Supporting Our Members Through the Los Angeles Wildfires

As the devastating wildfires continue to affect our community, we remain acutely aware of the challenges faced by our members, staff, and the entire Los Angeles region. On behalf of bti体育鈥攖he Trustees of our Boards of Retirement and Investments, the bti体育 leadership team, and our entire staff鈥擨 want to extend my heartfelt sympathy. I hope for your continued safety and resilience during this difficult time.
I also want to take a moment and send a sincere thank-you for your heroic efforts. Whether you are on the frontlines saving lives and property or working behind the scenes to ensure continuation of vital services, you have shown the true meaning of public service and provided hope during this terrible disaster.
bti体育 is Here for You
At bti体育, our mission to provide consistent, uninterrupted services is unwavering. We are committed to supporting any impacted members through every step of the recovery process, as well as assisting all of our members with retirement benefits and retirement planning needs.
Here is how we are supporting you:
- Uninterrupted benefits: Your pension and healthcare benefits will continue to be paid on time and without interruption. If you鈥檝e been displaced or are experiencing difficulties accessing your benefits, we will work with you to ensure you receive the assistance you need. bti体育 is just a phone call away (800-786-6464) and ready to support you.
- Retiree Healthcare support: Our Retiree Healthcare team is ready to help you access your healthcare benefits and answer any questions about your bti体育-provided insurance.
- Retirement counseling services: Active members can connect with our counseling team via our call centers and virtual appointments. Despite challenges presented by the fires, we remain fully operational to process retirements and provide all services during this busy season.
- Flexible operations: Due to the ongoing crisis, and the proximity of our building to the Altadena neighborhoods devastated by the Eaton Fire, our Pasadena offices will remain closed until Tuesday, January 21. However, our Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All scheduled appointments through January 18th will be honored as virtual appointments, and we will work with any members who need to reschedule for another in-person session. We expect to reopen our in-person support on January 21, when our offices reopen.
- Board of Retirement Meeting: The January Board of Retirement meetings noticed for Wednesday, January 15, 2025 will be held via teleconference under California Government Code Section 54953(e) because of the Governor's Proclamations of a State of Emergency due to the Los Angeles County Fires and windstorms, bti体育's proximity to the Eaton Fire, and Pasadena's Red Flag Warning. Onsite participation will be available; however, teleconference participation is highly encouraged and those who attend in person should take appropriate precautions. For information on Public Comment, please fill out this
- Financial security: bti体育 is resilient and fully operational. Despite the wildfire devastation, there is no significant impact on capital markets or our portfolio at this time. Our diversified, long-term investment strategy aims to maintain stability and growth, preserving value despite market fluctuations and global events. These tragic events will not impact our ability to provide the promised benefits.
We鈥檙e also continuing our commitment to share important resources for members impacted by these fires. In addition to a list of resources available on lacera.com, we are sharing information from our County partners and related agencies to inform and support members affected by the wildfires:
- Emergency updates and alerts: Go to for real-time emergency updates, evacuation orders, and safety guidelines.
- Los Angeles County wildfire recovery resources: Visit for assistance programs, disaster relief services, and housing support.
You and bti体育: Providing Economic Stability for Our Community
On a broader scale, together you and bti体育 remain a strong and vital part of the Los Angeles area economy, which will be more important than ever in the coming months and years as we all work to recover from this tragedy. In addition to our active members, who receive and spend their working income in the community, about 70 percent of our members continue to live in L.A. County after retirement, adding billions in economic activity and millions in tax revenues.
Our Promise
Since bti体育鈥檚 founding 87 years ago, we have stood steadfast, strong, and continuous in our support of members, through the most challenging days and disasters impacting Southern California. bti体育 remains committed to our mission of producing, protecting, and providing your promised benefits, now and into the future. In times like these, the strength of our members and our County shines brightest. If you have questions or need assistance, please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued trust in bti体育.
Sincerely,

Santos Kreimann
Chief Executive Officer
bti体育