Los Angeles County

A person wearing a blue face masks and sports jersey uses a hose to spray water on the flames of a house to prevent the fire fro spreading.

Commentary

Wealth will dictate LA fire recovery unless California learns from mistakes of past disasters

The Los Angeles-area fires reveal a harsh truth: Recovery isn’t the same for everyone. Wealthier communities will turn to private resources, while working-class neighborhoods in Altadena will face immense barriers to rebuilding and recovery.

By Tunua Thrash-Ntuk • January 17, 2025

A burned-out structure with scorched walls and an arched doorway stands amidst charred vegetation. Smoke lingers in the background, and a partially intact gate with the number '203' leads to the property. A few green trees and palm trees remain standing in the hazy, orange-lit landscape.

Commentary

As LA fires destroy homes, California’s housing crisis is about to get worse

Housing construction permits were already trending downward. Now the wildfires have taken away at least 10,000 occupied homes.

By

Dan Walters

• January 17, 2025

An individual carrying a blue bag walks past piles of donated items, including clothing and boxes, at a nighttime community aid event. In the background, other people sort through donations under dim lighting, with car headlights illuminating part of the scene.

Commentary

In LA’s darkest moment, the light of tireless Angelenos providing aid, food shines bright

Amidst the destruction in LA, there are glimmers of hope, too. Angelenos everywhere have heard the call for aid and stepped up in remarkable, even miraculous ways.

By Sean Beckner-Carmitchel and Mel Buer • January 14, 2025

A group of officials and first responders stand on a street in a fire-damaged area, with charred buildings and trees visible in the background. One individual wears a cap and sunglasses, while others wear jackets or uniforms. A camera crew films the scene, and smoke fills the hazy sky.

Commentary

As LA fires rage, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass are targets in the blame game

Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass couldn't have prevented wind-propelled flames from igniting homes and businesses around the city. It isn't fair to blame them for it.

By

Dan Walters

• January 14, 2025

Two life guard stands on a beach are on fire. The one on the right burns brighter, while the one on left is starting to burn. Grey smoke fills the air. Embers burn in the sand and in nearby vegetation. The scene is a wildfire.

Commentary

Battle-tested Los Angeles faces fires that challenge its resilience and sense of community

What this tragedy will not raise is the accusation that government failed those most in need. In this case, it is a reminder that all of us, regardless of wealth or station, require the services of each other and our government.

By

Jim Newton

• January 9, 2025

A raging wildfire consumes a structure, with massive flames engulfing the scene. Bright orange and yellow fire contrasts against the dark sky, creating an intense and dramatic visual. A fence and some vegetation are silhouetted in the foreground, emphasizing the destructive power of the blaze.

Commentary

Los Angeles County wildfires underscore California’s growing threat of disaster

Southern California’s disaster again demonstrates that while wildfires were once mostly confined to rural timbered areas during summer and fall months, a warming climate means they can and do strike anywhere and anytime, including residential neighborhoods in the middle of winter.

By

Dan Walters

• January 8, 2025

A person stands at a podium, smiling, wearing glasses and a navy blazer over a teal top. The podium features a sign that reads "TREATMENT NOT TENTS" with a small bear icon, suggesting a California-related context. A microphone is attached to the podium, and the background appears softly blurred.

Commentary

Why 2025 will be a pivotal year for Mayor Karen Bass — and Los Angeles

As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass begins the second half of her term, her work is about to get a great deal more difficult, and the coming year may test her formidable energies.

By

Jim Newton

• January 3, 2025

Surrounded by workers in hazmat suits and bright orange waste bags, Gov. Gavin Newsom helps clear a homeless encampment in San Diego.

Commentary

Billions of dollars later, California’s homeless crisis persists under Newsom

Gavin Newsom began his governorship with promises of decisive action on key issues, homelessness among them. Despite billions of dollars in spending, the population has increased and the crisis remains a weapon for Newsom's opponents.

By

Dan Walters

• December 18, 2024

People, including young children, gather during a rally and hold signs that read "stop killing our senior disabled" and "stop poisoning our children." Two people in the back hold a banner that reads "respect our community!"

Commentary

Setback for Los Angeles warehouse project made Lincoln Heights a stronger community

A proposed warehouse development across the street from a Lincoln Heights school brought the mostly Latino Los Angeles neighborhood together. Last week they notched a key victory, displaying the value of community organizing for a just cause.

By

Jim Newton

• December 12, 2024

Commentary

Lincoln Heights warehouse controversy presents another test of Los Angeles’ aspirations

A controversial warehouse development across the street from a Lincoln Heights elementary school is pitting commerce against a Los Angeles community, and testing the city's values in the process.

By

Jim Newton

• December 2, 2024