FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, 279-220-0688
Community Climate Action Day LA County Has People Talking
What you need to know: People are talking about how thousands of volunteers came together across Los Angeles on Saturday to rebuild, beautify and cultivate stronger, more resilient neighborhoods in the wake of the devastating LA firestorms.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Saturday, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday joined thousands of volunteers and California Service Corps members for a day of community action that has LA leaders talking.
Southern Californians rolled up their sleeves during Community Climate Action Day LA County for a series of volunteer events throughout the greater Los Angeles region to strengthen community resilience through community action in the wake of devastating LA firestorms. Events were held at 11 locations ranging from Malibu and North Hollywood to Los Angeles and Pasadena.
Projects included urban greening and wildfire resiliency near areas affected by recent wildfires, along with invasive species removal to enhance the parks and green spaces, improve air quality and create a healthier environment for all.
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday speaks before a community beautification project at North Hollywood Park as part of California Community Climate Action Day LA.
Community Climate Action Days, organized across the state by the California Climate Action Corps , offer volunteers the opportunity to take climate action while enhancing quality of life and access to green spaces in their communities. Participants also had opportunities to learn about local climate initiatives.
California Climate Action Corps is part of the California Service Corps, which is the largest service force in the nation, larger than the Peace Corps. It is administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and also includes #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps and AmeriCorps California.
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday talks to volunteers from the UCLA Volunteer Center enaged in a service project to create a more wildfire-resilient public space at Runyon Canyon in Hollywood.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, 279-220-0688.
LIVESTREAM: YouTube.com/live/S_XT9BbVeYk
RECAP VIDEO: YouTube.com/shorts/v1u34Zl1xPs
B-ROLL: Community Climate Action Days
WHAT LA LEADERS ARE SAYING:
Senator Henry Stern:
“Community resilience starts from the ground up with neighbors rolling up their sleeves, building something lasting together. That’s what this day is all about. I’m proud to see Angelenos step up in such a big way. We’re not just responding to climate change, we’re creating a greener, stronger, more unified California.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker:
“It was inspiring to see community members come together to care for White Point Nature Preserve on National Public Lands Day. Thank you to the dedicated volunteers and the Conservancy for protecting our environment and making White Point more welcoming for all. Public lands are vital to our communities, and it’s up to each of us to do our part to preserve and protect them for future generations.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price:
“Community Climate Action Day is about neighbors coming together, spending time outdoors and taking pride in the place we call home. In District 9, it’s also a chance to introduce more people to an Urban Farm, a real gem in our community that many haven’t yet discovered. Events like this bring us closer, help us care for our surroundings and show the power of working side by side.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman:
“As Angelenos, we know how vital our parks and green spaces are — not just for recreation but for the health and resilience of our communities. Today’s Community Climate Action Day was a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to care for these spaces sustainably. By coming together to plant trees, remove invasive species and learn about climate resiliency, we not only enhanced the beauty of our parks, but also deepened our connection to the environment we share. Thank you to California Volunteers for spearheading this day of action.”
County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department Director Norma E. García-González:
“I am thrilled and moved by the volunteers who are putting in serious sweat equity to help restore the native landscape at our beloved Eaton Canyon Natural Area. After the January 2025 fires, non-native invasive plants that dry out and become fuel for future fires were overtaking the native plants. It is hard work removing these invasive plants and so we are grateful for these volunteers who are doing this work.”
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager Jimmy Kim:
“Community Climate Action Day represents the spirit and strength of Los Angeles. We are incredibly grateful for the thousands of volunteers who have come together to rebuild, strengthen and beautify our neighborhoods and parks all across the city. Our community’s resilience continues to shine brighter each and every day.”
AltadenaWILD Board Vice President Sarah Wolf:
“We are grateful for the support of California Volunteers and the California Climate Action Corps in restoring our beloved Eaton Canyon. The Eaton Fire devastated our community, but this volunteering day brings us hope that we will once again be able to enjoy the wild spaces that make Altadena feel like home. AltadenaWILD is committed to replanting our tree canopy and restoring our green spaces and we are thrilled our high-school student ambassadors are taking part in this event.”
Friends of Runyon Canyon President Don Andres:
“The Friends of Runyon Canyon is proud to be part of the Community Climate Action Day by having another community volunteer day in Runyon. While we promote our local community having twice-yearly volunteer service days to build a safer, healthier and more resilient park for our nearly 2 million annual visitors, the focus on climate change is strategically important to the long-term survival of this treasured resource in the heart of Hollywood.”
Gay For Good Co-Founder Steve Gratwick:
“For 17 years, Gay For Good has provided volunteer support for Runyon Canyon Park through annual days of service. With a focus on social and environmental welfare projects, G4G started in 2008 with a few small clean-up projects in Runyon, and has now developed into a national LGBTQ+ service nonprofit with 21 chapters and over 10,000 members across the U.S. With volunteers engaging in service work monthly and throughout the year, Gay For Good is an active and enthusiastic partner in the challenge to create resilient climate solutions for all communities.”
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