Many of us, including our friends and neighbors, have suffered devastating

losses. Our hearts go out to all who are grieving at this time.

To assist our community, the SMS has invited Michael L. Cohen, a leading insurance attorney, to speak about steps you should take regarding potential insurance coverage for your losses. Although insurance might not be at the top of your mind now, an insurance claim is something that should not be delayed.

Something many people don’t know: Even if your home or your business

building survived the fire structurally intact, you might still have a claim for the cost of remediation for smoke contamination. Smoke, soot, ash, and particulate matter from urban wildfires is filled with all sorts of nasty, dangerous, corrosive chemicals. Proper decontamination can be much more expensive than most people realize.

Please join us on Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the

Unitarian Universalist Church, 1260 18th Street, Santa Monica 90404, for an informative meeting about the steps you can take to fairly maximize your recovery.

Bring paper and pencil. You’ll want to take notes.

Street parking might be limited. There’s paid parking available behind Fromin’s or the old Rite Aid pharmacy, southeast corner of Wilshire Boulevard and 18th Street).