Weather 
A home builder who lost his house and more than a dozen rental properties in the devasting Eaton Fire has reached a settlement with SoCal Edison.
Michael Astalis has spent his entire adult life providing low-income housing for families in need. The value of the Astalis’ properties that were destroyed in the wildfire were estimated to be about $25 million.
He and his family reached the settlement with the utility through Edison’s wildfire compensation program.
“The insurance companies offered very little,” Astalis said at a news conference, standing in front of one of the properties he lost in the fire. “The building behind us, I got offered $50 per square foot.”
Whistleblower complaint alleges emergency management employee slept during part of Eaton Fire
A current OEM employee is alleging a now-former colleague, who had a crucial role as the Eaton Fire raged the first night, was, at times, asleep on the job.
Since October, more than 26,000 claims have been submitted to the power company’s compensation program. So far, early 800 offers have been extended, with more than 120 payouts issued.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles County officials launched a public survey seeking feedback from residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires as part of a review of the county’s recovery and repopulation efforts.
The survey is part of an independent after-action review being conducted by the McChrystal Group examining the county’s response following the windstorm-driven wildfires, according to the county.
County officials are asking for input from residents who evacuated during the fires, experienced property damage, used disaster shelters or sought debris removal or other recovery services.
City News Service contributed to this report.
© 2026 Television,
