By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media
On the six-month anniversary of the devastating Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires, Gov. Gavin Newsom, alongside local leaders and elected officials, announced a recovery plan and commemorated those lost during the tragedies.
“Altadena in particular is a special community. In Altadena the average life lost was 77 years old — great grandparents, not just grandparents,” said Newsom. “I hope it puts in perspective how blessed we are. And I hope it also puts in perspective how blessed … we are to be here.”
The announcement was held at Pasadena City College where officials updated the public on the status of the recovery and gave a blueprint for what happens next.
Newsom commented on the “record breaking” speed of the cleanup, reporting it 96% complete.
Newsom has also issued 23 executive orders to accelerate recovery efforts in fire-affected communities and approved a $2.5 billion relief package. He also secured additional funds from FEMA and the Small Business Administration totaling $3 billion.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo spoke about the devastation his community endured during the Eaton Fire, which claimed 17 lives. When combined with the Palisades Fire, the total death toll rose to more than 30.
“What we have experienced in California was a moment in time,” said Gordo. “We’re not finished, and the governor is here to mark the day our world changed here in our community and tell us what’s coming before us.”
The plan, “L.A. County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding,” was announced by L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. She represents the 5th district which includes Pasadena and Altadena.
The plan aims to speed up and simplify recovery efforts by streamlining the permitting process, strengthening relevant supply chains, repairing infrastructure, moving power lines underground, upgrading water systems, providing tax relief, and enhancing local support services.
Although the Palisades fire burned a larger area — about 36 square miles to the Eaton Fire’s 22 square miles — the Eaton Fire destroyed 9,400 structures compared to the Palisades’ 6,800 structures.
Many of the areas affected by the Eaton fires were unincorporated and under the jurisdiction of the board of supervisors. Barger, who is also the president of the board told residents she intends to make the “neighborhood feel whole” by restoring schools, parks and other needed services.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was scheduled to give remarks but was unable due to a mass deployment of federal officers to MacArthur Park as part of the president’s deportation imitative. Instead, Deputy Mayor Rachel Freeman delivered remarks on Bass’ behalf, thanking those present and sending messages of support to flood victims in Texas.
U.S Sen. Alex Padilla also spoke, thanking those working in the rebuilding efforts, including federal workers he described as living “under the gun” referring to the Trump administration’s attacks on government workers.
In January, before the fires were officially declared fully contained, Trump had threatened to withhold funding, according to the Associated Press. Padilla criticized the threats.
“It’s because of the importance of the recovery, the importance and the urgency of the need to rebuild that I have to call out what else is happening,” said Padilla. “This is the time to be investing more in FEMA and empowering FEMA, not attacking FEMA or threatening to eliminate FEMA.”
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-28), whose district includes Altadena and Pasadena, also criticized Trump’s threats to slash emergency services, saying “Wildfires have no political affiliation.”
Insurance companies were also high on the list of concerns for Newsom. He said that a supplemental package will fill the gaps where insurance coverage falls short and help keep affected communities whole.
“Our number one imperative now is to try to restore some hope for those that may have lost it,” said Newsom. “That may have moved on and may have offered their property up for sale to hopefully get them to reconsider and to resubmit their application, their permit to rebuild.”
