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Message to Constituents Concerning the Active Wildfires in Southern California

Statement

My heart breaks for the families, communities and beloved Southern California landmarks devastated by these wildfires. The loss of homes, the fear and uncertainty faced by tens of thousands forced to evacuate—this is an unimaginably difficult time for so many. Last night large portions of Santa Monica and other parts of Southern California were subject to mandatory evacuation orders. The city has issued an evacuation order for Montana Avenue from the beach to 11 street. This is a legal order from the City of Santa Monica and this area must evacuate. For information about these evacuations and all fires, please monitor updates on CAL FIRE.

Your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, pets and neighbors, must be the top priority at this time. Please follow all evacuation orders and safety directives from local authorities.

I am working closely with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the Assembly Speaker's Office and my colleagues in the Legislature and fire and safety officials to address the most urgent needs identified by our local officials in our communities, including expanding access to evacuation centers and hotels, clean water, medical supplies and essential resources. Additionally, we are monitoring gas and utility shut-offs to homes and businesses as a precautionary measure to prevent further fires.

I want to thank our first responders, as well as local elected officials in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and the City of Los Angeles, for their dedicated work under challenging circumstances. They have been working around the clock to address the needs of the many people affected by this crisis.

To everyone impacted: you are not alone. Members of my own family were evacuated yesterday from a fire zone, as well as many friends and members of my staff and their families. I am devastated that I have several close friends who lost their homes yesterday.

I want you to know that my staff and I are fully committed to doing everything in our power to help  protect lives, support recovery efforts and rebuild our communities in the wake of this devastation. Our office is available and ready to help. Please contact us through our online form or via phone at (323) 436-5184.
 


Important Resources

The Los Angeles County Emergency Incident Response website has been activated. This website provides a mapping tool and lists real-time evacuation, shelter and other information/resources related to the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire and other wildfires.
 


Steps You Can Take to Be Prepared

  1. Have Your GO Bag Ready: Pack essentials like clothing, medications, important documents, water, non-perishable food, phone chargers and a flashlight. Include masks and any supplies you'd need for children, pets or elderly family members.
  2. Charge Up and Fuel Up: Fully charge your phones and backup batteries. Ensure your vehicle's gas tank is full or your electric car is fully charged.
  3. Stay Alert: Sign up for real-time updates through the emergency alerts listed below. If you are an iPhone user, make sure your emergency, public safety and government alerts are turned on.
  4. Plan Your Route: Know multiple ways to leave your neighborhood in case of an evacuation. Have a plan to reunite with family or loved ones if you're separated.
  5. Prepare Your Home: Clear debris, dead leaves and other flammable materials from around your home. Ensure garden hoses are connected and ready to use. Close windows and vents to prevent embers from entering your home.
  6. Help Emergency Services: Park off the street whenever possible to leave roads clear for first responders. Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during peak winds, especially after 10 p.m. tonight.
     


Additional Resources

Register for Emergency Alerts

Follow Los Angeles County Public Safety Partners on Social Media

  • Office of Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter): @ReadyLACounty
  • LA County Fire on X: @LACoFDPIO
  • LA County Sheriff on X: @LASDHQ
  • LA County on X: @CountyofLA

Public Health

Mental Health


School Closures

The Los Angeles Unified School District has released a list of fire and wind related school closures that will be updated throughout the week.

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District schools are closed today, as are Santa Monica College in-person classes and services.

All schools within the Beverly Hills Unified School District are currently open.
 


Supporting Survivors

For those looking to donate to survivors of the wildfires, here is a list of community funds that have been vetted by Philanthropy California. Donations made to all organizations should be researched thoroughly to avoid falling victim to fraud.


Price Gouging

As reminded by Attorney General Rob Bonta in a consumer alert, price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General.
 


***More Specific Information for Santa Monica Residents***

I am grateful for the leadership of Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, the Santa Monica City Council, and City of Santa Monica public safety officials for responding so capably to this devastating crisis.

I am especially grateful to Santa Monica City Councilmember Dan Hall for sharing important updates on evacuations, closures, and more, which are reproduced below and which were accurate as of 2:35 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, January 8. As this emergency continues to evolve, please regularly check the official sources identified below for the latest information.

The city has issued an evacuation order for Montana Avenue from the beach to 11 street. This is a legal order from the City of Santa Monica and this area must evacuate. This means you need to have your bags packed and prepared to leave and city services such as street sweeping, trash/recycling/bulky item/alley pickup are suspended. Do not forget important documents and prescriptions. If you require extra time to evacuate, for example seniors, families with small children, pets or accessibility concerns, please consider evacuating now.

Other immediately relevant information:

  • Free Big Blue Bus transport to the Westwood Recreation Center is available. Buses leave hourly. Pick-up location: 7th Street and San Vicente Boulevard.
  • The City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated and the Santa Monica Police Department and Fire Department continue to patrol the City to prevent nefarious activity. Power remains citywide with intermittent interruptions due to downed trees or power lines.
  • Report any fires to 911 immediately. Report any downed power lines or trees to 311 immediately. Staff is working diligently to keep our streets clear for first responders, evacuation routes and for general safety.
  • The City will continue monitoring both wind speed and direction, air quality and any measures we need to take to modify operations.

Additional information from the City:

  • To assist with current Palisades Fire evacuations, the following street closures are in place until further notice:
    • Westbound I-10 at Lincoln Boulevard and northbound PCH
    • Northbound Ocean Avenue, 7th Street and 26th Street at San Vicente Boulevard
    • Access points for northbound PCH at Moomat Ahiko and California Incline
  • The following city facility and service closures are in place for Jan. 8:
    • Annenberg Community Beach House
    • Montana Branch Library
    • Santa Monica Swim Center
    • Reed Park Tennis Office
    • Downtown Farmers Market is canceled
    • BBB Route 9 service has been suspended.
  • Residents are asked to avoid non-essential travel in northern portions of the city to facilitate evacuations and assist first responders.
  • Residents are asked to turn off their scheduled sprinklers to preserve supply and maintain pressure for emergency services.
  • The Emergency Response Program provides low-barrier, safe and supportive 24-hour emergency shelter services as a result of severe weather or circumstances that pose an immediate danger to unsheltered individuals.

Finally, updates will continue to be posted on City social media and the City's website. I will repost updates on my own social media as well.

Sincerely,

Rick Chavez Zbur Signature

Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Assembly
Representing Assembly District 51

Send Date
Universe
District wide
E-News
No
eAlert Type
Information
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Wildfires Information
eAlert Hero Link
https://www.fire.ca.gov