The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and Southern California have left a trail of devastation, prompting a visit from former President Donald Trump. However, amidst the crisis, political posturing has taken center stage, hindering effective response and recovery efforts. California Democrats seem more focused on opposing the former president than on prioritizing the needs of Californians.

Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized Trump's assessment of the fires' causes, accusing him of spreading misinformation. However, these criticisms often target factual statements that challenge the long-term policy failures contributing to the disaster's severity. A recent policy paper from Golden Together offers practical solutions for recovery and future prevention, highlighting the immediate need for action.

A helicopter drops water on the Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles. (Ethan Swope/AP)

The former president's visit presents a valuable opportunity for California. His “Golden Age” vision for America could translate into a golden opportunity for the Golden State to rebuild, recover, and implement preventative measures. Beyond federal aid, the former president's expertise in construction and development could be invaluable.

While discussions around federal aid and its potential conditions are ongoing, the expertise offered by the former president could be even more significant. Three key areas where California Democrats could benefit from collaboration include leveraging his construction expertise, prioritizing human needs over environmental concerns regarding water resources, and streamlining California's bureaucratic processes.

Leveraging Construction Expertise

With the Super Bowl, soccer World Cup, and Olympic Games approaching in Los Angeles, efficient rebuilding is crucial. The former president's practical leadership and experience in construction could provide valuable insights into expediting the process and identifying resources.

Prioritizing Human Needs Over Environmental Concerns

The dispute over water resources highlights the conflict between human needs and environmental protection. The former president's focus on ensuring adequate water supply for cities and farmers, even at the potential cost of impacting endangered species, underscores the need for a balanced approach.

Governor Newsom tours the fire-affected area of Pacific Palisades. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

Streamlining Bureaucracy

California's complex bureaucracy hinders progress on various fronts, including rebuilding efforts, infrastructure development, and addressing the housing crisis. The former president's experience in deregulation could offer valuable lessons for streamlining processes and reducing obstacles.

California's current challenges demand a pragmatic approach, prioritizing collaboration and efficient action over political divisions. By setting aside political differences and leveraging available expertise, California can effectively rebuild, recover, and create a more resilient future.