To the Editor:
In light of the recent fires, it’s clear that what we urgently need is a dedicated wildfire coordinator. As highlighted in the article “With her city in flames, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ political future hangs in the balance” from Jan. 13, such a role would be pivotal. The wildfire czar could establish a centralized communications hub, both physically and digitally, to serve as a liaison with various support groups providing essential resources like housing, financial advice, food, and more. This would relieve fire victims from the burden of finding these support avenues alone while grappling with the distress of losing their homes. It’s a practical approach that just makes sense.
Louis J. Shapiro, Los Angeles
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To the Editor:
Assigning blame to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other leaders is fitting in this situation because we desperately need robust leadership during crises, and it’s painfully lacking. The whole city is feeling the strain as a result. Leadership truly is crucial.
It was already apparent that both the city and state were struggling with poor management before the fires, but the extent was unforeseen. I have lost confidence in both Bass and the City Council when it comes to efficiently managing Los Angeles. Running for office surely made Bass aware of these ongoing issues, yet she let them persist. My skepticism about the city’s ability to host the 2028 Olympics only grows.
Richard Austen, Westchester
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To the Editor:
Having been a longtime resident of Los Angeles, in a state as familiar with disasters as it is with its attractive qualities, the sheer devastation of these fires was something none of us expected.
It’s true, we did have warnings before the windstorm blew in. Yet, as Angelenos often do, we kept up with our active routines. No one, be it in professional or political circles, could foresee how devastating these fires would turn out to be—the loss of lives, entire communities wiped out, and more.
Sure, Bass is the mayor of Los Angeles, and she happened to be in Ghana when the Palisades fire erupted, but it’s 2025, not 1985. Communication these days can be as seamless as if we were right next to each other.
Nobody could have seen this coming.
Pamela Shade, Culver City
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To the Editor:
As a retired fire captain with 38 years of experience battling wildfires up and down the state, including those in urban areas, I’ve witnessed the destruction of countless homes. However, nothing compares to this latest disaster in and around Los Angeles.
From my professional perspective, the wind is often the critical element driving the most catastrophic fires.
To the critics pointing fingers, keep this in mind: the wind is a formidable force. Of course, each incident brings its own lessons to be learned.
I suggest watching the “Design for Disaster” documentary from 1962 on YouTube, produced by the L.A. Fire Department. It’s quite enlightening about the Bel-Air fire the year prior.
Manuel Burquez, Carpinteria
