Steering clear of Altadena destroyed by Eaton fire, Trump visits LA nevertheless

People at Altadena, Pasadena were dismayed by the avoidance of President Trump’s much-anticipated visit to the region devastated by the Eaton fire. There were expectations of a visit by Trump to the region on 24^th January. He, however, surveyed the LA area on the whole to get an experience of the tragedy that struck here for one month now. 

Residents of the areas devastated by the fire were expecting the President to get a first-hand experience of the damage caused. According to them, that would have been possible only if Trump had met those who were affected by the fires, resulting in meaningful policies. This, obviously meant a lot to the people here as they are slowly, but steadily moving towards the road to recovery.

The hopes of a visit were raised after Trump resumed his second term as US President. People here hoped that he would assess the devastation for himself, which could have included the areas of Pasadena and Altadena. The coastal damage caused by the Eaton fire has engulfed about 9,000 structures including homes, schools, churches and businesses, besides 17 deaths.

The avoidance by Trump invoked disappointment and anger amongst the affected people, but many didn’t simply bother. But there were many, who supported him yet, by raising props that were gratitude-laden, as he cared to visit the devastated areas so soon after assuming power.

Altadena Town Council member expresses his displeasure

Connor Cipolla, the Altadena Town Council member, in the backdrop the public disappointment, said that it was unfortunate. “There are supporters of his living in tents on Altadena Drive. He has supporters who are in the neighborhood.” Amid the discontentment, he was still hopeful of the President having a full understanding of the grave situation.

According to him, the visit was a proper opportunity for him to lend support to the affected people. And, as per him, it could have “show(n) people you’re going to have our back for the next four years.” He also said, “I hope he’s able to work with local officials and that he understands the full gravity of the devastation that our community has seen.”

Many people, particularly area leaders were of the opinion that Trump should visit Altadena, to see for himself to what extent the fires had destroyed everything. Those included the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who assembled on Thursday while being equivocal about the issue.

Throughout the days that followed Trump’s oath as U.S. President, residents of the area anticipating the much-awaited visit were up with banners and supportive slogans. Also, the leaders urged about the necessity of the visit to the interior LA areas to directly talk to the people.

Barger said, “I want him to talk to the people. Because when you talk to the families that were devastated, I would defy anybody to turn their back. My hope is he will see and experience what he needs to understand the importance of being a partner with us to rebuild. I, for one, don’t care if he talks to me.”

Palisades had the opportunity to receive Trump

Though everyone was clueless about the absence of the visit, Trump met the local leaders, his team cited the ‘draining of resources’ as a reason. The day was busy in Palisades with the fire-induced damage survey.

A local leader Judy Chu, D-Pasadena was eloquent about the visit and expressed gratitude about the meeting, which included other local leaders as well. She stated, “I do have to give President Trump credit for coming here within three days of his inauguration.”

Chu, after meeting both Trump and Congress members from both sides of the aisle, on Friday called the briefing ‘extraordinary’ in the backdrop of the challenging Presidential election. The meeting with the local leaders was described as sometimes friendly, sometimes contentious.  

Trump, while surveying the damaged areas termed the all-round devastation as ‘unbelievable.’ As shown by the live broadcasts of the TV reports, along with first lady, Melania Trump, The President toured the Pacific Palisades fire areas and was gifted a helmet by the firefighters there.

Chu will be again hosting a meeting of other leaders from the White House, representing many factions and political parties. She hopes that they visit the damaged areas, especially Altadena and Pasadena which have been affected greatly by the Eaton fire. Among the group might include Democratic and Republican leaders from Congress.

She was all for emphasizing the importance of the Presidential visit to these areas, as Altadena and Pasadena sheltered the working-class community. She said, “This (Altadena) is a working-class community and they need help, especially as we move now toward debris removal and rebuilding.”

As per her, “My role was to remind him he had not yet visited the Eaton fires of Altadena and Pasadena, where 9,500 structures have been burned. The devastation is unlike anything anybody has seen.” Yet she was hopeful that at least the disaster-related aid was discussed. Chu is also going to encourage Congress to visit the areas and assess for themselves the extent of loss to both life and property in her native place.  

Supporters apart, protestors too joined in to voice their disappointment on the cancellation of the Presidential visit. The latter were expressing their resentment on the absence of governmental support for those whose homes were burnt. The figures indicating massive devastation and loss of lives include 28 deaths, apart from 18,000 houses burnt, businesses and vehicles damaged and destroyed.

The Palisades fire claimed about 11 and the Eaton region followed with 17 deaths, as per the statement from the county medical examiner.

Trump felt it safe to blame the previous administration for the failure to address structural issues in California. The devastation, he said, happened due to, his again reiterated claim, ‘absence of any water from Pacific Northwest.’  

Yet, it is a fact that it was the weather with its winds creating more havoc than the failure of the previous administration. However, Trump seemed to suggest the main pivot of the federal aid rests on the establishment of the voter ID law and proper water management strategies.

The U.S. President while talking to reporters In North Carolina said, “I want to see two things in Los Angeles. Voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state.” Trump was present in the press briefing at the above location, where he was touring to oversee the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Later, he visited LA to survey the fire-affected areas. Amongst the protestors was the LA Fire Survivors Committee organizer, Daniel Garvin.