First Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
(2/06/25)

Big Takeaways:

The video discusses the plan for undergrounding utilities and water utility updates at the timestamp 02:40:34 and reiterated at 2:50:10.

Here's what is mentioned:

⚡Plans are being developed for a full 100% underground power system with community involvement in its design.

💧 Do not drink water release will likely will take several weeks. 

Plus, a goal to re-energize existing homes by Sunday.

Main Topics & Timestamps

• 01:17 🏠 The Ad Hoc Committee for LA Recovery is holding its first meeting, chaired by Councilwoman Tracy Park.
• 02:30 🔥 A severe fire in the Pacific Palisades destroyed over 7,000 structures, marking the largest wildfire in LA's history.
• 04:08 🚒 Over 5,500 firefighters responded to the fire with mutual aid from various regions, although faced challenges with communication and evacuation.
• 05:56 🏗️ Immediate city recovery efforts involve legislation to support recovery, fast-track rebuilding, and protect residents from predatory practices.
• 06:45 🏛️ The committee's goal is to rebuild stronger and safer communities while addressing fire safety and renter protection.
• 07:00 👩‍🚒 Councilwoman Rodriguez emphasizes emergency preparedness, particularly for fire departments and large animals.
• 08:25 📊 Council Member Nazarian brings expertise in government budgeting and infrastructure vital for long-term investments.
• 09:27 ⚖️ Council Member Soto Martinez focuses on labor rights and housing advocacy in recovery, ensuring equitable rebuilding.
• 09:45 🔍 Council Member McCusker has a crisis management background, pivotal for supporting fire department staffing and recovery efforts.
• 10:23 📅 Future committee meetings will address broader city recovery, bringing in partners like the mayor's office and recovery czar.
• 22:16 👫 Residents express the significance of community involvement and maintaining a sense of togetherness during recovery efforts.
• 24:18 🏠 Residents' Appeal: Majority of Pacific Palisades residents have lost their homes to fires, emphasizing the need for smart rebuilding focused on fire-resistant homes and community priorities.
• 26:15 📋 Insurance Challenges: Residents call for insurance reforms to aid recovery, citing the burdensome process of itemizing lost contents as a major obstacle.
• 27:44 🚒 Toxic Debris Concerns: Existing homes are unlivable due to fire debris; a health decree could help residents negotiate with insurance regarding their ability to return home.
• 30:15 ⚠️ Unprecedented Response Needed: The disaster requires a unique response beyond precedent, emphasizing urgency and cooperation without political agendas.
• 32:00 🏚️ Tenant Support Efforts: Programs supporting renters affected by fires are highlighted, including eviction prevention and tenant rights education.
• 34:21 🔍 Human Trafficking Risk: Natural disasters heighten trafficking risks; public awareness and preventive measures are urged to protect vulnerable workers.
• 39:25 🚱 Infrastructure Failures: Residents face utility failures in fire zones; concerns raised on preparedness and opportunism in rebuilding efforts.
• 41:09 🌊 Community Displacement: Long-time residents express distress over displacement and struggle with insurance companies, calling for swift policy payouts.
• 44:49 🔧 Infrastructure Modernization: Calls for updated, climate-resilient infrastructure and ensuring proper safety measures for cleanup workers are emphasized.
• 46:12 💪 Community Resilience: Residents express their determination to rebuild safely and preserve their community spirit despite the devastation they faced.
• 47:03 🚰 Concerns raised about water supply and firefighter budget cuts; community aims to rebuild safely.
• 47:48 📜 Various items moved on consent without objection from council members.
• 48:30 📧 Councilwoman Rodriguez proposed amendments for better communication and multi-language inclusion following disasters.
• 49:36 💡 Amendments proposed for a report on the city's power grid and water supply, including recent outages and wildfires.
• 50:37 🌲 Various agencies updated on Palisades Fire debris removal progress.
• 51:46 🏢 FEMA highlighted multiple initiatives to assist thousands of displaced residents and removed household materials.
• 01:00:04 📝 Property owners have deadlines for right of entry forms to expedite debris removal.
• 01:01:13 🏞️ State-level efforts emphasized speed in debris removal to protect waterways and natural resources.
• 01:02:48 ♻️ Emphasis on environmental protection and collaboration among various agencies.
• 01:05:03 📦 EPA discussed hazardous materials collection sites and their operational purposes and safety measures.
• 01:07:20 ⚒️ Army Corps of Engineers detailed the debris removal process and highlighted need for community cooperation.
• 01:09:54 🌲 Phase two of debris removal involves handling hazardous materials like fire ash, debris, and damaged structures, emphasizing the importance for property owners to participate.
• 01:10:39 🤝 Residents are treated as partners in the recovery process, receiving detailed communication and invitations to monitor debris removal on their properties.
• 01:11:14 📞 A dedicated debris call center is available to answer questions, ensuring residents have direct support during recovery efforts.
• 01:12:01 🏗️ The Bureau of Engineering leads the city's debris removal, collaborating closely with multiple departments and the county to streamline and enhance recovery efforts.
• 01:13:42 📝 The county is improving the process for opting in or out of debris removal, with most residents choosing to participate, enhancing efficiency and support.
• 01:16:01 📊 An estimated 2300 residents have opted into the debris removal process, out of 4200 affected parcels, showing a strong trend towards collaborative recovery efforts.
• 01:19:18 💔 Employees involved in recovery efforts have personal connections to the affected areas, emphasizing the emotional impact and dedication of the teams.
• 01:20:22 🚛 LA Sanitation has restored essential services like trash collection and supported police in clearing damaged vehicles, reinforcing community stability.
• 01:21:33 🌍 Intensive cleaning and monitoring of debris basins and stormwater systems aim to protect coastal ecosystems from the impacts of hazardous debris.
• 01:25:06 🏗️ Building and Safety expedited permitting processes with streamlined efforts and dedicated resources, aiming for speedy community rebuilding.
• 01:27:09 🏢 Comprehensive multidisciplinary teams are assembled to focus on efficient recovery, with future planning in mind for large-scale events like the Olympics.
• 01:28:32 ⚠️ Concerns raised over debris storage sites near sensitive coastal areas, with commitments made for community engagement and exploration of alternative locations.
• 01:30:28 🌊 Work in Maui aims to improve sites post-operation, emphasizing environmental care and adaptation to local geography.
• 01:32:00 🚧 Hazardous material removal ongoing in Palisades and Eaton, with several staging areas for debris and battery processing.
• 01:34:00 🛡️ Coordination with National Guard stressed for smooth operation amid critical public safety missions.
• 01:35:00 🏡 Phase two debris removal not started in Palisades; concerns over complex properties requiring different strategies.
• 01:37:02 ⏳ Uncertain timeline for phase one completion in Palisades; challenges include traffic and weather-related road closures.
• 01:38:03 🌳 Tree removal decisions involve arborists to balance safety and preservation; communication with residents highlighted.
• 01:40:09 🤝 Local expertise and small business involvement encouraged in recovery efforts to support the community economically.
• 01:42:09 ✔️ Adequate allocation of resources ensured for both Palisades and Eaton fire recovery efforts.
• 01:43:02 🏘️ Condos and townhome eligibility for debris removal depends on structure specifics; property owners encouraged to initiate processes.
• 01:45:02 🏊 Guidance on pool water management involves using professionals to prevent system overload amid weather events.
• 01:50:02 🛠️ Pools not part of debris removal; water potentially repurposed for dust control, with safety measures to prevent accidents.
• 01:51:12 🚫 Residents advised against draining pools into the sewer system due to current ongoing issues.
• 01:51:52 🕵️ Concerns raised about identity theft affecting FEMA relief applications; affected individuals should contact a specific helpline.
• 01:53:14 🏡 About half of the properties have opted into the recovery process; county is working on mapping participation.
• 01:54:35 🚧 March 31st deadline for affected residents to comply with recovery program requirements.
• 01:55:27 ⚖️ Discussions with city attorney about legal steps for properties that do not comply with recovery process.
• 01:57:17 📋 Phase one of recovery does not require right of entry; public health emergency supersedes.
• 02:01:14 🚚 Plans to distribute debris removal from fire areas across multiple approved sites to minimize community impact.
• 02:05:29 🕒 Timeline for debris removal routes is determined in real-time based on upcoming recovery needs.
• 02:09:13 🔍 Concerns over potential illegal dumping by private haulers; monitoring and enforcement strategies needed.
• 02:11:03 🙏 Officials urge residents to participate in the federal recovery program to ensure proper oversight and protection.
• 02:12:09 🏗️ The city needs to coordinate a managed plan for haul routes and staging areas due to competition for space among workers from the Army Corps and private contractors.
• 02:14:15 📢 Effective communication strategies have resulted in community engagement with 6,500 people interested in the recovery program.
• 02:18:17 💼 Ensuring contractor legitimacy is crucial; the state provides resources to verify certified contractors to prevent unqualified workforces from engaging in risky tasks.
• 02:22:54 ⏳ Residents must opt into the government’s debris removal program by March 31st, or they will be automatically considered opted out, leaving them responsible for costly cleanups.
• 02:25:29 🔄 Targeted outreach and diverse communication strategies are essential to reach residents who haven’t responded to opt-in or opt-out calls.
• 02:29:07 📨 The county is processing large amounts of opt-in/opt-out responses daily, emphasizing the need for timely communication with affected property owners.
• 02:31:05 🏡 The "substantially the same" rebuilding policy allows for up to a 10% increase in property size, prioritizing flexibility for affected residents in the rebuilding process.
• 02:32:47 🏗️ Construction employment being localized is heavily encouraged; emphasis on leveraging local expertise, particularly in the harbor area.
• 02:33:49 📝 The discussion concluded without formal action, showing the processes of information relay for public awareness in Los Angeles.
• 02:35:23 💦 Officials discussed the restoration efforts of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, highlighting dedication amid widespread devastation.
• 02:36:44 ⚡ Power restoration is progressing faster than anticipated, with hopes many homes will have service by Sunday.
• 02:37:58 🚨 The "do not drink" water advisory remains in effect in the Pacific Palisades, with ongoing assessment and testing processes.
• 02:39:04 🔎 New regulations after the Northern California fires require rigorous testing for water safety, focusing on clearing benzene and VOCs.
• 02:40:34 🔄 Future plans aim for complete undergrounding of electric systems and setting up an operational center to streamline rebuilding utilities.
• 02:41:50 🏢 A one-stop utility service center is being established to help with rebuilding efforts, involving all relevant departments.
• 02:43:00 🧪 Extensive water testing continues across multiple service zones and pressure zones, delaying due to weather and following state protocols.
• 02:44:27 🌱 Plans for a cutting-edge, underground power system are being developed, with an emphasis on community involvement in its design.
• 02:46:11 🏋️ Key support from external partners like PG&E and the Navajo Nation helped boost restoration efforts, marking the first-time utilities aided LA.
• 02:48:28 🚀 A concerted effort by utility crews and contractors is underway to restore power speedily, focusing on creative solutions for isolated power lines.
• 02:51:15 🛠️ Progress in water and power restoration is acknowledged, especially given the severe destruction; gratitude is expressed for rapid recovery work.
• 02:53:30 🔍 Requested reports for root cause analysis on water pressure issues experienced during firefighting.
• 02:54:08 🌐 LADWP has created an online page for constituents to input addresses and check service area and water quality impacts.
• 02:55:04 🏠 New tool in development to help individuals discern service zones affecting water quality on a personal address basis.
• 02:56:02 🚰 Residents advised to flush home lines for 10 minutes after clearance to ensure water safety.
• 02:57:14 🧪 Testing for volatile organic compounds, primarily benzene, due to risks from wildfire byproducts.
• 02:58:47 ⚗️ At-home water testing kits may not yield accurate results; residents urged to contact LADWP for precise testing.
• 02:59:52 🚧 Repairs underway for significant damage to a reservoir's floating cover, estimated to complete by mid-April.
• 03:01:02 🛠️ Reservoir refill constrained to 2 feet per day for structural stability.
• 03:02:33 🌳 Commitment affirmed for undergrounding utilities in wildfire-prone areas.
• 03:06:06 🧫 Specific benzene testing conducted due to fire-related risks, not standard in typical water tests.
• 03:10:17 🏛️ Water testing labs are state-certified, stringent confirmations noted due to health standards in California.
• 03:12:59 🔬 Home testing kits not offered by LADWP; professional testing recommended to ensure accuracy.
• 03:14:16 🚧 Coordination is key in debris removal to ensure water system flushing does not get obstructed by debris.
• 03:14:52 🌊 Efforts to clear debris basins near reservoirs have been successful, crucial for managing water flow and storage.
• 03:15:31 🏗️ Power infrastructure restoration is challenged by debris and requires close coordination to operate equipment in congested areas.
• 03:16:18 🔧 Establishing an incident commander at Palisades has improved communication and coordination for debris and hazmat removal.
• 03:17:03 🔌 Analysis of power outages highlighted infrastructure density as a factor and identified work needed to modernize and expand capacity.
• 03:20:01 📊 Power outages affected 160,000 customers, and restoration efforts faced challenges from concentrated wind damage and infrastructure limitations.
• 03:21:16 💡 Plans are underway to upgrade LA's aging power distribution system to handle higher loads and increase reliability.
• 03:23:00 🌍 Undergrounding utilities is seen as an opportunity for seismic and wildfire protection, with plans to explore its implementation.
• 03:24:41 🛑 No actions were taken in this meeting, but the Department of Insurance's involvement will be revisited.
• 03:26:08 🗺️ Long-term recovery efforts include learning from other cities and emphasizing community engagement and leadership.
• 03:28:18 🏠 Long-term recovery plans should prioritize housing, resiliency, and align with FEMA's disaster recovery framework.
• 03:32:09 ⚠️ Departments are coordinating staffing and resources for emergency recovery, utilizing prioritized critical hiring processes.
• 03:35:00 ⚖️ Legislative and executive initiatives have established long-term recovery tasks, and future staffing will depend on updates to the recovery annex.
• 03:36:12 🌳 Community engagement is crucial for the Pacific Palisades recovery, intending to restore the community to its former state.
• 03:37:15 💪 Residents of Pacific Palisades, known for their talent and resources, are expected to take a leading role in the recovery effort.
• 03:38:00 🏢 EMD is designated to lead recovery efforts, but no meeting has taken place with them yet to clarify roles and responsibilities.
• 03:38:57 🏗️ Since January 7th, 232 positions related to fire recovery have been approved to aid in long-term recovery.
• 03:40:01 📊 Evaluating exemptions from PCH for necessary positions could speed up hiring and resource allocation.
• 03:41:17 ⏰ Reimbursement deadlines are approaching, making it crucial to expedite staffing and resource allocation.
• 03:43:11 🚒 EMD, part of the approved 232 positions, is crucial for emergency response and should not be underfunded.
• 03:45:02 💵 The $50 million emergency fund's usage guidelines are still pending, awaiting the Mayor's final approval.
• 03:47:59 🤝 Coordination with state finance indicates the $2.5 billion allocated for state activities will not directly fund city recovery tasks.
• 03:50:41 📈 The fiscal impact of the recovery efforts could affect other city services as the city awaits FEMA reimbursement.
• 03:56:42 📅 The committee is deliberating on the optimal start date to maximize 100% FEMA reimbursement, considering staffing impacts and cost estimations.
• 03:58:17 💸 California OES has submitted to assist with disaster funds, with the city covering 6.25% of costs.
• 03:59:02 🏗️ City departments are in the field assessing damages, refining cost estimates, and preparing for recovery meetings with FEMA.
• 04:00:00 🏦 Emergency recovery funds await the mayor’s signature for reimbursement processes, after which departments can access funds.
• 04:01:05 📋 The city is in the process of hiring a FEMA consultant to assist in the complex project development process.
• 04:02:22 🌍 Coordination with state agencies is needed to utilize $2.5 billion in state aid for recovery from wildfires.
• 04:04:02 🖊️ Officials are awaiting a formal process for mayoral approval of the $50 million emergency fund for overtime and resource allocations.
• 04:04:37 📝 The committee plans to receive quarterly reports on recovery updates and funding statuses, with documentation approval underway.
• 04:06:07 🌧️ Updates are provided on efforts to mitigate debris flow and landslide risks in fire-affected areas, with further amendments to report back plans.
• 04:07:12 👥 EWDD highlights its proactive measures to support impacted businesses and workers, leveraging existing programs and establishing resource networks.
• 04:11:29 ⚙️ A $20 million state commitment includes employment opportunities for impacted workers, focusing on humanitarian and land remediation efforts.
• 04:15:34 🔄 Unused grant funds for previous closures are repurposed to assist wildfire-impacted workers, expanding eligibility criteria.
• 04:18:42 📊 The committee is working on compiling information to inform policies, especially regarding additional grants for housing and utility assistance.
• 04:19:14 📢 Efforts are underway to effectively communicate grant opportunities to those affected, recognizing that not all are reachable via traditional social media platforms.
• 04:20:18 🏢 Housing and utility assistance will be accessible through rapid response sessions and Worksource centers once approved.
• 04:22:05 🛠️ The city is formulating targeted programs to assist impacted service workers, including gardeners and nannies.
• 04:23:27 🏗️ Initiatives are being developed to involve local people in the rebuilding efforts, along with job training, recognizing potential changes in employment needs.
• 04:24:49 🚧 There is a focus on addressing expected construction worker shortages with collaboration from labor unions and community colleges.
• 04:26:01 👷‍♀️ Efforts are being made to ensure inclusivity in the construction industry, including women in nontraditional roles.
• 04:26:56 📊 An ordinance is being considered to provide tax relief to businesses impacted by the January 2025 fires.
• 04:28:27 💼 The proposed ordinance intends to exempt businesses affected by the fires from paying 2025 taxes under specific conditions.
• 04:30:59 📧 Outreach to inform affected business owners about the tax relief will include emails and website announcements.
• 04:32:18 🧾 Affected businesses will need to submit applications for tax relief with evidence of economic disruption or destruction.
• 04:34:28 📈 Approximately $8 million in business taxes were collected from the affected areas last year, which may influence the relief impact.
• 04:36:03 🏛️ Relief is broadly available to businesses irrespective of their size, including large chains if they qualify.
• 04:39:07 🏠 The majority of businesses in the affected area are home-based, indicating a high proportion of small businesses.
• 04:40:32 📜 A list of all businesses by name in the affected area exists, which can aid in targeted outreach efforts.
• 04:40:31 🏠 Discussion about protecting renters and businesses affected by a disaster, emphasizing the need to differentiate between large corporations and individual homes.
• 04:41:22 📊 Limited data is available for assessing business relief applications, but reporting requirements can be adjusted for better information.
• 04:43:00 🏪 Debate over tax reprieves for large corporations like grocery giants when their business locations are destroyed.
• 04:44:00 📜 Proposal to request a detailed report on businesses applying for relief, including size and gross receipts.
• 04:45:15 📆 Agreement to provide a comprehensive report in 30 days, including business applications grouped by ZIP code and gross receipts.
• 04:47:01 📝 Details of ordinance amendments to provide tax relief and exemptions for businesses impacted by disasters, effective upon disaster declaration.
• 04:49:03 🔄 Discussion on quick forwarding of amended ordinance to the full council for evaluation.
• 04:50:04 ✅ Ordinance adopted with amendments, moving on to next agenda item focusing on excessive price increases during emergencies.
• 04:52:03 🛒 The ordinance targets price gouging by limiting rent increases to 10% and aligns with state laws.
• 04:55:10 🏢 Concerns raised about protecting small property owners from penalties if rental price hikes are unintended due to lack of legal awareness.
• 04:59:28 📃 Suggestion for future ordinance to address excessive accumulation of properties, focusing on emergency contexts.
• 05:01:55 📜 The committee moved to note and file city attorney reports and adopt the ordinance with no objections, and the item was approved with four votes in favor.
• 05:02:30 🏠 Item 12 involves reallocating funds to the Emergency Rental Assistance program to help those affected by the 2025 LA wildfires, with a focus on modifying contracts and potential sole sourcing for program administration.
• 05:03:59 💰 Council member Soto Martinez raised concerns about using funds from the new ULA program and suggested alternative funding sources to achieve goals without impacting ULA's mainly administrative budget.
• 05:04:27 🔄 The chair acknowledged the emergency displacement issues but emphasized the necessity of using ULA funds to address immediate needs, even temporarily.
• 05:05:41 ⏳ Council member Soto Martinez pointed out potential delays in reallocating ULA funds compared to other sources, and recommended faster alternatives to access emergency funds.
• 05:06:06 🔍 The motion to approve the reallocation as written was passed with three votes in favor and one against, forwarding it to the Budget and Finance Committee for further consideration.

The Palisades

The Palisades is a special place, everyone who lived here knows it.

It won't be easy, but we can rebuild together.

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