Blog Layout

Governor Newsom Announces LA Rises to Support Swift and Unified Rebuilding of Los Angeles

Kim Anthony • February 10, 2025

LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California. The Governor has enlisted Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President to lead and recruit others to this private sector and philanthropic effort.

To seed this new effort, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have provided an initial commitment of up to $100 million. With plans to raise additional funds through private donations, LA Rises will provide major resources aimed at helping Los Angeles communities most affected by these catastrophic fires recover and rebuild.

LA Rises will marshal the full resources of the private sector, augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities.

As part of the unified effort, city and county leaders are crafting recovery plans for their communities. The state is mobilizing its resources and scale, coordinating with the federal government, and removing red tape. LA Rises will galvanize the private sector to unlock additional capital and find new and innovative tools to help communities build back faster and stronger.


“Los Angeles will rise again — stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild. With Mark, Earvin and Casey’s proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles, we’ll tap into the enormous creativity, experience, and resources of the private sector, alongside local, state, and federal efforts, to deliver a recovery that benefits all Angelenos," said  Newsom

“The LA fires have wreaked havoc on LA’s neighborhoods. It’s time for those with means to come forward and make a positive impact to build back better,” Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter

“This is a time for bold action. We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood — has a chance to rebuild and thrive. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson

“I’ve been a lifelong Angeleno, and what I admire most about this city is its resilience and unity. There’s nothing Los Angeles can’t achieve. LA Rises will channel the unmatched creativity, resources, and generosity of the private sector to rebuild our city and pave the way for a stronger future," said

LA 28 President Casey Wasserman

“Given the scale and scope of damage and destruction the Eaton wildfire has left in its wake, I wholeheartedly welcome all the support from the state as well as the private sector as part of this initiative. By corralling and coordinating the work of philanthropy and private industry, this can complement our local recovery and rebuilding efforts, especially for our marginalized populations in Altadena who have lost everything. When it comes to supporting initiatives — like this one — that look to arm us with the resources to rebuild with a bottom-up approach, I’m all in,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger

“Efforts to rebuild are underway in the City of Los Angeles and this announcement will be a vital component of a comprehensive effort to bring Angelenos home. The number one question on the minds of Angelenos is about recovery and rebuilding. I am grateful that the Governor and the LA Rises initiative will be there to partner with us, developing solutions to support our work. In recent days, the strength and resilience of Los Angeles have been felt throughout the state, the nation and the world. I want to thank the Governor for his continued partnership and his collaboration during this difficult time for our city," said Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass

How LA Rises will work


LA Rises will contribute through collaboration, access to capital and financial tools, leveraging innovation and private-sector investment to drive a faster recovery. It will support the broader recovery efforts by:

Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital.

Formulating financing strategies to close the gap between available resources and the cost to rebuild

Collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations to maximize the impact of ongoing rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Supporting unified communication efforts to arm Angelenos with up-to-date, factual information, timelines for rebuilding, and available resources.

In addition to the financial commitment from the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LA Rises will receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom after the 2018 Camp Fire. A partnership between the Governor’s Office and the California Fire Foundation, California Rises is dedicated to supporting communities impacted by the fires and firefighters and first responders who continue to serve on the frontlines.

Business Resources

Share This Article

This Couple Launched A Delivery Service To Bring Black Farmers and Food Suppliers To Your Doorstep

By UBJ Staff • March 26, 2025
(ATLANTA) Move over Instacart! In the months following the country’s shutdown due to the pandemic, Rhandi and Jonathan Altidor noticed something was missing in the food delivery market — Black grocers. Their solution? The couple decided to bridge the gap with The Better Buggy , a grocery delivery service for Black-owned farms and food suppliers in their Atlanta community. “I told my husband that it was really frustrating that weren’t able to support Black-owned stores because a lot of the major outlets that offer [grocery delivery] don’t have smaller Black-owned businesses available,” Rhandi told Because of Them We Can. “We are always team ‘buy Black’ whenever we can, whereever we can — why don’t we fill this void that’s out there and help empower these local Black-owned stores and create this service because it wasn’t there.” The two educators, Rhandi a middle school teacher and Jonathan a school counselor in Fulton County Schools, used their downtime to create the business while juggling married life and parenthood. With help from their family and wider community they’ve been able to make inroads in a predominately white market. The Better Buggy offers same-day delivery for fresh produce and everyday essentials, including vegan, organic, and gluten-free options.

The Heart of Inglewood: Yolanda Davidson Honored as a Woman of Excellence in Community Service

By LaTania • March 25, 2025
(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood, California, is a city steeped in culture, resilience, and history. At the heart of this vibrant community stands Yolanda Davidson, an Inglewood native whose life and work embody the spirit of advocacy, service, and unwavering dedication. Born at Centinela Hospital and a proud alumna of Parent Elementary, Morningside High School, and California National University, Yolanda’s roots in Inglewood run deep. Her education also includes completing the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Institute in 2022 and the California Black Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Program at Cal State Dominguez. These experiences shaped Yolanda into a dynamic community advocate, empowering her with the tools to lead and inspire change. For over 25 years, Yolanda has tirelessly championed causes that matter most to the people of Inglewood. Her advocacy spans across generations, supporting students, elderly residents, and families affected by tragedy. When the Inglewood Unified School District threatened to close Warren Lane Elementary, Yolanda stood shoulder-to-shoulder with parents and children, fighting to preserve the school’s legacy. When four young lives were tragically lost on Park Avenue, Yolanda humanized the victims, supported grieving families, and joined their fight for justice. Yolanda’s influence extends far beyond activism. She regularly attends city meetings, providing vital input on Inglewood’s major projects, while maintaining strong ties with the senior community. Through initiatives like breakfast gatherings at Osage Senior Villas and hosting a Winter Wonderland event , Yolanda ensures that Inglewood’s senior residents feel valued and connected. Her commitment to preserving Inglewood’s rich culture is unwavering. Whether she’s advocating for small businesses impacted by stadium construction, cheering on student athletes, or simply showing up as a volunteer when needed, Yolanda’s deep love for her hometown shines through. Yolanda Davidson exemplifies what it means to be a community leader. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and hope. As Inglewood evolves, Yolanda remains a steadfast reminder that its vibrant culture and strong sense of community will always endure.

The Sound of Success: Primah’s Mission to Empower Artists and Redefine Music in Media

By LaTania Smith • March 25, 2025
(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood native Primah is a creative force whose soulful voice, songwriting talents, and entrepreneurial spirit are leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Sounds You Need Collective (S.Y.N. Collective) , Primah is helping to redefine how music is used in media while empowering artists to embrace their creativity and business potential. Primah’s journey in music began with her signature sound—a soulful blend of melodic R&B and the gritty energy of today’s hip-hop. Her ability to craft witty, heartfelt lyrics paired with funky beats has made her a sought-after songwriter. Her songs have been featured in popular shows like All American and Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t , as well as in the globally renowned video game Fortnite . In 2021, Primah took her passion for music to new heights by co-founding the S.Y.N. Collective , an Inglewood-based music licensing agency and independent music publisher. Under her leadership, the S.Y.N. Collective has grown to represent over 90 artists and more than 3,000 songs , achieving 100 placements in television, podcasts, video games, and advertisements. Their work has been featured on platforms such as Facebook Meta Campaigns, the CW, NFL, HBO, CBS, and Netflix , bringing their music to millions of listeners worldwide. Primah’s commitment to empowering artists extends beyond licensing. In 2024, she opened the Duality Production House , an audio recording studio and content space in Inglewood designed to bring artists together, foster collaboration, and teach entrepreneurial skills. The studio has become a hub for creativity, providing artists with a space to grow their craft while learning how to navigate the business side of the industry. Primah is passionate about the power of music in media and its capacity to transform visual content emotionally and globally. Whether it’s penning a heartfelt song, championing the work of emerging artists, or creating spaces for collaboration and growth, Primah’s work is a testament to her dedication to the artistry and business of music.
Show More
Share by: