By New York Post (Opinion) | Created at 2025-01-10 22:00:35 | Updated at 2025-01-11 00:44:43
2 hours ago
The Issue: The government’s management of the historic wildfires raging across Los Angeles.
I am one of the lucky ones, now “only” dealing with horrific smoke (“California Reaming,” Jan. 10).
We did have a tremendous scare Thursday when the West Hills fire broke out, close enough for us to panic and pack up our belongings.
It is obscene that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was warned multiple times years ago about the lack of fire preparedness, especially as far as water reserves, is tossing the blame to “the locals.”
The buck stops with well-coiffed Newsom and our newly elected mayor. The recovery, if one can even call it that, will be an untenable task, but the people better speak at the polls next round.
Amy Hendel
Tarzana, Calif.
The fires of Los Angeles are partially a result of Democrats’ policies (“LA’s Cursed ‘Leadership,’ ” Jan. 10).
Mayor Karen Bass oversaw a cut in funding for the Fire Department. Perhaps this was because she was spending money on the growing homeless problem.
The Port of Los Angeles received a $412 million federal grant to support zero-emission initiatives — which should have been spent on water and the Fire Department. The enormous emissions of these fires might have been preventable.
Gamaliel Isaac
Manhattan
To Mayor Karen Bass: Thank you for traveling to Africa and placing a priority on your trip in light of the current fire disasters — while remaining silent when asked questions about the fires by a journalist.
Also, thanks for supporting a $17.6 million cut to the LA Fire Department.
To the US Forest Service: Thank you for maintaining outdated forestry practices. We owe the current fire destruction, in part, to you.
Steven A. Fontana
Aliso Viejo, Calif.
Is it the press’ job to report the news, or is it to report whatever President-elect Trump says verbatim, without properly vetting the statements (“Don dig at Newsom,” Jan. 9)?
LA is burning, and Trump is blaming the disaster on Newsom protecting an endangered fish. Is that really why Los Angeles is burning? No, it isn’t.
The severity of these fires is a result of extreme winds and drought brought on by climate change. The press should properly educate readers on this matter.
Legitimate criticism of leadership during a disaster is valid. But spreading misinformation to rile up hate is not.
What does it say about Trump that, when disaster comes, he uses it as an opportunity to further divide America rather than unite the country?
Andrew Evans
Oakland, Calif.
A picture of Gavin Newsom standing with his hands in the back pockets of his gubernatorial jeans overseeing the fire, in the distance, will become a classic. Nero couldn’t compare.
Countless thousands of acres of land, uncounted homes, people and wildlife are gone. Too bad Newsom didn’t appropriate some guppy-funds for essential infrastructure. Untold constituents, wildlife and natural vegetation in LA are suffering today and will suffer for many years to come.
Jack Condon
Huntington Station
Why is no one in California asking the tough questions?
Did the mayor cut Fire Department funds in order to pay for lodging for homeless migrants?
Los Angeles is a sanctuary city and Newsom wants all California cities to be sanctuary cities. If this is the case, California is gone.
Dan Carr
San Diego, Calif.
Sadly, it took the most devastating of wildfires in California history to wake up the rich and privileged.
Trump told Newsom years ago that neglecting forest management and not utilizing the water in the correct way would have disastrous consequences; once again Trump was right.
Will residents keep voting in people who have no business running a state, liberals, who cut fire department budgets in a state prone to wildfires? Californians should insist that Newsom and Bass resign immediately.
Betsy Flor
Putnam Valley
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