The measure would also designate looting as a serious offense under California’s Three Strikes Law, require suspected looters to go before a judge instead of being allowed to be cited and released, and to make looting ineligible for diversion, which allows defendants to eventually have

By City News Service

their crimes erased from their record under current state law.

It would also create a new looting crime of trespass with intent to commit larceny and allow prosecutors to punish thieves who are sifting through the ashes of burned homes to search for valuables, which is not a currently a crime under state law.

“There is a special place in jail for those who exploit the vulnerable in the wake of deadly fires,” Hochman said in a statement Tuesday. “As hundreds of thousands of families face the unimaginable anguish of fleeing their homes, uncertain whether they’ll ever return, the last thing they should fear is the added trauma of criminals preying on their misfortune.”

Spitzer voiced similar sentiments.

“Criminals are circling like (the) vultures they are to pick through the ashes looking to steal anything of value,” the Orange County district attorney said.

“Current law falls woefully short for punishing these scavengers who are nothing more than grave-

robbers, stealing the last remaining possessions from those who have already lost everything, including their own lives,” he added, noting that he and Hochman are

urging the governor and the state Legislature “to enact this urgency legislation and help hold these criminals accountable for their crimes.”

US Attorney Martin Estrada of Central District resigns

U.S. Attorney Martin Estradaannounced Tuesday that he will resign his position as chief prosecutor for the Central District of California, the nation’smost-populous federal district.

While serving as the top federal law enforcement officer in the Los Angelesbased district since September 2022, Estrada oversaw more than 500 prosecutors and staff who serve almost 20 million people in the seven counties that comprise the district.

Estrada tendered his resignation to President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday, and he concluded his service on Friday.

“As the child of immigrants from Guatemala, neither my family nor I could ever have believed that I would one day have the opportunity to serve as United States Attorney in service to the greatest country in the world,” Estrada

said in a statement. “To say that serving in this position has been an honor would be a profound understatement.

Giving back to the community where I grew up and that

I love so dearly — and doing so alongside such talented and generous attorneys and staff — has been the greatest privilege of my life.”

Details on why Estrada

resigned were not provided.

Among his office’s most significant cases, Estrada obtained a RICO conspiracy conviction and 13-year prison sentence for former Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar; a dozen-year prison sentence for former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan; and a bribery and fraud conviction and a three-and-a- half year prison sentence against longtime politician Mark RidleyThomas.

Estrada also focused on hate crimes, civil rights, violent crime, national security, fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, corporate fraud and financial crimes, and environmental justice. He was nominated by Biden in June 2022 and sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California in September 2022.

Estrada received his undergraduate degree from UC Irvine, and his law degree from Stanford Law School.

By City News Service

Authorities displayed these tools and other items allegedly used in an Altadena house burglary. | Images courtesy of Los Angeles and Orange counties

Former U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. | Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California

US Justice Department, OCDA reach agreement on informants usage

By City News Service

The U.S. Department of Justice and Orange County District Attorney’s Office have reached an agreement on prosecutors’ use of jailhouse informants following an investigation triggered by the misuse of snitches in the prosecution of the worst mass killer in county history.

The agreement, reached Tuesday, comes two years after the release of a Justice Department report sharply critical of the use of informants by sheriff’s investigators and prosecutors that came out of the case against Scott Dekraai in the Seal Beach hair salon massacre.

Dekraai avoided the death penalty as a result of the misconduct and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he pleaded guilty.

The Department of Justice began the investigation into the use of informants Dec. 15, 2016.

The misconduct in the Dekraai case involved placing informants near the defendant to solicit incriminating statements even though he was represented by an attorney, which is illegal.

The agreement comes as a San Diego County Superior Court judge overseeing an evidentiary hearing alleging misconduct in a Sunset Beach murder from 1988 is expected to soon rule whether the case will be thrown out or sanctions will be placed on prosecutors.

The case against Paul Gentile Smith in the 1988 killing of 29-year-old Robert Haugen was reassigned to San Diego County Superior Court Judge Daniel B. Goldstein because the claims of governmental misconduct involve Orange County Superior Court Judge Ebrahim Baytieh when he prosecuted Smith.

The reforms agreed to include more training of investigators and prosecutors regarding the dos and don’ts of using informants as well as creating an easier-to-use database of information for defense attorneys to search.

The agreement also continues a Conviction Integrity Unit that will consider cases involving potentially wrongful convictions or factual innocence and adds a requirement that it include a defense attorney or former judge.

The agreement also continues policies and procedures for the transfer of cases from one prosecutor to another that “require the transferring prosecutor to submit a formal memorandum in qualifying cases detailing case status, disclosures made to the defense, any contemplated use of custodial informants or sources of information at the jails, and any discussions with defense counsel about possible settlement.”

The District Attorney’s Office has also agreed to “complete a comprehensive historical case review to identify and review prior investigations and prosecutions involving custodial informants or sources of information at the jails to determine whether any remedial or corrective action is necessary,” but it is short on details.

The review will include a review of a so-called special handling log, which has been a bonanza of evidence for defense attorneys like Scott Sanders of the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, who represented Dekraai, as they challenge convictions stemming from evidence including informants. The analysis will include the years 2015 through 2022. The reforming of organiz-

ing documents and evidence could be a relief to defense attorneys, some of whom have regularly complained in court that they have been given voluminous amounts of evidence that is difficult to search through for relevant information.

The disorganized flow of evidence became a central theme in the Smith evidentiary hearing with Goldstein expressing surprise at how dysfunctional it had gotten.

The District Attorney’s Office will also continue to participate in joint audits with the Sheriff’s Department to “ensure records on (informants) at the jails are complete and consistent across the agencies,” according to the agreement. The audits should be done annually.

There will also be at least one “stakeholder” meeting with the Department of Justice that includes sheriff’s officials, public defenders and private defense attorneys “to

informant manual that strictly governs the use of jailhouse informants, including the provision that a jailhouse informant cannot be used without the express consent of the district attorney.

“Under my direction, OCDA has made a broad series of additional proactive reformative measures to improve OCDA operations, including changes to its management structure, policies, training, supervision and staffing.”

Spitzer said the agreement will “continue advancing our progress toward lasting, positive change. The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in resolving the eight-year DOJ investigation into the prior administration’s use of custodial informants through collaboration and cooperation with our federal partners.”

discuss changes to policies, training, and practices related to this agreement.”

District Attorney Todd Spitzer has 45 days to designate someone in the office to make sure the agreement is complied with and the Department of Justice will conduct a “baseline compliance assessment within six months.”

Spitzer said in a statement that he “made it unequivocally clear when I ran for Orange County District Attorney in 2018 that I would not tolerate the ‘win at all costs’ mentality of the prior administration. My prosecutors will not violate the Constitution and the rights of defendants in order to get convictions and the rights of victims as well as defendants will be protected.”

Spitzer noted that the Department of Justice investigation “was ongoing when I was elected District Attorney and upon taking office in January 2019, I began making immediate reforms, including adopting a new jailhouse

Spitzer said he was “incredibly proud of the work that we as a team have done over the last six years to implement the positive, sustained reforms necessary to prevent the sins of the past administration. This work is a clear reflection on our continuing dedication to the just, honest, and ethical administration of the law.

“I am grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice and its recognition of our unrelenting proactive approach to addressing these issues and safeguarding against violations of the United States Constitution. The rule of law must be followed without exception. Without it there can be no trust and there can be no justice. Today marks a significant achievement in restoring the public trust.”

Sanders said he had little faith the agreement would achieve any reform.

“My greatest concern about the settlement agree-

ment is that it will create the false impression that the somehow justice has been achieved,” Sanders said. “It has not. Despite the tremendous importance of the DOJ’s 2022 report, which corroborated all of the allegations we presented in People v. Dekraai regarding the systemic violations of defendants’ constitutional rights, there are enormous problems that this resolution does not address.

“The first is that the investigation and litigation by our office since 2022 has revealed that the scope and scale of the misconduct is far greater than what was documented by the Justice Department and in Dekraai.

“Second, if justice is the objective, we are from reaching it. At this moment, there exists no government or privately-funded effort to identify and litigate informant-related misconduct. Without this support, far too many defendants are destined to die in prison without ever learning how their rights were violated. No one should be satisfied with that outcome.”

Defense attorney Joel Garson, who was instrumental in exposing the jailhouse phone scandal in which inmates calls were improperly recorded, said the agreement appears to “have no teeth to it and is not enforceable. ... And there’s a major party missing from that agreement and it’s the sheriff’s department. They can play shenanigans, hiding stuff and using it for other purposes and get it to the District Attorney’s Office surreptitiously.”

Still, Garson noted, Spitzer “has made progress and I like the fact they appear to be transparent, but I can’t really see what this agreement does when either party can cancel it.”

Scott Evans Dekraai. | Photo courtesy of the Seal Beach Police Department

On-location production in 2024 falls short in LA region

By City News Service

While overall film production grew by 6.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, data showed an overall 5.6% decrease compared to 2023 as the industry continues to recover from ongoing challenges, officials said Wednesday.

The LA region had a total of 23,480 shoot days in 2024 compared to 24,873 in 2023, according to FilmLA, a film office for the city and county of Los Angeles, as well as other local jurisdictions.

The office published the data as part of its 2024 On-Location Production Report, which defines a shoot day as one crew’s permission to film at one or more defined locations during any 24-hour period.

Overall production in the Greater Los Angeles region increased by 6.2% from October through December 2024 with 5,860 shoot days and gains across all categories except one. Reality TV continued to lag behind and experienced its ninth consecutive quarter of yearover-year decline.

Production in 2024 fell behind 2023 levels as a result of combined effects from runaway production, industry contraction and “slower-

than-hoped-for post-strike” recovery, according to the film office.

Officials said 2024 became the second least productive year, ahead of only 2020 when production was severely disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The report showed reality TV production decreased by 45.7% in the fourth quarter to 774 shoot days, and finished the year down by 45.9% to 3,905 shoot days.

Feature film and television drama categories had an increase in production as a result of independent studio activity, FilmLA noted.

Feature film production increased by 82.4% in the fourth quarter to 589 shoot days, and increased by 18.8% overall in 2024. The film office cited the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit for driving 19.2% of quarterly category activity.

Scripted television drama production increased to 528 shoot days in the fourth quarter compared to 2023 figures. The film tax credit helped producers and sustained 19.5% of all on-location TV drama production.

Commercial production increased in the fourth

quarter by 2.3%, but annual production levels were flat with a small 1.7% decrease year-over-year.

The “other” category, such as still photography, student films, documentaries, music and industrial videos, increased by 6.1% to 2,912 shoot days in the final quarter of 2024. Annual figures in this category remained close to 2023 data.

FilmLA expects the new year to be a good one for the entertainment industry as Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for an expansion of the film tax credit program from $330 million to $750 million per year.

“As we await signs of continuing business growth in 2025, it is important that we recognize that no aspect of life in Greater Los Angeles is unaffected by recent fire events and the heartbreaking loss of lives, homes, businesses and cherished community spaces,” Paul Audley, president of FilmLA, said in a statement.

“Many who participate in the region’s entertainment economy are directly affected by this tragedy; and many places beloved by nationwide audiences may never return to the screen,” he added.

Mental health helpline seeks to expand to help fire victims recover

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Mental health groups are stepping up to help victims of the Los Angeles area wildfires deal with the extreme stress brought on by the disaster.

The California Parent and Youth Helpline is beginning to work at evacuation centers and is looking to partner with community or government entities to provide victims with emotional support.

Lisa Pion-Berlin, president and CEO of Parents Anonymous, which runs the helpline, said people can call, text or live chat with a trained counselor.

“That emotional support really needs to be handled by an experienced professional, who’s trained to listen and to help people deal with the immediate angst and depression,” Pion-Berlin asserted. “Because they don’t know where to turn.”

The helpline is open 12 hours a day at 877-427-2736 to guide people through the chaos, desperation and fear. And the group’s website caparentyouthhelpline.org will also connect people to ongoing online support groups.

Pion-Berlin pointed out Parents Anonymous would like to expand if fire relief funding becomes available. However, the service may be in jeopardy, because Gov. Gavin Newsom left the helpline out of his January budget proposal.

Now, with entire neighborhoods wiped out, she said the need for mental health assistance is greater than ever.

“Because they no longer have their community. They never don’t have their school, they don’t have the safe place they lived in,” Pion-Berlin outlined. “They’re displaced, and the impact is devastating.”

Parents Anonymous is asking lawmakers to continue to support the helpline as they negotiate the final budget this spring. The California Parent and Youth Helpline received a two-year appropriation of $4.7 million in the 2023 budget. If it is not renewed, the funding will run out this summer.

Disclosure: Parents Anonymous contributes to Public News Service’s fund for reporting on Children’s Issues, Family/Father Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, visit https://www.publicnewsservice.org/dn1.php.

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SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 1024

Rosemead City Notices

A SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1024 ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, FOR THE APPROVAL OF ZONE CHANGE 23-01, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP TO IMPLEMENT THE HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING EFFORTS FOR THE 2021-2029 PLANNING PERIOD

SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 1024

On December 10th, 2024, the City Council of the City of Rosemead introduced only, at first reading, Ordinance No. 1024. On January 14, 2025, the City Council adopted the second reading of said ordinance, approving Zone Change 23-01, amending the Zoning Map to implement the Housing Element rezoning efforts for the 2021-2029 planning period The following is a summary of Ordinance No. 1024

Ordinance 1024 (Zone Change 23-01)

Zone Change 23-01 would amend the City’s Zoning Map to change the zone of the parcels listed in the table below:

Site Address/ Intersection

North San Gabriel Blvd. /Darlington Ave.

5271002053 Medium Commercial with Residential/Commercial MixedUse Development & Design Overlays (C-3/RC-MUDO/DO)

Starting a New Business?

North San Gabriel Blvd./ Darlington Ave.1024

9238 Lower Azusa Rd.

9200 Lower Azusa Rd.

9201 Lower Azusa Rd.

3606 Rosemead Blvd.

9536 Valley Blvd.

500 Montebello Blvd.

Environmental Determination

5271002054 C-3/RC-MUDO/D-O

8592016010 C-3/RC-MUDO/D-O

8592016039 C-3/RC-MUDO/D-O

8592019061 Light Manufacturing (M-1)/RC-MUDO/D-O

8594023026 Medium Commercial with Freeway Corridor Mixed -Use –Block Overlay (C-3/FCMU-B)

8593002038 C-3/RC-MUDO/D-O

5271002052 C-3/RC-MUDO/D-O

The City of Rosemead acting as a Lead Agency, has completed an Initial Study in accordance with The City Council hereby determines that Zone Change 23-01 is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) because the project is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed project, Housing Element Rezoning Efforts, will not have a significant effect on the environment. The Housing Element Rezoning Efforts includes changes to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Map to implement the City’s certified Housing Element, as required by State law. No development projects are proposed as part of the Housing Element Rezoning Efforts. Furthermore, each future development proposal on any of the Housing Element Rezoning Effort sites will have to go through their own environmental analysis pursuant to CEQA to evaluate potential impacts specific to that proposal. Passed, Approved and Adopted on the 14th day of January 2025 by the following vote:

Ayes: Armenta, Clark, Dang, and Low Noes: None Absent: Ly Abstain: None

The full text of Ordinance No. 1024 is available for inspection during regular business hours at the City Clerk’s Office (8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California 91770) Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. or at www.cityofrosemead.org.

DATED THIS 20th DAY OF JANUARY 2025

Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk City of Rosemead 8838 E. Valley Boulevard

Publish January 20, 2025

ROSEMEAD READER

SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 1025

A SUMMARY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CHAPTER 3.24 (PURCHASING SYSTEM), AMENDING CHAPTER 3.28 (PUBLIC PROJECT BIDDING PROCEDURES) TO PROVIDE INFORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES UNDER THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (SECTION 22000, ET SEQ. OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE) AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS

On December 10th, 2024, the City Council of the City of Rosemead introduced only, at first reading, Ordinance No. 1025. On January 14, 2025, the City Council adopted the second reading of said ordinance, amending and restating both Chapter 3.24 (Purchasing System) and Chapter 3.28 (Public Works Bidding Procedure). Chapter 3.24 and Chapter 3.28 of the Municipal Code are being amended to modernize the procurement practices, align policies with industry standards, streamline approval processes and enhance operational efficiencies and improve accountability and oversight.

Passed, Approved and Adopted on the 14th day of January 2025

by the following vote:

Ayes: Armenta, Clark, Dang, and Low

Noes: None

Absent: Ly

Abstain: None

The full text of Ordinance No. 1025 is available for inspection during regular business hours at the City Clerk’s Office, 8838 E. Valley Blvd. Monday –Thursday 7:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. or at www.cityofrosemead.org.

DATED THIS 20th DAY OF JANUARY 2025

Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk City of Rosemead 8838 E. Valley Boulevard

Publish January 20, 2025

ROSEMEAD READER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CARMELLA PISCITELLI

Case No. 25STPB00205

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CARMELLA PISCITELLI

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Michael Piscitelli in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Michael Piscitelli be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s lost will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. Copies of the lost will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on Feb. 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 5 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner:

JOHN S MORRIS ESQ SBN 173014

MORRIS & MORRIS

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

150 N SANTA ANITA AVE STE 300

ARCADIA CA 91006

CN113260 PISCITELLI

Jan 16,20,23, 2025

ARCADIA WEEKLY

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

JOSEPH L. WARREN CASE NO. 25STPB00303

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JOSEPH L. WARREN.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by PAULA J. BRADLEY in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that PAULA J. BRADLEY be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/10/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

WILLIAM R. REMERY - SBN 89897 REMERY LAW FIRM 1955 W GLENOAKS BLVD GLENDALE CA 91201

Telephone (818) 558-5909 1/16, 1/20, 1/23/25 CNS-3886889# ROSEMEAD READER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: WILLIAM ALFRED PHILLIPS CASE NO. 24STPB10807 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of WILLIAM ALFRED PHILLIPS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ELIZABETH AGUILERA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ELIZABETH AGUILERA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/19/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 5 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate

LEGALS

the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

Glendale City Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF GLENDALE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FY 2025-2026

Request for Proposals (RFP) for One-Stop Operator for The Verdugo Jobs Center, Glendale, CA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Glendale will be accepting applications for eligible Workforce Development funded projects or services for the next Fiscal Year, July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 which will be released on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

PROPOSAL: The Verdugo Workforce Development Board (VWDB) plans to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, for One-Stop Operator services, for the Verdugo Jobs Center, including all of its partners.

The VWDB plans to select an agency or an individual consultant as the One-Stop Operator for the Verdugo Jobs Center located in Glendale, CA. Services will be performed beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 with option to renew annually through June 30, 2029.

The One-Stop Operator services is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through an award totaling $50,000 (100%) with $0.00 (0%) from non-federal sources.

To receive the RFP and its attachments, visit: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-services-parks/verdugojobs-center/workforce-development-board/public-notices or https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/City_of_Glendale/Workforce_Operator

Proposals are due by Friday March 7, 2025, at 5:00 pm via Zoom Grants https://www. zoomgrants.com/zgf/City_of_Glendale/Workforce_Operator

The VWDB reserves the right to cancel any solicitation by written notification to those who request RFPs.

If there are questions regarding this request for proposal, contact Diana Montecino at DMontecino@GlendaleCa.Gov.

Publish January 20, 2025

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

Burbank City Notices

NOTICE CITY OF GLENDALE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FY 2025-2026

Request for Proposals (RFP) for One-Stop Operator for The Verdugo Jobs Center, Glendale, CA

The One-Stop Operator services is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through an award totaling $50,000 (100%) with $0.00 (0%) from non-federal sources.

Proposals are due by Friday March 7, 2025, at 5:00 pm via Zoom Grants https://www. zoomgrants.com/zgf/City_of_Glendale/Workforce_Operator

The VWDB reserves the right to cancel any solicitation by written notification to those who request RFPs.

If there are questions regarding this request for proposal, contact Diana Montecino at DMontecino@GlendaleCa.Gov.

Publish January 20, 2025

BURBABK INDEPENDENT

Probate Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JOHN RUDE CASE NO. 25STPB00223

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JOHN RUDE.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by KYM BENNETT in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that KYM BENNETT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

Attorney for Petitioner

ROZSA GYENE, ESQ. - SBN 208356 LAW OFFICES OF ROZSA GYENE

450 N. BRAND BLVD., SUITE 600 GLENDALE CA 91203

Telephone (818) 291-6217

1/16, 1/20, 1/23/25

CNS-3886231# GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DENIS LEE BASTIAN CASE NO. 25STPB00282

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: DENIS LEE BASTIAN

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CLEMENT A. BASTIAN JR. in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CLEMENT A. BASTIAN JR. be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with full authority . (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on 02/11/2025 at 8:30AM in Dept. 44 located at 111 N. HILL ST. LOS ANGELES CA 90012 STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE.

Attorney for Petitioner: BRITTANY BRITTON (SBN:303084) 2312 W. OLIVE AVENUE, SUITE D, BURBANK, CA 91506 (626)3905953, Telephone: 6263905953 1/16, 1/20, 1/27/25 CNS-3886811# BURBANK INDEPENDENT *10080

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: COLLIN CHOE CASE NO. 24STPB14554

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of COLLIN CHOE.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by LISA CHOE DABROWSKI in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that LISA CHOE DABROWSKI be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/07/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 44 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on FEBRUARY 5, 2025 at 8:30 A.M. in Dept.: “2D” located at: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Stanley Mosk Courthouse

OTHER CALIFORNIA statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

MARC S. ROTHENBERG, SB# 72448

THE LAW FIRM OF MARC S. ROTHENBERG 4326 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 92807

PNSB# 107443

Published in: Belmont Beacon

Dates Pub: January 16, 20, 23, 2025

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

SARAH ANN MATTHEWS

CASE NO. 25STPB00406

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of SARAH ANN MATTHEWS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by LINDA SZKLARSKI in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that LINDA SZKLARSKI be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mail-ing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

Attorney for Petitioner

JOHN L SHAW - SBN 58283 LAW OFFICE OF JOHN L SHAW 5816 TEMPLE CITY BLVD. TEMPLE CITY CA 91780

Telephone (626) 286-3710 1/20, 1/23, 1/27/25 CNS-3887463# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Jennie Martin Stewart aka Jennie Ann Martin-Stewart Case No. PROV2500034

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Jennie Martin Stewart aka Jennie Ann Martin-Stewart

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Lucrezia Underwood in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Lucrezia Underwood be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on 02/24/2025 at 9:00 AM in Dept. F2. located at 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, Ca 92335. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/10/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner JOHN P. POXON, JR. - SBN 106200 GORTON, JANOSIK & POXON LLP 909 EAST GREEN STREET PASADENA CA 91106

Telephone (626) 795-2933 1/16, 1/20, 1/23/25 CNS-3886790# GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF LUPE VERGARA, JR. CASE NO. 25STPB00114

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of LUPE VERGARA, JR.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by RICHARD VERGARA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that RICHARD VERGARA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/14/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 2D located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Attorney for petitioner:

Orange County steps up donation drives for LA fire victims

By City News Service

For restaurateur Wil Dee, raising funds for charity has become common over the years, but Wednesday’s event for the victims of the Los Angeles fires feels more personal.

Dee was one of the owners of a Haven restaurant in Pasadena a decade ago.

“When I opened up Haven in Pasadena back in 2011 I used to go on hikes and walks and bike rides in Altadena, in that entire area,” Dee told City News Service. “That entire area was a home to me. I rented an apartment up in that area and that was right down the street where I spent years of my life running a restaurant.

“I still have friends up there. I have a friend who lost a house in Pacific Palisades. This is the least I could do.”

Since Dee helped open Haven Craft 16 years it has become common to organize fundraisers for the victims of a variety of disasters, he said.

“Our loyal customers and people who patronize our place look at us as a valid and reliable source to make contributions and knowing it will go to the right place,” Dee said. “People said it’s simple, they’re literally doing what they would normally do — eat and drink at Haven.”

Dee pointed out that with new technology it might be easier to send donations, but there’s still the risk of falling for a scam,

but his customers know their trusted business will get the money where it is needed.

“We’re a reliable community partner, so we’re still that place that if I don’t trust this I can still trust Haven,” he said.

On Thursday, Dee said his companies in Orange — Haven, Provisions and Chapman Crafted Beer — will hand over all the profits to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.

Dee added that his businesses are also looking at ways for customers to add more to their check if they wish.

“I don’t want to put a cap on it, I want to give as much as I can,” Dee said. “It saddens me to see the devastation.”

Wahoo’s Fish Taco co-founder Wing Lam told City News Service he has been working behind the scenes helping to organize relief efforts for victims and first responders. Based on his years of experience with fundraisers he has been getting calls to help coordinate the efforts, he said.

“I know the protocol, all the boxes that have to be checked,” Lam said.

Cutting through bureaucracy can be cumbersome and provide some unexpected obstacles, he said. There’s no shortage of volunteers and donations right now, but the goodwill needs navi-

gation, he said.

Once the “novelty” wears off, Lam said it’s important the help continues.

“I’m friends with all the chefs and I intend to show them, by the way, this is great, but it’s something we should be doing all the time — because we can,” Lam said. “We can get a lot of donations, but now we’re all working together.”

Lam said the disasters have hit home for him.

“I have a lot of friends who lost their homes,” he said. “All of my roommates from college are from Pacific Palisades.”

Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairwoman Katrina Foley said nearly 200 local restaurants on Tuesday night were participating in a fundraiser to hand over 20% of profits to the Los Angeles Food Bank. Of those, about 110 are in her district, she added.

“It’s great for the restaurants too with more people going on a Tuesday night than might otherwise go,” Foley said. “And they’re helping to donate 20% to the LA Food Bank, so those people who lost everything can have access to resources and food.”

Foley was also working with IKEA in Costa Mesa and the Dana Point Harbor Partners to collect donations of necessities for fire victims.

Donations can be dropped off at IKEA at 1475

S. Coast Drive from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Dana Point Harbor at 34515 Golden Lantern from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays.

At IKEA, donations of clothes, N95 masks and diapers are being collected. At the Dana Point Harbor, donations of non-perishable food, books, hygiene, clothing, N95 masks, sheets and blankets and diapers are all welcome.

“We’re pushing for more

diapers,” Foley said of one of the most critical needs.

“The county is really stepping up to provide support,” Foley said. “Not just in public safety, which is tremendous, but the community at-large is donating money and supplies, which has been really epic, a sign that here in California we all support each other.”

Many people who work in Orange County live in Los Angeles County and there

are many other connections with family and friends, Foley noted.

Fullerton police officers and firefighters are partnering with North Valley Caring Services with a drive-through event from 8 a.m. to noon Friday at the Hunt Branch Library, 201 S. Basque Ave. Organizers are seeking new and unused necessities such as diapers, blankets, leggings, baby wipes, sweatshirts, hygiene products and underwear.

Tax relief available for LA County residents impacted by fires

By Staff

Property owners whose homes or buildings were damaged or destroyed by the recent windstorms and wildfires may qualify for temporary tax relief, Los Angeles County officials said last week.

The Misfortune and Calamity Property Tax Relief program provides temporary tax relief for property owners with adjustments made to reflect the reduced value of the property until repairs or rebuilding are completed, according to the County Assessor’s Office.

The damage must exceed $10,000 in the current market value of the property, and claims must be filed within 12 months of the date

the damage occurred.

The claim form — known as ADS-820 — and additional information is online at assessor.lacounty.gov/ tax-relief/disaster-relief or available by calling 213974-3211.

“Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this disaster,” County Assessor Jeff Prang said in a statement. “The Assessor’s Office is here to help and we remain committed to providing the resources and support those in need. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

“Together, we will overcome these challenges and work toward rebuilding stronger, more resilient

communities,” Prang said.

Assessor’s Office staff will be present at local assistance centers established by the county that will offer guidance and resources to property owners. The office will also work to speedily process “Misfortune and Calamity” claims for property tax relief, Prang said.

Also last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the California Franchise Tax Board will provide state disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by the wildfires.

“The people in Los Angeles County have experienced unimaginable tragedy, and the state will

continue to do everything possible to help these communities,” Newsom said in a statement.

LA County taxpayers will be granted a postponement to Oct. 15 to file California tax returns for 2024 income and make any tax payments that would have been due Jan. 7 through Oct. 15. The tax relief is in line with a federal income tax filing extension recently granted to California wildfire victims.

“Our state faces one of the most devastating fires in recent history, which has taken lives, displaced thousands of families, and left entire communities in ruins,” State Controller and

Franchise Tax Board Chair

Malia M. Cohen said in a statement. “My heart goes out to everyone affected — please know that you are not alone. I am committed to ensuring that Californians have the help they need during this incredibly difficult time through disaster relief resources that are available through FTB.”

The postponement announced today includes the following:

-Individuals whose tax returns and payments are normally due on April 15, 2025;

- Quarterly estimated tax payments normally due on Jan. 15, April 15, June 15 and

Sept. 15, 2025;

- Business entities whose corporate or pass-through entity tax returns are normally due on March 15 and April 15;

-Pass-through entity, known as PTE, elective tax payments normally due on March 15 and June 15; and -Tax-exempt organization returns customarily due on May 15.

Taxpayers impacted by a presidentially declared disaster may claim a deduction for a disaster loss.

“The advantage of claiming the disaster loss on a tax year 2024 return is that FTB can issue a refund sooner,” according to the governor’s office.

Will Dee, founder of the Haven restaurant. | Photo courtesy of Have Craft Kitchen + Bar

Newsom seeks billions in new funding for LA County wildfires

In an effort to secure $2.5 billion in additional fundingforongoing emergency response efforts in the Los Angeles area, Gov. Gavin Newsom last week extended a special session of the California Legislature.

The governor expanded the scope of the current special session he convened in November in response to Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. The State Legislature will now consider whether to approve Newsom’s funding requests for firefighting and recovery efforts as wind-fueled wildfires scorch tens of thousands of acres in LA County.

The funding aims to support recovery, cleanup, wildfire preparedness and reopening schools closed because of the fires, according to the governor’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 Jan. 13. “To the people of Los Angeles: We have your back.”

The governor’s funding request includes adding $1 million to state emergency response funding, which he said would be eligible for reimbursement from the federal government.

Funding would also go toward rebuilding and repairing schools damaged or destroyed by the fires, and another $1.5 billion is intended to improve preparedness in the region against fires, windstorms and other natural disasters.

“California is moving heaven and earth to ensure an expedited and successful recovery and rebuild for all Angelenos,” said Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-North Coast, said in a statement. “This early funding is a down

TheBurbankPolice Departmentwarned area residents last week of criminals claiming affiliation with charities or nonprofits providing assistance to victims of the recent Los Angeles County wildfires that have caused a mounting death toll and destroyed thousands of buildings.

Scammers are targeting donors and fire victims in an effort to exploit their distress and concern, police said. The department provided these warnings to help people recognize and avoid scams:

- “Be cautious when donating to fire relief efforts.

work.”

“We immediately then utilized all available on-duty, special-duty people that aren’t normally in the field,” she said. “They surged. They went and staffed every other available resource at that time.”

She stressed that the department pre-positioned resources with no ability to predict where a fire might break out in the city, and while ensuring that

payment that will kickstart the clean-up of neighborhoods and start the process of rebuilding lives. And, we’ll do all of this while investing in legal protections for some of our most vulnerable Californians. Time is of the essence, and we are moving with speed with Governor Newsom and Speaker Rivas to get folks the relief and resources they desperately need right now.”

Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, said in a statement, “I’ve seen the devastation firsthand in Altadena, Malibu and the Palisades. People have lost homes, livelihoods and a sense of security. They are scared and angry, and we must act fast to expedite resources for clean-up and recovery.”

Rivas noted that State Assembly members in the LA area “are listening to their residents and will bring feedback to the discussion as we consider the Governor’s proposal. We must ensure

Angelenos and Southern Californians can restore their lives and communities as quickly as possible.”

Over the weekend,

Newsom signed two executive orders to boost recovery, one to help with rebuilding efforts “by cutting red tape” and the other to expedite

Burbank police caution against fire recovery scams

Always verify the legitimacy of the charity or organization, especially if they reached out to you directly. Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of organizations before donating.

- “Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. Beware of unsolicited phone calls or text messages asking for donations for fire recovery. Honest organizations won’t call, email or text to ask for your personal information, like your social security, bank account or credit card numbers.

resources remained available to respond to calls across the city during the wind event. Crowley told The Times the department received roughly 3,000 calls the day of the fire — double the normal daily amount — at stations across the city as the wind created havoc across the area.

“The plan that they put together, I stand behind, because we have to manage everybody in the city,” she

By Staff By Staff

- “Resist the pressure to act immediately. Legitimate organizations will give you

time to decide. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal informa-

LAFD chief

told The Times.

Former LAPD Battalion Chief Rick Crawford told the Times he believes most of the 40 available engines could have been pre-deployed in fire zones while still maintaining adequate coverage for other parts of the city. He also said keeping firefighters on duty beyond their ending shifts the morning of the fire would have added about 1,000 firefighters in the field to quickly attack the

fire. He acknowledged that commanders are sometimes hesitant to make such a move due to the associated cost of overtime pay.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday morning, Crowley took exception to the insinuation that the city put financial concerns over safety concerns in its planning for the windstorm, insisting, “We did everything we could.”

She conceded that the

tion is a scammer.

- “Know how scammers seek payment. Never pay someone who insists that you can only pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, a payment app or a gift card. And never deposit a check and send money back to someone.

- “Beware of fake city, county or federal employees. Do not trust anyone who approaches you claiming to be a representative of the city, county or federal government without proper identification. Government workers will not ask for payment for services

clearing debris and preparation for possible mudslides and flooding from future rainstorms in areas with scorched terrain.

on the spot or pressure you into making immediate decisions. Verify their credentials by contacting the relevant agency directly using official contact information, not the details they provide.

- “Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — what happened. Taking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.”

Burbank police asked the public to always report suspicious activity via the department’s 24-hour nonemergency line, 818-238-3000.

“there’s always lessons learned” from every major incident, and she is always thinking of “how we could do better in the future.”

She also pointed to the almost unprecedented nature of the erratic winds that blasted the area last Tuesday.

LAFD Deputy Chief Richard Fields, who was in charge of the staffing decisions prior to the wind event, told The Times the pre-deployment was “appropriate for immediate response.”

“It’s very easy to Monday-morning quarterback and sit on the couch and tell us what we should have done now that the thing has happened,” he told the paper. “What we did was based on many years of experience and also trying to be responsible for the rest of the city at any given time of that day.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom, at left, tours fire destruction in LA County with local first responders. | Photo courtesy of the governor’s office.

| Photo by MargJohnsonVA/Envato