Former LA officials express frustration over wildfire response and looting issues
Steve Cooley, the ex-District Attorney, and Alex Villanueva, the former Sheriff, are particularly vocal. They’re shocked by the looting happening while the fires rage on. They say the city has mismanaged resources, leading to empty reservoirs and dry fire hydrants.
Villanueva, who was sheriff from 2018 to 2022, pointed out that the police force is down thousands of officers. He believes this is a direct result of the push to defund the police after George Floyd’s death. He’s frustrated with the county’s focus on “care first, jail last” policies for criminals.
The wildfires have been burning since January 7, destroying thousands of homes and forcing 88,000 people to evacuate. While residents are dealing with their losses, at least 40 people have been arrested for looting, including one person who dressed as a firefighter to blend in.
A video of a high-ranking fire department official discussing whether female firefighters are strong enough to rescue men has also stirred controversy. Many feel the department should focus on fighting fires instead of these debates.
Cooley criticized the fire department for prioritizing diversity over its main job. He’s shocked that they’ve let things get this far. He believes people are finally realizing how harmful this “woke religion” is.
Critics have also pointed fingers at Mayor Karen Bass, who was out of the country when the fires started. She’s faced backlash for cutting the fire department’s budget and personnel.
Over 7,500 firefighters and emergency responders from across California have been deployed to tackle the fires. However, the state’s top firefighter, Joe Tyler, has been criticized for his lack of visibility during this crisis.
Firefighters on the ground are feeling the strain, working long hours with little relief. A retired commander mentioned that the sheriff’s department is down 30 to 40 percent in staffing due to budget cuts.
Villanueva believes the city’s focus on diversity is hindering public safety. He argues that while diversity is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of hiring the most qualified individuals. He’s warned the Board of Supervisors about the long-term effects of defunding and de-staffing, but it seems no one is listening.