Sorrow and outrage at hearing for Palisades fire

Republicans” that was intended to bash Democrats.

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RESIDENTS Tom Doran, left, David Schwarz, Jessica Rogers and John Alle offer testimony during the Senate field hearing in Pacific Palisades on Thursday.

(MYUNG J. CHUN Los Angeles Times)

Most questions from the Republican senators focused on brush clearance, prescribed burns, evacuations and the allocation of state and local funds. At times, however, the questions rang a distinctly partisan note.

While interviewing residents, Johnson asserted that local government is diverting money that should be used for public safety and immigration enforcement.

Panelist John Alle, who manages properties in Santa Monica and the Westlake neighborhood and has been a vocal critic of efforts to address homelessness, blamed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for hiring incompetent people to run the fire department.

“I believe the Palisades fire was more than just a horrific tragedy,” Scott said. “It was an unacceptable failure of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.”

The panelists shared stories of a chaotic evacuation process with little direction from the city and the pain of losing a lifetime’s worth of memories. Some described the challenges and loss of dignity that seniors have faced while trying to rebuild.

Rachel Schwartz, a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor, said the funds she'll receive from her insurance company will cover only about half of what she needs to rebuild her home of 25 years. Many seniors in the Palisades are in the same position, she said.

“Senators, I am not asking for pity,” she said. “I am asking for help. Not just for me, but for everyone who has lost their homes and feels forgotten.”