Site icon Michael Edlen & The Edlen Team

Pacific Palisades Ongoing Fire Information (Updated as of Jan 20, 2025)

palisades fire map

Source: https://protect.genasys.com/hazards?sort=distance&z=12.484922918575895&latlon=34.08124619419374%2C-118.5871185514037

Highlands Palisades Will Begin Re-entry by Police Escort Today

Update 1-20-25
Source: CTN (Sue Pascoe)

Residents of the Palisades Highlands, where the Palisades Fire started will be the first back in the Palisades. They will be allowed an escort to retrieve necessary items from their homes. About 20 percent of the residences in the Highlands have burned and others were impacted.

Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin wrote that as of January 19 at 1 p.m., the Palisades Highlands will change from an Evacuation Zone to a Resident-Only Evacuation Zone.

The Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol will be conducting vehicle escorts between noon and 5 p.m. today, January 19 and will resume on January 20 at 10 a.m.

This will ONLY be open to residents and business owners within Evacuation Zone Q0767-J. Prior to arrival, please ensure your address is located in this zone. You must bring a valid proof of residence (driver’s license, utility bill, registration etc.). If you arrive at the location and do not reside in the zone, you will be turned away.

You must bring a valid proof of residence (driver’s license, utility bill, registration etc.). If you arrive at the location and do not reside in the zone, you will be turned away.
Once you are approved, officers will escort you in your own vehicle back to your residence.

The staging area for an escort is 1150 Pacific Coast Highway, Parking Lot 3 North.
Please keep in mind the following:

A police escort is required to enter and exit this zone due to ongoing hazards in the surrounding locations. Escorts will only be conducted during the day light hours and there will be no escorts after 5 p.m.

The intent is to allow residents access to their property and retrieve necessary items. Some residences will be without gas and/or electricity. The Unified Command is currently working to restore power to these homes.


Protecting Against Residential Price Gouging During the Los Angeles Wildfires

Update 1-18-25

As devastating wildfires displace thousands in Los Angeles County, Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency. In the wake of this crisis, California’s price-gouging laws impose strict limits on rental price increases to prevent exploitation of displaced individuals.

Key Protections for Renters

Under California Penal Code section 396:

  1. Rent Increase Cap. Residential landlords may not raise rents by more than 10% unless the increase reflects verified additional costs or pre-existing contracts.
  2. New Rentals. Properties not rented or advertised before the emergency cannot exceed 160% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) fair market rental determination (FMR). In some localities (e.g., Beverly Hills), rental rates included in the schedule may be less than fair market value prior to the emergency declaration, as the rates are based on regional market valuations.
  3. Evictions & Relisting. It is illegal to evict tenants and relist properties at a higher rate than the previous rental price.

These Section 396 protections last 30 days following the emergency declaration and may be extended.

What Landlords Should Know

  1. Compliance Is Critical. Violating price-gouging laws can result in significant penalties, such as:
    • Criminal Penalties: Up to one year in jail and $10,000 in fines.
    • Civil Penalties: Additional fines under California’s Business and Professions Code and the Los Angeles County Code.
  2. Scrutiny Is High. State and local authorities are actively investigating violations, and penalties can apply to each separate act of non-compliance.

What To Keep in Mind

  1. Audit Your Pricing. Ensure any rental increases during the emergency align with the law.
  2. Document Costs. Keep detailed records of any price increases justified by added expenses or repairs.
  3. Stay Informed. Follow updates from the California Attorney General’s Office and other state agencies.

Why It Matters

Price gouging not only violates the law but undermines community trust during a critical time. Landlords play a pivotal role in helping Los Angeles recover by providing fair and compliant housing solutions to those in need.

PLEASE CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE OFFERING A LEASE OR SIGNING ONE.


Ways to Donate to HELP Recent Fire Victims

Update 1-17-25

In moments like this, our community’s strength and resilience shine brighter than the flames. Let’s support each other through donations, helping those displaced, or simply offering a kind word. Together, we can begin to heal and rebuild. Stay safe, stay strong, and know that you are not alone. We want to inform you of several organizations actively providing relief and assistance to the fire victims.

If you or anyone you know wishes to contribute or seek support, these organizations are valuable resources.

PLEASE only donate money to TRUSTED charitable organizations. Sadly, many bad actors will be out there trying to take advantage. Go through a reputable or verifiable source to give.

Here are some: 


Scams and Scammers

1-19-25

In the aftermath of natural disasters, it’s unfortunate that scammers often exploit the situation to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. To help you stay vigilant, here are some common scams to watch out for:

1. Impersonation Scams

Fake Government Officials: Scammers may pose as FEMA or other government representatives, offering to expedite assistance for a fee or requesting personal information. Remember, official agencies do not charge for their services or ask for sensitive information over the phone or via email.

Unlicensed Contractors: Fraudulent contractors may offer quick repairs at low prices, demand upfront payments, and then disappear without completing the work. Always verify licenses and check references before hiring private local authorities before allowing access.

2. Contractor and Repair Scams

Unlicensed Contractors: Fraudulent contractors may offer quick repairs at low prices, demand upfront payments, and then disappear without completing the work. Always verify licenses and check references before hiring.

Price Gouging: Some may inflate prices for essential services or supplies post-disaster. Be wary of unusually high prices and report such instances to local consumer protection agencies.

3. Charity Scams

Fake Charitable Organizations: Scammers may solicit donations for disaster relief efforts through fake charities. Before donating, research the charity through platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to ensure legitimacy.

4. Phishing Scams

Fraudulent Communications: Be cautious of emails, texts, or social media messages claiming to provide disaster-related information or assistance, as they may contain malicious links or request personal information. Avoid clicking on unknown links and verify the source before responding.

5. Rental Scams

Fake Rental Listings: Scammers may advertise nonexistent rental properties to those displaced by the disaster, collecting deposits or rent payments for properties they don’t own. Always verify the legitimacy of rental offers and avoid making payments before confirming availability.

Protective Measures

Staying informed and cautious can help protect you from scams during this challenging time. Always take the time to verify information and consult trusted sources before making decisions.


When Can I Come Back to Look Through the Rubble?

Although we don’t know exactly when this will be for this particular fire, we can tell you that during the Woolsey fire, it was approximately three weeks to a month before people were able to go back to their homes. Stay in contact with local authorities and community members to find out when that will be.

What Happens to the rubble?

The State of California has a Consolidated Debris Removal program. We will include simplified information directly from the California Emergency Services Website but you can find more information here: https://news.caloes.ca.gov/returning-home-after-a-fire/

The Consolidated Debris Removal Program has two phases.

Phase 1: Local government, state and federal agencies will inspect your property to remove hazardous materials (batteries, herbicide, propane tanks, paints, etc.) Phase one is automatic and includes both residential and commercial properties destroyed by the fire.

Phase 2: FEMA and local officials coordinate with the Consolidated Debris Removal Program to conduct fire-related debris removal property if you have elected to participate in the program by completing and signing a Right of Entry Form.

What do I need to do?

Phase I (household hazardous waste): You do not need to do anything to have household hazardous waste removed from your property.

Phase II (remaining fire-related debris): To sign up for the Phase II Program, you will complete a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form to grant government contractors access to your property to conduct the debris removal. Please provide insurance information with the ROE Form as applicable.

After I turn in an ROE to my local government, what happens next?

First, the ROE Center reviews your ROE to ensure it has been filled out correctly. They will also cross-check property records to verify you are the property owner. Afterward, the ROE will be transferred to the Debris Management Teams for processing and scheduling.

How Can I Prepare Myself to Search Through the Rubble?

When we went to look at our property, it was recommended to us to buy workman’s gloves, painter’s pants, tops, and overalls, rated respiratory masks, and goggles as this helped protect skin and eyes from toxic material. In addition, the soot and dirt from the rubble easily rubs onto your skin.

Tools you will want to consider using are rakes and shovels as well as strong construction-rated clamps and tongs to move the debris. You can also bring a metal detector to search for valuable items.

We also recommend bringing bottled water jugs to clean off anything you find before putting it in boxes, tarps and bins to take away and organize what you find.

How Do I Replace My Vehicle if it’s Gone?

First, try to get photo evidence of your vehicle to make an insurance claim.


How Do I Replace My Records and Legal Documents?

Update 1-16-25

(ie… SSN, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Passport, Etc.)

UPDATE: Contact the FEMA recovery hotline here at 800-621-3362 or go to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. You can also use the FEMA app here: https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products. And a temporary FEMA site is located at UCLA Research Park 10850 W Pico Blvd if you wish to talk with someone in person.

Typically, FEMA will establish a service center to help with much of this. President Biden declared a Major Disaster Declaration so we will keep you updated with where the stations will be set up.

When the center is established, your local representative will check off a list of all the documents you need replaced. We received our documents within a month after filing.

In the meantime, the DMV and the California Department of Public Health are available to help you with record replacement. Find out more here: https://wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov/general-info/record-replacement/?cat=81

Establish an Address for Documents:

In order to replace your documents it’s important you have an address for the state/government to send your files. If you do not have a stable address yet we recommend setting up a P.O. box as quickly as possible as inventory runs low quickly.

Importance of a FEMA Number:

With a FEMA number, you have access to many benefits and we highly suggest you take advantage of them as we did. Some of your benefits may include: Housing Assistance, Childcare, Healthcare, Transportation, Displacement funds. Find out more of what FEMA covers here: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual

We also found that you can use your FEMA number at many local stores to receive discounts.


Tax Relief in Response to LA County Fires

In response to the unprecedented and devastating fires impacting our community, federal, state, and local tax agencies have announced tax relief including postponing various tax filing and payment deadlines for Los Angeles County.

IRS Announces Federal Tax Relief – Deadline Extension

Individuals and businesses whose permanent address of record is anywhere in Los Angeles County, regardless of whether the individual or business was directly impacted by recent wildfires, will qualify for IRS deadline extension relief and automatically receive extra time from the IRS to file returns and pay taxes. Taxpayers will not be penalized nor will interest accrue on tax payments during this time. Taxpayers do not need to call or write to receive disaster tax relief from the IRS.

Taxpayers will now have until October 15, 2025 to file their tax returns. January 15th, April 15th, June 16th, and September 15th quarterly income tax payment deadlines have also been extended to October 15, 2024.

For businesses – annual tax returns and payments have also been extended until October 15, 2025. Furthermore, quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on January 31st, April 30th, and July 31st have been extended to October 15, 2025, as well. Businesses will not be penalized nor will interest accrue on tax payments during this time.

For additional information – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-california-wildfire-victims-qualify-for-tax-relief-various-deadlines-postponed-to-oct-15

Additional Information Provided by the IRS can be found at the following:

IRS’s Disaster Assistance Page provides updates and links to resources – https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses

IRS Toll-Free Disaster Assistance Hotline at 866-562-5227

Franchise Tax Board Announces State Tax Relief

The California Franchise Tax Board has extended the deadline to file California tax returns and to pay any tax payments for individuals and businesses anywhere in Los Angeles County to October 15, 2025. Taxpayers do not need to call or write to receive disaster tax relief from the California Franchise Tax Board. For Additional Information – https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/01/11/california-provides-tax-relief-for-those-affected-by-los-angeles-wildfires/

Los Angeles County Property Assessor Announces Property Tax Relief

The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office has announced property tax relief for those in Los Angeles County whose property has been damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing wildfires.

If your property has been damaged or destroyed or its value is in any other way less than it was on January 1, you may file an application for a Decline-in-Value-Review. The filing period is from July 2 through November 30.

If your property has been damaged or destroyed by the fire, and the loss exceeds $10,000 in value, you may qualify for reassessment.

For more information, including how to apply – https://res.cloudinary.com/los-angeles-county-assessor/image/upload/v1736540235/Factsheet/Relief_for_Properties_Impacted_By_A_Disaster.pdf


Things to Cancel After the Palisades Fire

Utilities

Subscriptions

Financial Services

Other Services

Important Considerations

Contact the company:
Always notify the company directly to cancel services, and ask about any potential fees or temporary suspension options.

Check your insurance:
Review your insurance policy to understand what services may be covered if you need to cancel due to disaster damage.

Monitor your accounts:
Keep an eye on your accounts to ensure no unauthorized charges occur while you are dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.

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