June 16, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Free Legal and Recovery Workshops for Los Angeles Residents Affected By Wildfires

Public Counsel Offers Expert Guidance on Rebuilding, Avoiding Scams, Trauma

Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as to amplifying the power of our clients through comprehensive legal advocacy, is providing free legal assistance and recovery resources to individuals, families, and small businesses affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. As part of these efforts, the organization is hosting a series of virtual workshops this week to help residents navigate rebuilding, avoid scams, and manage trauma recovery.

The following are the three virtual workshops offered by Public Counsel this week: 

Rebuilding After the Fire: Home Improvement Contractors & Financing

Selecting the right contractor and securing financing are critical steps in the rebuilding process after a wildfire. Public Counsel will host a session featuring Audrey Powers Thornton, senior attorney at Housing & Economic Rights Advocates (HERA), to discuss key considerations in home repair and reconstruction.

Topics will include:

  • Common scams and misrepresentations targeting homeowners
  • How to properly vet contractors and address disputes
  • Financing options and potential pitfalls
  • Legal rights and protections for homeowners

A live Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom – Click here to join
Accessibility: ASL, Spanish, and English CART interpretation available

Protecting Yourself from Scams After a Natural Disaster

Scams often surge in the aftermath of natural disasters, adding stress and financial risk to those already struggling to recover. Dani Kaiserman, elder justice staff attorney at Bet Tzedek Legal Services, will lead a session on how to recognize fraudulent schemes targeting wildfire survivors.

The workshop will cover:

  • Common post-disaster scams and how to avoid them
  • Protecting yourself from identity theft and fraud
  • Steps to take if you’ve been scammed

A live Q&A session will be included.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom Link – Click here to join

Accessibility: ASL, Spanish, and English CART interpretation available

Healing Together: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Wildfire Recovery:

Wildfire survivors often experience lasting emotional and psychological impacts. Public Counsel’s Director of Social Work, Judy Verduzco, MSW, will lead a webinar on understanding collective trauma and practical strategies for recovery.

Participants will explore:

  • Trauma-informed approaches to healing
  • The role of self-awareness and self-care
  • Strategies to support community resilience

The session will conclude with a guided self-care activity.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 20, at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom (register at bit.ly/healing-together-LA)
Accessibility: ASL, Spanish, and English CART interpretation available

For a full overview of Public Counsel’s wildfire recovery efforts, visit their official website page here.

Related Posts

Tribeca Premiere Honors Carl Bean, Musician, Activist and LGBTQ+ Faith Leader

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

New Doc Features Interviews With Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, and Dionne Warwick The life and legacy of Archbishop Carl Bean,...

Americans Split on Immigration and Tariffs’ Impact on Housing Affordability, Survey Shows

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Survey Finds Over Half Believe Less Immigration Could Drive Up Home Prices  A new Redfin-commissioned survey reveals that U.S. homeowners...

Two Suspects Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of Elderly Man in Hancock Park

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

LAPD and FBI Apprehend Palmdale Pair Accused of Killing 84-Year-Old LAPD West Bureau Homicide has arrested two suspects in connection...

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

CHLA to Shut Down Transyouth Health Center Amid Rising Political and Legal Pressure

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Cites Insurmountable Legal and Financial Barriers After more than three decades of providing specialized, affirming care...

Federal Court Halts Order Requiring Trump to Return Control of California Guard to Governor Newsom

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Court Showdown Looms Over Trump’s Federalization of State Troops Late Thursday, a federal appeals court paused enforcement of a lower...

‘No Kings: National Day of Defiance’ Protest in LA to Run Counter to Donald Trump’s Birthday Military Parade

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Giant Trump Balloons, Pride Flags, and Community Speakers Will Fill the Streets on Flag Day Thousands of demonstrators are expected...

(Video) Senator Alex Padilla Being Forcibly Removed at Secretary Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference for Attempting to Ask Questions

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

In a disturbing and unprecedented move, FBI agents grabbed the sitting California Senator, dragged him out of the room, and...

Drag Queens Steal the Spotlight as Trump Booed at Kennedy Center

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

While Trump Takes a Seat, Drag Queens Take a Stand in DC President Donald Trump’s appearance at the Kennedy Center...

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Immigrant Opened Her Doors to Injured Deputies and Demonstrators Offering Water, Aid, and Compassion

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Salvadoran Restaurant Becomes Unexpected Refuge During L.A. Immigration Protest As immigration protests swept through parts of Los Angeles County over...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

Traffic Advisory: Street Improvements Underway This Week in West Hollywood

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Resurfacing Project Ends June 12, With Temporary Parking Restrictions  Roadway improvements are underway this week as the City of West...

Judge Denies Newsom’s Bid to Halt Military Expansion in L.A. Amid Immigration Raids

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

California’s Emergency TRO Blocked as Marines Await Domestic Use-of-Force Training  Efforts by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob...