Gov. Newsom Approves $2.5 Billion for Recovery Package as Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas Links Fire Victims to Resources 

By Lila Brown | California Black Media 

Yvonne Wheeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, addresses concerned Altadena and Pasadena fire victims on Jan. 20. (CBM Staff Photo)

On Jan. 20, Sen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas (D-Inglewood), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), hosted a “listening session” at Pasadena Church in Pasadena.  

The event was sponsored by the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. 

Smallwood-Cuevas was joined by Sen. Renée Pérez (D-Alhambra), the Rev. Kevin Manning and others at the event that brought together Altadena residents affected by the fires, advocates, first responders and others to discuss the road to recovery. 

“Today’s listening session drew nearly 200 Altadena residents, business owners and community leaders, who received on-site guidance from representatives of FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), the CA Dept of Insurance, American Red Cross, CA Dept of Social Services, and CA Black Freedom Fund,” said Smallwood-Cuevas. 

“Big shout out to @lablackworkercenter for sponsoring the event,’ Smallwood-Cuevas wrote on Facebook. “Let’s continue to create safe spaces where Altadena residents can voice their needs and receive equal access to relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts.

In a move to assist Los Angeles County in its recovery from recent firestorms that devastated tens of thousands of residents, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $2.5 billion bipartisan relief package on Jan. 23. 

Flanked by legislative leaders, local officials, and community advocates, Newsom assured the affected communities that help is on the way.

“This $2.5 billion relief package will immediately bolster emergency response efforts, remove debris, and provide funding to rebuild homes, schools, and infrastructure,” said Newsom at the bill signing at Willard Elementary School in Pasadena. “We want to make sure Los Angeles comes back stronger than ever.”

The relief package, authorized under ABx1-4, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and SBx1-3 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), provides critical resources to address the firestorm’s impact. 

A total of $2.5 billion has been designated for emergency response efforts, debris removal, hazard mitigation, and shelter support for displaced residents. Additionally, $4 million has been allocated to expedite rebuilding efforts by providing planning and inspection resources to local governments, ensuring a swift recovery. Another $1 million is earmarked for the rebuilding of fire-damaged school facilities, particularly benefiting the Los Angeles Unified and Pasadena Unified school districts.

In addition to these funds, Newsom issued executive orders last week to provide tax relief for affected residents; streamline rebuilding by suspending CEQA permitting requirements; and protect survivors from price gouging. In collaboration with major mortgage lenders, the state has also introduced mortgage relief options for homeowners who have suffered losses due to the disaster.

Among the communities most impacted by the disaster is Altadena, an unincorporated area adjacent to Pasadena, home to a thriving historically Black neighborhood. Beginning in the early 20th century, Altadena became a refuge for Black American families facing housing discrimination elsewhere due to redlining. Altadena remains an enclave of middle-class Black families where the Black homeownership rate outpaces that of other cities and towns in California and around the country. 

The devastation from the fires has left many of the affected families in Pasadena and Altadena pondering options to rebuild as they contemplate how they will protect the historic area’s rich Black history.  

“Altadena is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a living history of Black excellence and perseverance,” said local community leader the Rev. James Daniels. “This relief package is critical to ensuring families can rebuild, stay in their homes, and preserve this legacy.” 

State officials have committed to working closely with local leaders to ensure an equitable recovery process and prevent displacement.

At the news conference, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas emphasized that the funding is not just about rebuilding infrastructure, but about restoring communities and helping residents regain stability in their lives. 

“Last week, my colleagues and I made a commitment to act quickly and urgently to help those affected by these catastrophic wildfires,” said Rivas. “We are delivering on that promise today with $2.5 billion in critical funding that will expedite the cleanup of devastated neighborhoods, provide resources to rebuild schools, and ensure affected families receive the assistance they need.”

 “We are grateful for the bipartisan support that made this relief package possible, because when disaster strikes, we must put politics aside and focus on the needs of our people,” he continued. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire reinforced the urgency of continued support and called the $2.5 billion allocation a “down payment” on future relief efforts. “Tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents have lost their homes and livelihoods,” McGuire stated. “We have to ensure they receive the support necessary to rebuild their lives and businesses. This is just the beginning. California will continue to fight for additional resources from federal and private partners to help these communities fully recover. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also expressed gratitude for the swift response from state leadership. 

“This package will allow us to move forward urgently with cleanup efforts and help families rebuild their lives,” she said. 

Residents and business owners impacted by the firestorm can apply for disaster assistance through multiple channels. Online applications can be submitted at DisasterAssistance.gov, while phone assistance is available by calling 800-621-3362. The FEMA Mobile App, which provides resources in over 40 languages, is also accessible to those seeking aid. Additionally, the state has launched CA.gov/LAfires, a centralized hub offering information on housing assistance, financial relief programs, and guidance on rebuilding efforts.

Newsom emphasized that this funding is only the beginning of the state’s commitment to rebuilding Los Angeles. “We want to ensure that we don’t just provide relief today but continue supporting communities in the long run,” he stated. As state officials assess additional recovery needs, Newsom pledged to seek further support from federal agencies and private sector partners to ensure a comprehensive and sustained rebuilding process.

The same day, Bass shared some good news from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for families impacted by the fires on the social media platform X. 

“SBAgov has approved $52 million in disaster loans,” she wrote. More than $50 million of that is for homeowners and renters. Apply for relief: sba.gov/disaster. The deadline to apply is March 10.”