Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken significant measures in response to the recent fires in Los Angeles. On January 6, he ordered pre-positioned firefighting personnel and assets ahead of the severe fire weather forecasted for January 7. This included 110 engines and hundreds of firefighters strategically placed throughout Southern California. Additional resources were deployed on January 12 in anticipation of further severe weather.

The Governor has mobilized over 16,000 personnel, including firefighters, California National Guard members, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams. These efforts are supported by a substantial state investment in fire response. The deployment includes more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment such as engines, aircraft, dozers, and water tenders. Special Response Teams from the California Highway Patrol have been sent to protect communities affected by the fires.

Governor Newsom activated over 2,500 California National Guard service members to support firefighting operations and local law enforcement against looting. The activation began with an emergency proclamation on January 7 and was expanded in subsequent days.

A state of emergency was proclaimed on January 7 to aid communities responding to the fires. Two executive orders were issued to support these efforts. At Governor Newsom's request, President Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to assist with ongoing response efforts and infrastructure repairs.

In a call with President Biden during the firestorm, Governor Newsom requested additional federal assistance for fire management and debris removal costs for an extended period of 180 days. Three Fire Management Assistance Grants were secured within 12 hours to provide vital resources for firefighting efforts on various fires.

To aid recovery and rebuilding efforts, tax relief measures have been implemented for those impacted by the fires. Deadlines for individual tax filing and sales tax payments have been postponed for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Penalties on late property tax payments have also been suspended.

An executive order was issued to streamline rebuilding processes by suspending certain permitting requirements under environmental acts. Temporary housing solutions are being fast-tracked through another executive order that facilitates construction of accessory dwelling units and allows temporary trailers.

Efforts are underway for debris removal and cleanup to mitigate mudslide risks in burned areas. Federal hazmat crews have been authorized to begin cleanup operations safely.

Price gouging restrictions have been expanded to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on essential goods and services. Violations can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General.

Governor Newsom is proposing at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for emergency response and recovery efforts in Los Angeles.

Measures are also being taken to assist displaced students return to school quickly following the firestorms. Additionally, protections against predatory real estate practices targeting firestorm victims have been put into place through an executive order.