Dodgers-linked donors, civic leaders pledge up to $100 million for Los Angeles fire recovery

Governor Gavin Newsom joined Los Angeles civic and private-sector leaders at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 12 to announce "LA Rises," a recovery initiative aimed at communities hit by recent California wildfires and backed by a philanthropic commitment of up to $100 million from Mark Walter and the Dodgers foundations.

The announcement paired private donations with state and federal coordination intended to speed hazardous-debris removal and start rebuilding. "FEMA sent a letter in partnership with the state of California to the U.S. EPA on toxic debris hazardous waste removal, saying we need it done in 30 days," Newsom said. He added that "they have been provided $175,000,000" to support the work and that debris removal would proceed in concurrent phases, moving to a second phase once property owners sign rights-of-entry.

Stan Kasten, president of the Los Angeles Dodgers, opened the event and introduced the effort. "Over the years, we've experienced so many wonderful games... but in all of those years, in all of our 6 decades, I'm not sure there's ever been a day with an announcement more…