LA Strong: strength and resilience of Los Angeles Communities

Welcome back to a new year and a new edition of A Clean Bill of Health newsletter. We delayed our January edition to February's first week - largely due to the topic being discussed in today's newsletter - LA wildfires. There will be future posts to discuss the healthcare and MedTech responses - today, we will talk about initial community responses to the 2025 Los Angeles. Some are covered by major media networks (and some are not).

LA Wildfires: In times of crisis, resilient communities show up. But how can we better harness this energy?

As the LA wildfires initially emerged, colleagues and I shared ongoing disaster response information and recovery tips. In this newsletter, we tried to collect the resources and respectiative links but of course, if missing any (or outdated) please share in the comments!

RAND colleagues (thank you Jay Balagna Aaron Clark-Ginsberg ! ) penned several reports, thought pieces and a recent opinion piece in Los Angeles Times, highlighting critical lessons from the wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County so far. Here are some key takeaways and thoughts:

?? Civic-Mindedness in Action

People in LA communities have an overwhelming desire to help during crises is inspiring. This untapped well of compassion can be a powerful resource (which has been seen in many past disasters) but coordination to help most affected or those with most need for support tends be challenging.

?? The Misinformation Challenge

During the fires (and most recent disasters), social media became a double-edged sword. While it provided real-time updates, it also spread misinformation, causing confusion and misdirected volunteer and resource efforts.

?? Communication Breakdown

Official emergency and public channels struggled to cut through the noise on social media. This highlights the need for clearer, more effective communication strategies in disaster scenarios (another outcome learned from recent past disasters).

?? The Need for Structured Volunteer Efforts

Without training and coordination, volunteer efforts can hinder rather than help even with good intentions. Proper preparation is essential to ensure public assistance is both safe and effective but the motivation to prepare for the next one tends to be difficult as a memory fallacy occurs thinking such a disaster can’t happen again.

?? A Path Forward

Colleagues suggest building new models of emergency assistance, like expanding volunteer organizations and community response teams, to better manage public assistance during crises. All great insights and ideas with usage of public funds and support afterwards but question still remain whether this urgency to help can remain and implement after the memory of this crisis began to fade (a challenge seen in recent past disasters).

As we reflect on these events in Los Angeles, there is a clear opportunity to improve how we coordinate and communicate in times of disaster.

Read the latest commentary from Aaron, Jay, and team: https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/01/the-los-angeles-fires-and-the-need-for-long-term-strategy.html

Community Rallies in the Face of Devastating Wildfires

I recently served as an expert reviewer for a report on the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, Climate change increased the likelihood of wildfire disaster in highly exposed Los Angeles area. Over 20+ authors and seven reviewers (including myself), this report seeks insights from researchers and practitioners from around the world - 英国帝国理工学院 , KNMI - Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut te Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre , American Red Cross , 美国加州大学伯克利分校 , K?benhavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen , 美国加州大学洛杉矶分校 , and many more. This rapid study examines the vulnerability and exposure elements that affected the event and may impact post-event recovery.

The report delves into various aspects including:

? Air quality impacts and health implications

? Fire risk management strategies

? Community coping capacity

? Recovery and adaptation challenges

? Water system vulnerabilities

? Legislative and policy frameworks

A thing that should stand out: In the face of one of the most destructive wildfire events in Southern California's history, local residents and organizations came together in remarkable ways to support those affected.

Quick Response from Local Residents

Within just 48 hours of the fire's onset, local community members sprang into action. They established three impromptu relief centers that distributed over 10,000 meals and provided temporary shelter for 500 displaced individuals. Government agencies were also sending representatives to many of these shelters, so individuals can begin the process to replace essential government documents lost in the fire like social security cards, passports and identification cards. This rapid response showcased the community's ability to self-organize and provide immediate aid to those in need.

NGOs and Public Services Unite

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region played a crucial role, mobilizing 500 volunteers and opening 15 emergency shelters. These shelters accommodated over 3,000 evacuees at the peak of the crisis, providing a safe haven for those forced to flee their homes.

Many organizations also stepped up (several LinkedIn posts and videos witnessing it!) - highlighting a few:

? Save the Children US and Project:Camp offered specialized support for families and children (Read post - Lorraine Schneider, CEM ).

? Local restaurants, including Everytable, provided food support to evacuees and first responders (Thank you Sam Polk, CFA and team!).

? Tech companies like Instacart , Airbnb , and Uber offered various forms of assistance to affected communities.

A powerful coalition of support for those in need - many built during the crisis too!

#GrammyAwards and FireAid: Music Community of Hope and Support - RAISED OVER 125 MILLION DOLLARS

In a remarkable display of solidarity and artistic support, the music entertainment industry mobilized its resources, raising a staggering $125 million through two major events: the FireAid benefit concert and the Grammy Awards, The Recording Academy. It is important to note that there were several community-focused events organized by radio stations, music foundations, and music promotors, such as Jazz for Relief LA at the World Stage - and many more. As a whole, these events went beyond just a fundraiser; they became a symbol of the community's resilience and showcase of unity in the face of disaster. It demonstrated how art and music can play a crucial role in healing and rebuilding after a crisis, bringing people together, and providing hope for the future.

FireAid: A Landmark Fundraising Event

The FireAid concert, held at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood (California), was a monumental success. Featuring over 30 artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day, and Joni Mitchell, the event raised an impressive $100 million. An estimated 50 million viewers tuned in across 28 streaming platforms, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of this initiative.

The concert not only raised substantial funds but also provided a platform for sharing powerful stories of survival, heroism, and community spirit. Survivors took to the stage, recounting their experiences and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support they received. These personal narratives brought home the human impact of the wildfires and inspired further community action.

The fundraising total was bolstered by matching donations from Steve Ballmer and family, owners of the venues, as well as significant contributions from music industry leaders like the Azoff family, U2, and the Eagles.

Transparent Fund Distribution

FireAid's organizers have established a Grants Advisory Committee, led by the Annenberg Foundation , to ensure effective distribution of funds. The committee is actively engaging with affected communities, assessing local needs, and researching responses to previous fire disasters. The first phase of grants is expected to be awarded by mid-February, targeting areas of maximum impact.

Grammys Join the Cause

The wildfires were a central theme of the Grammy telecast. Local firefighters presented the Album of the Year award to Beyoncé, and the L.A. rock band Dawes, who lost homes and studios in the Eaton fire, opened the show with a poignant medley. The Grammy Awards and associated events contributed an additional $25 million to the relief efforts. The Grammy night itself raised $9 million, while MusiCares Foundation events during Grammy week, including the Persons of the Year gala honoring the Grateful Dead, raised $15 million.

MusiCares is currently offering short-term financial assistance to music professionals affected by the fires. The Recording Academy has also partnered with Direct Relief , California Community Foundation , and Pasadena Community Foundation to broaden the scope of aid.

?? More Resources for Los Angeles (brief list)

Informational

United Way Wildfire Response

• Includes immediate response and Information and Updates

County of Los Angeles Ready Set Go- Personal Wildfire Action Plan

• Provides advice on evacuation measures and has resources on fuel modification guidelines and defensible space inspections

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

• Provides constant updates on what LAFD is doing to combat the LA fires

Los Angeles Emergency Management Department

• Provides links for immediate assistance & also has a real-time fire activity and evacuation areas map, including road closures

Charities and Community Foundations

California Community Foundation?(LI: California Community Foundation )

Project:Camp

Just Jazz TV Foundation link (Thank You Frederick Smith Jr., Founder / CEO / Executive Director & team!)

World Central Kitchen (LI: World Central Kitchen )

• They help all over the world, they have a list of locations all over California that they are currently serving, and they also have water distribution sites

Altadena Girls Fire Recovery

• They were mentioned in the New York Times
• Formed to help girls who lost everything in the fire to rebuild their lives and confidence

Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network

• Mutual aid efforts, people, and resources across Los Angeles
• Allows people to get involved

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