Fire Season

September 10, 2025

Bass, Villaraigosa, and the Politics of Fire: Failures, Influence, and Backroom Deals

The Palisades Fire exposed devastating weaknesses in Los Angeles leadership, with Mayor Karen Bass at the center of mounting criticism. Residents accused her administration

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Bass, Villaraigosa, and the Politics of Fire: Failures, Influence, and Backroom Deals

The Palisades Fire exposed devastating weaknesses in Los Angeles leadership, with Mayor Karen Bass at the center of mounting criticism. Residents accused her administration of failing to act decisively as flames spread, citing delays

September 10, 2025

Fire Season/News/Politics

Alex Villanueva
Sheriff Alex Villanueva, a 35-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the first challenger in over a century to unseat an incumbent when elected in 2018, led the nation’s largest sheriff’s department of nearly 18,000 sworn and professional staff through some of the most complex public safety challenges in America. His tenure was defined by integrity and reform, expanding transparency, holding countywide town halls, rebuilding recruitment and retention, and prioritizing compassionate solutions to homelessness and mental health while strengthening emergency preparedness during crises. A U.S. Air Force and National Guard veteran with advanced degrees in public administration, Villanueva has dedicated his life to service and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Now, with decades of experience and a proven record of leadership, he is running to reclaim the badge in 2026, determined to restore operational strength, rebuild public trust, and put Los Angeles County back on a safer path forward. Go to alexvillanueva2026.com for more information.
Cece Woods
The Current Report Editor in Chief Cece Woods founded The Local Malibu, an activism based platform in 2014. The publication was instrumental in the success of pro-preservation ballot measures and seating five top vote-getters in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Malibu City Council elections.During the summer of 2018, Woods exposed the two-year law enforcement cover-up in the Malibu Creek State Park Shootings, and a few short months later provided the most comprehensive local news coverage during the Woolsey Fire attracting over one million hits across her social media platforms.Since 2020, Woods was the only journalist reporting on the on-going public corruption involving former L.A. Metro CEO Phil Washington. Woods worked with Political Corruption expert Adam Loew, DC Watchdog organizations and leaders in the Capitol exposing Washington which ultimately led to the withdrawal of his nomination to head the FAA.Woods also founded Malibu based 90265 Magazine and Cali Mag devoted to the authentic southern California lifestyle.
Dale Hedges
Former Deputy Sheriff Dale Hedges graduated from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Academy Class 187 in October 1977. Hedges worked at Men’s County Jail, Firestone Sheriff’s Station, Lennox Sheriff’s Station, West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, Advanced Training Bureau, (Weapons Training), North Regional Surveillance and Apprehension Team (NORSAT). He retired from the LASD in April 1997.

Fire Season

Bass, Villaraigosa, and the Politics of Fire: Failures, Influence, and Backroom Deals

Bass, Villaraigosa, and the Politics of Fire: Failures, Influence, and Backroom Deals

What a Wicked Web He Weaves: Downey Council Member Under Fire After Mocking Charlie Kirk’s Assassination on Social Media

Bass, Villaraigosa, and the Politics of Fire: Failures, Influence, and Backroom Deals

Strong for Sheriff? More Like a Weak Candidate Incapable of Restoring the LASD to it’s Former Glory

What did and Didn’t Happen in the Rebecca Grossman Case: How Politics, Suppression, and Media Shaped a Murder Conviction

Alex Villanueva

Cece Woods

Dale Hedges