June 13, 2025
Message from Joy Chen
Founder of EFSN
In three decades of living in Los Angeles, I’ve seen many tragedies—both natural and manmade. Yet what always amazes me is how, again and again, people here find strength in one another and build community, as we must now, with ICE raids shaking families across our region.
When survivors unite, we create change. Today is proof of that.
The State Farm investigation we’ve been fighting for was officially announced yesterday by Commissioner Lara.
The New York Times has the scoop on how this all came to be — and the central role survivors played: Click here for Article (gift link)
This investigation is a testament to the power of survivors.
We educated ourselves. We stood together. We spoke out. And we refused to be suckers for insurance delays, denials, and underpayments.
This doesn’t just help State Farm survivors; it helps everyone with insurance. When the largest market player is required to follow the law, it puts pressure on all insurers to do the same.
When survivors unite, we create change. Today is proof of that.
Take a moment to feel the power of what we’ve done together.
Next: We keep going.
We now call on Commissioner Lara to publicly release the findings of this investigation and make clear whether State Farm is complying with the law — before considering yet another rate hike this October.
And then, we will press for full accountability from every insurer.
Survivor-Led Advocacy
EFSN members are leading the charge on issues that matter to us all.
EFSN Founder Insurance Advocacy: Our founder, Joy participated in the KCAL Insurance Segment The segment included a Q&A with policyholders and insights from Harvey Rosenfeld of Consumer Watchdog. They raised key concerns about systemic practices—like rotating adjusters, lowball estimates, and tactics designed to delay, deny, and discourage.
Landlord Notice Shared: Dawn posted an update from the L.A. County Rental Housing Habitability Program reminding landlords they are responsible for cleaning up post-fire smoke and ash damage.
Read Dawn’s post. Link to LA COUNTY Letter
School Safety Petition Gains Momentum: Mayka shared community member Laura’s Change.org petition with over 700 signatures, urging safety upgrades at Altadena Arts Magnet. With the new school year approaching, many parents are speaking up.
Read Mayka’s post. Sign Laura’s Change.org Petition.
DTSC Now Investigating Lead Levels: Cherry shared that the California Department of Toxic Substances Control is now looking into post-cleanup lead levels in Altadena, which remain above state safety thresholds. Community outreach could be key to pushing for real action.
Support Needed for AB 1243 – The Polluters Pay Act: One of our own, @1_aeiou_0 , flagged this bold bill that would make major fossil fuel companies financially responsible for climate-driven disasters like wildfires.
Community Conversations This Week
CalAssist Program Tips from Neighbors: Andrew explained income eligibility and lender participation for the CalAssist Fund. Sarah shared a helpful tip: how she convinced her lender to opt in.
Read Andrew’s post. Read Sarah’s post.
Self-Certification Confusion: Josh shared that his architect is frustrated by unclear guidance for the Self-Certification Pilot Program. William helpfully followed up to Josh’s message with information and a link to the step-by-step guide from LA County.
Read Josh’s post. Read William’s post.
Insurance Adjuster Poll Results: Matt ran a poll revealing that State Farm policyholders had an average of four different adjusters—with nearly 70% reporting three or more.
