The Los Angeles Post

On MLK Day of Service, Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom volunteer to help Los Angeles wildfire survivors

by ·

What you need to know: The Governor and First Partner helped volunteer efforts at Project Angel Food, supporting survivors of the Los Angeles firestorm.

LOS ANGELES January 20, 2025 — Marking California’s commitment to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined volunteers throughout Los Angeles in supporting survivors of the hurricane-force firestorm.

The Governor and First Partner spent MLK Day of Service at Project Angel Food — a nonprofit that helps provide 1.5 million medically tailored meals throughout the Los Angeles region every year. Project Angel Food is leading specific efforts to support wildfire survivors. While at Project Angel Food, the Governor and First Partner helped prepare meals for those in need.

California is committed to supporting communities impacted by wildfires with resources to stay safe and ways to help. Whether you have time or resources to give, sign up to receive alerts at California Volunteers as more needs are identified, now and in the future.

“The best of California is on display here in Los Angeles. Thousands of Californians joining hand-in-hand to help total strangers who just lost everything to this firestorm. That’s the California way. Jen and I can think of no better way to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

“In times of crisis, Californians always step up to support one another with love, compassion, and service. Today, we honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy by showing up for Angelenos in crisis — volunteering our time, sharing resources, and offering kindness to those impacted by the devastating fires. This is California Love, and together, we are California Strong.”

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

“The Governor and First Partner’s visit to Project Angel Food with their family highlighted their recognition of the critical services we provide to Los Angeles before, during, and after a crisis,” said Richard Ayoub, CEO, Project Angel Food. “It was truly inspiring to see them roll up their sleeves and actively participate in our vital work. We are deeply honored that, out of all the organizations they could have chosen for their day of service, they selected Project Angel Food.”

Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom also stopped by the First Baptist Church of Pasadena to meet with Latino and faith community leaders. They discussed the impacts of the Eaton Fire, which devastated the nearby community of Altadena.

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • By calling 800-621-3362

  • By using the FEMA smart phone application

  • Assistance is available in over 40 languages

  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Supporting recovery, protecting survivors

Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles fire storms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging:

  • Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses.

  • Rebuilding Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.

  • Fast-tracking temporary housing. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks.

  • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely.

  • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.

  • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor is proposing California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles.

  • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.

  • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase victims’ property.