Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Senators seek DEI records from LA City Council in inquiry into January fires
An L.A. Fire Dept. helicopter flies over homes threatened by the wind-driven Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, Jan. 7.
(
David Swanson
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Topline:
A Senate subcommittee wants to know if DEI policies played a role in the response to the Palisades Fire.
Why now: Republican Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rick Scott of Florida sent a letter Wednesday to L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson to hand over all records of diversity programs for the L.A. Fire Department and LADWP.
What they've asked for: The letter details a wide-ranging request for documents, from disaster evacuation plans to the closure of the Santa Ynez Reservoir and communications between the council staff and members.
Sponsored message
Reaction: Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez condemned the inquiry, pointing out the request includes the Eaton Fire, which was not in the city. Soto-Martinez released a statement saying "DEI did not cause the fires, and these senators should take their witch hunts elsewhere."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
