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In response to one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of LA Rises, a private-sector initiative designed to accelerate the rebuilding of Los Angeles communities impacted by the recent catastrophic fires.
With an initial commitment of up to $100 million from Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LA Rises aims to provide critical support to local and state recovery efforts.
The initiative will be led by three prominent figures: Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman. Their collective efforts will focus on leveraging private capital, innovative rebuilding strategies, and unified collaboration to ensure swift recovery, particularly for the hardest-hit areas, including Altadena, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades.
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At the press conference held at Dodger Stadium on Jan. 28, Johnson emphasized his dedication to ensuring that Altadena, a historically Black community, is not left behind in the rebuilding efforts.
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“I know Pacific Palisades, I know Pasadena, but I want to focus my attention on Altadena,” Johnson said.
“The LA Rises initiative is about bringing healing to the city, but also about making sure that those who lost their homes or loved ones get the support they need. I’ve been in Los Angeles for over 45 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. But I know that when we come together, we can make things better—not just for these areas, but for the entire city.”
Johnson, who has made significant investments in Altadena through his business ventures and philanthropic efforts, reiterated the importance of protecting the community’s legacy.
“Generations have lived in Altadena, passing opportunities down from grandparents to kids and grandkids. That community needs unique and distinct support, and I will make sure it gets that,” he declared.
Newsom underscored the urgency of the recovery process, highlighting LA Rises as a model for a new era of disaster relief—one that integrates public, private, and civic efforts.
“We have to rebuild not just homes, but that sense of spirit and pride in our communities,” Newsom said.
“This initiative is about unlocking additional capital, streamlining rebuilding efforts, and making sure our cities come back stronger and more climate-resilient. The devastation is immense, but we cannot let hopelessness take over.”
Newsom praised Wasserman and Johnson for their immediate willingness to step up.
“Casey was one of the first calls I got after this disaster, asking, ‘What can I do?’ Magic was next, reminding me not to forget about Altadena. That’s the leadership we need — people committed to making sure all communities rise together.”
The governor emphasized that LA Rises will not be a short-term relief effort but a long-term commitment to ensuring affected communities are not just surviving, but thriving.
“This is a commitment to transparency, accountability, and action. We’re not duplicating efforts—we’re amplifying them,” he said.
The LA Rises initiative will work closely with state and local governments, philanthropic organizations, and community leaders to maximize impact. It will focus on fundraising, expanding access to private capital, and formulating innovative financing strategies to close the gap between available resources and the true cost of rebuilding.
Wasserman, whose role as LA28 Chairperson includes preparing Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics, framed LA Rises as an essential step in ensuring that the city emerges from this tragedy even stronger.
“Part of my responsibility will be welcoming the world to Los Angeles in 2028,” Wasserman said.
“We will start those Olympic Games by lighting a flame, and that flame will symbolize the rebirth and reimagination of LA. This recovery effort is not just about the next month or the next year—it’s about the next 50 to 100 years.”
With the private sector stepping up to support governmental efforts, LA Rises is set to be a landmark initiative in the history of disaster recovery.
As Johnson put it, “This is a time for bold action. We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to make sure every Angeleno—no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood—has a chance to rebuild and thrive.”