Newsom signs order aimed at helping fire-impacted businesses

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at helping businesses impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires by extending license and permit renewal deadlines and waiving fees for obtaining duplicates of license certificates destroyed in the blazes.

"Small businesses are not only key to a thriving economy but make up the heart of healthy communities," Newsom said in a statement. "As we help Los Angeles rise and rebuild, it is crucial that we protect and support the businesses and workers affected. Just as we have removed red tape to rebuild our homes, we are breaking down barriers and helping pave the way for impacted businesses and workers to get back on their feet."

According to the governor's office, the order:

• Extends the deadline to pay for renewing licenses, certificates, and permits for one year for licenses with a renewal date occurring between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025.

• Waives fees for businesses and workers requesting duplicate or replacement of a license certificate that was burned or destroyed.

• Extends deadlines for businesses to appeal license-related proceedings.

• Eliminates requirements that make it more difficult to relocate certain businesses impacted by the fires.

People can find more resources for business assistance at gov.ca.gov/LAfires/help-your-business.

Workers and employers can contact the Employment Development Department (EDD) for help with unemployment, disability insurance, or Paid Family Leave benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. 

Citizenship or immigration status doesn’t affect eligibility for disability insurance or Paid Family leave. Employers can request a 60-day extension on payroll reports and taxes, or participate in the Work Sharing program. California also announced $20 million to create temporary jobs in impacted areas and deliver other supportive services through America’s Job Center of California.

For small businesses they can contact the California Office of the Small Business Advocate’s (CalOSBA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP). 

Helping fire survivors rebuild safely: The Contractor State Licensing Board (CLSB) is assisting survivors at the Southern California Disaster Recovery Centers. CSLB’s Disaster Hotline 1-800-962-1125 and online Disaster Help Center are also providing support to survivors.