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Supporting Our Members Through the Los Angeles Wildfires

A group of people putting their hands in.

As the devastating wildfires continue to affect our community, we remain acutely aware of the challenges faced by our members, staff, and the entire Los Angeles region. On behalf of LACERA—the Trustees of our Boards of Retirement and Investments, the LACERA leadership team, and our entire staff—I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy. I hope for your continued safety and resilience during this difficult time.

I also want to take a moment and send a sincere thank-you for your heroic efforts. Whether you are on the frontlines saving lives and property or working behind the scenes to ensure continuation of vital services, you have shown the true meaning of public service and provided hope during this terrible disaster.

LACERA is Here for You

At LACERA, our mission to provide consistent, uninterrupted services is unwavering. We are committed to supporting any impacted members through every step of the recovery process, as well as assisting all of our members with retirement benefits and retirement planning needs.

Here is how we are supporting you:

  • Uninterrupted benefits: Your pension and healthcare benefits will continue to be paid on time and without interruption. If you’ve been displaced or are experiencing difficulties accessing your benefits, we will work with you to ensure you receive the assistance you need. LACERA is just a phone call away (800-786-6464) and ready to support you.
  • Retiree Healthcare support: Our Retiree Healthcare team is ready to help you access your healthcare benefits and answer any questions about your LACERA-provided insurance.
  • Retirement counseling services: Active members can connect with our counseling team via our call centers and virtual appointments. Despite challenges presented by the fires, we remain fully operational to process retirements and provide all services during this busy season.
  • Flexible operations: Due to the ongoing crisis, and the proximity of our building to the Altadena neighborhoods devastated by the Eaton Fire, our Pasadena offices will remain closed until Tuesday, January 21. However, our Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All scheduled appointments through January 18th will be honored as virtual appointments, and we will work with any members who need to reschedule for another in-person session. We expect to reopen our in-person support on January 21, when our offices reopen.
  • Board of Retirement Meeting: The January Board of Retirement meetings noticed for Wednesday, January 15, 2025 will be held via teleconference under California Government Code Section 54953(e) because of the Governor's Proclamations of a State of Emergency due to the Los Angeles County Fires and windstorms, LACERA's proximity to the Eaton Fire, and Pasadena's Red Flag Warning. Onsite participation will be available; however, teleconference participation is highly encouraged and those who attend in person should take appropriate precautions. For information on Public Comment, please fill out this form.
  • Financial security: LACERA is resilient and fully operational. Despite the wildfire devastation, there is no significant impact on capital markets or our portfolio at this time. Our diversified, long-term investment strategy aims to maintain stability and growth, preserving value despite market fluctuations and global events. These tragic events will not impact our ability to provide the promised benefits.

We’re also continuing our commitment to share important resources for members impacted by these fires. In addition to a list of resources available on lacera.com, we are sharing information from our County partners and related agencies to inform and support members affected by the wildfires:

  • Emergency updates and alerts: Go to lacounty.gov/emergency for real-time emergency updates, evacuation orders, and safety guidelines.
  • Los Angeles County wildfire recovery resources: Visit recovery.lacounty.gov for assistance programs, disaster relief services, and housing support.

You and LACERA: Providing Economic Stability for Our Community

On a broader scale, together you and LACERA remain a strong and vital part of the Los Angeles area economy, which will be more important than ever in the coming months and years as we all work to recover from this tragedy. In addition to our active members, who receive and spend their working income in the community, about 70 percent of our members continue to live in L.A. County after retirement, adding billions in economic activity and millions in tax revenues.

Our Promise

Since LACERA’s founding 87 years ago, we have stood steadfast, strong, and continuous in our support of members, through the most challenging days and disasters impacting Southern California. LACERA remains committed to our mission of producing, protecting, and providing your promised benefits, now and into the future. In times like these, the strength of our members and our County shines brightest. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued trust in LACERA.

Sincerely,

Santos Kreimann
Chief Executive Officer
LACERA