Los Angeles Times Responds to Wildfire Devastation

LOS ANGELES, October 31, 2003 -- The Los Angeles Times is responding to the devastation wrought by wildfires across Southern California by creating a fire relief campaign and by delivering complimentary newspapers to shelters housing thousands who have been evacuated from or lost their homes.

The Los Angeles Times Family Fund/KTLA-5 Charities Fire Relief Campaign is a joint effort by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, Los Angeles Times and KTLA, which, like The Times, is owned by Tribune Company.

For every dollar donated up to the first $1 million, the McCormick Tribune Foundation will donate an additional 50 cents. The Los Angeles Times, KTLA and McCormick Tribune Foundation will absorb all administrative costs.

“The losses being suffered throughout the area are so great that it will take a community-wide effort to begin the recovery process,� said John Puerner, publisher, Los Angeles Times. “The Fire Relief Campaign is an easy and effective way for Southern Californians to help their neighbors in this time of need.�

The Times has taken the additional step of delivering hundreds of complimentary newspapers to 15 area shelters housing evacuees and those left homeless. The deliveries began on October 27 and will continue as long as needed. The Times is also working with authorities to find ways to deliver papers to the camps of off-duty fire fighters.

“As Southern California’s most comprehensive region-wide news report, it’s our duty to reach the people who are most in need of reliable information during this crisis,� Puerner said.

The Los Angeles Times, a Tribune Publishing company, is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country and the winner of 30 Pulitzer Prizes, including three this year in national reporting, feature writing and feature photography. The Times publishes five regional editions covering the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Orange and Ventura counties, San Fernando Valley and an Inland Empire edition covering Riverside and San Bernardino counties, as well as a National edition.