[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6312318,"mediaKeyId","2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805","parentId",2391121,"title","Regional Planning warns of staffing shortfalls, requests legal and lease funding as wildfire rebuild surge begins","audioSeconds",340,"startMs",4270000,"endMs",4610000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805&start=4270&end=4610","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805/thumbnail_4270000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6312318/Los-Angeles-County/California/Regional-Planning-warns-of-staffing-shortfalls-requests-legal-and-lease-funding-as-wildfire-rebuild-surge-begins","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312318-3d67849693b0be434cc86984bd293056/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131313&Signature=QO0BsM0xHuiKlREVZOY4vFZvfMSwJu8ARfWPz1osujJa40kxIk-ZC84bczpjN4fV2JM6h8qbi3VwfGBIBa1Y4R8eNjymSVVC9-MoFX851ss5n3nLmhV5vs6VESCe4Gx0m3DtLFkGmS85DXrG-PqWirQ21Fv1DSvlGXQc07mvZ1U2dkRGYhGM53EiDWuO25SmB4X-n3VDxiE0ivLCbRv8P~yZZkIxXf7TywPjz8RwvkYMjISiprZ6AEPRmhEsT1oQ4ItjONnX-~gsU4IlAUq3Lo9XYTZDi1lN2XbkEfFfZXCMQYwweqVslKEbCmHlY9NoMKcaIfs6xqikw-IAd66jeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Los Angeles County CA","date","2025-02-26T02:48:21Z","article","Los Angeles County's Department of Regional Planning presented its fiscal 2025–26 budget and described how the January wildfires add near-term permitting demand atop a steady rise in housing permits.

Key takeaways: Director Amy Bodak told the Board that Regional Planning operates with 211 budgeted positions (about 80 professional planners), an 8 percent vacancy rate and a budget of roughly $48 million for the year. Approximately 86 percent of the budget is staff costs; discretionary funds are minimal (about $250,000), limiting the department's ability to contract services.

Unmet needs and requests: The department asked for $1.5 million ongoing to cover County Counsel fee-for-service legal support, plus $600,000 in one-time costs for outside litigation expertise; $240,000 per year to amortize Regional Planning's share of the La Puente one-stop office buildout over 10 years; and an estimated $185,000 annually for a replacement Calabasas one-stop lease. Bodak said the department faces spikes in ministerial and discretionary permits because of fire rebuilds and coastal permits that remain time-consuming.

Supervisors' questions and staff responses: Supervisors asked about community engagement capacity, code enforcement staffing, coastal permit delays and how the department is leveraging EPIC LA and data to advocate for more positions. Bodak said the area-plan teams have completed heavy rezoning work and will shift toward implementation and community-based outreach via contracted community-based organizations where possible. She said regional planners are seeking three additional coastal planners to handle a disproportionate share of complex coastal discretionary permits.

Next steps: County CEO staff said they are developing a rebuild surge plan and that the state's Department of Housing and Community Development has approximately $4 million available in one-time staffing grants for affected jurisdictions; Regional Planning will seek its share and return with requests tied to the surge timeline.

Ending: Directors and supervisors emphasized the county's limited discretionary funds and asked for follow-up on possible cross-department cost-sharing with Public Works and others to better staff permitting and rebuild efforts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Meeting 2/25/25","oneSentenceSummary","Regional Planning told the Board of Supervisors it has a thin discretionary budget and is seeking $1.5 million in recurring legal support, one-time litigation funds and lease amortization to manage a sprint of post-fire permitting and rebuild demand.","taxTitle","Los Angeles County, California","taxId",2588,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312326,"County OKs temporary increases at landfills to receive fire debris; residents press for safer disposal",444,1816000,2260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805&start=1816&end=2260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805/thumbnail_1816000.jpg","/articles/6312326/Los-Angeles-County/California/County-OKs-temporary-increases-at-landfills-to-receive-fire-debris-residents-press-for-safer-disposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312326-5e233f277e5451d218d61bf6afa25bb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131313&Signature=X4Nyuht3jd6jJCNlH737Ua1-Y4Kc34nhTRCsuqAZiI8NGsWePyCaLI6-r-sqw8x9zpRK3S3BYXs20BeTHdws8BBUxWO7AoMQNMlHpKEdumjG~cmQP8J9e8M6z6wxkANdsn2iiFx7DkJI9G6T~33x8gJThczXGgkpbCc3q7K8L1SC-IIVUlFjHqc1Labl8aVls6Qw0ZHwyfTYY1uYTcsazCzxOCOrsO85ABFXBcVjnwtSoiwqhLFb2jLFfWPKN4Cci7u4ZnEfDp-vnowp9nX2igaFC0Xz4RdLTSbSG60umrfvI0tjeM6CcHYhBBlfMkT86GRLMvyczciGqa40MESxQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 approved temporary measures to speed the removal of fire-generated ash and debris from the Jan. 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires, authorizing increased daily tonnage at several local landfills and lifting watershed restrictions for Calabasas Landfill.

The board’s action: At the recommendation of County Public Works and in coordination with state and federal agencies, the board temporarily increased permitted daily tonnage at Sunshine Canyon and Lancaster landfills and authorized Calabasas Landfill to accept disaster-related debris from outside its usual waste shed, after staff said state and federal rules allow such approvals for public-health emergencies. The board’s roll call on the measure was recorded as unanimous.

Why supporters said action was needed: County staff and federal partners said thousands of structures were destroyed or damaged and that moving ash and debris from uncontrolled parcels into lined landfill cells reduces long-term exposure risk. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and CalRecycle described a “wet” containment and transport method — wrapping and wetting debris before haul and final burial in lined landfill cells — and said prior wildfire debris operations have used similar steps.

Community opposition: Dozens of residents and local elected officials from Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Granada Hills and other neighborhoods spoke during a lengthy public comment period. They raised repeated concerns that household-ash and burned-material streams can contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous compounds and that nearby landfills have records of odor and emissions problems. Speakers and several city councils urged moving debris to remote, fully permitted hazardous-landfill facilities (for example Kettleman City was cited) rather than to landfills located near schools, parks and homes. Several public commenters referenced past landfill violations at Sunshine Canyon and asked for additional testing and monitoring.

Regulatory and operational details: County and state agencies said the state Water Boards’ disaster-related waste discharge requirements and CalRecycle’s guidance are the governing frameworks; local Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and regional air and water boards retain inspection and enforcement authority. County staff said operators will wet and burrito-wrap loads, visually inspect incoming loads, and use leachate and liner systems at lined cells; regulators committed extra onsite monitoring during the operation.

Next steps and risks: County staff and agencies said they would increase inspections and coordinate traffic and routing to limit neighborhood impacts. Several cities and community groups said they would pursue legal options if they believed residents’ long-term health was at risk. The board directed staff to continue coordination with state and federal partners on testing and disposal options.

Ending: The board framed the vote as balancing urgency to clear debris from the landscape with the obligation to protect neighborhoods; many residents said they want that balance to include shipment of highly contaminated materials to remote hazardous disposal sites rather than nearby municipal landfills where possible.","The Board of Supervisors approved temporary tonnage increases and watershed waivers to allow local landfills to receive debris from January’s wildfires, while residents and cities pressed for remote disposal of potentially hazardous material.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312331,"Los Angeles County approves limited eviction protections for tenants affected by January wildfires",18610,2637000,21247000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805&start=2637&end=21247","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805/thumbnail_2637000.jpg","/articles/6312331/Los-Angeles-County/California/Los-Angeles-County-approves-limited-eviction-protections-for-tenants-affected-by-January-wildfires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312331-a364f8e48ff72cf46875835aab42e9be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131313&Signature=jJG~BQzdF5bdgPJAFwoYjqIzE6XIwbOjYrTK9i2ltJ9FKn8lcOEstmQ7xB1eyDaplX6u~4IQWpN4PtEjToXJ0qliMTpuAzahfRnr-fUiH0RYo32sH-wQw3iWSZ4NBaFt4RWfk5au0j4NmO8sScRdmMs9Cd8OVyN~~cA6UDZmuHqmdKMyuFP9xrLjonu6UEModf0bidUEAgLwzwtQoEZl2bY6fy~PYkb9CxRM~nMOFvmuE8xEnEcRlpAvgEVVUVOSXyngJUR6WK4U~fWp4TJHUzmCWNHUnQv27iy~cXfMTfLyDF5qSQcvJ749jJ-eWO8f2XzF~1LFo1GYzZxSM0dOAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 approved a resolution creating a temporary affirmative defense against eviction for income-eligible tenants who lost work because of the Jan. 2025 windstorms and critical wildfires, providing short-term breathing room while tenants seek benefits or new work.

The measure, introduced by Supervisor Lindsay Horvath and carried with support from four supervisors, does not create a cash payment; rather it gives qualifying tenants a defense to an unlawful-detainer action while they pursue rent- or income-replacement programs and employment. The board voted 4–0 with one abstention (Supervisor Janice Barger) after rejecting a separate amendment that would have required tenants to submit documentation showing they had applied for unemployment or other relief and a log of job searches.

Why it matters: County officials and advocates said the fires destroyed or disrupted thousands of homes and livelihoods and that a narrow legal protection can prevent immediate displacement while recovery and relief programs ramp up. Supporters argued it reduces the risk that people who temporarily lose income will fall into homelessness.

What the rule does and does not do: The ordinance requires that tenants who assert the defense must have lived in the unit before Jan. 7, 2025, meet an income threshold (100 percent of area median income for 2024), and have begun efforts to replace income (apply for a wildfire relief program, apply for unemployment benefits if eligible, or be actively seeking employment). Tenants must submit a written attestation of those facts to the landlord; courts will evaluate the defense if an eviction case is filed. The board and county staff said rent still accrues and that the policy is not a permanent rent waiver.

Opposition and concerns: Landlord groups said the protections and the risk of delayed rental payments will threaten small property owners—many still recovering from COVID-era losses—and urged fully funded rental assistance before imposing a moratorium-style protection. Tenant advocates and labor organizations countered that adding documentation demands would exclude undocumented workers and informal-economy employees who are hardest-hit and less able to meet paperwork requirements. Several speakers representing unions, tenant groups, and service organizations urged passage without additional upfront documentation requirements.

Next steps: County departments were directed to post attestation tools and FAQs in multiple languages and to coordinate with the CEO’s office on rental and worker relief funds; the board asked for continued outreach to affected communities and for rapid reports on fund disbursement.

Ending: Supervisors framed the vote as an emergency, short-term response to prevent immediate displacement while the county and philanthropic partners scale relief programs. The board’s action does not forgive accrued rent; it creates a time-limited legal defense for qualifying tenants while they pursue income replacement.","The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 approved a temporary affirmative defense against eviction for income-eligible tenants whose wages or employment were disrupted by the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312321,"County begins review of General Relief program; DPSS proposes redesign and expanded supports",296,7374000,7670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805&start=7374&end=7670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391121-a37e21a1888cbb8812eebf54fc990805/thumbnail_7374000.jpg","/articles/6312321/Los-Angeles-County/California/County-begins-review-of-General-Relief-program-DPSS-proposes-redesign-and-expanded-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312321-c116338a3d991ab013374816822a955f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131313&Signature=Jw2-d5ddWab2JeGFt5p2TkE8eoeVD6uCoBoqMeyi-aT-eb6~D7eReiDpIa1bvd2bt~JseFWWqGEp~pysyKwfteY-NtWKsLEZ9VsDC5lx8zRsBb--6-d2Hhys2ZMCC-J-osd78QOdy8ZBBTyXlLjn3YVuij4HbKL8dnWh9drIKKB04rYfDVrKc8~Q5uiEzBKAD5YCY8QMZa5ldjlPFpsM8D8ps9BdPfXYoyyQmcxxFfPbZ2FXeaHLByxaJMHDBNlSQYt83UBEp3~kyAFd3a6mjKAiG9PvjsvEl5R88Kwr2x9HWq0xPpMNNoa8SkAqnheP-fZRAbpqMNY0MfiuqOaxeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Director Jackie Contreras on Feb. 25 outlined a redesign effort for the county's General Relief (GR) program, which provides cash assistance to single adults with little or no income and is funded entirely from county net county cost.

Key points: DPSS said GR is the state's largest program of its kind, serving roughly 124,000 people with a monthly individual grant of $221; 68 percent of GR recipients are unhoused and there is racial disproportionality with Black residents overrepresented in the caseload. The department said the grant and program structure date to older statutory standards and that time limits, grant amounts and ancillary program rules inhibit economic self-sufficiency.

DPSS recommendations under study: Contreras proposed a multi-pronged redesign including (1) reassessing grant levels (the Welfare & Institutions Code sets a $342 floor in some contexts), (2) removing administrative and policy barriers that disincentivize participation in housing subsidies (example: requiring GR recipients to contribute $100 of the $221 monthly grant toward a housing subsidy was flagged as a disincentive), and (3) changing the nine-month-in-a-year time limit for able-bodied participants to a longer allowance (examples discussed included a policy similar to CalWORKs lifetime limits).

Service integration and SSI conversions: DPSS said it is expanding partnerships with Department of Health Services (CBEST SSI advocacy), Department of Mental Health, and workforce agencies to increase transitions to SSI and employment where appropriate; the department presented results showing previous SSI conversions recovered county dollars after conversion.

Budget and equity concerns: DPSS emphasized the program's net-county cost (approximated hundreds of millions annually) and urged a coordinated approach with prevention, measure A and housing strategies; supervisors asked for data comparing county grant levels and program designs across California and pushed for performance measures and clearer cost-offset analyses.

Next steps: DPSS will engage stakeholders, pursue guaranteed-income pilot ideas in collaboration with the poverty-alleviation initiative, and return with more detailed budget and implementation proposals; supervisors requested further work on performance metrics and further engagement with LAHSA, DHS, DMH and philanthropy.

Ending: Contreras said the redesign will be iterative and depend on funding availability, stronger interagency coordination and community input.","The Department of Public Social Services presented a review of Los Angeles County's General Relief (GR) program and proposed a redesign focused on increased grant levels, revised time limits, and better integration with housing, SSI advocacy and employment services; no final changes were adopted at the Feb. 25 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Regional Planning warns of staffing shortfalls, requests legal and lease funding as wildfire rebuild surge begins

County OKs temporary increases at landfills to receive fire debris; residents press for safer disposal

Los Angeles County approves limited eviction protections for tenants affected by January wildfires

County begins review of General Relief program; DPSS proposes redesign and expanded supports