Sup. Barger Authors Motion to Aid Communities Affected by Wildfires

Board motion would mobilize public departments to take necessary action to effectuate the recovery phase for all regions impacted by the Lake and Bobcat Fires

LOS ANGELES COUNTY –Today, Supervisor Kathryn Barger will ask the Board of Supervisors to approve a motion to mobilize county resources to support the communities devastated by the Lake and Bobcat fires. Specifically, the Board motion if approved, will task the Recovery Section of the County Emergency Operations Center as the lead to coordinate county departments in taking all necessary actions to move forward with the recovery process in all areas of Los Angeles County affected by fires.

On August 12, 2020, the safety and well-being of Los Angeles County residents and property was threatened with the start of the Lake Fire. It has since burned 31,000 acres, destroyed and damaged more than 15 homes and 21 buildings. A few weeks later, the Bobcat Fire erupted in the Angeles National Forest and has since burned more than 100,000 acres, damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes, and damaged 80 additional structures. The Lake Fire is currently fully contained, and the Bobcat Fire is 90% contained.

“While our end goal is for the long-term health, prosperity, and recovery of our residents, we know that there are immediate needs that must be addressed,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This is an important effort to deploy resources to help suffering communities in the near term.”

The motion by Supervisor Barger includes the following:

(1) Request the Department of Public Health and others to evaluate the ability to expedite the safe removal of fire debris and mitigate negative health effects of exposure to hazardous waste as well as assess the need for public mental health and social service resources for affected communities;

(2) Direct the LA County Development Authority and other county resources to provide housing and community-based services to those affected;

(3) Direct the County Clerk to suspend all fees for copies of property record that were lost due to property damage related to fires;

(4) Direct the Treasurer and Tax Collector, with others, to inform individuals about filing a Misfortune and Calamity Claim and defer payments for affected property until it can be reassessed;

(5) Instruct the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs to provide information on price gouging and consumer best practices;

(6) Authorize the Director of Public Works to coordinate with the National Forest Service on debris removal, and infrastructure repairs and enhancements;

(7) Ask the Director of Regional Planning to identify exception on current regulations on land use;

(8) Authorize the Director of Public Works to supplement existing contracts to ensure the timely response to rebuilding needs;

(9) Build online resources through the Chief Executive Office; and

(10) Send a five-signature letter to Gavin Newsom to request that the state to proclaim a state of emergency for the Lake Fire.