Residents of Los Angeles express frustration over the lack of leadership during ongoing wildfires
LOS ANGELES: People in LA are really upset right now. They feel like they’re not getting any support from their leaders as wildfires rage on. It seems like Governor Gavin Newsom is more worried about his own political future than helping the community. Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass has been pretty quiet, and folks are starting to notice.
Take Eddie De Ferrari, for example. He had to evacuate because of the Eaton Fire and came back to find his home covered in ash. He’s not impressed with Newsom’s response. He expected to see him on the ground, but instead, he was just avoiding questions.
People are saying Bass isn’t stepping up either. They feel like she’s not ready for the tough times. Elysabeth Cherniak, a local psychic, had to wait until the flames were almost at her window before she left her home. She ended up in a shelter with hundreds of others, and she’s not happy with Bass’s lack of action.
Both Bass and Newsom are facing backlash for how they’ve handled the crisis. Critics say they didn’t prepare the city for such a disaster, and now residents feel abandoned. Former California first lady Maria Shriver even said LA needs to change its priorities to keep people safe.
Bass has been criticized for being away at a presidential inauguration in Ghana when the fires broke out. Plus, she cut the fire department’s budget, which has left many scratching their heads. Her deputy mayor was also put on leave after some serious allegations, adding to the chaos.
During press conferences, Bass has been pretty stiff and unresponsive, which isn’t helping her image. Newsom, on the other hand, seems more focused on his potential presidential run than actually leading during this crisis. He’s been called out for his lack of action and for misleading the public about fire safety measures.
People are looking for strong leadership, especially during such a tough time. Clint Carlton from the Dream Center said it’s been a long disaster with no end in sight. He’s right; everyone is searching for answers and someone to take charge, but so far, no one has stepped up like Giuliani did after 9/11.
In the midst of all this, Rick Caruso, a billionaire who ran against Bass, is starting to take the spotlight. He’s calling for answers about the leadership void and what’s been happening over the past few years.
