The Virtual Rebuilding Summit
for Eaton & Palisades Survivors

Rebuilding takes resources, and this session shows you how to find them. You’ll learn where to look for grants that match your needs, how to connect with case managers who can unlock additional funding, and how rebuilding programs can become part of your recovery path.

You’ll leave with real leads, trusted contacts, and a step-by-step plan to turn financial assistance into progress you can see.

Speakers:

• Erin Rank, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

• Matt Gsell, Community Organized Relief Effort

• Justin Hollerich, Bright Harbor

• Becky Estrella, Southern California Gas Company

Every rebuild runs smoother when you know what to expect. This session gives you the tools to plan confidently: how to compare contractor bids, build a realistic budget, and map out each phase of construction so you always know what’s coming.

You’ll learn how to stay in control from the first quote to the final inspection, with fewer surprises and greater peace of mind along the way.

Speakers:

• Katherine Peoples, HPP Cares

• Chris Corbett, Altadena Collective

Permitting and codes can feel complex, but understanding them puts you ahead. In this session, you’ll meet the LA County staff who review your plans and learn how their departments coordinate to move projects forward.

They’ll explain what reviewers look for, what commonly causes delays, and how new fire code updates are making homes safer and stronger. You’ll walk away with clarity, direction, and confidence to keep your rebuild moving.

Speakers:

• Chief Nick Duvally, LA County

• Ciara Barnett, LA County

• Brian Mcginnis, LA County

The people you hire can shape your entire rebuilding experience. This session helps you choose the right professionals: architects, builders, and others who understand post-fire recovery and know how to build efficiently and with integrity.

You’ll learn what to look for, what to ask before hiring, and how to make sure everyone on your team understands your goals, your budget, and your timeline. You’ll leave ready to build with professionals you can trust.

Speakers:

• Mackenzie Chaplin, The Foothill Catalogue

• Amy Christopherson Bolten, Christopherson Builiders

A stronger home starts with informed choices. This session breaks down what the science shows about how homes ignite and what construction and design decisions make the biggest difference in protecting your home from future fires.

You’ll see practical, cost-effective ways to harden your home — from materials and layout to landscaping and maintenance — and learn how to find builders who know how to meet resilience standards. You’ll also explore options for funding the gap between what insurance covers and what true safety requires.

Speakers:

• Laura Blaul, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

• Sarah Wolf, US Green Building Council California

• Alexis Pelosi, The Resiliency Company

Innovation can help families return home faster. This session explores building options such as prefab, modular, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that can shorten construction timelines and reduce costs while meeting fire-safety standards.

You’ll learn how these options fit within the permitting process, what trade-offs to expect, and how other families are using ADUs as temporary or permanent solutions. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your choices and how to match them to your goals and timeline.

Speakers:

• Sarah Dussealt, LA4LA

• Celeste Goyer, Casita Coalition

When every dollar matters, smart strategy makes all the difference. This session highlights practical ways to stretch your rebuilding budget without cutting corners that matter.

You’ll explore how collective material purchasing, bulk ordering, and coordinated contracting can reduce costs. We’ll share real examples of families who rebuilt successfully by working collaboratively and thinking strategically. You’ll walk away with tools and ideas to make informed financial choices and get the most from every resource.

Speakers:

• Bea Hsu, Builders Alliance

• David Lee, Build Notes

A successful rebuild starts with strong legal foundations, especially when navigating contractor relationships.

You’ll hear directly from experts about key consumer protection requirements.
They will explain how to safeguard your project from common legal and financial missteps, covering critical topics such as contractor licensing, consumer protection laws, project financing options, subcontractor payments, and mechanics liens.

You’ll leave knowing how to protect your investment, your rights, and your peace of mind from start to finish.

Speakers:

• Steph Carroll, Public Counsel

• David Fogt, Contractors State License Board