Continuing his efforts to provide immediate assistance to displaced Californians affected by the southern California wildfires, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the opening of five local assistance centers in coordination with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and local governments.
"The devastation and loss of life from these wildfires has been horrific, but the people of California are going to rebuild and we must do all we can to help these communities recover," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "That is why I am directing my Office of Emergency Services to work closely with local officials to open up local assistance centers for fire victims in the affected areas."
"I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the firefighters who courageously continue to battle these wildfires and put their lives on the line every day. You are true heroes."
The local assistance centers will serve as efficient one-stop sources for disaster relief services including information on how to replace records lost in the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and housing.
Additionally today, President Bush approved the Governor's request for a Major Disaster Declaration in California. The declaration will assist fire victims with resources like grants and temporary housing, disaster unemployment assistance and low interest loans for businesses.
"This is just the beginning of our recovery efforts and we will not rest until everyone's life is back to normal in southern California," Governor Schwarzenegger said.
Three local assistance centers will open tomorrow and two additional centers will open on Friday. The hours of operation for the centers are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center in San Diego will have extended hours Monday through Friday and will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional centers will be opened in the region as needed.
Below are the locations of the local assistance centers that will open tomorrow morning :
- Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
- Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road, Ramona, CA 92065
- Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Below are the locations of the local assistance centers that will open Friday morning:
- Rancho San Diego-Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92109
- Castaic Regional Sports Complex, 31230 N. Castaic Road, Castaic, CA 91384
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Employment Development Department, Contractors State License Board, Department of Insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services and other state and local agencies will be represented at the local assistance centers.
