Local News in Brief : L.A., Other Counties Get Disaster Status
The U.S. Small Business Administration on Friday declared Los Angeles County, along with San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Kern counties, disaster areas because of winds and fires Dec. 7-9, thus making low-interest federal loans available to those who suffered property losses.
Fierce Santa Ana winds struck the Southland, whipping up fires that destroyed thousands of acres in the north San Fernando Valley and homes and apartment buildings in Baldwin Park, West Los Angeles and other areas.
M. Hawley Smith, SBA district director in Los Angeles, said homeowners will be able to obtain loans up to $100,000 for property losses and $20,000 for loss of personal items.
Businesses may receive loans up to $500,000, and tenants may obtain loans up to $200,000 for personal property loss or damage.
To assist victims, the SBA will have disaster loan counselors available at locations in Baldwin Park, West Los Angeles and Northridge.
Information is available by calling 1-800-468-1713, or by writing to the SBA Disaster Processing Center, P.O. Box 13795, Sacramento, Calif. 95853-4795.
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