Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and County Supervisor Holly Mitchell recently toured the West Adams/Leimert Park Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Center. The four recovery centers are located in Culver City, Sylmar, Leimert Park, and Boyle Heights and provide one-on-one assistance for registering with county agencies for aid. Bass urged Angelenos affected by the wildfires to apply for financial assistance.
Mayor Bass’ tour included meeting with over two dozen individuals whose homes were destroyed in fires that broke out on February 7, destroying 9,418 structures and damaging 1,073. Many of these were century-old homes in Altadena, a historically inclusive community known for its Black professionals and artists.
Many of the victims shared emotional stories of narrowly escaping the fire and their current hardships. Reya Reynaga lost her historic 1920 Jane’s Cottage home in Altadena, where she had lived for 28 years. She also lost the equipment for her CPR and first aid training job in the fire and is now unable to work.
“How do I pay my bills, put gas in my car, and buy food when unemployment is only giving me $400 a month?” Reynaga said. “I am so grateful that the county has these resources and grants available, but the application process is lengthy, and by the time you receive these funds, you’re already three months behind.”
Reynaga is also struggling to understand what her insurance covers. She said legal jargon in contracts and applications makes it difficult for people to understand their rights and entitlements.
Aria Greenlee is also struggling with government bureaucracy. Her parents had owned their home for 60 years, refinancing it to cover medical expenses. Greenlee took over the mortgage after her parents passed away and remodeled the home, including an office for her psychotherapy business. Though the house was destroyed in the wildfire, she is still paying the mortgage and remodeling costs. Currently, she is living in a hotel while caring for her 90-year-old aunt with dementia and other family members.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell voiced concern after hearing numerous complaints regarding fraudulent links for insurance and fire assistance. “It’s horrible to imagine that people would take advantage of people when they are in the middle of experiencing the worst trauma of their lives. And yet we know that there are people who are,” Supervisor Mitchell said. “People have to be vigilant. If it’s a nonprofit organization, call to verify their validity. Government websites and links end with G-O-V. Pay attention to correct spelling and how the link ends.”
After meeting with fire victims, Mayor Bass praised the work of the recovery center. “When we visit these centers, the people we meet are still experiencing incredible trauma and grief,” Mayor Bass said. “The last thing anyone wants to deal with under the best of circumstances is bureaucratic paperwork, whether online or in person. Being able to receive in-person assistance to fill out applications is a tremendous relief.”
She was asked about the possibility of suspending or repealing Measure ULA, as it could delay rebuilding. The ballot initiative, approved by voters in November 2022, enacted a 4% tax on properties sold or transferred for more than $5 million and a 5.5% tax on properties sold or transferred for more than $10 million.
Mayor Bass said the matter was under review. It remains unclear whether the City Council and the Mayor’s office have the authority to amend Measure ULA or if it requires a public vote.
Mayor Bass highlighted that the lessons learned from the Woolsey and Paradise fires in 2018 led to a quicker restoration of power and water in the affected areas. She also credited the influx of federal personnel from the EPA, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers for the rapid utility recovery.
According to Mayor Bass, about 70 people have already begun the planning and permitting process to start rebuilding.
“It’s important that people feel hope and see a future. The best way to do that is to begin the rebuilding process,” Mayor Bass said.
The deadline to apply for FEMA wildfire assistance is March 31. The West Adams/Leimert Park Family Source Center is located at 4305 Degnan Blvd., Suite 105, Los Angeles. For information on Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers, visit communityinvestment.lacity.gov.
Aria Greenlee is my father’s partner and she only has one biological child, Kesia Diamond Lavelle.
I am not sure why she is lying to the press that she has two children, but this is not true. I only had one mother who only had me, of which Aria is not. Glad I caught her lying in writing though! The irony as well this article was published two days to my late mother’s first death anniversary…who needs enemies when you have family like this?