Six months ago today, the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires began in Southern California, destroying thousands of businesses and homes.
Families are still trying to find a “new normal” as many are displaced and navigating the challenges of insurance, and rebuilding.
The big focus on recovery has been making sure the Palisades is better protected, should another fire happen.
A huge project is getting power lines underground. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power says it will take years and it will be expensive but it has already started, with Sunset Boulevard being a big priority.
New homes are also being encouraged to rebuild with more fire resistant materials.
According to Mayor Karen Bass, nearly 80% of homes in LA that were destroyed by the fire have been cleared of debris. That’s nearly 3,500 properties.
More than 640 plan check applications have been submitted by those hoping to build and 161 permits have officially been issued.
There’s been a list of executive orders that are aimed to make recovery less expensive, and more realistic – for this community.
Mayor Bass waived 2025 business taxes for impacted firms and just last month, the city’s first-ever “self certification program” was launched, allowing licensed architects to make sure their projects are code compliant instead of waiting on a full check from the city.
The mayor is also hoping the city council will pass an ordinance that would suspend the collection of permit and plan check fees.
Another priority for the city is rebuilding key community spaces.
The Palisades rec center, playground, and library have been cleared of debris as well as Palisades Charter High School, elementary school, and Marquez Elementary.
It is still unclear how this fire began.
Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to speak in a news conference later Monday morning where he will be joined by mayor Karen Bass as well as local and federal leaders to highlight the progress in the city and county’s recovery efforts.