The Crisis in California is more than Fire!

Mere words are far too inadequate to express sympathy for all in the greater LA area who were adversely impacted by the fires; the loss of homes, family air looms and deeply held personal items of memories, businesses of all sizes and makes, and especially loss of life. Mere words truly are inadequate expressing sorrow but many, many across America are sincerely concerned with shared feelings of sadness compounded by anger and disbelief toward California elected officials who have shown such egregious nonchalant attitudes and feigned concern. The lack of a properly coordinated, prepared and aggressive response by First Responders only adds to the multitude of emotions running rampant as did the flames. First Responders from multiple agencies and designs are just as sorrowful and angry but their training does not permit them to express such except through higher command. First Responders from multiple agencies and design will also have to deal with PTSD of various levels given the mammoth undertaking they were forced into, but with little to no positive outcomes. The entire experience that unfolded shall have a seriously adverse and hurtful impact for years to come on fire fighters, police and most especially those citizens who have gone through personal loss.

Former LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva, former LA County Attorney Steve Cooley, and retired Commander John Satterfield of the LA County Sheriff’s Department spoke, for what I believe are many First Responders stating clearly that elected leaders’ incompetence was truly compounded by their devotion to leftist narratives. Former Sheriff Villanueva stated clearly, “the degree of mismanagement is epic. Its incompetence married with poisonous ideology.” Revealed during these fires was that fire department leadership, along with elected officials, were far more focused on DEI, not on preparing and fighting fires. Left wing agendas and ideology have been far more important than making certain fire trucks were sufficient and operational, equipment and all matters associated with fighting fires were reviewed and prepared.

Governor Newsome and his network of leftist ideologues across California have turned this once magnificent state into a hell hole. Leftist ideology is almost hysterical, definitely primary in recruiting at all levels and with politicians seeking office. The cartoon I placed at the top of my commentary sadly speaks to what the Marxist ideology in California, and, indeed, in many cities across America has created. The adherents to the destructive heinous liberal, socialist ideology fully adopted by many California elected leaders and their appointees, are a contributing factor to the fire catastrophe. It is no wonder such socialist acolytes are fearful of Trump coming into the White House and bringing old-fashion America loving individuals with him to clear out a federal government which echos the California government.

A leaked confidential memo shared among selected LA officials shows in writing that far leftist, DEI acolyte LA Mayor Karen Bass demanded a $48.8 million from the fire budget on top of $17.6 million already approved for the 2024/2025 budget year. But this did not stop this incompetent radical DEI promoter from taking funds from the fire department and allocating $170,000 for “Social Justice Art” and $100,000 for “transgender cafes and let me not leave out major funding from fire budgets to fund homeless programs. I pray the citizens of California wake up and shout, “ENOUGH!” Enough of Newsome and his cronies up and down the state, and enough of LA Mayor and her cronies.

Again…I am so very sorry for the loss of life and my sincere sympathy for all who have loss homes and deeply held personal items of memories.

©2025 Lyle J. Rapacki, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

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