YOU'RE INVITED!
House & housing folks in LA are invited to a Q & A around post-fire response and policy. Most of you know someone personally who lost a home in the Palisades and Eaton fires. It will be a time to reflect, connect, as well as to share information in person.
I named the event 'Call in the Cavalry' to draw allusion to the first units to enter battle. Many of you are in that role—in touch with homeowners and friends who are dealing with shock and loss with questions about what lies ahead.
I wanted to draw attention to the cavalry weapon, specifically the Roman spatha, a sword with a double-edged blade. A sword is good image to describe policy tools needed to effectively cut through red tape. We can't neglect the fact that Los Angeles is already in a housing crisis. How will post-fire emergency tools result in preference over (or in competition to) existing problems of the wider community? Los Angeles, and its 'cavalry,' needs dual-edged policy tools to respond to the broader housing challenges it faces.
2:00pm - come early to meet colleagues and new associates at the entry area in front of the Multipurpose Room
2:30pm - Doors open, refreshments available
2:45pm - Introductions
3:00pm - Panel & Q&A
4:30pm- Event ends, but attendees may continue conversations at nearby picnic tables and benches.
Q & A with audience participation
We'll have a round of Q & A with Architect Greg Chasen and Land-Use Planner Erik Yesayan, but we also look forward to mutual learning from experts in varied fields. There will be a passing of the proverbial mic.
Greg has designed and built homes in the Palisades. Erik has experience in the Woolsey fire rebuilding process and is up-to-date with recent housing policy and the new emergency directives.
I have added local Developer, Architect, Builder and Planner Ryan Lovett, to help extend our vision.
Emergency management specialist and claims advocate Keith Hayman, will advise on post-disaster and what to scopes expect in advance of rebuilding.
For more background, check out this article about one of Greg's surviving projects. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/17/la-houses-survived-fire More info on Erik's Land-Use consulting company Pattern https://pattern.la/
Short list of other professional attendees which I'll keep updating:
Estate Planners, attorneys
General contractors, residential focus, construction management and engineering teams
Alexis Rivas - Build Cover pre-fabricated homes, manufactured in South Bay
Many architects who have built in affected areas before and after fires, and senior FAIA architect Neal Payton, involved in large Olympics projects
Government employees at local city & state level in unofficial capacity
Media: Chris Berg, real estate podcast host
Housing groups: Ed Mendoza, Livable Communities Initiative
Real estate agents and real estate developers
RSVP: Feel free to share this with relevant individuals, but registration will be required. Seating available for 75 with full capacity for 150 people.
COST: $7 requested via this platform. Digital only. Coffee, beverages and light snacks will be provided. (No longer a potluck)
LOCATION: Beverly Hills Roxbury Park Community Center.
The event will be recorded.