Gov. Newsom Honors Lives Lost in Fires; Presents Plan to Move Forward

July 16, 2025

Six months after the devastating Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a comprehensive recovery plan at Pasadena City College alongside local leaders. Newsom reported that cleanup efforts are 96% complete and detailed his administration's financial response, including 23 executive orders, a $2. 5 billion relief package, and securing an additional $3 billion from FEMA and the Small Business Administration.

Who is affected

Residents of Altadena (particularly elderly residents, with an average age of 77 for those who lost their lives)
Communities in Pasadena and surrounding areas
Residents in unincorporated areas under the jurisdiction of the board of supervisors
Property owners who lost structures (9,400 from Eaton Fire and 6,800 from Palisades Fire)
Families of the more than 30 people who lost their lives in both fires
Schools, parks, and local services in affected neighborhoods

What action is being taken

Governor Newsom is implementing 23 executive orders to accelerate recovery efforts
Cleanup operations are being conducted at "record breaking" speed (currently 96% complete)
A $2.5 billion relief package has been approved by the governor
Additional $3 billion in funds from FEMA and the Small Business Administration are being secured
LA County is implementing the "LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding" plan to streamline recovery
Officials are streamlining the permitting process for rebuilding
Efforts are underway to repair infrastructure, move power lines underground, and upgrade water systems

Why it matters

The fires resulted in significant loss of life with more than 30 deaths between both fires
Extensive property damage occurred with over 16,200 structures destroyed across both fires
Many affected residents were elderly (average age 77 in Altadena)
Unincorporated areas need special attention to restore schools, parks, and necessary services
The recovery efforts face potential political challenges with threats to federal funding
Insurance coverage has gaps that need to be addressed with supplemental packages
There's concern about residents potentially selling their properties rather than rebuilding

What's next

Implementation of the "LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding" plan to streamline recovery efforts
Creation of a supplemental package to fill gaps where insurance coverage falls short
Continued efforts to encourage property owners to rebuild rather than sell their land
Ongoing work to restore schools, parks, and other needed services in affected neighborhoods
Continued coordination between local, state, and federal agencies for recovery efforts

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint