This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Bush Tours Fire-Ravaged Southern California
Listen
0:00
Marine One, with President Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger aboard, flies over wildfire damage on an aerial tour of Rancho Bernardo, Calif. Bush pledged support to help rebuild devastated areas.
(
Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images
)
President Bush visited Southern California Thursday to observe the devastation caused by the massive wildfires that have been burning this week.
The president spent about 25 minutes touring the area by helicopter before landing in Rancho Bernardo, one of the hardest hit areas in Southern California. There he spoke for a few minutes, assuring California that whatever it needs, including more firefighters, the federal government was there to help.
The trip and speech are an effort by President Bush to show he is interested in the situation and that the federal government is reaching out to the wildfire victims.
The president has already declared the situation a federal disaster — making the state eligible for federal assistance — which he and the White House have been playing up.
How much assistance the disaster designation will bring to California, though, is not yet known.
When asked about his response to the disaster, Bush says he will let historians, analysts and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) decide that.
Sponsored message
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
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 from readers like you 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 from readers like you 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
