By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The city of San Diego has opened a Local Assistance Center for residents impacted by flooding in the Southeast communities.
The center will be located at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center and will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Feb. 3, through Feb. 9.
“We are grateful to the County of San Diego and the state Office of Emergency Services for opening this needed resource in the community to help impacted residents,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “State and local governments, in partnership with our community-based organizations, are banding together at this Local Assistance Center to offer the services that will help get people back on their feet.”
A winter storm that hit San Diego on Jan. 22 caused devastating flooding in the neighborhoods of Mountain View, Southcrest, Encanto, San Ysidro, and other areas.
The Local Assistance Center will provide information on the replacement of passport books and passport cards, assistance in setting up appointments with the Clerk of the Board Passport Facility, provide information and advice about what type of permits are needed to repair damage and provide individualized assistance with the applications and speedy processing of building and construction permits.
San Diego Housing Commission will provide resource information including short-term hotel stays related to the recent storms.
City of San Diego Council District Offices 4, 8, and 9 will offer assistance to their respective constituents.
The County of San Diego Assessor’s Office will assist with disaster claim forms for property damage of homes and businesses of more than $10,000, and other property tax relief material.
The State of California Contractors State License Board will offer storm-impacted residents information about hiring a contractor for repairing or rebuilding, verifying a contractor’s license, and tips to avoid being scammed.
The California Department of Insurance will answer general and specific insurance questions, explain the claims process, and facilitate the submission of complaints as needed due to claim delays or denials, and payment of additional living expenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will provide the forms needed to assist individuals in replacing DMV documents such as driver’s licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration certificates, and certificates of title.
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration will offer disaster relief to taxpayers, fee-payers, and business owners. Storm-impacted residents may be eligible to receive free replacement copies of tax records and to receive a one-month extension on filing tax returns.
The Employment Development Department will direct job seekers to the local America’s Job Center of California and business owners to their local Tax Office for additional assistance.
The Franchise Tax Board will guide in obtaining tax relief for disaster casualty losses.
The National Flood Insurance will provide information on flood insurance, how to file a flood insurance claim, and steps to reduce future flood damage.
Call 2-1-1 will connect clients with various local resources. Guide them through how to access the services they need, and schedule appointments if needed.
San Diego Gas & Electric will provide information on available support services, resources, and programs available for customers. Answer questions regarding customer accounts including how to start and stop service, and any billing inquiries.
The San Diego Humane Society will provide limited supplies to pet owners, and assist with lost paperwork regarding licenses and vaccination records.
Nonprofits and faith-based organizations that work in disaster recovery can assist with providing financial, in-kind, and volunteer support.
Team Rubicon will provide home “muck-out” services and roof tarping services. Feeding America will provide ready-to-eat food items, fresh produce, and CalFresh resources. The American Red Cross will provide information about current Red Cross services including emergency shelter services. All Hands All Hearts will remove water-damaged furniture and building materials from homes, mold sanitation, and debris removal to the curb.
Language interpretation will be available at the Local Assistance Center, including American Sign Language interpreters on site.
The city’s website, sandiego.gov/storm, is being updated consistently and includes storm preparedness tips, safety information, lists of road closures and flooded areas, and locations for shelters and sandbags.
