Survivors Showed Up, Showed Support and Sent a Powerful Message

Aug 29

Written By Every Fire Survivor's Network

Aug 29 2025

What a week! We notched two major courtroom wins — and yes, in the middle of it all we even got compared to a “hot murderer.” (Details are in my note here.) Spoiler: we stayed in the room, and we won. Twice. 🎉

How do survivors keep winning while insurers throw up roadblocks? Two words: Consumer Watchdog — the small but mighty team that’s been protecting Californians for decades, and who are now fighting for us.

I’m thrilled to invite you to a live online Q&A with the legendary Harvey Rosenfield — the author of Prop 103 — and his powerhouse Consumer Watchdog team. Details below. You won’t want to miss it.

Meanwhile, our coalition is stronger than ever. This week Assemblymember John Harabedian brought together Senator Sasha Perez, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp — plus 70 of our own survivors — to demand 5 urgent actions to stop insurers’ illegal delays and denials. [Watch the video] and [read our 5-step plan].

But here’s the challenge: lawmakers who don’t live this every day think recovery is over. Insurers, with their endless PR budgets, are busy telling them everything’s fine. We know better. Families are still waiting for housing, fighting denied smoke claims, and struggling with endless delays.

The way we change that story is by sharing ours. Here are your rights — and the questions where we need your story. Please share a separate story for each one you’ve experienced.

1️⃣ Temporary Housing (ALE) – If your house is lost or unsafe due to toxins, you’re entitled to ALE for up to 36 months or until policy limits are reached.
👉 Has your ALE been cut off early or stalled?
👉 Have you had to fight for your ALE each month?

2️⃣ FAIR Plan Smoke Damage – It’s illegal for FAIR Plan to deny smoke claims just because there’s “no physical damage.”

👉 Did FAIR Plan deny or underpay your smoke claim?

3️⃣ Loss Estimates – You have the right to all adjuster and vendor loss estimates on your home. Insurers cannot refuse to provide the originals, or secretly slash those loss estimates.
👉 Did your insurer refuse to give you the original reports?
👉 Did your loss estimate get cut down without explanation?

4️⃣ CDI Complaints – CDI is supposed to investigate and resolve all complaints.
👉 Have you filed one (or more) and still don’t have resolution?

5️⃣ Delays & Denials – By law: insurers must respond within 15 days, decide on any claim within 40 days, and pay your within 30 days once accepted.
👉 Has your insurer blown past deadlines?
👉 Have they denied you or lowballed your claim?

📹 What we need from you:

* A short written summary (100–300 words) of what happened and how it’s impacted your family. If writing feels hard, ChatGPT can help turn a few details into a powerful statement.

* Photos of damage, documents, screenshots of correspondence, videos of damage or of you telling your story.

* On the form, you can also let us know if you’re open to media or an interview with me (Joy!) so we can create powerful survivor videos.

Insurance companies are betting on us staying silent. Let’s prove them wrong.

Our leaders are with us. Our coalition of 7,500+ survivors is with us. Consumer Watchdog is with us. Now the most powerful force of all: YOU.

👉 Submit your insurance story here »
Together with you, and wishing you a restful Labor Day weekend. ❤️
Joy

Fighting Back Against Insurance Abuses

In the wake of catastrophic wildfires, too many survivors are being hit with unfair treatment: skyrocketing premiums, unjust delays, and outright denials of claims. It’s time to fight back—and win.

In this powerful session, you’ll learn:
✅ The fight against State Farm’s massive rate hike – What’s at stake for you, your community, and how we can stop it.
✅ Your rights under Proposition 103 – How this landmark law protects consumers and why it matters now more than ever.
✅ Holding regulators accountable – How to challenge illegal delays and denials, and what actions you can take to make your voice heard.

This is not just another webinar; it’s a movement to ensure every survivor gets the justice they deserve. Our voices are stronger together, and your participation matters.

📅 Date: September 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 7 PM PDT
📍 Where: Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fwS37UbSRne1kdfyDLo7UQ#/registration

Who should attend: Survivors, advocates, allies, and anyone committed to fair treatment and accountability.

Bring your friends, neighbors, and networks, because none of us should be fighting this alone.

Upcoming Events

EFSN First Friday Community Dinner
Friday, September 5 | 8:30 PM PT | In Person - No agenda, no speakers, just a chance for us to connect with other survivors and allies.
[Register now – LINK]

Using Your SBA Loan
Thursday, September 11 | 7–8 PM PT | Virtual on Zoom
[Register now – LINK]

Don’t miss this essential webinar with SBA expert Corey Williams, who will break down everything you need to know about the federal disaster loan program. Get the clarity and guidance you need to move forward confidently.

• How to qualify for SBA disaster loans

• Managing funds effectively after approval

• Expert tips to avoid common mistakes

• Strategies to maximize your support

Live Q&A: Consumer Watchdog: Fighting For Us on Insurance

Tuesday, September 16 | 7-8P PT

Harvey Rosenfield (Founder), Carmen Balber (Executive Director) and Will Pletcher (Litigation Director) in conversation with Joy Chen

We’ll cover:

• The State Farm rate hike fight

• Our rights under Prop 103

• Holding regulators accountable for illegal delays and denials

[Register now – LINK]