Golden State Today

Thousands of Californians are facing significant challenges after the recent Los Angeles firestorm. Governor Gavin Newsom is actively engaging with those affected, aiming to understand their situations and discuss rebuilding efforts.

Governor Newsom visited NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in La Cañada Flintridge, where many employees have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. The Governor was accompanied by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. They discussed rebuilding efforts and home insurance concerns with JPL employees. The laboratory has initiated a disaster relief fund that has raised over $2 million to support its staff.

JPL, known for managing the Deep Space Network, is collaborating with CAL FIRE on fire management and prevention using soil moisture sensors. The facility also supports California's pollution-tracking satellites and drought monitoring initiatives.

The Governor also met with small business owners Kevin Hockin and Rosanna Kvernmo, who lost their Altadena pizza shop, Side Pie, due to the firestorm. They plan to rebuild when it is safe.

"Thousands of hard-working Californians lost their homes, their businesses and their livelihoods to this firestorm," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "It will take years to rebuild and fully recover but California will be there every step of the way."

Governor Newsom visited CAL FIRE and CDCR conservation camp crews preparing sandbags for areas at risk of flooding and mudslides. He issued an executive order to accelerate debris removal and enhance flood defenses in affected regions.

California is working with federal and local partners to assist small businesses in recovery efforts. Over 200 business advisors from Small Business Support Centers are providing assistance across the region through CalOSBA’s Technical Assistance Program. These advisors are located at various Disaster Recovery Centers.

CalOSBA has launched a Resource Guide for small businesses impacted by wildfires via its Outsmart Disaster website. Additionally, IBank offers loan programs for businesses affected by the fires through its Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program.

Governor Newsom has signed several executive orders aimed at facilitating rebuilding efforts, creating temporary housing solutions, and preventing exploitation or price gouging during recovery.

For those seeking assistance, information is available at CA.gov/LAfires or through other resources provided by state, local, and federal agencies.