LA County Wildfires

Helping Property Owners Recover After LA County Wildfires

 

January 2025 has been a tough month for Los Angeles County, with wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton fires wreaking havoc. This disaster has really hit home for me as a retired firefighter. These fires have burned over 38,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and, tragically, taken at least 25 lives. In the face of such devastation, property owners are left wondering how to rebuild and recover financially.

To help ease the burden, the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is offering property tax relief programs for those impacted by these disasters. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Can Get Property Tax Relief?

If your property has been damaged by a disaster like a wildfire and the loss in market value exceeds $10,000, you may qualify for relief. Two main programs are available:

  1. Decline-in-Value Review: If your property’s market value is now lower than its assessed value, you can apply for a temporary reduction in property taxes.
  2. Reassessment for Damaged Property (Form ADS-820): For properties destroyed or significantly damaged, this program adjusts the property’s assessed value until repairs or rebuilding are complete.

How to Apply

  • Deadlines: File for reassessment within 12 months of the disaster. For Decline-in-Value, applications are accepted from July 2 to November 30 each year.
  • What You’ll Need: Gather photos, repair estimates, or insurance claims to show the extent of the damage.

What Happens to Your Property Taxes?

  • Temporary Tax Cuts: Once approved, your property’s value will be lowered to reflect the damage, and your taxes will go down.
  • Restoration Impact: When you repair or rebuild, your taxes will adjust again, possibly returning to their original level, unless you add new square footage or significant upgrades.

Be Aware of Scams

Unfortunately, disasters can bring out scammers. Always ask for official identification from anyone claiming to represent the county. You can also sign up for notifications about any unauthorized changes to your property title to stay safe.

Who to Contact for Help

If you have questions or need guidance, the Assessor’s Office and other county agencies are ready to assist. For federal disaster relief, you can also check FEMA’s resources at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Recovery Is Possible

While the wildfires have left many in a tough spot, these tax relief programs aim to provide some financial breathing room. They’re just one way the community is coming together to help property owners recover and rebuild.

For more information or to get started on your application, visit the Los Angeles County Assessor’s website here. Download Form ADS-820 and complete the two-page form in its entirety. You will need the Assessor’s ID Number for your property which you can look up here.

Our team at Copia Wealth Management is always here to help navigate this process during your time of need. 

In it together!

Scroll to Top

Accounting & Bookkeeping Specialist

Chelsea James

With a background in Human Development and Family Sciences, Chelsea brings a people-centered approach to accounting.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at OSU Cascades in 2021, she moved into bookkeeping and found a rewarding way to help individuals and businesses feel supported in managing their finances.

Coming from a family of local small business owners, Chelsea understands the hard work and the unique challenges that come with running a business. She has worked across a range of industries — healthcare, automotive, and other service-based businesses — which has sharpened her ability to read what a business actually needs and adapt to it. She values building genuine relationships and being someone people can trust.

Outside the office, you’ll likely find her discovering a new hike, casting a line on the water, or spending time with friends and family.

You’re leaving Copia Wealth Management

Copia Accounting is a separate business with its own services and website.

Visit Copia Accounting

Relationship Specialist

Kristen Bennett

Kristen brings warmth, exceptional hospitality, and a genuine passion for people to every client interaction.

With over 10 years of experience in Portland’s hospitality and service industries, Kristen has honed her ability to create meaningful connections and deliver outstanding client experiences.

Kristen’s career includes managing Tasty n Alder, a highly regarded Portland restaurant in Chef John Gorham’s restaurant group, and has supported top-producing agents at Hasson Company, Realtors. She has an exceptional ability to anticipate needs, build relationships — expertise that translates seamlessly to serving Copia’s clients.

Kristen grew up in Hood River, Oregon, and graduated from the University of Oregon in 2009. She and her husband, Max—a Summit High School graduate—moved to Bend after getting married in 2018 and are proud to call it home. They now have two children, Briggs (6) and Gwen (4), who keep life lively and full. When she isn’t working, Kristen loves running, traveling, and spending time outdoors hiking and camping with her family.

Kristen brings her hospitality background, natural empathy, and people-first approach to a firm that shares her commitment to genuine relationships and trust. She looks forward to getting to know each client and making sure every interaction with Copia feels personal, thoughtful, and truly cared for.

Relationship Specialist

Ben
Graziani

Another accomplished local student-athlete joins the Copia family.

Ben grew up in Palm Desert, California, before moving to Bend, Oregon, right before high school. 

Ben Graziani

He graduated in 2018 from Summit High with a 4.0 GPA, lettering for three years at wide receiver and helping the Storm football team to an OSAA Class 5A State Championship and back-to-back Mountain Valley Conference Championships. He was named a first-team all-league and second-team all-state selection in football. Additionally, he was part of a State Championship 4×400-meter relay team as a junior. He also lettered in basketball.

After high school, he attended Southern Oregon University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Business with a concentration in Finance. He was a member of the school’s leadership council for three years. He also played football for five years for the Raiders, scoring 8 touchdowns in 13 total starts in a career shortened due to Covid-19 and a collarbone injury. Post-college, he joined the Summit HS football staff as the Varsity Wide Receivers Coach.

 

Ben football

Ben is extremely close with his family. His parents, Tony and Sarah, live and work in Bend, and his younger brother (Montana State) and sister (University of Oregon) both currently attend college. He feels super fortunate to join the Copia team because of how much they value relationships and often put others before themselves. He is super excited to meet all the members of the Copia family and is ready to help in any way that he can!

Ben Fam

Relationship Specialist

George Mendazona

George graduated from Redmond's Ridgeview High School in 2016, following a standout prep baseball career.

George grew up in Madras, Oregon, and graduated from Ridgeview High School in Redmond in 2016, after a standout athletic career where he was an OSAA All-State performer in baseball (three times), basketball (twice), and football (once). He was also recognized as the Intermountain Conference Player of the Year in both Baseball and Basketball in 2015. After high school, he was offered a roster position as an infielder for the Oregon State Beavers baseball program and was part of the 2018 NCAA National Championship team.

After four years at OSU, George transferred to Lubbock Christian University to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Instead of pursuing a professional baseball career, he put his Exercise Science degree to work, moved back to Bend, and served as a strength and conditioning coach at Boss Sports Performance.

He considers himself a family man and puts a major personal emphasis on carrying that out on a daily basis. Recognizing that Copia is a family-oriented firm with strong values consistent with his own, George is excited about building relationships with all existing and future Copia clients and is eager to apply his previous experience as a leader on elite teams to learn a new industry and business.

Chief Compliance & Operations Officer

Geoff Gruetzmacher

After serving a 17-year career in firefighting, Geoff has transitioned to wealth management.

Geoff retired from the City of Kennewick, WA Fire Department in 2020, started with Copia in 2021 and is now a fully licensed Fiduciary Advisor of Copia.

During his time as a firefighter, Geoff served as a leader of both an engine and an ambulance crew, enjoying the team aspect of the job and working to achieve a common goal.

Ultimately, Geoff simply wants to continue helping people in a meaningful way. Copia Wealth Management gladly welcomed Geoff to the team for his experience in operations and relationship building. Geoff is now a fully licensed IAR of Copia Wealth Management and always looks forward to conversations with clients. He volunteers with Bend North Little League and works with Bend area animal rescue non-profits.

Geoff graduated from Redmond High School, has been married to his wife, Lindsay (Bend High Grad) for 17 years and has three children, Halle (16), Henry (13), and Harper (10). Geoff enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family, baseball, and cooking.

Fiduciary Advisor
Chief Strategist

Louis Bennett

A fifth-generation Oregonian, Louis moved to Bend in 1995.

He graduated from Bend High School and earned a degree in Business Administration with a 

concentration in Finance from Point Loma Nazarene University, where he also competed in collegiate golf.

Louis began his professional career in the golf industry, spending nearly a decade as a golf professional, including roles as Head Professional at Broken Top Club and Tetherow Resort. In 2016, seeking a deeper, long-term impact, he transitioned into wealth management, joined Copia, and became a partner the following year.

Role & Expertise


As Fiduciary Advisor & Chief Strategist, Louis leads portfolio construction and investment management while overseeing long-term financial planning strategy. He is known for his tactical mindset, analytical rigor, and ability to bring clarity to complex financial decisions. He especially enjoys working with families and business owners focused on preserving, growing, and stewarding wealth across generations.

Advisory Philosophy


Louis believes strong relationships, clear communication, and trust are foundational to effective advising. With a particular interest in investor psychology, he helps clients navigate market volatility with discipline and perspective, ensuring short-term noise does not derail long-term plans.

Leadership & Community


Louis is deeply committed to the Central Oregon community and has served on multiple nonprofit boards. He currently sits on the boards of Warrior Impact and the Central Oregon Sportsplex Alliance.

Personal

 
Louis lives in Bend with his wife, Marrisa, and their three children, Jordyn, Cambria, and Silas. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, spending time outdoors with his family, and coaching youth sports.

FIDUCIARY ADVISOR
PRESIDENT

Aaron Boehm

Aaron advises high-net-worth families, business owners, and executives with complex financial lives.

Experience & Background

With more than 25 years in financial services, Aaron

has managed over $500 million in client assets and guided hundreds of clients through multiple market cycles. His work is grounded in disciplined asset management, thoughtful portfolio construction, and a clear understanding of risk, performance, and long-term goals.

He began his career in New York City, working on the 61st floor of the World Trade Center, and now leads Copia Wealth Management from Bend’s Old Mill District—combining institutional experience with the discretion of a boutique advisory firm.

Areas of Expertise

Aaron specializes in comprehensive asset management and performance-driven portfolio strategy, including asset allocation, investment selection, risk management, and ongoing evaluation. He works closely with clients to align portfolios with balance-sheet needs, liquidity, tax considerations, and long-term objectives.

He brings particular experience supporting business owners and executives through concentrated positions, liquidity events, and the transition to diversified portfolios, often collaborating with clients’ tax and legal advisors.

Fiduciary Philosophy

As a fiduciary, Aaron emphasizes governance, transparency, and accountability. He believes strong investment outcomes result from disciplined process, prudent risk management, and steady decision-making over time.

 

Leadership & Community

Aaron is an active community leader and serves as Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Summit High School, where his teams consistently excel both academically and competitively.

Personal

Aaron lives in Bend with his wife, Katie, and their two sons, Nolan and Miles. He enjoys golf, fishing, white-water rafting, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.