The City Council passed an emergency motion on Wednesday to expedite help to victims of more than 50 arson attacks that began last week and ended after the arrest of a 24-year-old man early Monday.
Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge introduced the emergency motion to assist those affected by the fires that occurred in Hollywood, West Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley and other communities during the New Year's holiday weekend. This motion was seconded by Councilman Paul Koretz and passed unanimously by the City Council.
"We want to help our residents get back to normal as quickly as possible with as little red-tape as possible in the wake of the New Year's arson-fires," said Councilman LaBonge.
Under the motion, the council requests the Department of Building and Safety to accelerate the process used for property owners to obtain permit reviews. The permits will then be used to insure the repair of carports and buildings that were damaged by the fires.
"This motion is really to clear away obstacles that people might face in order to restore their lives and this puts the department on notice and not make people who were victimized by basically a terrorist act through no fault of their own, get extra attention," said Todd Leitz, the director of communications to Councilmember Tom LaBonge.
More than $3 million in property damages was estimated as a result of the 50-plus fires.
Harry Burkhart was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fires. Burkhart remains in custody without bail in downtown Los Angeles. He was charged Wednesday with 37 counts of arson.
"The Councilman feels very strongly that this is what the City Council is here for. It's not just here to catch the people responsible for this, but to come together and help the people recover from these things," said Leitz.
Leitz adds that the Council's response may also be viewed as a dress rehearsal for any natural disasters that may occur; like earthquakes and fires. "It's practice for the big one."
