(KTLA) — Magic Johnson, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, and 2028 Olympics organizer Casey Wasserman will lead a new private-sector initiative to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday.
The governor’s office described the new initiative, known as LA Rises, as “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 funds will be used to “amplify local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities,” a news release stated.
Walter, his foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have committed an initial $100 million. Additional funds will be raised through private donations.
“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.” Walter said in a statement.
The governor said he asked Johnson, Walter and Wasserman to lead the new effort due to their “proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles.”
The decision to rely on wealthy Angelenos outside the government comes as local and state leaders face the challenge of rebuilding Altadena, a mixed-income community, and the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
The initiative’s leaders are expected to appear at a news conference with Newsom at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
