Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties Due to Fires

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for Los Angeles and Riverside counties due to the effects of several fires, including the Saddleridge, Eagle, Sandalwood, Reche, and Wolf fires, which have destroyed structures, threatened homes and critical infrastructure, and caused the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all citizens are to heed the advice of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.

The Office of Emergency Services shall provide local government assistance to Los Angeles and Riverside counties, if appropriate, under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act, Government Code section 8680 et seq., and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, section 2900 et seq.

As necessary to assist local governments and for the protection of public health and the environment, state agencies shall enter into contracts to arrange for the procurement of materials, goods, and services necessary to quickly assist with the response to and recovery from the impacts of these fires. Applicable provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code, including but not limited to travel, advertising, and competitive bidding requirements, are suspended to the extent necessary to address the effects of these fires.

The provisions of Unemployment Insurance Code section 1253 imposing a one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance applicants are suspended as to all applicants who are unemployed as a direct result of these fires who applied for unemployment insurance benefits during the time period beginning October 10, 2019, and ending on the close of business on April 10, 2020, and who are otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Vehicle Code sections 9265(a), 9867, 14901, 14902, and 15255.2, requiring the imposition of fees, are suspended with regard to any request for replacement of a driver’s identification card, vehicle registration certificate, or certificate of title, by any individual who lost such records as a result of these fires. Such records shall be replaced without charge. The provisions of Vehicle Code sections 4602 and 5902, requiring the timely registration or transfer of title are suspended with regard to any registration or transfer of title by any resident of Los Angeles or Riverside County who is unable to comply with those requirements as a result of these fires. The time covered by this suspension shall not be included in calculating any late penalty pursuant to Vehicle Code section 9554. Health and Safety Code sections 103525.5 and 103625, and Penal Code section 14251, requiring the imposition of fees are hereby suspended with regard to any request for copies of certificates of birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records, by any individual who lost such records as a result of these fires. Such copies shall be provided without charge.

In order to directly respond to the needs of impacted assisted living facilities, adult residential facilities, child care facilities, children’s residential facilities, resource family homes, and other similar facilities within the State Department of Social Services’ jurisdiction, the Director of the State Department of Social Services may waive any provisions of the Health and Safety Code or Welfare and Institutions Code, and accompanying regulations or written directives, with respect to the use, licensing, or approval of facilities or homes within the Department’s jurisdiction set forth in the California Community Care Facilities Act (Health and Safety Code section 1500 et seq.), the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (Health and Safety Code section 1596.70 et seq.), and the California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Act (Health and Safety Code section 1569 et seq.). Any waivers granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be posted on the Department’s website and shall only be in effect so long as necessary to address the direct impacts of the fires identified in this proclamation.Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Saddleridge Fire.