When it rains, it pours, even if it’s in the form of wildfire aftermath. Governor Gavin Newsom recently spruced up some protections for Los Angeles firestorm survivors, ensuring those who lost their homes won’t get further exploited by the housing market vultures circling overhead. In a bold move, Newsom issued an executive order that’s like a safety blanket for renters and homeowners alike, aiming to make life just a tad easier for those reeling from the flames.

First up, the governor’s order extends the existing price gouging restrictions on rentals and hotel rates until July 1, 2025. Yes, you heard that right! Landlords won’t be able to kick tenants to the curb just to jack up rents higher than your college student loans. Because nothing screams ‘compassionate capitalism’ like evicting vulnerable people to cash in on a disaster, am I right?

The order also fosters stability for people bunking in hotels and short-term housing by extending the suspension of laws that would classify these occupants as tenants. You get a little more breathing room in your search for a place you can actually afford. Think of it like a temporary golden ticket!

And because the state can’t help but throw a social justice curveball, survivors experiencing homelessness will get a shiny spot on state-funded housing waiting lists, shifting the priority like you would when trying to get your attention-starved pet to sit. If the feds can make exceptions in emergencies, why can’t our state?

To top it all off, the order throws some love toward the small businesses and communities devastated by fire, ensuring that two commercial corridors in Altadena will be rebuilt back to their charm. Because nothing says community rebuilding like a vibrant local scene that doesn’t charge your life savings for a latte.

So, here’s to Governor Newsom, putting on his superhero cape to ensure that Los Angeles doesn’t turn into a burning dumpster fire twice. It’s a step, albeit a small one, against exploitation and for a more compassionate society. Time will tell if these measures are enough to keep those vultures at bay, but for now, at least there’s some hope.