On January 7th, a year after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, reality TV star and television personality Spencer Pratt announced his candidacy for the mayor of Los Angeles, challenging the current political system.
One year ago on January 7th, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire broke out on the same day, engulfing some of Los Angeles’ wealthiest areas, causing irreversible trauma to countless residents. A year later, many victims still find themselves in a state of confusion with the rebuilding of their homes indefinitely delayed.
At the “They Let Us Burn” rally held in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles on Wednesday, Spencer Pratt criticized current Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom for their inadequate handling of the wildfire situation.
“L.A. isn’t just a system that’s broken, it’s fundamentally broken. This system only protects the elite and those who can exchange favors, while the rest of us are left struggling in toxic smoke and ashes,” Pratt said at the rally. “I no longer have hope that anyone will take real action, so I’ve decided to run for mayor.”
Spencer Pratt gained fame alongside his wife Heidi Montag for their appearances on the reality show “The Hills.”
Data shows that the Palisades Fire burned over 23,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades area, destroying approximately 7,000 buildings and resulting in 12 fatalities. Pratt and his family were victims of the Palisades Fire.
Describing the events of January 7, 2025, Pratt stated that he and his wife lost everything they owned, including their parents’ home that held decades of memories, reduced to ashes in the fire. He expressed, “The most heartbreaking thing of the past year wasn’t the displacement or losing everything; it was realizing that all of this could have been prevented because the state government and local leaders allowed our community to burn.”
Pratt cited examples such as decades of neglect in controlling vegetation growth in state parks by Newsom’s administration, unfriendly insurance policies leading to major insurers exiting the California market, and failures in crisis leadership during the wildfires.
In fact, Pratt had publicly criticized Bass and Newsom’s policies multiple times in the past year. Last year on January 21st, he, along with 20 other victims, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the city and the Department of Water and Power, seeking compensation for fire damages.
State officials released statements on January 6th, mentioning efforts to streamline administrative processes, provide significant financial support, and deploy advanced technology to protect communities from major wildfire threats in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Governor Newsom highlighted the need for swift and effective action, stressing the importance of using innovative solutions to safeguard the community’s future in the face of climate threats. Mayor Karen Bass also emphasized long-term rebuilding efforts and innovative solutions to protect communities facing severe climate threats.
As California’s midterm election year unfolds, Bass has announced her reelection bid. Apart from Pratt, other challengers include former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner.
While the communities ravaged by the Eaton Fire may no longer be covered in ash and debris, survivors continue to face hardships as they navigate the long and arduous road to recovery.
Survivor Jill Genzon emotionally expressed the loss, saying, “Everything is gone! Everything as far as the eye can see is burned.” Another survivor, Rose Robinson, described the challenges of the past year as moving from one motel to another, staying with friends and family, while dealing with the uncertainty of homelessness and instability.
Data shows that the Eaton Fire charred over 14,000 acres, resulting in 18 fatalities and the destruction of nearly 10,000 homes. Currently, 70% of survivors remain displaced, with over half depleting savings and more than 40% accruing new debts.
The initial denials and delays from insurance companies further compounded the challenges for victims, but the “Eaton Fire Survivors Alliance” meticulously documented the situations and pushed for investigations into insurance company practices, resulting in the recovery of over $100 million in delayed insurance claims for the community.
Survivor Joe Chen, a member of the alliance, shared, “A year after the wildfires, our community has reclaimed over $100 million in delayed insurance claims, with more to come.” The residents are hopeful for a return to normalcy as soon as possible.