Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas of Salinas, along with dozens of Assemblymembers, gathered in Los Angeles to introduce new bills aimed at speeding up rebuilding efforts and lifting development restrictions in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Southern California. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also addressed reports of price gouging and fraud related to the wildfires.
In addition to legislative efforts, concerns have been raised about the safety of workers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts. Calmatters’ journalists Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Jeanne Kuang highlighted the hazards faced by these workers, including collapsing buildings and toxic chemicals. Labor groups are working to train day laborers, many of whom are immigrants, to identify hazards in burned homes.
The use of private firefighters, often provided by insurers to protect wealthy clients’ homes during wildfires, has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that this creates a two-tiered system where the wealthy receive better protection than others. Reports of private firefighters entering disaster zones without proper coordination have led to confusion among residents and emergency responders.
To stay informed about developments related to the wildfires in Southern California, CalMatters has partnered with PBS SoCal, LAist, and KCRW to offer a free newsletter with accurate and up-to-date information. The newsletter aims to keep residents informed about the ongoing situation and provide valuable resources.
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