By Mike Bibb

Los Angeles skyline, Jan. 8, as out of control wildfires approach. Damages are in the billions of dollars.
If there ever was an example of Blue State ineptness, California and the Mayor of Los Angeles, are the poster child for the award.

A near total failure in governance and fire prevention.

While multiple wildfires burned in the Los Angeles vicinity, Democrat Mayor Karen Bass was thousands of miles away attending a function in Ghana, Africa.

Upon her return, media reporters questioned her absence during the emergency and what she planned to do in assisting efforts to control the inferno. Damages are now in the tens of billions of dollars.

She appeared dazed, confused and speechless.

Now, I'm not going to critique the apparent breakdown in California wildfire control strategies and tactics, other than to say in this particular situation there seemed to be too little, too late. The fire quickly spread out of control more rapidly than efforts to combat it could be mustered.

Why?

That's the question everyone is asking.

Wildfires in California are as common as earthquakes. They happen all the time. Particularly involving a phenomenon known as the "Santa Ana Winds." Which occur when certain weather conditions produce excessively strong wind currents roaring through mountain valleys around Los Angeles and adjacent communities.

These currents can reach hurricane speeds and blow for hours — sometimes days.

If, for some reason, a wildfire should be ignited during these times, it could be disastrous. As we're presently witnessing.

This isn't something new. Actually, similar to insurance companies cancelling hurricane coverage in hurricane prone states, it's reported California wildfire insurance is also being terminated, or becoming excessively expensive.

Reflecting insurance providers have grown tired of repeatedly paying out claims for damages caused by forces of nature or negligence. Then when repaired, people move right back and the cycle repeats.

Consequently, it would seem logical various county and city governments most affected by these fires would have ongoing plans and preparations in place to call upon when, and if, needed.

The L.A. area is home to millions of people. California is the most populous state in the Union, and a large percentage of that population resides in Southern California.

It is also one of the most taxed and regulated states in the Union. The cost of living is substantially higher, which is contributing to California's exit of people. Referred to as the "U-Haul Factor," meaning more self-moving vans and trucks are leaving California than entering.

Even the mega-dollar tech industry in Silicon Valley is seeing portions of its businesses moving out of state. It's simply become too expensive to make and sell their products.

Kind of a reverse from the old Gold Rush and Dust Bowl days.

Several suggestions have been proposed to divide the state into two or three individual states, as the political scene is distinctly different between the northern, middle and southern areas.

To date, Democrats are in the majority, reflecting California's Blue status. However, a sizable Republican presence also exists.

As a show of solidarity, differences between the two parties need to be put aside when the entire area is surrounded by a threat capable of destroying large sections of their communities.

Firefighting preparations are based upon a cause-and-effect need. If the likelihood of fire (cause) is constantly present, then manpower, equipment and supplies (need) should be available to counter the effects.

Therefore, since Santa Ana type fires are always possible, it stands to reason local governments in these regions need to be constantly upgrading fire departments and city services.

In L.A's case, it's been reported fire budgets have been reduced. The reasons are plenty, but the logic is elusive.

Likewise, some city fire hydrants were dry or not functioning. In a region of the country that borders an ocean, it seems almost incomprehensible there is a lack of water to fight fire.

Maybe, when the Mayor regains consciousness, she will offer explanations. That is, if she's not too busy putting out her own embers that are sure to kindle a major political maelstrom.