Over 20 state legislators convened Thursday before Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to convey their dedication to the fire-stricken Los Angeles area and to propose an extensive legislative package to aid recovery efforts.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires were characterized as “disasters of unmatched magnitude in California’s history. Thousands of residences and enterprises were destroyed, over 100,000 individuals were evacuated, and an excessive number of invaluable lives were lost,” Rivas stated.
Rivas addressed the audience while positioned just outside the Rose Bowl (which has evolved from a typical regional icon into a bustling fire scene command center), with numerous fire trucks from various counties visible in the parking lot behind him.
Congressional leaders vowed that they and other lawmakers would swiftly initiate the approval of billions in funding to start the removal of dangerous debris and the restoration and rebuilding of schools. Legislators also touched on an array of legislative measures, some already presented in the state Legislature and others anticipated to be formally proposed in the upcoming days.
Rivas remarked that the legislative endeavor “will prioritize housing,” which is “the paramount concern we’re hearing from Angelenos at this moment. How do they secure housing? How do they maintain housing? And how to reconstruct housing?”
Rivas has revealed six housing-centric bills he is co-authoring with lawmakers from the Los Angeles area, expected to be officially introduced next week, according to his office.
The package includes legislation to expedite the rebuilding permit procedure and amplify local housing availability, along with a bill co-authored by Rep. Tina McKinner (D-Hawthorne) that would prohibit evictions if current tenants relocate. It also encompasses measures and further initiatives designed to support displaced individuals, including wildfire victims and their pets.
This extensive press conference underscored several pieces of legislation already introduced, such as a bill put forth by Rep. Jessica Caroza (D-Los Angeles) that would establish a grant program providing up to $1,500 in direct monetary assistance per individual. He also highlighted initiatives aimed at helping affected households address their urgent needs.
Rep. Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) additionally introduced a bill to boost pay for inmate firefighters during periods when they are “actively combating fires” and to freeze housing rents throughout Los Angeles County.
Other initiatives include a collaboration between Rep. John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) and Rep. Jackie Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) to offer up to one year of mortgage forbearance for individuals who lost their residences in a fire. This includes a bill pertaining to Harabedian’s district, which comprises some of the locations hardest hit by the Eaton fire, while Irwin represents residents affected by the Palisades fire.
“For those of you who have resided in Altadena or Pasadena for an extended period, the Eaton Fire is the most severe disaster we could possibly fathom. We recognize we inhabit a fire-prone region, but here in the San Gabriel Mountains, I never imagined we would witness such extensive devastation,” Harabedian articulated Thursday morning, committing himself and his fellow lawmakers to: We will persist in supporting residents throughout the lengthy journey ahead.
Before departing the podium, Mr. Harabedian recalled an old proverb familiar to anyone raised on the outskirts of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The Sierra Madre native mentioned that trees adorn the hilltop of Mount Wilson, and for years parents have instructed their children that the imposing trees represent “cavalry coming over the mountain.”
“I’m telling you, the cavalry is here,” Harabedian declared. “The cavalry is behind me and approaching.”