Newsom Issues Executive Order to Expedite Wildfire Recovery, Announces Tax Relief for L.A. County

Governor Newsom’s order fast-tracks rebuilding efforts, extends price-gouging protections, and provides tax relief to wildfire victims in Los Angeles County

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to accelerate recovery efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties following catastrophic wildfires that have burned more than 39,000 acres, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and displaced thousands of residents.

The executive order, announced on Jan. 12, introduces sweeping measures aimed at expediting rebuilding efforts while incorporating fire-hardening and resilience strategies to mitigate future wildfire risks. Among the directives, the order suspends certain state permitting and building code requirements, extends price-gouging protections for rebuilding materials, and mandates rapid permitting processes to replace destroyed homes.

The wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, and Woodley fires, have been deemed among the most destructive in California history. “The devastation in Los Angeles County is unimaginable,” Newsom stated. “We are removing bureaucratic barriers to ensure families can rebuild quickly and safely, without unnecessary costs and delays.”

Key Provisions of the Executive Order

  • Permitting and Environmental Waivers: Temporary suspension of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations and other permitting requirements for rebuilding structures that meet specific criteria.
  • Extension of Price-Gouging Protections: Price-gouging restrictions will remain in effect until January 7, 2026, ensuring fair prices for building materials, housing, and other essential services.
  • Housing and Permitting Reviews: State agencies, including the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), must review and recommend streamlining measures for local permitting processes to issue rebuilding permits within 30 days.

Tax Relief for Affected Residents


In tandem with the executive order, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) announced state disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in Los Angeles County. Taxpayers will have until October 15, 2025, to file 2024 tax returns and make payments originally due between January 7 and October 15, 2025.

This aligns with federal disaster relief measures granted by President Joe Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration. The relief applies to individual tax returns, quarterly estimated payments, corporate taxes, and tax-exempt organization filings.

“My heart goes out to everyone affected,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. “We are committed to ensuring Californians have the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.”

in Hard, News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

New Playground, Library Services, Tennis Courts and More Coming to Palisades Rec Center 

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Significant improvements are in progress at the Pacific Palisades Recreation Center, with multiple projects advancing Significant improvements are in progress...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

Committee Granted Authority to Oversee Grants and Donations for Palisades Council

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Grants Committee is tasked with developing application processes and eligibility standards for PPCC grants and donations The Pacific Palisades...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month; 37 Connected to Services

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually Santa Monica’s...

Multi-Family Venice Property on Rare Double Lot Lists at Over $5M

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

In total, the four units provide 5,398 square feet of living space A multi-family property located one block from Venice...

Vacant Alphabet Streets Lot Lists for $1.99M After Price Cuts

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The site previously held a 6,001-square-foot residence built in 2018, which included a basement, possibly streamlining the permitting process for...