What’s the best way to help LA fire victims? Think before you donate.

Jan 22, 2025
Used clothing is an especially unwieldy gift for aid groups and disaster victims.
Fire victims pick up diapers and browse toiletries at the Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA on Friday.
Jill Replogle/LAist

As the rebuilding effort begins, builders will be up against a costly construction market

Jan 22, 2025
The home construction market has already been dealing with shortages of skilled labor and building materials, along with expensive construction loans. Those factors will add to the costs of rebuilding communities destroyed by fires.
Two people embrace as they survey the damage to a family member's property. The California wildfires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images