The deadly January fires in Los Angeles caused billions of dollars in damage to parts of the sprawling American city. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, signed a bill Thursday, Jan. 23, dedicating $2.5 billion to rebuild LA. Now, Newsom announced a new initiative on Tuesday, Jan. 28, led by the private sector, in collaboration with the state and federal governments, to further those efforts.
What is LA Rises?
The initiative is called LA Rises and it is designed to aid the city in its recovery from devastating wildfires through philanthropic and government coordination.
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“We can’t lose hope,” Newsom said, “I know people feel helpless. I was just at another community meeting, quite literally an hour ago. The pain, the trauma, the anxiety, the loss of community, loss of identity, self, place, traditions, lifestyles — all of that cannot give way to hopelessness.”
“And what LA Rises is about is rising out of that and providing a mindset of optimism,” Newsom added.
The private fundraising is supported by the likes of LA sports figures Magic Johnson and Dodgers chairman Mark Walter.
“This city always finds a way to come together, and it’s done that,” Johnson said. “And I’m just so happy that the governor has asked me to be a part of LA Rises.”
How will the program gather funds for the rebuild?
Walter kickstarted the program by pledging $100 million toward LA Rises through his family’s foundation, and Johnson pushed for more people to follow Walter’s lead.
“I’m urging all these businesses and companies and individuals who have money to do the same,” Johnson said.
LA Rises will gather resources through private companies, along with federal and state support, to speed up the recovery process.
Newsom said the initiative will help rebuild neighborhoods while also focusing on expanding access to money for residents and keeping them up to date on progress during the rebuild.
