Dodgers, sports executives donating up to $100M for Newsom's 'LA Rises' initiative
LOS ANGELES - In the aftermath of the Los Angeles firestorm that left thousands of families without homes-- namely the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire in Altadena -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an initiative dedicated to accelerating recovery efforts.
"Los Angeles will rise again — stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild," said Gov. Newsom in a released statement.
Newsom enlisted the help of Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, Los Angeles Lakers legend and businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman, for the private-sector initiative.
"With Mark, Earvin and Casey’s proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles, we’ll tap into the enormous creativity, experience, and resources of the private sector, alongside local, state, and federal efforts, to deliver a recovery that benefits all Angelenos," Newsom stated.
"This is a time for bold action. 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," Earvin "Magic" Johnson added.
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"I want to make sure I do my part to bring healing to the city but also those who lost their home or a loved one," Johnson said during a briefing on the initiative Tuesday afternoon. "This is something that I’ve never seen since I’ve been here for over 45 years, but we can come together and make things better."
Johnson added his efforts will be focused on helping those impacted by the Eaton Fire.
Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation and the LA Dodgers Foundation have committed to donating up to $100 million with plans to get additional funding through donations.
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"LA Rises will marshal the full resources of the private sector, augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities," a press release said.
LA Rises is intended to be a unified effort with the state, along with LA County and the City of LA.
In addition, Newsom talked about "renewal and rebirth," and addressed the importance of mental health.
"We can’t lose hope. I know that people feel helpless…the pain, the trauma, the anxiety, the loss of community, loss of identity, self, place traditions, lifestyles, all of that cannot give way to helplessness. What LA Rises is about is rising out of that and providing mindset of optimism," Newsom said.
Last week, Newsom signed a $2.5 billion relief package to aid with recovery efforts.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LA fires: Newsom signs $2.5 billion relief package to aid with recovery efforts
Newsom, along with LA Mayor Karen Bass, have faced criticism for how things were handled during the LA fires. Newsom faces a new recall effort while, as of Tuesday morning, over 165,000 people have signed a petition calling for Bass' resignation.
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