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Supporting Our Community During the Wildfire Crisis

We want to take a moment to thank our first responders, activists, and community members for stepping up during this challenging time. Your efforts—whether through resource-sharing, outreach, or direct action—are truly making a difference and show the strength and resilience of our community.

With so much information circulating, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help navigate available options. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope it serves as a helpful starting point for you, your loved ones, or anyone in need.

If further assistance is needed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

✨ Start Here ✨

Use these resources to guide your board’s efforts in utilizing emergency funds, or reach out to local shelters and organizations to offer support.

Mutual Aid LA (MALAN): The MALAN team maintains a regularly updated Google Sheet with available resources for those affected by the fires, including volunteer opportunities and donation needs. Access the MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources here.
LA Fires | Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer for events from January 10–12, 2025. Sign up here.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: They are accepting food donations and volunteers. Learn how to help here.
How to Help: Read this guide on how to support without overwhelming organizations.

Resources for Evacuees and First Responders

This evening, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued a number of mandatory evacuation orders and warnings for parts of Encino, Tarzana, and Woodland Hills. If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, please stay calm, gather your essentials, and follow official instructions to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. If you receive an evacuation warning, please prepare to quickly evacuate if ordered to do so.

Nearby Shelters

Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center – 14201 Huston St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Lanark Park – 21816 Lanark St, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon BLvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Westwood Reaction Center – 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Pasadena Civic Auditorium – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Stone Recreation Center – 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Nearby Animal Shelters

(Small animals) El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(Small animals) Agoura Animal Care Center – 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(Large animals) Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona
(Large animals) Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
(Large animals) Antelope Valley Fair 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Other Resources

Evacuation Centers and Shelters: Locate shelters through the American Red Cross Shelter Finder. Airbnb is also offering free stays in partnership with 211 LA.
Free Child Care & Temporary Evacuation Sites: YMCA centers are open as evacuation sites, providing shelter, showers, and basic amenities for first responders and displaced families.
- Koreatown YMCA: 433 S. Vermont Ave.
- Westchester YMCA: 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Free Meals: Many LA restaurants are offering free meals to first responders and evacuees. See the growing list here.
Animal Shelters: Emergency shelters for displaced pets need volunteers and donations. Visit LA County Animal Care & Control.
Showers & Amenities: Planet Fitness is providing free access to facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and Wi-Fi, for wildfire-affected residents and first responders until January 15. No membership required.
Pro Bono Therapy: Free therapy services are available for those affected by the fires. Please share this resource.
Photo Recovery: Chatbooks is offering free reprints of photos lost in the fires. Contact them at support@chatbooks.com or through their social media.

Disaster Assistance

FEMA Assistance: Apply for FEMA disaster support here.
Red Cross Safety Updates: To check on loved ones or report your safety, call the Red Cross at (800) 675-5799.
Crisis Counseling: The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 crisis counseling at 1-800-985-5990.
Support for Children: Project Camp is hosting pop-up day camps for kids affected by the fires. Learn more or donate here.

Safety Guides and Resources

Wildfire Smoke Protection: Learn how to protect yourself from smoke here.
Wildfire Smoke Safety Toolkit: Access the CEMO Safety Toolkit.
Air Quality Tracking: Monitor air quality through AirNow.gov or the IQAir App.
Water Safety:
- LADWP issued a 48-hour boil water advisory for Pacific Palisades (90272).
- Pasadena has a “Do-Not-Drink Water Notification.”
- Track updates here.
Conserve Water: The LAFD is using our urban water supply to fight fires. Help conserve by running full loads of laundry and dishes and turning off taps when not in use.
Evacuation Preparation: Find detailed evacuation guides at ReadyForWildfire.org, including their Go! Evacuation Guide.

Evacuation Resources

Nearby Shelters

Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center – 14201 Huston St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Lanark Park – 21816 Lanark St, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon BLvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Westwood Reaction Center – 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Pasadena Civic Auditorium – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Stone Recreation Center – 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Nearby Animal Shelters

(Small animals) El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(Small animals) Agoura Animal Care Center – 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(Large animals) Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona
(Large animals) Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
(Large animals) Antelope Valley Fair 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

We’re in This Together

Our collective strength and resilience make a difference. Let’s continue supporting one another through this challenging time.

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Emergency Resources: Report Fallen Trees and Power Outages

LADWP customers experiencing outages should expect crews to respond within 24-48 hours from the time outages are reported.
Report outages, see outage alerts, and track the status of outages at:
https://www.ladwp.com/outages
Contact LADWP: 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397)

MyLA 311 connects you to city services and info; use it to report fallen trees, request cleanups, etc.
Dial 311 or (213) 473-3231
Submit requests online at:
https://myla311.lacity.org
Download the MyLA311 App

See road closures and parking restrictions at: https://ladot.lacity.gov/

Power Line Safety

Do NOT touch downed power lines
Do NOT drive over them
Call 911 immediately

Preparing for Strong Winds and Potential Fires

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an alert for a severe windstorm expected to impact Ventura and Los Angeles counties from Tuesday, January 7, through Wednesday, January 8. Winds are expected to reach 50-80 mph, with gusts up to 100 mph in some areas.

In Los Angeles, Red Flag Parking Restrictions will be in effect starting Tuesday, January 7, at 8:00 AM, until further notice.

Check affected parking areas on the LAFD interactive map: LAFD Red Flag Map.
Get Red Flag Parking updates: LAFD Red Flag Updates.
Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas

The Los Angeles Area, especially foothill and hillside communities, faces increased wildfire risks due to dry conditions.

Metrolink, LA Metro

Free LA Metro Rides on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Enjoy Free Rides on LA Metro This Holiday Season

LA Metro is once again offering free rides on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to ensure safe and convenient travel during the holidays. From 4 a.m. on December 24 to 3 a.m. on December 25, passengers can ride Metro buses and trains for free.

Free Metro Micro Rides with Special Code

Passengers can also enjoy free rides on Metro Micro using the promo code Merry24. This offer makes it even easier to travel around Los Angeles during the festive season.

Free Metro Bike Rides Available

Metro Bike will be free from December 24 through January 1. To unlock free rides, use the promo code 010125 at Metro Bike stations or via the Metro Bike app.

Metrolink’s $10 Holiday Pass for Unlimited Travel

In addition to Metro’s free services, Metrolink is offering a $10 Holiday Pass on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This pass provides unlimited systemwide rides for the day of purchase and can be bought through the Metrolink mobile app or at station ticket machines under “Special Event Tickets.”

Convenient Transfers for Metrolink Riders

Metrolink ticketholders can enjoy free transfers to many local public transit operators, including LA Metro buses and rail lines, ensuring seamless travel across the region.

Special Rose Parade Service on New Year’s Day

On January 1, Metrolink will run early-morning trains on the Ventura County, Orange County, and 91/Perris Valley lines. Adjusted schedules on the Antelope Valley and San Bernardino lines will ensure trains arrive at L.A. Union Station between 7 and 7:30 a.m.

For easy access to the Rose Parade route, passengers can connect to Metro’s A Line at L.A. Union Station. Early afternoon trains will also be available to help attendees return home conveniently.

For more details about Metrolink’s Rose Parade service, visit the official schedule at Metrolink Rose Parade Service.

Travel Safely and Conveniently This Holiday Season

With free rides on LA Metro buses, Metro Micro, and Metro Bike, along with Metrolink’s $10 Holiday Pass, holiday travel across Los Angeles has never been easier.

Plan your trips, enjoy the festivities, and travel stress-free this season!

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CA E-Bike Incentive Project

The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide consumer-facing incentive program that aims to provide point-of-sale voucher incentives — for the purchase of electric bicycles (e-bikes) — to residents in disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households with an annual household income of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The base incentive voucher is $1,750, but applicants with certain qualifications can receive as much as $2,000.

Note that this is a voucher, not a rebate, so it is discounted at the time of purchase. The money can also be used to buy safety equipment such as helmets, locks, and lights, as well as cover delivery costs.

Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who’s eligible?

You have to be at least 18 years old and make less than 300% of the federal poverty level. That means a two-person household making less than $61,320 a year would qualify.

How it’s funded

$7.5 million in funding is available for the voucher program. The money is from the state’s general fund and is overseen by the California Air Resources Board.

Applications open every three to four months until funding is exhausted.

For more information and to apply:

https://ebikeincentives.org/

A featured image illustrating the bird flu outbreak, showing a concerned agricultural worker in protective gear with a backdrop of chickens in a farm

California Declares Emergency Over Bird Flu Outbreak

California Takes Action on Bird Flu Outbreak

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to California’s rising bird flu cases. The announcement follows confirmation from the CDC of a severe human case in Louisiana.

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” said Newsom. While the risk to the general public remains low, the state is taking preventive measures to control the virus’s spread.

Medical Debt Relief

LA County to Wipe Out $800M in Medical Debt for 200K Residents: Here’s How It Works

LA County Launches Program to Cancel $800M in Medical Debt for 200K Angelenos

Los Angeles County is tackling medical debt head-on, offering relief to hundreds of thousands of residents burdened by unpaid bills. Through a groundbreaking initiative, the county plans to clear $800 million in medical debt for low-income residents, helping alleviate financial stress for families struggling to make ends meet.

How the Program Works

The Medical Debt Relief Program, launched by the LA County Department of Public Health, works in partnership with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. Hospitals participating in the program agree to settle unpaid medical bills for just pennies on the dollar. This allows the county to eliminate $500 million in medical debt for only $5 million, benefiting 150,000 residents in its initial phase.

County officials aim to eventually wipe out $2 billion in medical debt for eligible residents. Here’s a breakdown of the program’s progress and funding:

LA County Board of Supervisors approved an initial $5 million investment to eliminate $500 million in debt.
LA Care Health Plan added $2 million, while the LA County Medical Association contributed $1 million. These funds will clear an additional $300 million for another 50,000 residents.

In total, clearing $2 billion in medical debt would require just $24 million in funding, a small price to pay for massive financial relief.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for medical debt cancellation:

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Happy Thanksgiving Adoption Weekend

LA Animal Services will offer reduced adoption fees this Thanksgiving weekend to help the pets in the six Centers find loving homes. Like many shelters across the country, the Department is facing high intake numbers of cats and dogs, with medium- and large-sized dogs making up the majority of the pet population. Click here to view adoptable pets.

Furry friends adopted from LA Animal Services join their new families already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Adopters also receive a Petco flyer with discounts to help make their pet adoption a success and a VCA Healthy Start Certificate, which provides up to $250 of follow-up veterinary care within the first 14 days of adoption, and for a limited time, a free dog or cat bed thanks to a donation from Chewy and Greater Good Charities. In addition, dogs are also eligible for free dog training classes with Paws for Life K9 Rescue at their People & Pet Innovation Center in Mission Hills, CA. Contact info@pawsforlifecanine.org for more details.

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LAPD Budget Approved: $2.14 Billion Spending Plan for 2025-26

The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners has approved a $2.14 billion budget for the LAPD’s 2025-26 fiscal year. This plan reflects an 8.1% increase, or $160.5 million more, compared to the current budget. The proposal now moves to Mayor Karen Bass and the City Administrative Office for review, with the mayor expected to present the city’s full budget in late April 2025.

A Breakdown of the Budget

The spending plan includes several critical areas of investment:

$145.3 million for salary adjustments, overtime, recruitment, and staffing improvements.
$45.2 million for replacing police vehicles and acquiring two helicopters to replace aging ones.
$3.9 million for technology, including upgrades to the Real-Time Crime Center, wireless cameras, and cybersecurity operations.
$747,252 for security services.

According to Trina Unzicker, commanding officer of the LAPD’s Fiscal Group, the proposed budget is designed to address the department’s expanding responsibilities while staying mindful of the city’s financial challenges. “Every dollar requested aligns with our mission to provide professional, effective, and equitable law enforcement services to all Angelenos,” she said.

Additional Responsibilities and Oversight

Commissioner Rasha Gerges Shields clarified that the budget isn’t just for LAPD operations but also supports the Office of Inspector General and the police commission. Shields highlighted the growing demands placed on the department, particularly in administering the city’s hotel and short-term rental ordinance, which involves processing over 9,000 permits annually.

“These are things, a lot of times, the department is criticized for asking for more and more money,” Shields explained. “But this is a very good example of how more and more responsibilities are thrust upon the department, whether or not they are the right avenue.”

Next Steps

The unanimous approval by the commission marks the first step in a lengthy budget process. The proposal’s fate will depend on review by Mayor Bass and city officials as they balance competing priorities amid a projected citywide deficit through 2028-29.

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Run for a Seat on our Board

All 17 Board seats are now open for filing with the City Clerk. Candidate filing closes on Friday, January 6, at 11:59 p.m.

There are two ways to file:

1) The City Clerk election portal

2) Download the paper application, complete, and then use U.S. mail, email to clerk.election@lacity.org, or fax to 213-978-0376 to submit. Candidate application – English

Candidate application Spanish

Those who live within the Harbor Gateway North boundaries will also need to submit a copy of their photo ID as proof of their address and age. Those who work, own property, or are Community Interest stakeholders filing for the At-Large position will need to provide additional documentation per the City Clerk’s requirements. See more details in the NC Documentation Guide Other information can be found at https://clerk.lacity.gov/clerk-services/elections/neighborhood-council-elections

Board member terms are two years, beginning July 1, 2025. Board members will need to be able to attend most of the monthly Board meetings held via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month, plus the four quarterly in-person General Membership meetings held on the fourth Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October. Board members are also required to take five trainings (Ethics, Funding, Code of Conduct, Anti-Bias training, and Gender Expression/Gender Identity training) via an online portal.

For other questions, contact the City Clerk’s office clerk.election.org or telephone using 213-978-0444 or 1-888-873-1000.