As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, Long Beach has partnered with a local organization to raise funds to help support evacuees and victims.
The initiative is a partnership between California Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization serving the county, and Long Beach ahead of Mayor Rex Richardson’s State of the City address — which will get underway on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
“We have made incredible progress together over the last two years, and I am thrilled to share exciting updates with you about what is coming up next for Long Beach,” Richardson wrote in a statement. “It is also incredibly important to recognize the impacts the Los Angeles wildfires have had on our broader community.”
The Palisades and Eaton fires — which have been burning since early last week — have wreaked destruction in Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, and Altadena, leaving thousands of people displaced in the process.
Fire crews, as of Monday, Jan. 13, are finally gaining some ground in their fight against the blazes, with the Eaton fire 33% contained and the Palisades fire 14% contained.
Still, both fires have burned more than 37,800 acres in total — and destroyed at least 12,000 structures in both areas.
The death toll for both fires was updated over the weekend to 24, with 16 of those deaths from the Eaton fire, according to the Medical Examiner’s office.
In addition, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said officials were working 23 missing-persons cases possibly linked to the fires — 17 with the Eaton fire, and six from the Palisades fire. All of the missing are adults.
“That is why, this Tuesday at the State of the City,” Richardson said, “Long Beach will be partnering with the California Community Foundation to support Los Angeles wildfire victims and evacuees.”
Richardson is expected to announce a special call to action regarding the fundraiser during his State of the City address.
The State of the City will get underway at the Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., at 5:30 p.m. Donations to the foundation can be made online or by texting LB2LA to 707070.
The fundraiser has collected over $5,800 as of Monday, Jan. 13, according to the campaign’s website. To donate online, visit pledge.to/LB2LA-wildfire-relief.
