West LA Times

Former California Senator Melissa Melendez has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom, attributing the red tape that hindered effective management and funding during the California wildfire disaster to his administration. "Gavin Newsom is solely responsible for the red tape that prevented proper management and funding during the California wildfire disaster," she said on X on January 21.

“Gavin Newsom and his party are the sole architects of all the red tape,” Melendez said in her post. “He merits no praise for his ‘urgent action.’ He’s like the arsonist who starts the fire and then rushes in to put it out so he can be thought a hero.”

Governor Newsom temporarily waived environmental regulations to expedite rebuilding efforts in California following the wildfires. According to Forbes Magazine, this decision was made to avoid a significantly prolonged process due to stringent state legislation regarding environmental measures.

The Hill reports that instead of addressing imminent natural disasters in Los Angeles, despite warnings from wildfire professionals, California officials focused resources on "Trump-proofing" the state. They allegedly ignored warning signs and failed to implement fireproofing measures, diverting funds into unrelated programs rather than disaster relief.

According to Cal Fire, as of January 27, the Palisades and Eaton Fires are 95% and 99% contained respectively. The Palisades Fire has affected 23,448 acres, destroying 6,837 structures and causing 12 fatalities and three injuries. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has burned through 14,021 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures, and resulted in 17 fatalities. The fires were exacerbated by Santa Ana winds and drought conditions combined with heavy brush from two years of significant rainfall. Investigations into their causes are ongoing.

Melendez served as a Republican Senator for California's District 28 from 2012 to 2022. Her district included a large portion of Riverside County, according to records from the California State Senate archive.