Dear friend,

 

I’ve been to countless press conferences. But I’ve never seen one quite like today.

Assemblymember John Harabedian hosted an extraordinary press conference, joined by Senator Sasha Renee Perez, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Altadena Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp, and 70 of our incredible EFSN members.

 

Thank you to each of you who took time out of your day to stand together. Your presence spoke volumes.

Every single elected official who represents Altadena united with us to say just one thing:

When disaster strikes, Californians deserve one simple thing: timely access to the benefits we’ve already paid for in full.

 

Instead, after the Eaton and Palisades fires, survivors have faced a second catastrophe: illegal delays, denials, and underpayments.

 

This is not about weak laws. California already has some of the strongest consumer protections in the country.

 

The problem is that Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has failed to enforce them.

Without enforcement, a functioning insurance system cannot survive.
And neither can our recovery.

 

 

 

 

📰 See the breaking news in the LA Times:

 

📜 Read Assemblymember Harabedian’s press release outlining 5 urgent actions Commissioner Lara can take now to enforce existing law:

 

📄 Explore EFSN’s full action plan, explaining why each of the 5 steps is critical, and the legal authority under the Commissioner can act today:

Here’s what YOU can do next:
 

✅ Step 1: Add your name to the campaign
Let’s demonstrate our strength in numbers. Sign up here:
https://www.efsurvivors.net/stop-insurer-misconduct

 

📍 Step 2: Join us this Wednesday, 8/27 at 1:00pm
Take a break from work and stand with me at the State Farm rate hike hearing in Downtown LA! This hearing will address a questionable tactic called bifurcation. Last month, Commissioner Lara quietly filed to split the case—fast-tracking a billion-dollar rate hike while delaying or sidestepping scrutiny of misconduct.

 

📖 Read my op-ed on what’s at stake:
https://pasadenanow.com/main/guest-opinion-joy-chen-state-farm-shouldnt-get-a-rate-hike-if-theyre-breaking-the-law

 

📝 RSVP quickly! Only about 50 seats are available in the hearing room:
https://efsurvivorsnetwork.myflodesk.com/state-farm-hearing
 

While we won’t be allowed to speak, our presence will send a powerful message.
 

It showed what’s possible when we unite — as survivors, elected officials, and community leaders.

 

This is what shared strength looks like. 

 

And it’s how we’ll achieve a faster, fairer recovery — not just for ourselves, but for every family who may one day walk this same road.
 

Special thanks to Assemblymember Harabedian and his incredible team for standing with us and leading the charge. With our growing coalition of survivors and leaders, I’m hopeful for what comes next.

With deep gratitude and hugs,

Joy
 

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