President Donald Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport during the President’s visit to survey areas devastated by recent firestorms.
Standing next to Air Force One, Governor Newsom welcomed President Trump to California and emphasized the need for coordinated recovery efforts. “We welcome President Trump to California with an open hand,” the Governor stated. “Just as President Trump supported California during the pandemic, we will work together again for firestorm survivors and communities across Los Angeles.”
The Governor also highlighted ongoing state efforts to protect against potential mudslides as rain is forecasted for the region. He assured residents that emergency crews are being deployed to mitigate risks and aid recovery efforts.
Governor Newsom was joined by legislative and local leaders as he signed a $2.5 billion disaster relief package to support recovery efforts in Los Angeles. Nearly $118 million has already been allocated to state agencies for response and recovery activities.
To address immediate concerns, the state has prepositioned flood response materials, including sandbags and debris barriers, across Southern California. Over 400 California Conservation Corps members are working in burn scar areas to install protective measures, while 80 California National Guard members assist at critical sites to prevent mudslides.
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a series of executive orders to expedite recovery efforts and provide critical relief to those impacted by the recent firestorms. To ease financial burdens, tax deadlines for individuals and businesses in Los Angeles County have been extended, and penalties on late property tax payments have been waived. To speed up reconstruction, regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other state requirements have been temporarily suspended, allowing for faster rebuilding of homes and businesses.
Additional measures focus on housing and community protection. The Governor’s orders facilitate the construction of temporary housing, prohibit evictions for tenants sheltering displaced survivors, and provide mortgage relief through agreements with financial institutions. Federal hazmat teams have been authorized to assist with debris removal, while state crews work to stabilize hillsides and reduce flood risks. To protect survivors, restrictions on price gouging have been expanded to prevent illegal spikes in housing, construction materials, and essential services.
The state has also implemented measures to assist displaced students and ensure schools impacted by the firestorms can recover quickly.
Residents and business owners impacted by the firestorms can find resources and apply for disaster assistance through CA.gov/LAfires, FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in over 40 languages, with additional support for relay service users.
Governor Gavin Newsom has taken extensive measures to combat the firestorms and support affected communities in Southern California. On January 6, he ordered the pre-positioning of 110 fire engines and hundreds of firefighters across key areas, including Los Angeles, ahead of severe fire weather that began the following day.
In response to another round of extreme conditions on January 12, the state deployed an additional 300 firefighting personnel and 135 engines. Overall, more than 16,000 personnel, including firefighters, California National Guard members, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams, have been mobilized, utilizing over 2,000 firefighting assets such as engines, aircraft, dozers, and water tenders. To enhance public safety, Newsom activated over 2,500 National Guard members to support firefighting efforts, prevent looting, and assist local law enforcement. The Governor also issued an emergency proclamation on January 7, followed by two executive orders to bolster response and recovery, supported by a historic increase in state funding for fire response.