(NewsNation) — Natural disasters do not discriminate against their victims. From celebrities in the Hollywood Hills to residents in nearby towns, people are grieving the loss of their communities, homes, belongings and memories from the Palisades Fire and other wildfires.
However, one official says the working class, particularly in Altadena, California, is being overlooked.
“Altadena has working people, people who may not have enough money by which to go and rent a hotel, maybe for, you know, months to come,” said Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., on NewsNation’s “CUOMO” Friday night. “I would like to ask you and any other media individuals that may be listening to do everything that you can to get attention on Altadena.”
She said the area “has just about been flattened.”
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“Not everybody’s rich, and we have people who don’t know where they’re going, people who are in temporary situations that need some help and finding a place to live,” Waters said. “We have people who need food, we have people who need healthcare, all of that, and so that’s what I’m concentrated on.”
Multiple wildfires have broken out in the greater Los Angeles area in the past week, spanning 36,000 acres, destroying more than 12,000 structures and killing 11.
A political “blame game” has erupted between Democrats and Republicans over the state’s leadership and handling of environmental concerns. But Waters said the focus should be on getting resources to the people who most need it.
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“I’m not into the blame game. I’m not into talking about whether or not (Governor) Gavin Newsom is trying to protect himself and run for president. None of that,” Waters said.
Critics have pointed to actions by the governor and local mayors to reduce funding to fire departments and cut deals with electric and insurance companies.
“First thing you gotta understand is services cost money, and we should be willing to get the richest people in this country, the richest 1% that is protected, make sure they pay their fair taxes so that we can have the money to provide the services,” Waters said.
How to help victims of LA wildfires
She urged news media outlets to provide resources to those impacted rather than focus on politics.
“The fact of the matter is we all should have heavy hearts right now,” she said. “Damn it. You can do the politics later. You can come and talk about Gavin Newsom later … But don’t use up this precious time to do petty politics. Use the time to educate and to share information and to let people know where they can get some food, where they can get a place to stay, where they can get some clothing on and on and on.”
NewsNation compiled a list of resources on how to help.
