The Assembly Stands United With Armenian Community Affected By Los Angeles Fires

The Armenian Assembly of America extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to our Assembly family, friends, and supporters, and all impacted as Los Angeles faces its most destructive fires in its history, which has tragically resulted in casualties, injuries, and the loss of thousands of homes, schools, and businesses. The losses to the Armenian community and greater Los Angeles profoundly affect us all.

We extend our gratitude to all of the firefighters and first responders who are working day and night to respond to the immense fires in order to protect our communities. The Assembly stands with those affected.

Please refer to the list below for information on emergency support, shelter, and community resources.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian at dojakian@aaainc.org.

LA County Emergency Information and Resources including shelters: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/

LA City Resources: emergency.lacity.gov/updates for up-to-date information

American Red Cross Shelters and Disaster Relief Services:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

FEMA/Disaster Assistance:

• Residents and businesses impacted by the ongoing wildfires can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App

• Relief includes: displacement assistance for up to 14 days to help cover hotel costs for those forced to evacuate, $770 for essential items, and larger direct grants to cover essential costs, medical bills, cars, and more. Small Business Administration low-interest loans are available for impacted small business owners and residents.

Armenian Bar Association Pro Bono Clinics:

Free Legal Assistance is available through the Armenian Bar Association. Please call 818-660-6898.

Wildfire Insurance:

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara recently announced free insurance support workshops on January 25 and 26 at Pasadena City College to help residents impacted by the wildfires understand their insurance policies, while also providing information about available resources for rebuilding and recovery. Those who want to schedule a one-on-one appointment should contact the CA Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357. Walk-ins will be on a first-come-first serve basis. 

Pasadena Dates and Hours of Operation:

Saturday 1/25/2025: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday 1/26/2025: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91106

For more information please visit: insurance.ca.gov  

Wildfire Insurance Virtual Town Hall:

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Department of Insurance experts will be hosting a virtual Los Angeles County Wildfire Insurance Virtual Town Hall for people to learn how to navigate insurance issues after the fires and learn tips to avoid being victimized by insurance scams.

Thursday, January 30th

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Register at this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3-uDidaPTUKL1lou9g3LSA#/registration

The California Department of Insurance can offer help with other insurance questions at 1-800-927-4357 or www.insurance.ca.gov

Tax Relief for Los Angeles Wildfire Survivors:

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is providing state disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by the Southern California wildfires. Los Angeles County taxpayers will be allowed to postpone their 2024 tax return filings until October 15, 2025. This delay aligns with the recently granted federal extension. Click here for more information on the scope of individuals covered by the tax extensions.

Governor Newsom also announced that the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has extended the tax filing deadline for three months for taxpayers and businesses in Los Angeles County. Click here for more information on the CDTFA extension.

Resource and Information Links from State and Federal Officials:

Rep. Judy Chu: https://chu.house.gov/EatonFire

Rep. Brad Sherman: https://sherman.house.gov/LAFires

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin: https://a42.asmdc.org/palisades-fire-updates-and-evacuation-center-information

Stay Informed:

• Register for emergency alerts at Alert LA County

• Save the contact for Alert LA County in your phone:

• Phone Alerts: (213) 255-3911 

• Email Alerts: Alert LA County (from email address noreply@genasys.com)

• Text/SMS: Sender ID 65513

Real Time Fire Alerts: http://app.watchduty.org 

Social Media Updates:

• LA County Fire: @LACoFDPIO 

• LA County Sheriff: @LASDHQ

• LA County: @CountyofLA

• Office of Emergency Management: @ReadyLACounty

Public Health:

• Safe Clean-Up After a Fire

Mental Health:

• Mental Health and Stress after an Emergency

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.