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By Anna Commander
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California Governor Gavin Newsom gave an update to reporters after a meeting with President Donald Trump about a potential new timeline to rebuild Los Angeles County following a spate of deadly wildfires.
Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Portions of Southern California were decimated following the deadly Eaton and Palisades wildfires in January. The fires scorched thousands of acres and prompted numerous mandatory evacuations, affecting some areas for weeks.
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Both fires are 100 percent contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says. Meanwhile, the restoration of Los Angeles is also top of mind as the city is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with the Trump administration and discuss "securing critical disaster aid for the survivors of the Los Angeles fires and ensuring impacted families who lost their homes and livelihoods have the support they need to rebuild and recover," the governor's office told Newsweek.
What To Know
Newsom spoke to reporters on Tuesday about moving forward with the first phase of hazardous material removal from the affected areas, saying it is possible to get it done in 30 days. He highlighted the second phase of debris removal, which starts Tuesday.
"This is twice as fast as the Woolsey Fire debris removal," Newsom said, referring to the fire that devastated Los Angeles County in 2018.
"I want to thank all of our state partners; I want to thank the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and their representatives for doing an extraordinary job to date," Newsom said before thanking Trump.
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"When we talk about something being completed in nine months, that's the last parcel. Meanwhile, there's all kinds of work being done for months and months and months on all the other parcels," Newsom said.
Fox LA anchor Elex Michaelson noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Newsom suggested a 9–12-month timeline for rebuilding but told reporters that he is hesitant to give a specific date.
"This is a massive effort," Newsom said.
What People Are Saying
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Tuesday on X: "Nearly all homes able to receive electricity in the Palisades now have power. Thank you to @LADWP for your urgent work to rebuild."
Billionaire Rick Caruso, who lost the mayoral election to Bass, Monday on X: "It's unconscionable that the city is now saying they have to delay critical construction for the Olympics. We don't choose between rebuilding from the fires OR preparing for the Olympics—we do both. I have leaders from across the private sector begging to step in and help.
"We know this is going to be hard work—but that's what leadership is. Bringing people together and getting things done. What happened to 'we're going to cut through the bureaucracy?'"
Caruso linked to a Los Angeles Times article about the expansion of the Convention Center possibly being in jeopardy due to the wildfires.
What Happens Next
As phase two of debris removal begins, local and state leaders continue to push ahead toward rebuilding.
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