In the grand tradition of wealthy benefactors swooping in like superheroes on a budget, California Governor Gavin Newsom has just announced the flashy new initiative “LA Rises.” Yes, folks, it’s the perfect blend of smoke and mirrors, designed to help Los Angeles claw its way back from the smoldering wreckage of catastrophic fires. Because who needs comprehensive state support when you’ve got billionaire buddies on speed dial?

Mark Walter, the big cheese over at the Dodgers, along with basketball demigod Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Casey Wasserman, who oversees pretty much every gig in LA, are leading this feel-good campaign. They’ve generously kicked off a lovely little sum of up to $100 million. Not exactly chump change, but if you think that’s their entire piggy bank, you might want to check their paychecks.

LA Rises is essentially the private sector’s version of, “We’ve got this!”—an initiative meant to bolster the city and county’s recovery efforts following one of the worst natural disasters in California history. But let’s be real, it’s also a nifty way for the rich to showcase their philanthropy while gently raking in PR points. That’s right: not only do they get to save the day, but they also get another notch in their socially-conscious belts. Talk about a win-win!

With intentions to raise even more funding through private donations (because asking millions of hard-working Angelenos to chip in is so last season), LA Rises aims to target the communities worst hit by the infernos. Places like Altadena and the Pacific Palisades can now expect a flood of corporate-sponsored goodwill, which is a nice way to say they hope to throw money at problems instead of addressing structural inequality.

“This is a time for bold action!” roared Magic Johnson, channeling his inner superhero. His vision? An LA infused with equality—or at least a prettier front for the folks who can afford to come back once the smoke clears. Walter chimed in with a heartwarming plea for those with means to step up. Meanwhile, local leaders are planning for recovery while the rich are putting on a show.

So, will LA Rises provide the real support that communities desperately need, or is it all just a shiny facade? Only time will tell if this initiative will turn into something truly transformative or if we’ll be left with just an Instagram post featuring a few happy faces and a big check. Either way, one thing’s for certain: Los Angeles will rise again—preferably on the backs of the small and struggling, as usual. Buckle up, LA, the rollercoaster of recovery is just getting started!