Coalition Urges Urgent Relief as Eaton Fire Families Face Loss of Temporary Housing Support

Nearly a year after the Eaton Fire, recovery has stalled as most families remain displaced and temporary housing coverage is running out, creating a severe cash-flow crisis that prevents rebuilding and stability. According to Department of Angels research: ALE is running out for most families.

• 80% of Eaton Fire families remain displaced

• 61% will lose housing coverage within months

Last October, regulators approved billions in new and retroactive rate hikes while finalizing a deal that shifted wildfire financial risk from utilities to the public—an arrangement the Los Angeles Times called “effectively a bailout.” As a result, Edison avoids paying Eaton Fire costs beyond the Wildfire Fund, while ratepayers shoulder the burden and struggle to stay housed as Edison has sharply higher profits and access to greater capital. In response, EFSN, Eaton Fire Collaborative (including EFRU), Clergy Community Coalition, Altadena Town Council, formed to demand a simple, urgent goal from Edison: keep Eaton Fire families housed until they can return home. Watch the recording of the press conference here.
Read the urgent housing relief proposal and join the coalition for urgent housing relief as an individual or organization at www.efsurvivors.net/edisonrelief.

From LAist: Help Shape Local Coverage

LAist, a nonprofit local newsroom, wants input from community members to help guide its reporting. Share the issues that matter most to you—and what gives you hope—by taking their short survey.

State Farm Policyholder? Help EFSN Hold State Farm Accountable

If you have State Farm insurance, EFSN is asking you to update them on the status of the insurer's payout of your claims. Since LA County launched its investigation into State Farm on November 13, many survivors have reported sudden shifts — including long-delayed payments, long-stalled approvals, and the release of documents that had been withheld for months. To understand the full picture, EFSN needs more than anecdotal reports; they need clear data on what is being paid, what remains unpaid, and where potentially unlawful practices may still be occurring. By completing this brief anonymous survey, you can help hold State Farm accountable while gaining insight you can use in your own negotiations. EFSN will email you the compiled results. Complete the survey here.

EFSN Launches Petition for New Insurance Leadership to Protect CA Homeowners

EFSN is launching a petition for Eaton and Palisades Fire Survivors urging Governor Newsom to take action and replace Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in order to address California’s escalating insurance crisis. A sweeping investigation revealed that Lara engaged in undisclosed luxury travel, solicited donations from companies he regulates, and held private meetings with insurers seeking rate hikes — all while failing to comply with required ethics disclosures. Records show he took at least 32 international trips, many funded by industry groups and lacking proper documentation. Despite pledging high ethical standards, Lara continued activities that raised serious concerns about undue industry influence over California’s insurance market. His policy decisions — including granting insurers faster rate hikes and weakening consumer protections — coincided with mass policy cancellations, a ballooning FAIR Plan, and widespread underinsurance for fire survivors. Critics argue that his actions favored insurers, shifted costs onto consumers, and eroded public trust at the very moment the state’s insurance system was collapsing.
Read about the travel and ethics investigation of Lara here.
Read about the insurance market collapse and L.A. fires investigation here.
Sign the EFSN petition to replace Lara here.

Study Seeking College Students Affected by the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires

A researcher from Oklahoma State University is studying how college students were affected by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and is seeking participants who were undergraduate students impacted by the disaster. Eligible students can take part in a confidential study involving a short screening questionnaire and a 45–60 minute Zoom interview about their experiences. Although participants may not directly benefit, the findings could help colleges and emergency management professionals better understand the factors that support student recovery after wildfires. Sign up for the study here.

Court Affirms: Smoke Damage Constitutes Physical Loss

A new court ruling on 11/12/25, Maxus Metropolitan, LLC v. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, debunks insurers who claim that smoke damage isn't physical damage. The court recognized property impacted by smoke and soot is contaminated and requires replacement. Read the legal decision here.

Department of Angels Survey Statistics Empower Community Groups to Advocate for Us All

Residents impacted by the January 2025 LA County fires are encouraged to complete this short, anonymous survey. Your responses will be combined to identify urgent community needs and guide recovery efforts across the region. Aggregated results will be shared in January on the Department of Angels website and used to inform local leaders and support programs. This data also strengthens EFRU’s advocacy by documenting the economic, environmental, and mental health impacts of the fires. Your voice matters. Please take a few minutes to participate — and share this with others who were affected. Access the survey here.

Letter to Commissioner Lara re Serious Concerns About Task Force Transparency & Conflicts of Interest

Attorneys issue a public letter to both Commission Ricardo Lara and Smoke Claims and Remediation Task Force Chair Tony Cignarale. Their letter states that while the Commissioner’s stated goals are commendable in forming the Task Force, serious concerns have emerged regarding its transparency, membership, and potential bias. The Task Force has been meeting without public notice or participation, lacks independent academic experts, includes members with current or recent financial ties to insurers, and does not include comparable consumer-side experts such as public adjusters or consumer attorneys. These issues raise conflict-of-interest concerns under the Political Reform Act and risk creating de-facto regulatory guidance outside the required Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking process. Because its recommendations could affect the health and safety of thousands of wildfire-impacted homeowners, letter requests that the Department of Insurance take corrective actions:

1. recuse conflicted members or rebalance the group toward independent experts;

2. add qualified consumer-side specialists;

3. require and publish conflict-of-interest disclosures;

4. open the process to the public with notices, agendas, attendance, comment, and a public docket;

5. publish drafts, data, and scientific bases for review; and

6. commit that no guidance will be used or enforced without formal APA rulemaking.

Read the full letter here.

Still Displaced? Take the Eaton Fire Collaborative Housing Survey for the EFC to Advocate for You

This survey is for individuals and families affected by the Eaton Fire. Your answers will help the Eaton Fire Collaborative (EFC) better understand people’s current housing situations, financial challenges, and recovery needs. The goal is to ensure that organizations and community partners can provide support and resources. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. Access the survey here.

Joy Chen of EFSN and Jill Spivack Op-Ed on Why Insurance Commissioner Should Resign

The two authored an op-ed arguing California’s insurance system has failed wildfire survivors, citing a New York Times report that alleges Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara made a secret deal with insurers that allowed them to drop large numbers of policyholders in exchange for future rate hikes. Survivors report widespread delays and denials in claims, leaving many displaced and financially strained nearly a year after the LA fires. The piece claims California’s consumer protection laws have not been enforced, contributing to housing insecurity, stalled rebuilding, and economic instability. It warns that the insurance crisis is turning into a broader housing and credit crisis and calls on state leaders to replace current Department of Insurance leadership to restore accountability and protect consumers. Read the full op-ed here.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! EFRU Needs You

As our community continues the long road to post-fire recovery, EFRU is expanding several key efforts — and we’re reaching out to residents who can volunteer their time and skills to support this critical work. If you’ve been wanting to get involved, this is the moment. Check out the link here to explore the many ways you can support EFRU and make a real impact.

EFRU Social Media & Flyer Materials to Share with Your Friends & Neighbors

To help spread the word, below is a series of online and printed materials in English and Spanish that you can share with friends and neighbors. When we pass along important recovery information, we strengthen our ability to restore and protect our community.

• Instagram Carousels

• Post Remediation Results Flyer

• FAQ on Indoor Contamination Flyer

• Soil Contamination Flyer

Assist the Adopt-a-Family Program

The DPSS Adopt-A-Family Program has launched for the holidays. Participate in this season of giving by sponsoring a low-income family receiving DPSS benefits in Los Angeles County. Individuals and groups interested in sponsoring a family may apply online today at Volunteer Services. Sponsors may adopt one or multiple families. Information on the size and location of the family will be provided. For additional information, email AdoptAFamily@dpss.lacounty.gov.

County Counsel Investigating State Farm for Potential Unfair Practices in Wildfire Claims

Los Angeles County announced that County Counsel has launched an investigation into State Farm’s handling of insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires. The investigation focuses on potential violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law and follows growing complaints from residents about delays, underpayments, and denials of legitimate wildfire claims. County Counsel has formally notified State Farm that if it is engaging in any unlawful or unfair business practices, the company must immediately stop such conduct and come into full compliance with state laws and regulations. Read the announcement from the Office of the County Counsel here.

Department of Public Health Survey on Construction Hours

LA County is asking residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires to complete a short survey to help shape recovery efforts and guide potential adjustments to construction hours to speed rebuilding while reducing disruption. Take the survey here.

EFSN: Edison Profits Soar as Fire Survivors Get Shortchanged; Share Your Comments

EFSN identifies Edison’s final compensation plan pays fire survivors less than PG&E paid the Camp Fire survivors while PG&E was bankrupt. Edison reported $832 million in third-quarter profits, up $316 million from last year, after receiving state approval for a $9.66 billion revenue plan, including an $880 million rate hike and $902 million in back pay. In short: Californians gave Edison a bailout, a raise, and back pay—yet survivors are still being shortchanged. Submit your comments on the SCE Proposal here.

Survey for Eaton & Palisades Fire Survivors Re Construction Hours

LA County Public Health is seeking input from residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires on possible adjustments to construction hours to speed rebuilding while minimizing disruption. Share your experience in this short Recovery Hours Survey: lacounty.pw/rebuild

Participation Needed in the 50 Homes Health Study

LA Fire Health Study needs the community to participate in a critical study to understand the health impacts of the Eaton Fire. Harvard School of Public Health webinar with more information can be viewed here. A clinical coordinator will visit your home at your convenience to collect samples. Participation is voluntary, and your results will be shared privately. To participate or confirm your enrollment, contact Garrett Hah at 917-834-6392 or garrett@hahnyc.com

Department of Angels Releases New Recovery Report

Nine months after the Eaton and Palisades fires, a new Department of Angels report, Community Voices: L.A. Fire Recovery Report issued 10/15/25, reveals a deepening crisis for survivors. Based on surveys of 2,335 residents, it shows worsening conditions across housing, health, and financial stability.

Key Findings:

• Displacement: About 8 in 10 pre-fire residents of Altadena, 9 in 10 residents of Pacific Palisades, and nearly half of residents of Malibu, are currently unable to live in their homes.

• Insurance Hindering Recovery: Insurance experiences for residents have largely involved delays, denials, logistical hurdles, and difficulty continuing coverage into the future.

• Contamination Concern: 84% believe their home or property may be contaminated.

• Difficulty Testing: While the vast majority of residents of impacted areas believe their homes may have been contaminated, more than 1 in 3 who want it have not yet received it.

• Expiring Coverage: Over half of homeowners will lose housing coverage within a year; one in five within months and nearly one-third of renters were uninsured; most insured renters have exhausted their coverage.

Neighbors Main Source of Info: Neighbors are the top source of fire-related information for all people in impacted areas, like family, friends, and online communities. 

EFSN Releases Their Recommendations on Amendments to the SCE Proposal Draft

EFSN released their response to SCE’s draft proposal titled Fix What You Broke. The report echoes and expands on concerns in EFRU’s SCE Proposal Draft Omissions, concluding that the current SCE proposal fails to acknowledge contamination across the Eaton Fire impact area and warning that this omission would drive decades-long economic and public-health harms.

EFRU is grateful for EFSN’s partnership and steadfast advocacy before state leaders and in the media on behalf of the community’s recovery. Although there is mention in EFSN’s report for “A full residential soil plan includes site visits, multi-point composite sampling, laboratory analysis”, what is still missing is the need for systematic oversight and follow-up clearance testing of soils and standing homes during rebuilds to maintain clearance—especially where residual contamination could re-contaminate adjacent properties. An organized, comprehensive program providing continual testing and remediation of all property, inside and out, including residences, school campuses, parks, businesses, and all public spaces throughout the rebuild should be financed by SCE and from the $21 billion fund for utility caused disasters. This program should be run by a contracted company or independent commission financed by the $21 billion fund to orchestrate a community wide approach so that there is a concerted effort to maintain standing homes and soil reach and maintain clearance from hazardous contaminants.

You can review the current SCE Proposal Draft here.

EFRU: SCE Proposal Draft Omissions Outline

EFRU is releasing an outline of omissions in SCE’s recent proposal draft. Review it to understand what is excluded from the settlement so you don’t unknowingly accept an offer that leaves contamination damage to your property unrecovered or limits your ability to pursue compensation for future health impacts from exposure.
Read more here.

Applications Open for Altadena Town Council

Deadline 10/17, 2025 at 5PM
The Altadena Town Council (ATC) is looking for dedicated residents to step up and represent their census tracts in the November 2025 election. 

• Be a voice for your neighbors

• Stay informed on local issues and County services

• Help shape the future of Altadena

• How to apply:
  Apply online or by mail/in person:

• Visit the website or go in person/mail to 730 E. Altadena Dr., Altadena, CA 91001

• Submit your application + $35 fee (check, money order, or Zelle). 

• Include a one-page Statement of Qualifications. Attn: Isis Moulden, Election Committee Chair; Candidate statements will be published in the official booklet and online.

Address Omissions in the SCE Proposal

SCE has proposed a direct compensation program for Eaton Fire survivors that offers large payouts to avoid lengthy litigation, though attorneys caution such programs often pay less than lawsuits. Compensation includes up to $900,000 to rebuild a destroyed 1,500-sq-ft home, $200,000 for settling directly with Edison, and additional funds for pain and suffering; families of deceased victims could receive up to $1.5 million for noneconomic damages, $500,000 per dependent, and a $5 million direct-settlement bonus.

However, for surviving homes eligibility is limited: the draft program covers only visible structural damage (measurable physical harm like staining or corrosion) inside the fire perimeter, excluding homes with lingering smoke, soot, or toxin contamination that lacks visible physical damage. Properties outside the DINs map and soil remediation needs are also left out, potentially excluding many standing homes.

EFSN has drafted a set of community demands in response to Edison’s compensation proposal, with EFRU contributing what they see as critical omissions affecting standing homes. You are encouraged to submit your concerns about this SCE Proposal. You can share your thoughts by adding comments directly in the document or by completing the short questionnaire inside—whichever is easiest for you. 

See the full SCE Proposal here.
Read and add your comment to the draft of Community Demands here.
You can also add your SCE Proposal concerns to this form.

How Assemblymember Harabedian Can Support You in Filing a CDI Complaint

EFSN reports Assemblymember John Harabedian and his team want to help residents track cases with the California Department of Insurance (CDI).
First, file your CDI complaint here.
Then, complete Harabedian's form here.

Consumer Watchdog Insurance Policyholder Bill of Rights

The leaders of Consumer Watchdog have filed a ballot measure guaranteeing insurance coverage to homeowners who meet wildfire mitigation standards set by the state. The “Insurance Policyholder Bill of Rights” also prevents companies from engaging in the “use it and lose it” practice of denying coverage to policyholders who file claims, and extends a host of other new consumer rights. Follow the development of this ballot measure here.

Join the UCLA Wildfire Research Registry

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires left lasting impacts on our communities and health. By joining the UCLA Wildfire Research Registry, you can help doctors and researchers understand those effects. Members may be invited to participate in studies, though participation is always voluntary. More information here in English and in Spanish.

EFSN wants to hear your insurance story

Help be a part of insurance reform and share your insurance struggle with EFSN. Insurance is counting on us being uninformed and alone. Together we can make a difference. Email your insurance story to hello@efsurvivors.net. Join the EFSN newsletter here: https://www.efsurvivors.net/newsletter

Last chance to take Insurance and Recovery Survey

Please take a moment to complete the 6-month insurance and recovery survey. The survey tracks progress and challenges, helping nonprofits, local partners, and UP support the community during long-term wildfire recovery. It may be taken anonymously, or participants can enter an email for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Information will not be shared. One response per household, please. Take the survey at www.uphelp.org/survey

UCLA Wildfire Evacuation Survey

UCLA is collecting first-hand accounts of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfire evacuations, with a short (≈15-minute) survey focused on transportation challenges—what worked, what didn’t, and what would have helped. Findings will be shared with policymakers and emergency/transportation officials to improve real-world, equitable evacuation planning. Take the survey here. Questions can be directed to Professor Evelyn Blumenberg at eblumenb@g.ucla.edu

Help Shape Your Community’s Future with Your Input

The CA Office of Data and Innovation is collecting answers from Eaton & Palisades areas to find out what residents are most concerned about. Learn how to join the conversation so that you can share your input with the State of CA and shape the recovery in the Eaton area: https://engaged.ca.gov/about

Petition Requesting Comprehensive Testing and Remediation at AAM Elementary

Altadena Arts Magnet families are circulating a petition urging PUSD to match LAUSD’s more thorough wildfire response. While LAUSD conducted full indoor testing, PUSD only performed limited debris testing, with no follow-up for contaminants like lead, asbestos, and heavy metals. The petition calls for comprehensive indoor testing and removal of soft goods that trap toxins—steps PUSD has yet to take at any school site. Sign on here to support a safer, fully remediated learning environment.

Add Your Name to the Soil Remediation Advocacy Letter

Despite the deadline date listed on this sign-on letter, signatures are still being accepted.
Led by the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Advocacy Working Group, a sign-on letter is calling on the County Board of Supervisors to support fire survivors. Of the $2.5 billion allocated to LA County for fire recovery, the letter requests that a portion be directed toward land remediation and health costs caused by ongoing contamination. Go here to review and sign on in support of the letter.

Recovery Poll

The Department of Angels, an advocacy group focused on the LA Fire recovery, has released its June survey of 2,000 Eaton and Palisades Fire survivors. Key highlights from the findings include:

• Six Months Later: 7 in 10 Survivors Still Not Home 

• Renters face greater risks of long-term displacement and exclusion from recovery support. 

• Only 1 in 4 of those who suffered severe damage or loss of their property have had their claims fully approved and these breakdowns are forcing people to sell.

• 84% believe their home or land is contaminated by fire residue, but only 37% report any testing, mostly done privately and at personal cost. 95% of survivors support a coordinated, government-led testing and cleanup effort. 

• Survivors turn first to neighbors (73%), friends and family (57%), social media (39%), private chats (36%), and trusted local figures like block captains (21%) and faith leaders (19%) for useful, timely recovery information.

To learn more, see the Department of Angels poll results here. 

AfterFireStories Survey

Share your experience of emotional recovery after a fire by taking LMU’s 5–10 minute anonymous survey at www.afterfirestories.com.  Your reflections and photos will help inform mental health resources and highlight the true impact of fire disasters. LMU is especially seeking participation from African American and Hispanic/Latino residents to ensure the survey accurately represents the diversity of the community.