By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Allan introduces bill for homeowner wildfire safety upgrades
State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance) last week introduced legislation to create a state-backed, low-interest loan program that makes wildfire safety upgrades achievable for more households.
The bill (SB 894) is sponsored by Megafire Action, an organization whose mission is to end the megafire crisis within a decade, and is modeled on California’s successful GoGreen energy-finance platform, which has already demonstrated how public backing can unlock private capital at scale.
Establishing a new but similar financing program for wildfire retrofitting will ensure Californians across the state have the resources to better prevent and protect themselves against future megafires.
“As families across the region continue rebuilding from last year’s horrific tragedy, it is our duty as leaders to find solutions that will not only help them in their recovery, but also prevent these disasters from happening in the first place,” said Allen. “Expanding financing options so that more Californians can affordably retrofit their homes will help save lives, homes, and essential public infrastructure and resources.”
Polling conducted by Megafire Action underscores the urgency and appeal of this approach: 83% of California voters support financial incentives for fire-resistant home upgrades and 81% support certifications that could lead to insurance discounts.
“We will never stabilize California’s insurance market until we address the root problem: too many homes are burning down,” said Allen. “This proposed program will expand access to those proven protections for the families and communities who need them most, protections that many insurers are already rewarding with significant premium discounts.”
LA Congressional members laud Eaton Fire soil testing
U.S. Reps. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood), Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena), Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Compton), Ted Lieu (D-Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach), and George Whitesides (D-Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, portions of San Fernando Valley) last week welcomed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) reversal on post-wildfire soil testing.
This reversal includes a commitment by FEMA to test lead levels at 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire and comes after sustained pressure from Friedman and members of California’s Congressional delegation.
“Even when FEMA refused to act, we kept fighting,” said Friedman. “We pushed because families deserve to know their land is safe. This reversal shows the power of never giving in to the Trump Administration, but testing 100 homes is not enough. We’re going to keep pushing for full soil testing, real cleanup, and the long-term relief that California families deserve.”
“Survivors deserve assurance that their properties are safe from toxic contaminants,” said Chu.
“This testing is an important step forward, but it must be followed by real action if contamination is found. Survivors cannot be forced to bear the burden of paying out of pocket for their own remediation. I will continue standing with residents every step of the way and will not stop fighting until families can safely return home.”
“Families in LA should know for certain that their homes are safe to live in,” said Barragán. “The Eaton fire has been one of the deadliest and most destructive events in recent Los Angeles County history, one that threatened the homes and lives of so many. Now the next step is to make sure that more than just 100 homes are tested, not just for lead, but for all possible dangerous toxins.”
“I’m pleased that FEMA has reversed its position on testing soil following the Eaton fires. For an administration that claims to want to ‘make America healthy again,’ its initial decision not to test for harmful toxins was mind-boggling. Thankfully, pressure from Congress and our community worked, and FEMA will be conducting the testing needed to ensure the land for 100 homes is safe to rebuild on. This obviously does not encompass the entirety of the soil that needs to be tested, but it’s a start. We will continue the fight, said Lieu.
“After sustained pressure from our Congressional delegation in the year following the devastating Southern California wildfires, the announcement that FEMA will now cover post-wildfire soil testing in certain areas is an important step in rebuilding,” said Whitesides. “This action is critical for the health and safety of wildfire victims and is one of many actions needed to achieve comprehensive soil testing and cleanup. Our constituents deserve to return safely to their homes, neighborhoods, and lives, and we will not stop working to make that a reality.”
Bass partners with Singapore to bring global investment to LA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass last week announced a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Los Angeles and Enterprise Singapore, a government agency under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Enterprise Singapore has a long-standing presence in Downtown Los Angeles, driving Singapore companies’ expansion into the market and connecting local businesses to trusted Singapore partners and opportunities in Asia. The MOU reaffirms the close relationship between Los Angeles and Singapore, both global hubs for trade, innovation, and sustainability.
The three-year agreement builds on the 2022-2025 MOU, during which the number of Singaporean companies operating in Los Angeles County increased by 84 percent, and employment within those companies grew by 135 percent, according to the World Trade Center LA. Singapore rose five spots to become the 16th largest source of foreign direct investment in the County, and it remains the top source of investment in Los Angeles from Southeast Asia.
“Renewing this partnership builds on real results and it positions Los Angeles to continue leading on innovation, sustainability, and global trade,” said Bass. “This agreement helps attract investment, support good-paying jobs, and strengthen Los Angeles’ role as a gateway between North America and Southeast Asia.”
Under the MOU, the City of Los Angeles and Enterprise Singapore will focus on:
- Advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors, robotics, and aerospace.
- Life sciences and biotechnology, including medical technology, diagnostics, and digital health.
- Supply chains, including maritime, logistics, and related technologies including to support the LA-Long Beach-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.
- Clean technologies, including renewable energy, blue economy technologies, and mobility.
Burbank Launches “Film Burbank” Campaign
The City of Burbank last week announced the launch of Film Burbank, a marketing campaign designed to promote filming and production in Burbank, reaffirming Burbank’s position as The Media Capital of the World.
The Film Burbank campaign highlights the city’s century-long entertainment legacy, world-class creative talent, competitive rates and amenities, and streamlined permitting process, which continue to attract film, television, and production from around the globe.
The campaign is designed to educate, engage, and inspire both industry professionals and the broader community by showcasing why Burbank remains one of the most film-friendly cities in the region.
“Film and entertainment are woven into the fabric of Burbank,” said Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi. “This effort celebrates our creative workforce, iconic locations, and the future generation of filmmakers. Film Burbank reinforces why generations of storytellers and creatives have chosen to create right here in our city.”
The ongoing campaign will include digital and print advertising, media outreach, and social media promotion. Content will spotlight Burbank’s creative talent, iconic filming locations and productions, and the City services that support filming, with added outreach to stakeholders, industry influencers and trade publications.
Learn more about filming in Burbank by visiting the City of Burbank’s Film Burbank webpage, www.burbankca.gov/filmburbank. To stay up to date on campaign features, spotlights, and behind-the-scenes content, follow the City of Burbank on Instagram, Facebook, and X at @burbankca.
