California has launched a new dashboard on the CA.gov/LAfires website to track recovery efforts for Los Angeles, including data on people helped, debris removal, schools, water systems, and air quality.
At the same time, the state has also launched a new services finder to connect firestorm survivors with resources, and a new recovery services finder tool that helps survivors and businesses connect with state and federal resources including housing, individual assistance, personal document replacement, and employment.
The new features build on the existing CA.gov/LAfires website, which was launched in the days following the start of the firestorm in early January. Since the initial launch, the website has already undergone one massive overhaul to help it better integrate with in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. With the launching of these new resources, Californians can access all of the same resources offered at Disaster Recovery Centers completely online. The site has attracted more than 550,000 visits since its launch.
“We’re moving faster than ever to ensure survivors of these firestorms have all the resources they need to recover,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “And for the first time, survivors can access all the services available at in-person centers completely online. Not only that – we’re now tracking recovery efforts in real-time to hold ourselves and all levels of government accountable for delivering for Angelenos.”
The new tools are the result of Gov. Newsom directing the Government Operations Agency to work with the California Department of Technology and the Office of Data and Innovation to improve digital experience. The governor’s office said the push to improve digital experience stems from Gov. Newsom’s personal interactions with survivors about their needs.
“I commend the dedicated teams at CDT and ODI for coming together, creating a plan and executing the launch of this survivor resource,” said Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong. “The outcome of this was solely focused on how to get survivors what they need, and the team was laser focused on making the new site work for them,” she said.
