Operation Recovery Audience Hears From Lawyers, Adjusters, Contractors

About 250 residents whose homes were lost or damaged in the Woolsey Fire that ravaged Malibu last month gathered yesterday afternoon for the second meeting of Operation Recovery.

Our correspondent … Sam Hall Kaplan … filed this report.

The meeting at the Malibu Jewish Center, was sponsored by the Malibu Times.

It attracted some 50 or so lawyers, independent insurance adjusters  and contractors, ready, willing and able to offer their services, free and otherwise, to fire victims.  

Each made a brief introduction and handed out cards.

Citing personal concerns and frustrations, the audience appeared eager to hear what the professionals had to say about dealing with claims, their insurance companies, neophyte adjusters, many from out of state.

Also, how to deal with FEMA, the SBA, and what they could expect from the city in the rebuilding process. 

The general advice given was to move cautiously, review all offers and settlements from insurance companies, and if they had any questions, or concerns, then seek assistance from professionals.  

In short, proceed in good will, but also be wary.

that was advice also offered moderator Arnold York of the Malibu Times and several speakers.  

There also was talk about pursuing questions as a concerted group of how the disaster was managed, or mismanaged, what lessons might be learned, and exploring possible political action. 

That report from KBUU correspondent Sam Hall Kaplan