Former California First Lady Maria Shriver has joined the chorus of celebrities criticizing Los Angeles’ Democratic leadership for its handling of the devastating fires that have ravaged the city over the past week.
Shriver, a journalist and author, declared on social media, “LA cannot go forward with the status quo.”
Rising Death Toll and Displacement
At least 24 people have died, and over 200,000 residents have been displaced due to the infernos, with numbers expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley revealed to CNN that the Los Angeles Fire Department has been severely underfunded for years, leaving emergency services ill-equipped to handle disasters of this magnitude. “We have been clear for the last three years that the fire department needs help,” Crowley said, citing critical staffing and resource shortages.
Shriver echoed these concerns, sharing Crowley’s statements on X (formerly Twitter). “LA residents deserve better,” she wrote. “This city needs to prioritize safety—firefighters, police, and schools. We must rethink what is and imagine what can be.”
Celebrities Call Out Leadership
Shriver isn’t alone in her critique. Stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sarah Foster, and James Woods have taken to social media to lambast Mayor Karen Bass, who has faced backlash for traveling to Ghana during the crisis despite warnings of “critical” fire conditions. Gellar expressed frustration over evacuation gridlock, while Foster and Woods blasted what they called a lack of preparation and mismanagement.
Actor Dennis Quaid highlighted California’s infrastructure issues, noting his own evacuation experience. “No water in the Palisades… it’s a big problem,” he told Fox News, criticizing spending priorities.
Firefighters Struggle as Conditions Worsen
With fierce winds expected to return, firefighting efforts face renewed challenges. Crews have already battled flames that have scorched over 40,000 acres, destroyed 12,300 structures, and left neighborhoods in ruins. Additional firefighters and resources have been deployed from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as officials brace for wind gusts of up to 70 mph, which could ground aircraft and further spread the blazes.
Sheriff Robert Luna warned that the death toll is likely to rise, with cadaver dogs searching through smoldering wreckage. “We have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors,” he said.
A City at a Crossroads
As Los Angeles struggles to contain the fires, the crisis has sparked a broader conversation about the city’s priorities and infrastructure. Shriver summed up the sentiment: “This is about more than putting out fires—it’s about building a safer, stronger future for LA.”
