Governor Gavin Newsom today announced new efforts to provide accountability with ongoing Los Angeles firestorm recovery efforts and support firestorm survivors.

California launched a new dashboard on the CA.gov/LAfires website to track recovery efforts for Los Angeles – including data on people helped, debris removal, schools, water systems and air quality. Additionally, the state launched a new recovery services finder tool that helps survivors and businesses connect with state and federal resources, including housing, individual assistance, personal document replacement, employment, and more.

The new features build on the CA.gov/LAfires website, which was rapidly launched in the days following the start of the firestorms, and soon after was significantly overhauled to better integrate with in-person Disaster Recovery Centers.

Since its launch, there have been over 550,000 visits to the website. This latest update means impacted Californians can access all of the same resources offered at Disaster Recovery Centers – completely online.

“We’re moving faster than ever to ensure survivors of these firestorms have all the resources they need to recover. And for the first time, survivors can access all the services available at in-person centers completely online. Not only that – we’re now tracking recovery efforts in real-time to hold ourselves and all levels of government accountable for delivering for Angelenos,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Governor Newsom directed the Government Operations Agency, in collaboration with the California Department of Technology and the Office of Data and Innovation, to improve the digital experience after hearing directly from survivors on the ground about their needs. 

“I commend the dedicated teams at CDT and ODI for coming together, creating a plan and executing the launch of this survivor resource,” said Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong. “The outcome of this was solely focused on how to get survivors what they need, and the team was laser focused on making the new site work for them.”

Historic recovery and rebuilding efforts — faster than ever before

• Cutting red tape to help rebuild 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. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
• Providing tax and mortgage 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. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state – and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes.
• Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants. 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. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms. 
• 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. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 
• 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 signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. The Governor also launched LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts. Governor Newsom announced that individuals and families directly impacted by the recent fires living in certain zip codes may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
• 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 their property.   
• Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet. The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.