Two Republican senators probing L.A.’s response to the Palisades fire in January have requested records about the city’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts — as well as those related to any diversity, equity and inclusion hiring policies for the city’s Fire Department and Department of Water and Power.
The request, made last week, is part of an ongoing congressional investigation from Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, and Rick Scott, R-Florida. Launched in September, the senators called the devastating fire “an unacceptable failure of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.”
The senators asked L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to provide all records referring to the creation of DEI hiring policies for the LAFD and LADWP beginning in April 2020. The letter requests information about “the budgetary impact of DEI programs” and “efforts to dismantle systemic racism” from the City Council.
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez criticized the request.
“DEI did not cause the fires, and these senators should take their witch hunt elsewhere,” said Soto-Martinez.
The letter also requested information relating to Kristin Crowley’s firing as LAFD chief in February. Crowley filed a legal claim in August against the city and Mayor Karen Bass, alleging defamation and retaliation. She alleged that she was the victim of “dishonesty, scapegoating, and unlawful retaliation” for telling the public about Bass’ budget cuts to the LAFD.
Johnson and Scott also requested records related to proposed budget cuts and workforce reductions at both LAFD and LADWP.
The congressional investigation examines preparation for and response to the Palisades fire, a press release from Scott’s office said.
And it is ongoing amidst the federal government shutdown, said Clare Lattanze, a spokesperson for Scott.
The federal government has been shuttered for nearly a month with lawmakers at odds over whether to include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, set to expire at the end of the year, in any bill to reopen the government.
The senators are also seeking records about communication made to Pacific Palisades residents, between members and staff of the City Council, and about Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of setting what became the Palisades fire. They also requested after-action reports from the Palisades and Eaton fires, despite the latter fire occurring outside L.A. city limits.
“MAGA Republicans couldn’t even look at a map before launching this ridiculous investigation,” said Hugo Soto-Martinez, using the acronym for the “Make America Great Again” moniker used by President Donald Trump and his supporters.
Johnson and Scott are also looking for records relating to the Santa Ynez and Chautauqua reservoirs.
A preliminary report from the LADWP in July identified a loss of water pressure in pumping stations in the Pacific Palisades during the Palisades fire. The three tanks the area relied on were empty by the end of the fire’s first day.
Additionally, the letter requested any records of reports of arson, burglary, theft or looting in fire-affected areas, as well as records relating to redevelopment in fire-affected areas.
Johnson and Scott also sent similar records requests to Crowley and LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones, asking for information about the departments’ prevention, communication and response measures during the Palisades fire.
Bass said the city will support any investigation into the Palisades Fire.
“The City of Los Angeles will continue to support any investigations related to the devastating Palisades Fire,” she said in an emailed statement. “In the meantime, the City will continue leading the fastest disaster recovery effort in state history and working to get families home.”
Harris-Dawson, the president of the City Council, declined to comment. The city attorney’s office did not respond to a request for comment.