Local Assemblymember Points to Six Bills He’s Authored to Help Altadena and Pasadena Recover From Eaton Fire

Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by Pasadena area Assemblymember John Harabedian and numerous other local officials at a Pasadena press conference marking the six-month anniversary of the Los Angeles wildfires on Tuesday.

The Democratic assemblymember from Pasadena joined the governor alongside community leaders, first responders and fire survivors to discuss the state’s ongoing commitment to recovery.

“Six months later, the pain and loss are still very real for so many families,” Harabedian said. “Today is about coming together to strengthen our resolve and continue to stand alongside survivors every step of the way.”

The state approved more than $2.5 billion in emergency wildfire relief following the fires. The funding supports recovery efforts and helps communities prepare for future climate-driven disasters.

Harabedian has introduced six bills aimed at helping wildfire survivors. The legislation addresses housing recovery, mental health care and financial protections.

• AB 238 would allow homeowners in wildfire areas to defer mortgage payments for up to 12 additional months without penalties or foreclosure risk.
• AB 239 would create a state-led disaster housing task force to coordinate recovery efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
• AB 493 would ensure homeowners receive at least 2% interest on post-loss insurance payments instead of banks.
• AB 597 would prohibit public adjusters from charging for payments unrelated to their services or received before contracts.
• AB 797 would enable IBank to oversee a program using investor-backed securities to stabilize property values in disaster areas.
• AB 1032 would require health plans to cover up to 12 behavioral health visits annually for enrollees in wildfire emergency areas.

Harabedian said he worked to advance legislation that puts people first. He said true recovery means restoring lives and rebuilding communities.

The assemblymember represents the 41st District, which includes Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.