Return of strong winds to Los Angeles threatens area's fight against fires

The California Department of Insurance is hosting two-day workshops to help wildfire victims with their policies and claims.

The workshops will be held this weekend and next weekend in Santa Monica and Pasadena. They're designed to help people understand their insurance policies and the claims process overall.

Experts from the Department of Insurance will be available for one-on-one consultations at both locations. If you plan to attend, you're asked to bring a copy of your insurance policy, declaration page, and any relevant correspondence.

"The devastation caused by these wildfires is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected," said California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in a statement. "Our top priority is to stand with Californians during this challenging time, ensuring you have access to the support and services you need. We are committed to holding insurance companies accountable so they fulfill their obligations to policyholders."

Details on California insurance workshops:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Location: Santa Monica College, Performing Arts Center East Wing 1310 11th Street
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Location: Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center East Wing 1310 11th Street
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
Location: Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd.
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Location: Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd.
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

If you want to make a one-on-one appointment, call the CDI's Hotline at 1-800-927-4357. Walk-ins will be served on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The Lakers are set to play their first home game in nearly a week, and the organization is hosting a donation drive to help those impacted by the fires.

The drive will be held during the team's next three home games, which are slated for Wednesday and Friday.

They're accepting food and non-food items, including water, trail mixes, dry shampoo, phone chargers and blankets.

They're not accepting clothing items.

The Lakers are set to play their first home game in nearly a week, and the organization is hosting a donation drive to help those impacted by the fires.

The damaged water-dropping super scooper firefighting aircraft that collided with a drone over the Palisades Fire last week will reportedly be back in the sky Tuesday morning, officials announced.

During a Monday morning news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the aircraft has been repaired. They're now waiting on approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before it can officially fly again and continue aerial efforts to contain the flames.

According to officials, the plane last week collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it. The drone put a 3x6 hole in the aircraft, causing a 20- to 30-minute delay in the aerial firefight.

The low-flying, surface-skimming planes dip into the water before dumping its contents over blazing wildfires. As the wind-driven fires continue across Southern California, officials are pleading with people to not fly drones over wildfire-ravaged areas.

As thousands of displaced families look for a place to stay due to the wildfires, the state has issued a series of protections, including one against price gouging.

On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will streamline the rebuilding of destroyed homes and businesses.

The order also extends protections against price gouging in Los Angeles County on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026.

During a press conference Saturday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office has received reports of hotels, rental properties, and other businesses charging too much for goods and services.

"We should not be engaged in price gouging, whether it's groceries or rent," he said. "We are very serious about this, and the governor's office, on ensuring that there is no price gouging and that anyone engaged in it is held accountable."

READ MORE | California officials warn of price gouging, scams as wildfire victims seek help

As thousands of displaced families look for a place to stay, the state has issued a series of protections, including one against price gouging.