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FEMA: California Wildfire Victim Assistance Tops $13.6 Million

Posted: 05 Jan 2009 08:39 PM CST

Federal, State Wildfire Assistance Tops $13.6 Million

» More Information on California Wildfires

PASADENA, Calif. -- Federal and state assistance topped $13.6 million in 2008 for residents who suffered in the November wildfires in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Santa Barbara counties.

Assistance is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) because of the presidential major disaster declaration. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) and the California Department of Social Services also are providing assistance.

"The assistance total will be climbing daily with the new year as more people register with FEMA and more applications are processesed," said Mark Neveau, federal coordinating officer. "By design, most of the money to help people recover is in the form of SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to homeowners, renters and businesses."

As of the end of 2008, SBA had approved 84 loans for a total of $11,366,800.

FEMA grants are much more limited in scope, but do not have to be repaid like SBA loans. Also, they are not taxed as income nor do they affect Social Security benefits. So far, FEMA has approved $2,285,103 for 352 households.

For people who still have unmet needs after receiving the maximum FEMA grant ($30,300), a referral will be made to the California Department of Social Services for consideration of the State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP), where up to an additional $10,00 grant may be available.

"California's supplemental grant program has provided $130,000 to 13 households as of the year end," said Tom Maruyama, deputy state coordinating officer.

So far, 2,251 persons have registered with FEMA for assistance, which automatically registers them with Cal EMA. Many are insured and not immediately eligible for FEMA assistance until after they have completed settlement with their insuror. If at that point they have uninsured losses, they can ask FEMA to reconsider their application.

To be considered for FEMA assistance, including uninsured losses, persons must be registered with FEMA before the registration deadline for this disaster, January 20. They can register at FEMA's toll-free line, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), TTY 1-800-621-7585. Online registration and application status also is available at the new federal disaster registration website, www.disasterassistance.gov. That comprehensive multi-agency site also can be reached through its link at www.fema.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Release Date: January 2, 2009
Release Number: 1810-036
Source: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=47216
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Multi agency Arson investigation - Three big rigs

Posted: 05 Jan 2009 07:55 PM CST

Three Stolen Big Rigs Destroyed by Arsonist

It takes the work of several agencies to investigate a bizarre fire in Fresno County.

The California Highway Patrol and Cal Fire are looking into a blaze near Easton.

Three big rigs were set on fire near Marks and Lincoln. The trucks were all stolen from a Fresno-based trucking company.

This case is even more unusual because the three trucks were set on fire behind a locked fence.

No word yet on any damage totals but it's expected to run into at least six-figures.

Source: cbs47

LAFD - SAR - Lost Hiker - Topanga State Park area

Posted: 05 Jan 2009 08:54 PM CST

LAFD ALERT Search and Rescue - *Lost Hiker*
UPDATE: JOY - Hiker located. To be air lifted to Santa Ynez helispot for medical assessment for injuries.

Location: 17400 W. Camino de Yatasto; Near Santa Ynez reservoir (Googgle Map) MAP 630-E1; FS 23;
IA: Reports of lost hiker. Communication to locate via cell phone.
Comms: Ch:7,12

Long Beach Airport : Aircraft accident / fire

Posted: 05 Jan 2009 08:13 PM CST

A Cessna 152 lost control on take off at the Long Beach Airport and crashed into a parked helicopter, according to the FAA.

Injuries: 1 Minor - The pilot was the only person on board and has been transported to Long Beach Memorial Center to be treated for minor injuries.

The FAA says the Cessna 152 lost control upon take off and crashed into the helicopter and hangar at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday. The Cessna caught fire after the crash.

FAA records show that the aircraft is owned by Temco Sky Network Service Inc.