I hope you and your loved ones are safe.

My heart is with our firefighters, our first responders, and the Californians who have lost loved ones and their homes from the devastating wildfires raging across our state.

As your State Controller, I and my team are doing all we can to help those affected. That means ensuring our firefighters and first responders have the resources they need to combat and contain these fires. I also have extended the tax deadline to December 15th for filing 2019 state returns for those affected who live in disaster areas. At a time like this, they should be focusing their attention on themselves and their families.

I have received numerous inquiries from constituents throughout California about ways they can help those in need.  Here are some actions you can take:

1. Check the Air Quality in your area. Smoke from wildfires is particularly risky for children, seniors, adults with heart or lung problems, and pregnant women. Remind your loved ones to stay inside, especially if they are in a high-risk area. Use your zip code to find out if you are in a high-risk zone here: https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/

2. Donate to Support Wildfire Relief. Consider making a donation to the California Fire Foundation’s SAVE program. This program provides immediate short-term relief to victims of fires and other natural disasters.  Learn how you can donate here: https://www.cafirefoundation.com

Thank you for lending a hand.  Please stay safe, and remember to continue practicing physical distancing.

Sincerely,

Betty