Los Angeles City Workers Affected by Fires Could Get $10,000 for Displaced Homes

LOS ANGELES—On Wednesday, five members of the Los Angeles city council proposed a minimum allocation of $10,000 for city employees who lost their homes due to the devastating wildfires affecting the area over the past two weeks.

Council members Traci Park, Hugo Soto-Martinez, Tim McOsker, Curren Price, and Katy Yaroslavsky brought forward a motion aimed at aiding these employees.

“Many of our committed workers and their families have had to evacuate, with some tragically losing their homes,” states the motion. “Moreover, beyond the immediate loss of housing, these employees’ families are experiencing considerable financial strain, including job losses and the destruction of livelihoods due to businesses being destroyed.”

Should the motion pass, the council will instruct the Personnel Department and the city administrative officer to collaborate with labor unions to identify the affected employees in need of support.

The council staff will also be responsible for reporting on further initiatives to help workers, which may include establishing a recovery fund for city employees, allowing more flexibility in sick leave and telecommuting, introducing an additional 80 hours of paid leave, and other support programs previously implemented in response to local disasters, such as the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

This motion will be reviewed by the council’s personnel, audits, and hiring committee before a full city council vote.

On Tuesday, the council also approved various emergency measures aimed at enhancing recovery and rebuilding efforts, safeguarding fire victims, and reviewing the city’s response to the crisis.

Similarly, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved motions to align all economic and workforce relief strategies, promote awareness about Unemployment Insurance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and enforce anti-price gouging laws and worker protections, among other initiatives.

Both government bodies have also extended their local emergency declarations to ensure ongoing relief operations and the enforcement of safety regulations.

As of Wednesday, the Palisades Fire has scorched 23,713 acres and is 19 percent contained, with at least eight fatalities reported.

Within the city’s jurisdiction, firefighters managed to contain the Hurst, Woodley, Sunset, Sunswept, Archer, and Kenneth fires.

In the county’s jurisdiction, the Eaton Fire, covering 14,117 acres, was reported to be 45 percent contained as of Wednesday.