The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been devastating, leaving a California mother heartbroken and searching for answers. As a native Californian who experienced a 4 a.m. evacuation on January 8th, the author grapples with the emotional aftermath and the unsettling questions her children ask about the future. While acknowledging the inherent fire risks in California, she points to leadership failures and misplaced priorities as exacerbating factors in the tragedy.

The author criticizes California's focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing that they have come at the expense of essential services like fire prevention and emergency response. She cites examples such as the allocation of resources to social programs while fire preparedness budgets are cut, the termination of unvaccinated firefighters, and the diversion of crucial water resources. The author also questions the decision-making of leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, highlighting their actions and inactions during the crisis.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass (AP/Getty)

She specifically mentions Mayor Bass's trip to Africa despite warnings of extreme fire danger and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's failure to inform fire departments about the draining of a major reservoir. These decisions, she argues, demonstrate a lack of foresight and responsibility that has compounded the disaster's impact.

Beyond holding leaders accountable, the author emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility in the next generation. She calls for a shift away from the “no wrong or right” parenting style and the “you do you” philosophy in schools. Instead, she advocates for a return to merit-based systems and a focus on the importance of consequences. She believes that fostering these values in children is crucial for building a secure and functional society.