When Covid-19 descended with unrelenting force in 2019, it exposed not only the alarming unpreparedness of our government but also the fear gripping many in positions of leadership. Decisions on protective mask mandates shifted with political whims, sowing confusion and distrust. While the Food and Drug Administration ultimately expedited vaccine approvals, life-saving treatments that could have stemmed the tide of fatalities remained mired in bureaucratic red tape.
The same level of unpreparedness from leaders was on display this past month where, despite warnings of unprecedented winds in Los Angeles County, Southern California Edison (SCE) failed to de-energize power lines, leading to catastrophic consequences. Multiple fires erupted simultaneously, and to compound the tragedy, fire hoses ran dry. Stripped of their most basic tool, firefighters could only watch as vast swaths of Los Angeles County were reduced to ash.
‘Familiar spectacle of blame-shifting’
Now, as the embers cool, we are witnessing the familiar spectacle of blame-shifting. The truth, however, is stark and undeniable: everyone knew the winds would reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. SCE should have de-energized the lines at the first sign of danger.
The analysis required is straightforward – real-time wind speeds from the weather service matched against the moment power lines were de-energized. It’s not rocket science. Yet, instead of focusing on this simple question, SCE diverts attention with irrelevant narratives about potential fire sources, like homeless encampments.
The deeper question is why SCE was ever entrusted with this life-and-death decision in the first place. Public safety should not hinge on the judgment of an anonymous employee at a private company with a track record of neglect. This is a responsibility that belongs squarely to the County of Los Angeles and its cities.
In Lancaster, we have learned from previous disasters and refuse to wait for others to act. Our fire department has the authority to order power lines de-energized when public safety is at risk.
Implementing safeguards
As a safeguard, our public works department also holds this power. We don’t leave these critical decisions to entities whose priorities may not align with the public good.
While the decision to cut power may anger some residents, true leadership is not about popularity or photo ops. It’s about doing what is right, even when it’s politically inconvenient. This is a critical lesson for all California leaders to keep in mind so we can collectively be prepared for the next wildfire or other disaster.
The toughest decisions rarely come with tangible proof of their success. When California acts decisively – repairing fire trucks promptly, ensuring critical gas pumps function during grid failures, or installing costly emergency generators at water stations – disasters are averted, and lives are spared. These proactive measures may strain budgets and limit funding for more visible programs, but the alternative was unthinkable but is now obvious.
As we’ve seen in 2018 with the Malibu fires and now this past month, cities burn when leadership fails. And leadership, above all else, means having the courage to make the hard choices before horrific things happen.
Mayor R. Rex Parris, a Lancaster native, has led the city since 2008. Under his leadership, the city has achieved an 84% reduction in gang violence, a downtown revitalization and the creation of Lancaster Choice Energy, which provides residents with affordable green power. Lancaster also became the world’s first “net zero” city. Parris has been named one of the most influential mayors in America by GQ and praised by Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy for his innovative approach to governance. Beyond his role as mayor, Parris is a trial attorney known for securing landmark victories in personal injury and consumer protection cases. He and his wife, Carrol, have donated millions to education and medical research, including funding CarthroniX, a biotech firm developing groundbreaking treatments for arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis and cancer.
