A few LA DBS updates;
1. One-Stop rebuilding center for permitting is at the WLA DBS office - 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. There will also be a mediation center to resolve conflicts between neighbors. M-F 10AM-8PM, SAT-SUN 10AM-4PM.
2. Soils repot and Title 24 are still required.
2. Updated structural is required.
3. Survey is needed, at least the foundation should be shown on the updated survey.
I had the opportunity to join the 1 Pali ZOOM last night. Here are the takeaways:
650 million has been raised so far for the wildfire, but how will the money be used? HERE is the link to the article.
Mayor Bass has engaged Hagerty Consulting to assist in managing the infrastructure and environmental issues after Steve Soboroff’s 90 days term is up. HERE is the link tot he article. Yes, there are a lot of questions here too.
EPA aims to complete Phase I cleanup at the end of February. It looks like most of the Alphabets are completed. HERE is the link to look up your neighborhood or address for the status. Phase II by Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) has already started. They are not waiting for Phase I to be completed. Again, ACE will not remove, driveways, pools, trees(unless it’s at risk of dying) and patios.
First scorched plot sold in the Highlands recently. It was listed for $999,000 for 9,932 s.f. lot on Jan. 16, 2025 and sold for $1.3 million after 60 bids. Before the fire, it was estimated at $2.1million on Zillow. It was sold for much less than assessor value of land. HERE is the article. Another scorched property is currently for sale on McKendree for $2.895 million, or the land assessor’s value.
Currently 900 people have been accused of pricing gouging.
Brad Sherwood, a survivor of the Santa Rosa Tubbs fire in 2017, shared his community’s rebuild experience.
They were able to rebuild in 2 years.
They formed a 502(c)(3) non-profit to help them fund the rebuilding.
The people who hired private contractors experienced higher cost and longer delays.
Brad also confirmed that ACE will work with you on removing the roof and allow you to sift through the debris.
Another thing to keep our eyes on is the tax ramification from insurance payments. Please consult your tax specialist on this matter. HERE is an article from Forbes.
Per Mayor’s ZOOM tonight, ACE has begin their debris removal. And they will remove these items: Chimneys, hazardous trees (dead or at risk of dying within five years), fire ash and debris, foundation (if specified in the ROE), up to 6 inches of soil int eh ash footprint (if necessary and safe to do so), titled properties (vehicles/trailers). LADWP is also in process of restoring the power and the water. Bureau of Sanitation is still working on guidelines for pool debris removal. Do not pump out the water for now.
XO May