Gov. Brown, Sens. Feinstein, Harris Vow To Find More Funds For Wildfire Relief
SANTA ROSA (CBS/AP/BCN) -- Gov. Jerry Brown praised the response to the fires raging in the North Bay during a visit to the fire-ravaged area with U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.
"A town like this -- firefighters, elected officials, neighbors -- it's a real example of how America pulls together," Brown said during a press conference held at Santa Rosa High School in Santa Rosa Saturday afternoon.
Brown called the ongoing disaster "one of the greatest tragedies California has ever faced." He told residents the danger remains and urged them to evacuate when asked to do so.
After the tour of areas affected by the fires, the three held a press conference and then moved on to a community meeting.
During the press conference, Feinstein pledged to find additional funding for people affected by the fire.
"We are going to do everything in our power to see that people are served," Feinstein said. "I spoke to the Democratic leader in the House (of Representatives). She said money is going to be added. The members of Congress are going to have to be helpful."
Feinstein added, "There is an ability for individuals to be reimbursed I think up to $32,000 by FEMA."
She was referring to funds available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for people who have suffered losses from the fires.
FEMA has set up a local assistance center in Santa Rosa on the first floor of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat building at 427 Mendocino Ave.
"This (the fire) is still very much in play," Harris said, calling on the public to take seriously instructions to evacuate when they are issued.
All three elected officials praised the firefighters and other first responders who are fighting the fire, as well as the community.
The city of Santa Rosa Fire Department, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Cal Fire, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the city of Santa Rosa participated in a briefing with the three elected officials that preceded the press conference.
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