The governor of California Gavin Newsom has tapped three of Los Angeles’s most influential people to lead the fire recovery initiative.
NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Magic Johnson, Dodgers chairman Mark Walters, and 2028 Olympics organizer Casey Wasserman will lead a new private-sector initiative to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles.
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times shared via X.
Newsom said that the philanthropic group, LA Rises, will bring together business leaders to work with city, county, and state officials to raise philanthropic and private capital for the rebuilding effort.
Newsom releases a statement on what he believes this program will do for the city of L.A.
“Los Angeles will rise again – stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever,” Newsom said in a statement Tuesday. “Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild.”
Johnson seconded Newsom’s words and added that the city of Los Angeles will get through this.
“This is a time for bold action,” Johnson said in a statement.
“We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno – no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood – has a chance to rebuild and thrive. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before.”
Wasserman, an entertainment and sports executive, said he’ll do anything for his city, and there’s nothing “Los Angeles can’t achieve.”
“I’ve been a lifelong Angeleno, and what I admire most about this city is its resilience and unity,” Wasserman said in a statement.
“There’s nothing Los Angeles can’t achieve. LA Rises will channel the unmatched creativity, resources, and generosity of the private sector to rebuild our city and pave the way for a stronger future.”
It has been a nightmare of a month for many Los Angeles natives. While the damage has been done already, the heartbreak and the feeling of being lost are still there for many.
Many are without their homes, and that will likely be the case for a long time.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Palisades fire is 95 percent contained, having burned more than 23,400 acres. Officials have confirmed that, so far, 6,837 structures have been destroyed and 1,017 damaged.
All remaining evacuation orders were lifted at noon Monday, with most zones converted to residents-only access. Residents can pick up an entry pass at Lot 3 at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
As for the Eaton fire, it is 99 percent contained, and it burned more than 14,000 acres.
Officials have tallied 9,418 structures destroyed and 1,073 damaged.
Although the fires are mostly contained, the damage it has done to the greater part of Los Angeles is unbearable.
