Our Response to the 
California Wildfires

News + Updates + Resources from Cox Castle

Cox Castle In The News

02.13.25

LA Wildfire Reconstruction: Critical Contract Strategies to Minimize Costly Delays

With 29 people killed and 16,000 structures destroyed, the extent of the damage caused by the recent Los Angeles wildfires is still being assessed. Estimates of the damage exceed a quarter trillion dollars. State, federal, and local leaders are at the beginning stages of grappling with reconstruction issues unique to the wildfires, such as identifying and removing massive unknown quantities and types of toxic debris.
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02.03.25

News - Los Angeles rising: how the city and the industry will rebuild

The Pacific Palisades had a “flavor,” as broker Anthony Marguleas remembers it. The residential neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles smacked of a modern-day Mayberry, the idyllic small town from “The Andy Griffith Show.” That’s of course if Mayberry had multi-million-dollar views of Pacific Ocean sunsets and movie stars who frequented the designer boutiques and wellness shops that once lined the Palisades’ downtown.
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01.28.25

News – Newsom Reaffirms Order to Coastal Commission to Expedite Wildfire Rebuilding

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order directing the California Coastal Commission to suspend permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act for property owners in fire-affected areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This move aims to expedite rebuilding efforts and addresses a dispute over the Coastal Act's role in reconstruction. Partner Alex DeGood interprets this action as the governor reinforcing his commitment to swift rebuilding, emphasizing that the Coastal Commission should not impede these efforts.
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1.14.25

News – Legal Experts Question Newsom’s Fire Rebuilding Fast-Track

Governor Gavin Newsom's recent executive order aims to expedite rebuilding in Southern California's fire-damaged areas by waiving key environmental regulations. However, legal minds, including Cox Castle partners Alex DeGood and Andrew Fogg, suggest that the order's practical impact may be limited. Alex notes that while the order addresses environmental permitting, it doesn't tackle other critical issues such as zoning changes, contamination cleanup, and insurance challenges. Andrew adds that although the order clarifies that replacing burned structures doesn't require an environmental study, homeowners must still comply with existing city or county zoning and building ordinances, which may have changed since the original construction. Both attorneys emphasize that rebuilding efforts will involve navigating complex regulatory landscapes beyond the scope of the executive order.
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01.14.25

News - Experts See Long Road To LA Rebuild Despite CEQA Freeze

Despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order suspending certain environmental and permitting rules, experts say rebuilding in fire-damaged areas of Los Angeles will still face major obstacles. While the order aims to expedite reconstruction by waiving California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Coastal Act requirements, local permitting bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles remain. Cox Castle partner Alex DeGood highlights a key ambiguity: although the governor suspended the Coastal Act, local governments like Malibu—which manage their own coastal permitting—may still require compliance, creating legal uncertainty. DeGood also warns that environmental concerns, including contaminated soil from burned structures, could complicate approvals. While the state has taken steps to fast-track rebuilding, experts suggest that regulatory and logistical challenges will likely prolong the process.
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CLIENT ALERTS

Stay in the Know

Stay informed on key developments and what we are doing to serve our clients. Published by Cox Castle, these are timely updates on changes, resources, and industry insights that may impact you and your business.
2.10.25
Tax Relief for LA County Wildfire Victims: Extended Income Tax Deadlines & Property Tax Relief
In the wake of the wildfires in Los Angeles County, the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board, and Governor Gavin Newsom have offered tax relief for taxpayers in affected jurisdictions.
READ ALERT
1.10.2025
Fire Insurance Tips for Policyholders
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the recent wildfires. While filing a fire insurance claim may be the furthest thing from one’s mind when dealing with a loss, small steps before and right after a claim event can significantly enhance later recovery. Here are a few tips to consider...
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Announcements

Posted on 2.11.25

Charitable Donations Made - Cox Castle

In the wake of the recent devastating Southern California wildfires, Cox Castle is committed to helping those affected by the crisis. As part of our ongoing efforts to support our community, we have made donations to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles ReBUILD LA® and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation to aid the victims of the wildfire disaster and help support our first responders.

These funds will go toward providing immediate relief and also assist with rebuilding efforts. Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted and we encourage others to join us in contributing to wildfire relief efforts. Together, we can make a difference in helping the community recover and rebuild stronger than before.
For more information on how to support, visit:

https://www.habitatla.org/how-to-apply/disaster-relief/
https://supportlafd.org/donate/ways-to-give.html
Posted on 1.8.25

A Message from Cox Castle Regarding Southern California Wildfires

We would like to express our deepest sympathy and concern for all of those affected by the horrific Southern California wildfires. It is clear this unprecedented event has and will, for some time to come, dramatically impact our region and the lives of those that live here. Please know the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones is our utmost concern.
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Events

Insurance Law in California

MARCH 21, 2025  |  MARINA DEL REY, CA
Speaker: Jason Adams, Partner, Cox Castle
The California Insurance Law Conference offers a high-level overview of the top issues shaping today’s insurance marketplace, going beyond the usual subjects to deliver fresh, relevant content. With topics ranging from cyber insurance and mediation strategies to reinsurance and California fire coverage, we tackle the most pressing challenges facing the industry. Whether you’re dealing with complex construction claims or commercial insurance for business owners, there’s something for everyone involved in insurance. Join us to gain critical insights, explore cutting-edge solutions, and connect with industry leaders driving innovation and success.
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CCIM - Greater Los Angeles
Reporters, Regulations, and Rebuilding Event

January 29th, 2025 | The Premiere Building
Speaker: David Waite, Partner, Cox Castle
Join Us: Reporters, Regulations, and Rebuilding Event on January 29th, 2025, at the Premiere Building at 6922 Hollywood Blvd for a timely convening that will focus on the devastating wildfire disaster impacting our region
and will set the tone for the new year in commercial real estate.
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Resources

American Red Cross

American Red Cross is accepting donations online, by phone (800) 733-2767, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999. They also have hundreds of shelters set up and has forms to fill out for finding missing people. 

Mutual Aid LA

Mutual Aid LA provides info on shelters, assistance and donations. They also set up a very comprehensive spreadsheet of resources. 

Project Hope

Project Hope is assessing working with shelters, government officials and local organizations to identify and help fill in gaps for the greatest needs.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is distributing medical supplies and safety equipment to residents and first responders. 

LAIT911

LAIT911 — LA Fire & Rescue’s nonprofit — is accepting volunteers for their disaster response and recovery team, including collecting donations and assisting with delivery lait911.org 

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles – Providing community services at all locations, YMCA LA is seeking donations and volunteers. 

Flintridge Center

Flintridge Center – Volunteers will sort and pass out donations, including water, baby bottles, diapers, packaged snacks, masks, hygiene kits, blankets and pillows. 

California Fire Foundation

California Fire Foundation is collecting emergency funding.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe has set up a page for the fires, where you can donate to a general fund or to individual families (verified fundraisers). 

Community Organized Relief Effort

Community Organized Relief Effort is on the ground providing help.

California Community Foundation

California Community Foundation‘s Wildfire Recovery Fund.

LA Works

LA Works – you can sign up to alerts to be notified of volunteer opportunities as they arise. 

Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission – The organization is now a Relief Hub, accepting essential supplies through its distribution center, thrift stores, and mission locations. Residents who have been impacted can shop in the thrift stores free of charge.

CA Appraisal Institute - EASTERN BRANCH MEETING

The urban fires which swept through much of Los Angeles recently have resulted in significant losses of life and property.  Economic loss estimates are in the range of $135 to $150 billion but could easily go higher.

Register Today!

Cox Castle Wildfire Response Team

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