California Caught Pants Down: When DEI Meets Narcissism California’s Leadership Faces Backlash Amid Wildfire Crisis
Ah, California—the land of perpetual sunshine, rolling blackouts, and now, infernos that make Dante’s “Divine Comedy” look like a vacation brochure. Let’s dive into the latest chapter of this tragicomedy: the state’s wildfire fiasco.
DEI Hires: Diversity Over Competence?
In an era where checking diversity boxes seems to trump about female firefighters’ physical capabilities.
New York Post
Because, clearly, the flames care deeply about gender parity.
Critics argue that the LAFD’s obsession with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has overshadowed essential firefighting preparedness. Former officials like ex-Sheriff Alex Villanueva have lambasted these “woke” policies, claiming they crippled the city’s wildfire response.
New York Post
But hey, at least the hiring practices were inclusive, right?
Governor Gavin Newsom: Where’s the Money (and Water)?
Governor Gavin Newsom, the man with presidential aspirations as transparent as California’s budgeting issues, has been conspicuously ineffective. Despite securing three Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to aid firefighting efforts,
Governor of California
residents remain unimpressed, accusing him of prioritizing his political career over state emergencies.
New York Post
As for water management, misinformation has spread nearly as fast as the wildfires themselves, with state and local officials scrambling to address the crisis.
U.S. News
One can only wonder if the funds allocated for wildfire prevention were diverted to more pressing matters, like funding the next DEI seminar.
CoreLogic’s Enthusiasm: A Burning Opportunity?
Enter CoreLogic, the real estate data firm whose president, Garret Gray, seems to view the wildfires as a thrilling business opportunity. In a recent interview, Gray discussed the potential impacts of the fires on the housing market with an enthusiasm that would make a pyromaniac blush.
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After all, nothing says “market growth” like thousands of homes reduced to ashes.
Conclusion: A State in Flames
California’s current predicament is a masterclass in mismanagement. From prioritizing diversity over competence to leaders more focused on their political futures than on immediate crises, it’s no wonder the state is literally and figuratively burning. But fear not, Californians; at least you can take solace in the fact that your leadership is as diverse as it is inept.
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Citations:
New York Post
LAFD’s $300K-per-year diversity chief sparks fury for defending DEI by blaming the victim: ‘He got himself in the wrong place’
2 days ago — The Los Angeles Fire Department’s highly paid diversity chief, Deputy Chief Kristine Larson, faces backlash after a video defending DEI hiring practices went viral. In the video, Larson appeared to shift blame to victims, stating, “He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out of a fire,” when addressing concerns about female firefighters’ strength. This controversy emerged during an unprecedented wildfire outbreak in the Pacific Palisades, resulting in severe damage and high costs. Critics argue that the LAFD’s focus on diversity initiatives, spearheaded by Larson, distracted from crucial firefighting preparedness. Amidst the backlash, public ire has grown over the appointment and role of DEI officials within the department. The issue traces back to past incidents of alleged harassment and discrimination within the LAFD, leading to calls for improved inclusivity and the eventual promotion of Kristin Crowley as the first female fire chief.
New York Post
Ex-Los Angeles sheriff blasts wokeness crippling city’s wildfire response: ‘Disaster is not the fires, it’s this ideology’
Today — Former Los Angeles city officials have criticized the mismanagement and reduced capacity of local emergency services in response to the wildfires that began on January 7. Ex-District Attorney Steve Cooley and former Sheriff Alex Villanueva blame “woke” policies for the inefficiencies and looting witnessed post-wildfires. Villanueva specifically pointed to the reduced number of police officers and the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over practical capabilities. Critics argue that the focus on DEI, budget cuts, and staff reductions, particularly after the 2020 movement to defund police departments, have compromised public safety and emergency response. The wildfires have destroyed thousands of structures and forced 88,000 evacuations. Firefighters and emergency responders from across California and neighboring states have been deployed to manage the crisis, but there is concern over stretched resources and strained personnel. Mayor Karen Bass was absent in Africa when the fires started, and state fire official Joe Tyler has been mostly unseen, adding to the frustration over leadership during the crisis.
Governor of California
Here’s all the actions Governor Newsom has taken in response to …
Today — … water tenders to aid in putting out the fires. … Within the span of 12 hours, the Governor secured three Fire Management Assistance Grants …
New York Post
Angry LA residents desperate for competent leadership after Mayor Karen Bass, Gov. Gavin Newsom fail to inspire in wildfire disaster
Today — In Los Angeles, residents express discontent with Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s handling of the wildfire crisis. Residents like Eddie De Ferrari and Elysabeth Cherniak criticize Newsom for his perceived focus on his political career and Bass for inadequate leadership. Both officials face potential recall due to their responses and inadequate preparation for the $250 billion disaster. Bass’s budget cuts to the fire department and the appointment of deputy mayor Brian Williams, who later faced legal issues, also contribute to the dissatisfaction. Newsom’s controversial budget cuts to firefighting efforts, misleading statements about fire prevention, and focus on a prospective presidential run further aggravate the situation. The public seeks stronger leadership amidst ongoing threats, recalling former NYC Mayor Giuliani’s crisis management post-9/11.
US News
For LA Water Issues, Misinformation Spreads Nearly as Fast as the …
… water management policies of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. State and local officials and experts said …
YouTube
CoreLogic’s Garret Gray on evacuating from the Palisades fire
Garret Gray, president of CoreLogic Insurance Solutions, joins CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ to discuss how massive wildfires in the Los Angeles …
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NPR
California wildfires: Right-wing influencers cast blame on DEI policies
Prominent right-wing influencers are claiming that the response to the Los Angeles wildfires was hampered by workplace diversity policies.
Governor of California
Here’s all the actions Governor Newsom has taken in response to …
… water tenders to aid in putting out the fires. … Within the span of 12 hours, the Governor secured three Fire Management Assistance Grants …
California Department of Insurance
[PDF] January 13, 2025 Kara Voss – Model Advisor California Department …
The CoreLogic U.S. Wildfire Model complies with the California Department of Insurance Regulation,. Section 2644.4.5, regarding the use of …
CAL FIRE
Join Us – Cal Fire – CA.gov
Interested in joining CAL FIRE? The recruitment process includes extensive training programs and offers a range of career opportunities.
YouTube
CoreLogic’s Garret Gray on evacuating from the Palisades fire
Garret Gray, president of CoreLogic Insurance Solutions, joins CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ to discuss how massive wildfires in the Los Angeles …
YouTube
CoreLogic’s Jon Schneyer on the LA fires’ potential … – YouTube
On today’s episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with Jon Schneyer, director of catastrophe response at CoreLogic, about the LA fires …
Forbes
Musk, Right-Wing Critics Blame DEI For LA Fires With Little Evidence
Musk said in a social media post “DEI means people DIE” without elaborating on how diversity commitments would impede the Los Angeles Fire …
PBS
Fact-checking misinformation about the Los Angeles wildfires … – PBS
Some social media users reposted Trump’s 2018 and 2019 criticism of California’s forest management policies, including false statements the then …
New York Post
LAFD’s diversity chief sparks fury for defending DEI by blaming the …
Critics argue that the LAFD had been too preoccupied with DEI vanity projects to properly staff and equip its firefighters — projects that …
US News
For LA Water Issues, Misinformation Spreads Nearly as Fast as the …
… water management policies of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. State and local officials and experts said …
CoreLogic®
Devastating Wildfires Continue Burning in Southern California
CoreLogic estimates at least 9,900 structures are within the fire perimeter, and that estimate is likely to grow as the fire perimeter continues …
Reddit
Can someone on the right tell me why the So-Cal wildfire situation is …
It’s not hiring on competence or race. It’s hiring on competence with an awareness of race. If you have 100 candidates for 10 positions who all …
American Banker
How much damage will the Los Angeles fires do to homes?
The coveted California housing market at-large has over 1.2 million homes at risk of wildfire damage, Corelogic reported last summer.
The Guardian
US right wing fans misinformation fires as firefighters battle Los …
“Don’t you hate it when climate change appoints a DEI hire to run the fire dept, gives away fire equipment to Ukraine, stops critical …
tippinsights
Victor Davis Hanson Condemns California’s DEI Hiring In Fire …
“The DEI fire chief, 70% of her hires have been based on DEI. Not muscularity, not experience, not size, not competence. The primary criterion …
Reuters
L.A. mayor, California governor criticized over fires as political clash …
“Both of them are stone cold incompetent,” Trump said. In 2019, during his first term as president, Trump criticized Newsom’s forest management …
Instagram
California has the highest number of homes at risk of … – Instagram
California has the highest number of homes at risk of extreme wildfires, according to data by CoreLogic published by the Insurance Information Institute.
Meidas News
Fact-Check: Debunking the MAGA Lies About the California Wildfires
… fires. Myth: The LAFD Fire Chief was a “DEI hire” and was not qualified to deal with these fires. Truth: Kristin Crowley is a 25-year fire …
BBC
Fact-checking criticism of California Democrats over fires – BBC
… fires worse. President-elect Donald Trump has pointed a finger squarely at California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, who he said is …
S&P Global
Insured losses from Los Angeles wildfires ‘manageable’ – S&P Global
Losses from the wildfires have the potential to rise significantly as CoreLogic said in a news release that there are over 456,000 homes …
The Independent
Scott Jennings shredded on CNN for blaming raging California …
Scott Jennings shredded on CNN for blaming raging California wildfires on DEI hiring … “We are looking at qualifications. What diversity …
Governor Gavin Newsom
California Fire Facts | Governor Gavin Newsom
Table of Contents. Lies about budgets cuts – land management – “mass apartments” – smelt – reservoirs – various water lies – Oregon firefighters – using …
HousingWire
Wildfires threaten 2.6 million homes in the western U.S.: CoreLogic
A new report from CoreLogic found that 2.6 million homes across 14 western states are at risk from wildfires. California is by far the state …
HuffPost
Right-Wingers Are Using LA Fires To Blow ‘DEI’ Dog Whistles
Experts break down the problematic rhetoric from prominent conservatives who have criticized the Los Angeles Fire Department’s messaging …
PropertyCasualty360
Insurance leaders, lawmakers working on California wildfire relief
“We need to put money in people’s hands,” Lara said at the
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