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Local state of emergency declared amid storms

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass has declared a state of emergency as Los Angeles recovers from recent wind and rain damage and braces for more in the coming days. The declaration ensures Los Angeles continues to recover from this storm and also is in line with County and State declarations. 
 
Read the declaration here: 

DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, pursuant to the provisions of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 8.27, I hereby find that:

WHEREAS, Beginning on January 4, 2023, the City of Los Angeles began experiencing significant impacts as a result of high winds and substantial precipitation brought on by a series of atmospheric river storm systems; and 

WHEREAS, these storms caused extreme conditions such as power outages and damage to power poles and trees, numerous locations with substantial mud and debris flows and flooding, red and yellow tagged homes, multiple sinkholes (including a major sinkhole that threatened lives), and rendered several miles of the iconic Mulholland Drive impassable; and 

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service reported an additional severe storm system moving through the City, which arrived on January 9, 2023. This system was punctuated by winds and significant rainfall, including 5.75 inches of rain in the Hollywood Reservoir between January 9 and 10;  and 

WHEREAS, the City of Los Angeles has experienced multiple road closures due to debris flow and related water damage, many impacting significant arteries and requiring long-term repair. Said damage is threatening the integrity of roadside slopes; and 

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service is projecting additional storm activity beginning Saturday, January 14, 2023, which will further cripple the City’s ability to mitigate cascading impacts of the continuous storms; and 

WHEREAS, Based upon the above events, there exists the potential that said incidents are likely to become beyond the control of the normal services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the regularly constituted branches and departments of the City Government; and

WHEREAS, The Governor of California, pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, issued a proclamation declaring an emergency throughout the State of California on January 4, 2023, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a Local Emergency on January 10, 2023: 

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby declare the existence of a Local Emergency and direct the Emergency Operations Organization (EOO) to be immediately activated to take such steps that are necessary for the protection of life and property.

I FURTHER DIRECT that all City Departments impacted by this event, and its ongoing effects, continue to conduct damage assessments and collect cost estimates for the purpose of seeking State and Federal disaster assistance.

I HEREBY REQUEST that the Governor waive regulations that may hinder response and recovery efforts; that recovery assistance be made available under the California Disaster Assistance Act; and that the State expedite access to State and Federal resources and any other appropriate Federal; disaster relief programs.

I FURTHER DIRECT that this Declaration of Local Emergency shall take effect immediately and that widespread publicity and notice shall be given said Declaration through the most feasible and adequate means of disseminating such notice throughout the City.
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