05-02-2025
Newsom announces plan to streamline LA wildfire recovery and food benefits for survivors
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order streamlining Los Angeles' wildfire recovery and announced additional food benefits for survivors.
The Tuesday announcements add to the ongoing efforts to expedite the revival of communities ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires in early January.
Fast-tracked relief
Newsom's executive order aims to remove bureaucratic barriers to help survivors access essential recovery services.
"As Los Angeles rises, we will continue to remove the barriers that would stand in the way. This executive order provides targeted relief from regulations that impact victims and would otherwise slow this community's quick recovery," Newsom said.
The order lists more than a dozen directives focused on extending deadlines to submit paperwork for childcare programs, state-funded preschools, healthcare services, tax relief and welfare benefits. The order also lists extensions for public officials to submit Fair Political Practices Commission reports.
It also suspends caps on administrative costs for state-funded preschool programs and Community Development Block Grants, a federal program aimed at helping low-income workers.
New food benefits
Families and individuals who lived or worked in the areas impacted by the fires can apply for Disaster Calfresh benefits and receive a debit card for food.
A family of four could receive a one-time payment of $975 if they make less than $3,530 a month, which is roughly $42,000 a year.
"California's response and recovery efforts will continue to be guided by the needs of people throughout the impacted region," Newsom said. "My administration is focused on serving the individuals and families who need our help the most, which means creating new and expanded benefit programs."
Eligible applicants must have worked or lived in ZIP codes listed by state officials here. Anyone already enrolled in CalFresh and living in the ZIP codes does not need to apply but could receive more money.
The enrollment period begins on Feb. 10 and ends on Feb. 14.
