West LA Times

Elected officials, community leaders, and policy experts convened on March 20 to address wildfire recovery challenges in Los Angeles. This discussion was part of UCLA's Luskin speaker series titled "Defining L.A.’s Future: The Collision of Federal Politics and Local Realities."

The event was hosted by the Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) and the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, interim dean of Luskin, emphasized the need for recovery efforts that are both resilient and just. "Our response as a city must be one of resilience, but also justice, ensuring that voices serve all residents," she stated.

Amada Armenta, LPPI faculty director, introduced the panel discussion by highlighting the uneven impacts of disasters across Los Angeles communities. "This disaster has had far-reaching impacts across Los Angeles," Armenta noted. She pointed out disparities in resources available for rebuilding among different communities.

The panel was moderated by journalist Jorge Ramos and included California District 55 Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Los Angeles City Council member Eunisses Hernandez, and Cecilia Estolano from Estolano Advisors. Bryan underscored the importance of addressing climate-related root causes of wildfires. He called for long-term investments to combat worsening conditions due to increasing wildfire frequency.

Hernandez focused on health challenges faced by communities of color, particularly Black and Latino populations already experiencing cardiovascular disparities exacerbated by wildfire smoke. The panel discussed strategies for equitable rebuilding and constraints on prevention efforts.

Estolano proposed using California’s redevelopment law to create disaster recovery zones and increase housing density as part of zoning reforms. She suggested tax increment financing as a potential solution: “If there was ever a time to bring back some form of tax increment financing where the city and the county and the school districts decide to share the income ... this is the reason to do it.”

Armenta concluded with a call for action: “We can’t continue with business as usual when so many families are still in need of help.” She highlighted multiple crises facing Los Angeles but remained optimistic about collective recovery efforts.

The evening ended with Ramos being honored by Bryan and Hernandez with resolutions from both the City of Los Angeles and California recognizing his four-decade career in journalism.