FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, 279-220-0688
Community Climate Action Day Brings LA County Volunteers Together to Rebuild and Strengthen Resilience after LA Fires
What you need to know: Thousands of volunteers come together across Los Angeles to rebuild, beautify and cultivate stronger, more resilient neighborhoods in the wake of the devastating LA firestorms.
LOS ANGELES — Today, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday joined Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Assemblymembers John Harabedian, Jacqui Irwin, Nick Schultz and Rick Chavez Zbur, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, LA City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, UCLA Volunteer Center, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department, California Service Corps members, community partners and thousands of volunteers for a day of community action.
Southern Californians rolled up their sleeves 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. 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.
“Today, we witnessed the incredible impact volunteers, service members, community organizations and local and state leaders can have when they come together for a shared purpose,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities and we need everyone involved.”
Assemblymember Nick Schultz, GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday, Los Angeles Councilmember Adrin Nazarian and LA Mayor Karen Bass join community leaders, volunteers and service members in a community beautification project at North Hollywood Park as part of California Community Climate Action Day LA.
Hosted by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor in collaboration with Shine LA, Assemblymember Irwin’s PaliBu Day of Service, Tom LaBonge Day of Service and UCLA Volunteer Center’s Volunteer Day, the events featured tree plantings, habitat restoration and invasive species removal. Neighbors beautified their communities and prepared them to withstand the increasing threat of climate-driven disasters.
“Shine LA has already inspired thousands of Angelenos to take pride in their communities by coming together to beautify and improve neighborhoods across Los Angeles. By coming together, we are building community and helping get LA ready to step on the world stage to host upcoming major global events,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday speaks at Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Altadena before joining volunteers and service members in a wildfire resiliency project.
All Community Climate Action Day activities count toward Climate Action Counts, the statewide effort to unite Californians taking everyday actions at home and in their neighborhoods.
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.
Governor Gavin Newsom launched California Climate Action Corps in 2020 as the nation’s first state-level climate service corps with the mission of empowering Californians to take meaningful climate action. The program is led by California Volunteers.
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 and also includes #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps and AmeriCorps California.
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
B-ROLL: Community Climate Action Days
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday and volunteers from the UCLA Volunteer Center remove invasive species to create a more wildfire-resilient public space at Runyon Canyon in Hollywood.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
Congresswoman Judy Chu:
“Our return to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center is a powerful reminder of the challenges we have faced since the Eaton Fire and the resilience that defines our community. Today’s Community Climate Action Day brought together thousands of volunteers, community organizations and local leaders to restore our environment, strengthen wildfire resilience and show the world what it means to look out for our neighbors while building a sustainable future for generations to come. I will not stop fighting in Congress to secure the disaster assistance needed to ensure our community can fully recover and rebuild stronger than ever.”
Senator Sasha Renée Pérez:
“I’m inspired by the everyday Californians who show up and participate in the Community Climate Action Day. Realizing the urgency of climate change and taking even small steps to increase the resiliency of the place we call home makes a difference. Thank you to the team at California Volunteers for organizing today’s event at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.”
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin:
“We were thrilled to join together with California Volunteers, Community Climate Action Day LA and my Day of Service to bring together hundreds of volunteers from throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. Participants engaged in projects that not only helped protect our communities against the impacts of climate change but also highlighted the tremendous work being done by the many nonprofit organizations that have been working tirelessly to assist residents of the fire-ravaged communities of Malibu and Pacific Palisades.”
Assemblymember John Harabedian:
“Community Climate Action Day is a reminder that each of us can play a part in protecting our planet. I’m grateful to see so many Californians rolling up their sleeves, volunteering and making a difference in their own communities. These kinds of efforts show the power of people coming together — not just to clean up a park or plant a tree but to build a culture of care for the environment and for each other. When we take these steps together, we’re not only fighting climate change, we’re leaving behind something better for our kids and future generations.”
Assemblymember Nick Schultz:
“Events like this are what California does best. We’re joining forces with volunteers, businesses and local leaders to improve North Hollywood and neighborhoods across LA. Through our shared commitment to service, we’re investing in our community and a better future for all.”
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur:
“Community Climate Action Day is about more than planting trees or cleaning up green spaces — it’s about coming together as neighbors to build a safer, healthier and more resilient Los Angeles. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but by rolling up our sleeves and working side by side, we can protect our communities, improve our quality of life and create a brighter future for generations to come. I’m proud to join with California Volunteers, community leaders and hundreds of Angelenos in this day of service and action.”
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger:
“Community Climate Action Day reflects the best of Los Angeles County. In the face of devastating wildfires, thousands of volunteers, service members and community partners stepped forward to restore our neighborhoods, strengthen our environment and build resilience for the future. I wholeheartedly appreciate everyone who dedicated their time and energy today. Your work will leave a lasting impact on our communities and future generations.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian:
“Events like this do more than clean up one place on one day. Giving service provides people with a sense of purpose. Every time neighbors meet to take care of their common spaces, it fosters relationships and builds community. A well cared for public space attracts more families for healthy outdoor activity and creates a safer, healthier environment for everyone.”
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk:
“Volunteer Day reminds us of the power of kindness and connection — and today Bruins are demonstrating that. Whether planting gardens, restoring ecosystems or supporting neighbors in need, we are demonstrating that service changes lives and improves communities. We’re proud to work alongside California Volunteers to build a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles.”
Altadena Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp:
“Community Climate Action Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, thousands of volunteers across Los Angeles are not only rebuilding and restoring our landscapes but also strengthening the bonds that make our neighborhoods more resilient. Here in Altadena, we know firsthand how vital this work is. Every tree planted, every trail restored and every hand extended in service represents both recovery and hope. I am deeply grateful to California Volunteers, our community partners and the countless Angelenos who showed up today to turn compassion into action. Together, we are building a stronger, safer and more resilient future for our children and for generations to come.”
###
About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
California Volunteers, under GO-Serve, empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
