Los Angeles

Commentary

As the fire risk fluctuates, Los Angeles remains busy piecing lives back together

Resource centers in Los Angeles County are fielding thousands of questions from thousands of tragedies. They are resetting the foundations for individuals and families that seemed solid just two weeks ago and now seem unfathomably tenuous.

By

Jim Newton

• January 23, 2025

A woman walks down a street destroyed by a wildfire that burned down many homes in the area. A row of burned palm trees is in the background over a row of debris from burned-down homes and burned-out cars.

Commentary

Why is Karen Bass getting so much blame for the LA fires but county supervisors so little?

Being a county supervisor can be hard work in California, but in times of crisis, it’s a lot less uncomfortable than being a mayor. The dynamic is about to change for Los Angeles County.

By

Robert Greene

• January 21, 2025

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

Two firefighters hose down a burning home in a neighborhood. Half of the house has collapsed inward, and the flames can be seen spreading to the rest as the firefighters douse the fire with water.

Commentary

Disaster-prone California should adopt a preventive approach, rather than a reactive one

If disasters are unavoidable in California, we need to accept that fact and adopt Gov. Pete Wilson’s preventive approach, rather than merely reacting after the fact.

By

Dan Walters

• January 15, 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 person stands on the side of a road, silhouetted against a fiery orange sky filled with thick smoke. Overhead, power lines stretch across utility poles, and vegetation lines the foreground. The scene evokes a sense of isolation and foreboding amidst a wildfire.

California Wildfires

A week from hell: See how LA fires destroyed neighborhoods from coast to foothills

CalMatters photographers captured the devastation as fierce Santa Ana winds and bone-dry conditions propelled multiple wildfires across Los Angeles County.

By

CalMatters Visuals Team

• January 13, 2025

Two people lead a group as they walk ahead them while they tour the damages left by a wildfire in a downtown business district of Pacific Palisades. Gray clouds of smoke can be seen behind them.

California Wildfires

Why Newsom invited Trump to visit LA fire zones amid worries he’ll block disaster aid

Gov. Gavin Newsom's invitation to the president-elect says Californians deserve to see them work together to address the devastation of the Los Angeles fires. Donald Trump has threatened to block disaster relief to California, and he soon will have the power to at least slow-walk aid.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Yue Stella Yu

• January 10, 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

Two firefighters dressed in safety gear point a firehose towards a burning house. Water flows out of the hose and onto flames on a burning balcony. Smoke and flames are visible in the background.

California Wildfires

Fact check: Why is Trump blaming the LA fires on Newsom’s water policies?

President-elect Donald Trump faulted California water policies for the devastating wildfires that are burning in Los Angeles County. The fires started because of fierce winds and extremely dry conditions.

By

Alastair Bland

• January 8, 2025