State Laws Helping Businesses Open Faster: AB 1621 (Wilson) – Speeding Up Building Permits Learn More →

LA REBUILD

FIRE RECOVERY

Stories, resources, and updates from across our programs.

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Free Noncredit Classes & Certificate Programs

Tuition-free programs open to the community across business, health, education, STEM, and more — designed to build skills, certifications, and pathways to careers.

Business

4 Courses

Bicycle Maintenance

Introduces you to the basics of bicycle maintenance and provides a pathway to jobs as entry-level mechanics, bicycle sales associates, or bicycle shop management.

Business Essentials, Level 1

Helps you develop a better understanding of how businesses operate and function, with an overview of the entrepreneurial mindset.

Customer Service

Provides you with marketable business knowledge and professional skills to seek employment in various customer-driven industries.

Receptionist

Prepares you for work in a fast-paced office setting. Build your computer skills and apply customer service techniques to qualify for positions such as front desk receptionist, customer service associate, and front desk coordinator.

Health and Wellness

4 Courses

Rehabilitation Therapy Aide

Prepares you to maintain treatment areas, prepare and aid therapy sessions, transport immobile patients, and learn proper body mechanics for patient assistance.

Introduction to Working with Older Adults

Prepares you for entry-level careers working with older adults. May qualify you for high-demand occupations such as caregivers, companions, social and human service assistants, direct support professionals, and resident care aides.

Certified Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification

Teaches the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to work as an entry-level nurse assistant. After completion, you will be eligible to take the California Nurse Assistant competency exam.

Home Health Aide Pre-Certification

Builds on nurse assistant training to prepare you for a career as a certified home health aide, administering in-home health and hospice care and services.

Education

1 Course

Introduction to Early Care and Education

Introduces you to the stages of child development while discovering new strategies to develop a culturally relevant program.

STEM

3 Courses

Sustainability Assistant

Helps you qualify for careers as a community engagement coordinator, environmental sustainability assistant or coordinator, environmental researcher, customer service representative, or recycling management assistant.

Sustainability in Organics Aide

Teaches you about the world of sustainability and the principles of organics.

Sustainability Services Technician

Helps you qualify for careers as a recycling coordinator, waste management technician, resource recovery assistant, environmental assessor, or sales, operations, and management assistant.

Transition to Credit

1 Course

Transition to College and Career

Designed to help you transition from noncredit to credit courses, obtain a certificate or degree, or prepare for a career.

English as a Second Language (ESL) & Citizenship

2 Courses

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Helps you to read, write, and speak English.

Citizenship

Helps you prepare for the USCIS citizenship exam and oral interview, and provides help with the N-400 application.

Enroll Now

All programs are tuition-free and open to the community.

Upcoming Events

June 27

Mortgage Relief: CalAssist Mortgage Fund Expanded

Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. · Sat 10am–12pm

June 30

SBA Disaster Loan Deadline

Online / In Person

July 10

Free Permitting Workshop

Virtual (Hosted by LA County Recovers)

Resources / FAQ

A question-driven directory to guide you through recovery — from immediate safety to long-term rebuilding. Pick where you are right now.

Call 211 for Local Help Apply for FEMA Assistance Visit Red Cross

Immediate Help

Right now — safety, shelter, food, and emergency contacts.

9 Questions

Starting Recovery

First steps — claims, documents, temporary housing, and financial help.

9 Questions

Rebuilding

Long-term — permits, contractors, grants, and getting back home.

8 Questions

Small Business

For local businesses — Chamber resources, SBA disaster loans, and recovery grants.

4 Questions

Mental Health Services

Free counseling and support services for students and community members affected by the fires.

2 Resources

Displaced Workers Looking to Upskill

Tuition-free noncredit classes & certificates in business, health, education, and STEM.

Free Programs →

Answer coming soon. In the meantime, call 211 for local support or 911 in an emergency.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 for emergency assistance. For non-emergency support, you can call 211 to connect with local services like shelter, food, and recovery resources, or contact the American Red Cross for disaster relief assistance.

Next Step Call 911 for emergencies, or dial 211 to find nearby support services right now.

You can find open shelters through the American Red Cross, which provides an online map and updates on available shelter locations during disasters. You can also call 211 or check your local county emergency website for real-time information on nearby shelters.

Next Step Visit redcross.org or call 211 to find the nearest open shelter right now.

Start by contacting local shelters and emergency services, and check reunification tools provided by the American Red Cross, which helps people reconnect after disasters. For pets, check local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and lost-and-found pet services in your area.

Next Step Contact nearby shelters and use Red Cross reunification tools to search for or report missing family members or pets.

Answer coming soon. In the meantime, call 211 for local support or 911 in an emergency.

Focus on your immediate safety and basic needs first — find a safe place to stay, get food and water, and contact emergency services if needed. Once you're safe, begin the recovery process by contacting your insurance company and applying for assistance through FEMA.

Next Step Secure shelter and essentials, then start your insurance claim and apply for disaster assistance.

Start by contacting your insurance company directly — either online, through their app, or by phone — to report the damage and open a claim. A claims adjuster will then be assigned to review your case and guide you through next steps.

Next Step Gather your policy number, take photos of the damage, and document any losses before submitting your claim.

If you don't have insurance, you may still qualify for disaster assistance through FEMA. FEMA can help cover temporary housing, basic home repairs, and other essential needs after a disaster. You can also get support from local and state programs, as well as nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross.

Next Step Apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 1-800-621-3362, or at a local Disaster Recovery Center.

You can apply for disaster assistance through FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling their helpline, or by visiting a local Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA provides support for things like temporary housing, home repairs, and other essential needs after a disaster.

Next Step Be ready with your address, Social Security number, and a description of the damage when you apply.

To begin recovery or apply for disaster assistance, you'll typically need a valid ID, your Social Security number, proof of address, and any insurance information if you have it. Agencies like FEMA may also ask for photos of damage and basic financial or housing information to process your application.

Next Step Gather any documents you have available — even if some are missing, you can still begin the process and update information later.

You may be able to get temporary housing through FEMA, which can provide financial assistance for hotel stays or rental housing after a disaster. You can also find immediate shelter through organizations like the American Red Cross, which operate emergency shelters and short-term housing support.

Next Step Apply for FEMA assistance and contact 211 or visit a local Disaster Recovery Center to find nearest available shelter right now.

You'll need to contact the agency that issued each document, such as the DMV for a driver's license or the U.S. Department of State for a passport. After a disaster, you can also visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, where staff can help guide you through replacing important documents and connect you with the right services.

Next Step Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center or check official agency websites to begin replacing your documents.

You may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA, which can help with temporary housing, home repairs, and essential needs. Additional support is often available through state and local programs, including housing assistance, small business relief, and nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross and local charities.

Next Step Apply for FEMA assistance and contact 211 or a local Disaster Recovery Center to find programs available in your area.

Answer coming soon. In the meantime, call 211 for local support or 911 in an emergency.

Start by contacting your insurance company to understand your coverage and next steps, then check with your local city or county office about rebuilding requirements and permits. You can also get guidance through FEMA and local recovery programs, which may offer support for rebuilding and navigating the process.

Next Step Confirm your insurance coverage, review local rebuilding requirements, and begin the permitting process with your local government.

You can get rebuilding permits through your local city or county building department — usually called the Planning or Building & Safety Department. They handle approvals for construction, inspections, and rebuilding requirements after a disaster.

Next Step Visit your city or county website or contact your local building department to start the permit application process.

Answer coming soon. In the meantime, call 211 for local support or 911 in an emergency.

Yes — you may be eligible for financial help through FEMA, which can provide grants for basic home repairs and essential needs. You may also qualify for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), even if you're a homeowner and not a business.

Next Step Apply through FEMA first, then explore SBA disaster loans for additional rebuilding support.

Look for licensed contractors through your state's licensing board, such as the California Contractors State License Board, and verify their license and insurance before hiring. It's also recommended to get multiple estimates, check references, and avoid paying large upfront deposits.

Next Step Search for licensed contractors in your area and confirm their license status before signing any agreement.

Answer coming soon. In the meantime, call 211 for local support or 911 in an emergency.

In most cases, you can rebuild on your property, but it depends on local zoning laws, safety regulations, and the extent of the damage. Your city or county building department will determine what is allowed and what requirements you must meet before rebuilding.

Next Step Contact your local Building or Planning Department to confirm what is permitted on your property.

If you can't afford to rebuild, you may still have options. FEMA may provide financial assistance for essential repairs or temporary housing, and you may qualify for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional help may be available through state programs and nonprofit organizations that support long-term recovery.

Next Step Apply for FEMA assistance first, then explore loan programs and local recovery resources for additional support.

SMC students have free access to the Center for Wellness & Wellbeing, which offers short-term individual counseling, crisis support, workshops, wellness coaching, and referrals to community providers — all confidential and included as part of your enrollment.

Next Step Visit the SMC Center for Wellness & Wellbeing to book a session or learn about upcoming workshops.

The Palisades Community Renewal Center offers free counseling and mental health support to individuals and families affected by the Palisades Fire — regardless of where you currently live. Located near SMC's Bundy campus at 3212 Nebraska Ave., Santa Monica.

Next Step Contact the Palisades Community Renewal Center at 3212 Nebraska Ave., Santa Monica for free counseling and support.

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce connects local businesses with recovery resources, networking opportunities, rebuild committees, and partner workshops. The Chamber has been a key partner in SMC's fire relief efforts, supporting 40+ businesses affected by the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

Next Step Visit smchamber.com to connect with rebuild committees, business workshops, and Chamber recovery resources.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters recover from declared disasters such as the California wildfires. SBA loans can cover physical damage to property, equipment, inventory, and economic injury losses while your business is unable to operate normally.

Next Step Apply for an SBA California Wildfire disaster loan at sba.gov to fund repairs, replace equipment, or cover lost revenue.

Yes — the LA Rise & Renew Wildfire Recovery Grant Program provides direct grant funding to small businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors in Los Angeles County that were impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.

Next Step Review eligibility and apply through the LA Rise & Renew Wildfire Recovery Grant Program overview page.

The City of Santa Monica maintains a dedicated business-resources page for businesses impacted by the Palisades Fire, with information on permits, recovery support, and city programs.

Next Step Visit santamonica.gov/business-resources-for-palisades-fire for the city's official list of business recovery resources.

State Laws Helping Businesses Open Faster

AB 1621 (Wilson) — Speeding Up Building Permits

Right now, once a housing project gets approved, builders still have to go through a "plan-check" process where the city reviews the detailed construction plans before work can start. This step can drag on for months, with cities asking for review after review, sending plans out to third parties, or having inspectors demand changes on-site that don't match what was already approved.

AB 1621 would put limits on that process. Cities could only require two plan-check reviews per project (unless there's a genuine safety issue), couldn't outsource reviews just to buy more time, and would have to issue decisions on permit appeals faster: 30 business days for smaller projects, 45 for larger ones. It would also stop inspectors from requiring changes that don't match the plans the city already signed off on.

This bill has strong, rare support. It passed every committee and the full Assembly without a single "no" vote, and it's backed by both business groups and housing advocates. That kind of agreement makes it likely to become law. It's currently sitting in a routine Senate budget review (hearing Aug 3), which is a normal step, not a warning sign.

Why it matters here: The bill technically applies to housing projects, but it should also help commercial and mixed-use buildings that include ground-floor retail. Faster, more predictable permit timelines mean new storefronts and businesses can open sooner, with less of the back-and-forth delay that can currently slow things down in Santa Monica.

Applies to: Homeowners rebuilding after the fires Small businesses reopening or relocating Mixed-use developments with ground-floor retail

Read the full bill on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

SMC Programs in Action

Browse work from across our programs — each course is collapsible so you can dive into the projects that matter most to you.

Architecture / Interior Architecture

Rebuilding Through Design Mentorship

Design events, mentorship workshops, and a NOMA-led architecture bootcamp for rebuilding the Palisades.

454

Students Enrolled in Architecture / Interior Architecture Programs

Design by Diversity Day

The Design by Diversity Day was a free community event celebrating creativity, innovation, and inspiration at the intersection of architecture, design, engineering, and construction. Organized by Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA), the event brought together hundreds of students, families, educators, professionals, and community members for a day filled with hands-on activities, information booths hosted by local firms, colleges, and community organizations, mentoring sessions, keynote speakers, and free food.

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Design by Diversity Day

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Design Leadership Foundation

The Design Leadership Foundation partnered with Santa Monica College to host on-campus professional development workshops connecting LA-based design professionals with architecture and interior design students. These annual events featured industry presentations, interactive roundtable discussions, and direct pathways to mentorship and internships, supporting the Foundation's mission to foster diversity and provide young people with meaningful access to the global design and architecture fields.

Design Leadership Foundation

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NOMA Project Pipeline

This collaborative initiative paired Santa Monica College (SMC) Architecture students with mentors from the NOMA Project Pipeline, empowering youth to drive change in their communities through design. This year's cohort tackled the challenge of designing a series of new structures for a local school destroyed by the Pacific Palisades fires, with SMC students serving as design mentors to local high schoolers over a five-month, start-to-finish project.

Through hands-on workshops and design reviews, students developed conceptual proposals that combined architectural creativity with the realities of disaster recovery — exploring how design can serve as a tool for healing, community-building, and long-term resilience.

NOMA High School Camp — morning gathering

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NOMA High School Camp

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Journalism

Voices of Recovery & Documenting Fire Recovery

PR storytelling, interviews, PSAs, podcasts, and reporting on the Palisades Fire from SMC's Corsair newspaper.

Journalism 43 / Business 29

Voices of Recovery: Public Relations in Times of Crisis

In Journalism 43 / Business 29: Public Relations and Publicity, students explored the role of communication, media strategy, and storytelling during moments of community crisis and recovery. Through the lens of public relations, students developed press materials, media messaging, and user-generated content (UGC) focused on the impact and aftermath of the Palisades and Altadena fires. The course challenged students to think critically about how stories are shared, amplified, and shaped across modern media platforms.

The exhibition showcases interviews, reflections, and short-form media content capturing the resilience of individuals, families, businesses, and community leaders affected by the fires. Drawing from professional public relations practices — including media outreach, publicity campaigns, and digital storytelling — students created content designed for contemporary platforms and audiences. The work demonstrates how strategic communication can inform, connect, and support communities while preserving the personal stories behind large-scale events.

Interviews

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PSA's

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Podcasts

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Journ 16 / Photo 14 / Journ 22

Documenting Fire Recovery Through Journalism and Photography

Students from Journ 16 and Photo 14 / Journ 22 — the writing and photography staff of Santa Monica College's award-winning Corsair newspaper — documented the college and community's ongoing efforts to support recovery after the Palisades Fire. Through reporting, interviews, photography, and social media storytelling, students captured both the immediate response and the human stories emerging from the recovery process.

The project challenged students to apply journalistic and visual storytelling skills in real-world conditions, producing continuing coverage for The Corsair news website and social media platforms. Their work highlights the role student journalists can play in informing, connecting, and supporting communities during moments of crisis and rebuilding.

After the Palisades Fire — burnt building

After the Palisades Fire

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Community Remembrance

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Media

After the Fires: Student Voices in Motion

Mini-documentaries, podcasts, and PSAs from high school Creator Squads working at SMC's Center for Media and Design.

After the Fires: Student Voices in Motion

This SMC + HS Collaborative brought together students from Pacific Palisades Charter and Venice High Schools for a one-day media production experience at Santa Monica College's Center for Media and Design (CMD). Working in mixed-school "Creator Squads," students produced mini-documentaries, podcasts, and public service announcements centered on themes of community, support, resilience, and moving forward.

Using a shared "Story Bank" model, students contributed audio, video, photography, and written reflections prior to the event, which were then developed into collaborative media projects during an intensive production workshop. Grounded in trauma-informed practices, the experience emphasized student voice, ethical media creation, collaboration, and community engagement.

Students reflected that the most rewarding aspects of the experience included "hearing other stories," "meeting new people," and "becoming a true team," highlighting the project's impact in fostering connection, empathy, creativity, and confidence across schools.

Below: a gallery of moments from the production day, followed by the final HS Creator Squad video projects.

After the Fires Gallery

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HS Creator Squad Videos

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Media 20

Student Interviews from Media 20

Students in Media 20 conducted in-depth interviews with community members, first responders, and local leaders about the impact of the Palisades and Altadena fires. The interviews highlight personal stories of loss, resilience, and recovery — captured through the lens of student journalists learning the craft of long-form audio and video storytelling.

Media 20 Interviews

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LA Rebuild Exhibition Design

User Experience 2 — From Screens to Spaces

UX students designed both a public-facing website and the physical exhibition for the Fire Recovery Grant.

User Experience 2 — From Screens to Spaces

User Experience (UX) 2 expands beyond traditional web and mobile design to explore holistic, real-world user experiences across digital, physical, and speculative systems. For the Fire Recovery Grant, students developed content and helped design the experience for both a public-facing website (coming soon) and the physical exhibition on display today.

Student work in this class included storytelling content, exhibition materials, and experience design elements that support community engagement around fire recovery efforts.

From Screens to Spaces — After the Fires

Exhibition Gallery

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Welcome letter from the Office of Workforce and Economic Development

Dear Community,

The devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires destroyed nearly 17,000 structures, burned approximately 40,000 acres, and caused an estimated $28 billion to $53.8 billion in property damage, with billions more in business interruption losses. While rebuilding efforts are underway, the region faces a significant shortage of skilled workers, creating a workforce gap that threatens to delay recovery, increase rebuilding costs, and slow economic revitalization.

The scale of destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton Fires requires a coordinated, long-term workforce development response. Community Colleges are serving as essential partners in that response by preparing the skilled workforce needed to rebuild homes, businesses, infrastructure, and communities throughout the region.

Funding has enabled colleges to align educational programs with evolving workforce needs in architecture, engineering, construction, design, sustainability, and related fields. Faculty are working closely with employers to ensure curriculum remains responsive to industry demands, while students gain valuable hands-on experiences, work-based learning opportunities, and exposure to real-world rebuilding projects.

Working together enables colleges, employers, workforce agencies, businesses, and community organizations to maximize resources, expand opportunities, and accelerate equitable recovery for the communities impacted by the wildfires.

Together, let's rebuild LA.

Office of Workforce and Economic Development

Santa Monica College

www.smc.edu/workforcedevelopment
workforce@smc.edu · (310) 434-4199

Santa Monica Community College Disaster Support Fund

Fire Relief Support Update

Following the January wildfires in Los Angeles County, the SMC Foundation launched a rapid response initiative, including food and clothing distribution and emergency financial aid. Within days, fundraising began, and tailored applications were distributed to students and employees. The first grants were awarded by February 5, 2025.

To date, over $1.7 million has been raised. Relief grants were categorized based on impact:

Total loss of residence: $5,000
Damaged but livable residence: $2,500
Temporary displacement or workplace damage: $500–$1,000

In total, 82 students and 20 employees received aid, amounting to $736,000 across two rounds. A third round of $726,000 is planned for current students, including recent graduates from impacted high schools. The Foundation also partnered with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), awarding $250,000 in subgrants to support 32 families and 15 employees. SMMUSD adopted SMC's vetting process to ensure equitable distribution.

Donate or learn more at the SMC Foundation → View the Fire Relief Presentation (PDF) →

SMC and Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is a key partner in our fire recovery efforts, connecting local businesses with rebuild committees, networking opportunities, and workforce-development workshops. Through this partnership, SMC and the Chamber have supported 40+ businesses impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires with resources to recover, reopen, and rebuild stronger.

Explore Chamber business resources & events →

40+

Partnered Businesses

SMC faculty workshop series for Small Businesses

JanuaryInfluencer & community marketing
FebruaryFinancial literacy & funding options
MarchLocal marketing: sidewalk to social
AprilExpand your business through memberships
MayLegal issues with small businesses
FallArchitecture & Interior Architectural Design

Chamber of Commerce rebuild committee events

January 29Rebuild Health & Wellness Expo
April 8LA Building & Safety
May 1Rebuild Mixer
May 13Builders Alliance + RAND
June 4Rebuild & Mental Health Luncheon
June 10Insurance + Sustainability

Upcoming Chamber Events

See full Chamber calendar →

Jul 14 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Featured

Coffee Connections — Elevator Pitch

Younique Rooftop / Chick-fil-A · 1317 5th St., Santa Monica

Tickets:$10 Members · $20 Non-members
Bring:Your dynamic elevator pitch!

Reserve

Jul 15 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Networking

Networking Mixer — Hawke Media

Hawke Media · 2415 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica

Tickets:$25 Members · $35 Non-members
Bring:Your best networking smile!

Reserve

Jul 23 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Signature Event

State of the City

Ocean Park Branch Library · 2601 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Reserve

Aug 11 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Free Orientation

Membership Orientation

Chamber Office · 2525 Main St., Santa Monica

Cost:Free
Bring:Your questions about the Chamber

Reserve

Aug 19 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Networking

Networking Mixer — Jonathan Beach Club

Jonathan Beach Club · 850 Palisades Beach Rd., Santa Monica

Tickets:$25 Members · $35 Non-members
Bring:Your best networking smile!

Reserve

Year in Review

Disaster Support Fund

In the wake of the fires across Los Angeles County, Santa Monica College Foundation came together for the students, workers, and families who call this community home. Through the SMC Foundation's Disaster Support Fund, we raised over $1.7 million, supported 82 students and 20 employees with direct relief grants, and partnered with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District on $250,000 in subgrants for impacted families and employees.

SMC Programs in Action

Through SMC Programs in Architecture, Interior Architectural Design, Journalism, Media, and Exhibition Design, students created and documented work rooted in the recovery — capturing the stories of neighbors, families, and businesses affected by the fires to educate, preserve, and spread awareness of what this community lived through and how it came back.

Educational Opportunities

Recovery is about more than relief. We opened the doors to free classes and certificate programs across business, health, education, and STEM — giving our community the tools to rebuild with confidence.

Resources & Events

And we built a place to turn to when it matters most — a question-driven resource directory guiding neighbors from immediate safety to long-term rebuilding, alongside community events that keep us moving forward, together.