Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has implemented a series of measures in response to the recent fires in Los Angeles. The actions began with pre-positioning firefighting personnel and assets ahead of severe fire weather conditions. On January 6, Governor Newsom ordered the deployment of 110 engines and hundreds of firefighters across Southern California, including Los Angeles. Additional resources were positioned on January 12 in anticipation of further severe weather.

In total, over 16,000 personnel have been deployed, including firefighters, members of the California National Guard, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams. This is supported by significant state investment in fire response efforts, which includes more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment such as engines, aircraft, dozers, and water tenders.

The Governor activated over 2,500 California National Guard service members to support firefighting operations and local law enforcement. This activation followed an emergency proclamation on January 7. Governor Newsom also signed an executive order directing state agencies to assist local law enforcement as evacuation orders are lifted.

A state of emergency was proclaimed on January 7 to aid communities affected by the fires. Two executive orders were issued to support response and recovery efforts. Additionally, at Governor Newsom's request, President Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to enhance response efforts.

The declaration was expanded to include repairs or replacement of public facilities damaged by the fires. In a call with President Biden from the firestorm area, Governor Newsom requested additional federal assistance for fire management and debris removal costs.

Three Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) were secured within 12 hours to provide vital resources for fighting the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires.

Recovery efforts include tax relief for those impacted by the fires. Deadlines for individual tax filings and sales/use tax filings have been extended for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Property tax penalties and interest have been suspended for a year.

Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline rebuilding processes by suspending certain permitting requirements under environmental acts. Temporary housing solutions are being fast-tracked through another executive order allowing easier construction of accessory dwelling units and temporary trailers.

Debris removal work is underway with federal hazmat crews authorized to begin cleanup operations. Restrictions against price gouging have been expanded to protect survivors from illegal price hikes related to rent and building materials.

The Governor proposed $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency responses and recovery efforts in Los Angeles. An executive order was signed to help displaced students return to classrooms quickly.

Finally, measures were taken to protect victims from real estate speculators attempting aggressive property purchases following the firestorms.