Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the deployment of specialized debris flow teams to Southern California in preparation for expected wet weather. The state is taking proactive measures to protect areas affected by recent firestorms, particularly focusing on burn scar regions vulnerable to mudslides.

Newsom emphasized the importance of early action, stating, "Even before we saw rain on the horizon in Los Angeles, I directed my departments and agencies to act fast to protect neighborhoods from potentially hazardous debris flows." He added that positioning resources and staff strategically can significantly aid the transition from fire response to storm preparedness.

The potential threat posed by heavy rainfall is underscored by past events such as the 2018 Montecito mudslides, which resulted in 23 fatalities. These incidents highlight how burn scar areas are susceptible due to a lack of vegetation anchoring the soil. The state aims to mitigate risks through coordination among various departments and agencies.

Efforts are led by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Watershed and Debris Flow Taskforce, with CAL FIRE and the Department of Conservation assessing flood and landslide risks. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is deploying over 30 experts for ground-level operations.

In addition to these preparations, resources including sandbags and other materials are being distributed across Southern California. More than 400 members from the California Conservation Corps will work on watershed protection efforts, while over 80 California National Guard service members will provide engineering support.

Governor Newsom has also issued several executive orders aimed at facilitating recovery efforts post-firestorm. These include tax relief for affected residents, streamlined rebuilding processes, fast-tracked temporary housing solutions, accelerated debris removal efforts, protections against price gouging, additional emergency funding proposals, educational support for displaced students, and safeguards against real estate speculation targeting victims' properties.

For those impacted by the Los Angeles firestorms seeking assistance or information about available resources, Californians can visit CA.gov/LAfires or contact DisasterAssistance.gov.