Recent wildfires have devastated thousands of acres and damaged countless structures in Los Angeles over the last few days, with visuals resembling scenes from a bleak movie.

Many residents have evacuated, and tragically, at least five lives have been lost. Evacuation orders are still active across significant parts of Los Angeles County.

It is heart-wrenching to watch areas of Southern California − known for its wealth, opportunities, and entertainment − go up in flames. The people of California deserve compassion and support, especially as brave first responders, including firefighters, risk their lives to combat the fires.

While the exact cause of the fires is still unclear, low humidity combined with strong Santa Ana winds has significantly exacerbated the situation. These tragic events raise concerns about the leadership in both Los Angeles and California, regions that possess considerable wealth and influence.

Who is in charge of LA while the city is ablaze?

With Los Angeles struggling against these destructive fires, one cannot help but wonder: Where are its leaders?

Mayor Karen Bass is currently out of the country. In her absence, City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced a state of emergency on Tuesday. Bass, who departed on Saturday despite warnings regarding severe weather, is in Ghana attending the country’s presidential inauguration on behalf of President Joe Biden.

While I may sound undiplomatic, I find the timing utterly poor. Why would Los Angeles’s mayor prioritize a political event in Africa at such a crucial time? It seems irresponsible and a misuse of taxpayer resources.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a symbol of progressive ideals, has been present on the ground, observing the fires and addressing the media. He stated on Monday that “the state is taking proactive measures to collaborate with local partners in safeguarding communities as hazardous weather approaches our region.”

However, those proactive measures evidently fell short.

The Los Angeles Times reported that some fire hydrants were running low on water, and others were completely dry during the crisis. City officials attributed this to an overwhelming demand for water to fight the flames.

Rick Caruso, a prominent developer and former mayoral candidate, criticized city officials: “The firefighters are on the ground, yet there’s little they can do ‒ neighborhoods are ablaze, homes are in flames, and businesses are suffering.  This should never have occurred,” Caruso stated during a live broadcast.

City officials must investigate why this situation occurred in a city that surely has enough tax revenue to ensure public safety.

Furthermore, Angelenos should demand answers from Mayor Bass regarding her decision to reduce the fire department’s budget by more than $17 million in this fiscal year.

Democratic leadership has let Los Angeles down

Democratic politicians have held power in California and Los Angeles for many years. The last Republican to serve as mayor was in 2001.

Los Angeles hosts some of the wealthiest individuals worldwide, including billionaires, Hollywood celebrities, tech moguls, and entrepreneurs. This affluent population, along with millions of others with less wealth, pay an exceedingly high tax rate. California holds the highest income tax rate in the nation at around 13%.

Yet, despite these hefty tax contributions, Angelenos have not been able to secure adequate safety and protection. This shortfall results from misdirected priorities.

An instance of misplaced priorities: Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has allocated about $20 billion to tackle California’s homelessness crisis, but the situation has only worsened. He has now pledged an additional $827 million.

However, voters don’t seem to link these issues to their elected officials. In the recent 2022 mayoral election, Los Angeles residents opted for Bass over Caruso, the developer credited with creating premier venues like The Grove, a luxurious shopping and dining destination in the city.

I know I may face accusations of turning a tragic situation into a political issue, but it’s essential to question who is accountable for maintaining the safety and security of residents in a county that has a budget close to $50 billion.

I am not implying that the tragic wildfires are the fault of liberal politicians. Weather patterns are beyond human control. Strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for severe fires.

However, such conditions are not unusual in Los Angeles, and it is the responsibility of elected officials to ensure that the city is prepared for when disaster strikes, especially given its predictability.

Until Democratic leaders improve their management or voters opt for different representatives, California and Los Angeles will likely continue to struggle with these issues.