House committee report questions distribution of FireAid's $100 million for L.A. wildfire relief

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The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday released a report after its own investigation into FireAid, the charity founded by Clippers executives that raised $100 million for wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles last January.The investigation — led by Rep.Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) under committee chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) — began in August when Kiley “sent a letter to FireAid requesting a detailed breakdown of all non-profits that received money from FireAid.” Kiley expressed concern that the money had gone toward local nonprofits rather than as more direct aid to affected residents.FireAid promptly released a comprehensive document detailing its fundraising and grant dispersals.

After reaching out to every named nonprofit in the document, The Times reported that the groups who successfully applied for grants were quickly given money to spend in their areas of expertise, as outlined in FireAid’s public mission statements.A review conducted by an outside law firm confirmed the same.

Music The millions raised by the benefit concert in January is just a sliver of the billions in damage inflicted on Altadena and the Palisades.The Times spoke with FireAid organizers about how the funds have been distributed roughly six months after the devastation.The new Republican-led committee report is skeptical of the nonprofit work done under FireAid’s auspices — but cites relatively few examples of groups deviating from FireAid’s stated goals.Representatives for FireAid did not immediately respond to request for comment on the report.Out of hundreds of nonprofits given millions in FireAid funds, “In total, the Committee found six organizations that allocated FireAid grants towards labor, salaries, or other related costs,” the report said.The committee singled out several local nonprofits, focused on relief and development for minorities and marginalized groups, for criticis...