More than 20 state lawmakers gathered Thursday before Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to express their commitment to the fire-ravaged Los Angeles region and propose a comprehensive bill package to support recovery efforts. announced.
The Palisades and Eaton fires were described as “catastrophes of unprecedented scale in California’s history. Thousands of homes and businesses were lost, more than 100,000 people were evacuated, and too many precious lives were lost.” ,” Rivas said.
Rivas was standing just outside the Rose Bowl, a standard local landmark. Transformed into a lively fire and accident command center — As he spoke, dozens of fire engines from across the state could be seen in the parking lot behind him.
Congressional leaders pledged that they and other lawmakers would move quickly to approve billions of dollars in funding to begin removing hazardous debris and repairing and rebuilding schools. Lawmakers also touched on a wide range of legislative initiatives, some already introduced in the state Legislature and others that will be formally proposed in the coming days.
Rivas said the legislative effort “will be focused on housing,” which is “the biggest issue we’re hearing from Angelenos right now. How do they find housing? How do they stay in housing? , and how to rebuild housing.”
Rivas has announced six housing-focused bills he is co-authoring with Los Angeles-area lawmakers, expected to be formally introduced next week, his office said.
The list includes bills to speed up the rebuilding permit process and increase local housing supply, as well as a bill co-authored by Rep. Tina McKinner (D-Hawthorne) that would ban evictions if existing tenants move in. It also includes legislation and other efforts to protect displaced people. For wildfire victims and their pets.
This wide-ranging press conference highlighted a number of pieces of legislation already introduced, including a bill introduced by Rep. Jessica Caroza (D-Los Angeles) that would create a grant program that would provide up to $1,500 in direct financial assistance per person. He also mentioned effort. Households affected by the management of daily necessities.
Rep. Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) also introduced a bill that would increase pay for inmate firefighters during the time they are “engaged in firefighting.” Freeze residential rental rates All of Los Angeles County.
Other initiatives include: Co-authored bill Rep. John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) and Rep. Jackie Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) would allow anyone who lost their home to a fire to receive up to one year of mortgage forbearance. . Harabedian’s district includes some of the areas hardest hit by the Eaton fire, and Irwin represents residents affected by the Palisades fire.
“For those of you who have lived in Altadena or Pasadena for a long time, the Eaton Fire is the worst catastrophe we could ever imagine. We know we live in a fire-prone area, but here in the San Gabriel Mountains, I don’t think I could have ever imagined that we would see this much devastation in the United States,” Harabedian said Thursday morning, pledging to himself and his fellow legislators: We will continue to support residents throughout the long journey ahead.
Before leaving the podium, Mr. Harabedian recalled an old wives’ tale familiar to anyone who grew up on the edge of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The Sierra Madre native said there are trees lining the hilltop of Mount Wilson, and for years parents have taught their children that the looming trees are “cavalry coming over the mountain.” spoke.
“I’m telling you, the cavalry is here,” Harabedian said. “The cavalry is behind me and coming for me.”
