When disaster strikes, how do you rebuild—not just structures, but hope itself? In this powerful episode of LA Rising, we hear directly from the leaders at the heart of LA’s wildfire recovery. Supervisor Lindsay Horvath shares the inside story of the fastest fire debris removal in the nation’s history, to finding appropriate spaces for students whose schools burned down, to quickly distributing small business and household grants to those in need, and assembling an action-centric Blue Ribbon Commission to guide a climate-smart build back. Meanwhile, Najla Kayyem, Executive Director of Steadfast LA, reveals how a coalition of civic and business leaders came together to cut through red tape, champion innovation, and ensure vulnerable communities aren’t left behind. From AI-driven permitting and fire-resistant prefab homes to the fight for insurance reform and the rebuilding of beloved landmarks like the Palisades Rec Center. In this episode, we learn what real resilience looks like—and how collaboration, urgency, and transparency drive recovery forward. Plus, a special visit to Rancho La Puerta explores how healing, nature, and sustainable living are vital on the long road to recovery. Listen in for stories of leadership, partnership, and hope—then find out how you can get involved in rebuilding a stronger, safer Los Angeles.

Resources:

• LA County Recovery Resources: recovery.lacounty.gov

• Blue Ribbon Commission: Link via recovery.lacounty.gov

• Steadfast LA: steadfastla.com — nonprofit leading community rebuilding, donations, and initiatives (ADU portal, Samara Housing, rec center, etc.)

• Steadfast LA Instagram: @steadfastla

• Samara Housing Initiative (ADUs): Apply via steadfastla.com

• HomeAid: homeaid.org

• Loan Depot: loandepot.com

• EPA Hazardous Waste: epa.gov/hw

• World Central Kitchen: wck.org (emergency food relief)

• Rancho La Puerta: rancholapuerta.com

• Podcast: Resonate: Conversations and Life Lessons from Rancho La Puerta

Donate to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Interested in being a sponsor of #L.A. Rising? ? 20% of all funding goes to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, a non-profit supporting the mental health of children impacted by these fires.

Produced by NOVA