Southern California Wildfires
A series of historic wildfires have scorched the Greater Los Angeles region, damaging more than 9,000 structures, burning through tens of thousands of acres, and leading to the evacuation of nearly 100,000 area residents. As the voice of California’s grocery industry, CGA is in close contact with State of California, Los Angeles elected officials, and disaster-relief organizations.
Below you will find information and guidance to help your company navigate this challenging and fluid situation. If you have additional questions, contact Tim James.
Curfew Order
The Los Angeles County Sheriff has ordered a 6:00pm to 6:00am curfew effective immediately for “Evacuation Order Zones” that lie within the City of Los Angeles, City of Santa Monica, City of Malibu and all unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. These zones are already no-go areas for all other than emergency responders. Stores in these areas are already closed. We do not expect the curfew to impact company operations or employees.
Emergency Declaration – Price Gouging
The State of California and several local governments have declared a State of Emergency for Los Angeles County. This allows quick reaction and access to resources to fight the fires. It also means that price gouging regulations are in effect in order to prevent illegal excessive profits. The Attorney General has information available on the Code Section. This price gouging regulation will be in effect through January 7, 2026. The executive order for the extension can be reviewed here.
SNAP Benefits for Hot Foods
The USDA has announced that effectively immediately through February 8 SNAP retailers located in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties may accept benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises. It has been confirmed the system is live and operating.
On January 15, 2025, the Hot Foods Waiver was expanded to include Riverside and San Diego Counties.
More information about SNAP waivers, not just limited to hot foods, can be found here.
Additional Regulatory Impacts for Employers + Air Quality Impacts
As employers, there are a number of regulatory requirements initiated during emergencies. These rules govern everything from air quality to time off pay. To help guide employers and human resources professionals, CalChamber has assembled a list of guidance for employers. The Association recommends you review these additional employer considerations to ensure you’re in compliance.
Donations Needed
With shelter resident numbers dropping and the upcoming economic impact coming we are being asked to prioritize longer term food and water donations. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is taking lead on ensuring support is available for those in need across the region. We are encouraging donations of shelf stable food items and water as soon as possible. Contact Jeanna Kindle to offer assistance and help fulfill current needs. If you wish to provide store gift cards please coordinate with Tim James.
Consider Over Stocking
Demand for food, water and personal care items are expected to surge at open grocery stores within close proximity to evacuated areas. Please monitor increased volume of purchases and consider overstocking on essential items, primarily water. The ban on use of municipal water is expected to raise demand for personal sized water container significantly.
Store Re-Openings
When the danger subsides, the focus will return to reopening neighborhoods, especially grocery stores. Please contact Tim James with information regarding stores which may have lost power or are in evacuation zones and will require significant work to reopen. CGA will have the ability to coordinate with authorities to secure early entry to facilitate cleaning and resetting.
Federal Aid for Survivors
The State of Californian has announced a portal for those impacted by the fire to apply for aid. Along with links and instructions the site includes one-page materials to forward to employees. We encourage grocers to share this information across their company.
Stay Prepared
The California Grocers Association has established relationships with a number of key emergency management organizations including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the American Red Cross to provide CGA members real-time information during a natural, or man-made disaster and to assist these agencies in disaster relief.
RESOURCES
- California Office of Emergency Services
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- California Resiliency Alliance
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
In 2008, the California Grocers Association was one of the first in the private sector to sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal-EMA). The MOU provides for CGA to be fully integrated into the state’s Standardized Emergency Management System. This allows CGA access to the State Operations Center – the statewide nerve center during any significant disaster – as part of the Business Operations Center. CGA is provided real time situation reports that are forwarded to affected Association members. In return, CGA works with Cal-EMA as a resource during and after a significant disaster.
For more information on CGA’s emergency management program, contact Tim James at (916) 448-3545.