Opinion | Los Angeles Is Being Crushed Under the Weight of Inaction

We received the evacuation alert on Wednesday night. The fire suddenly emerged and posed a threat to Hollywood. I quickly took our son out of the bathtub. We hurried into the car and drove north, passing by two other fires, amidst smoke, sirens, traffic jams, and chaos, with flames visible on the horizon in all directions.

Many describe the scenes in Los Angeles as resembling those from a movie. However, in reality, movies require a protagonist. Every on-screen apocalypse features a leader. So, where is ours?

The fires have devastated entire communities, leaving thousands homeless. Many more have been displaced, and looters are taking advantage of the situation. The constant alerts from Watch Duty, a wildfire-tracking app, continue to sound as I write this, with new fires erupting and existing ones spreading, while the winds intensify once again. Will the next alert indicate that our neighborhood, street, or school is next?

I wish for a miraculous intervention to alter this narrative or for the real-estate developer and aspiring mayor Rick Caruso to redirect the fountain at his mall, The Grove. For now, I would settle for some assurance that there is a plan in place. It may be a harrowing experience, but we will survive this. Los Angeles will endure and rebuild. Together. We need someone to step up and lead.

According to screenwriters, a protagonist does not have to be flawless. In fact, we prefer them to be imperfect, as long as they are relatable.

While I may not be able to keep up with Rudy Giuliani’s legal troubles, I remember how he stood at Ground Zero after Sept. 11 and reassured a devastated city that the terrorist attacks would only make us stronger. Can someone — anyone — do the same for Los Angeles amidst the Pacific Palisades or Pasadena destruction?

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré took charge in New Orleans, earning praise for his leadership. The city needed a strong figure to guide them through the crisis. Where is our equivalent in Los Angeles?

During the early days of the Covid pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York held daily briefings that became crucial for the public. While he faced controversy later on, his initial response provided a sense of reassurance and direction. Los Angeles is in need of similar leadership.

While heroism is present in Los Angeles through the efforts of firefighters, first responders, and volunteers, the city lacks a unifying figure who can provide both confident words and decisive action in times of crisis.

Upon Mayor Karen Bass’s return from Ghana, she faced criticism for her handling of the emergency situation and had to address public concerns. Her interactions with Chief Kristin M. Crowley were scrutinized, and her leadership abilities were questioned.

Despite her assurances of getting through the crisis together, a petition calling for Mayor Bass’s recall due to perceived failure in leadership had gained significant traction. The public’s trust in her ability to lead was waning.

In a viral video, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response to a distressed Angeleno raised questions about his priorities. The lack of a clear plan and effective communication from leadership has left many feeling frustrated and abandoned.

Amidst political finger-pointing and blame games, the people of Los Angeles are left grappling with uncertainty and fear. The absence of strong, decisive leadership is glaring, leaving residents to seek solace in unofficial channels for information and support.

In times of crisis, Americans are forgiving and resilient, but they also demand transparency and strong leadership. The current situation in Los Angeles calls for a leader who can provide a sense of direction and security amid the chaos and devastation.

Watching our city engulfed in flames and our lives upended, we yearn for someone who prioritizes the well-being of the community over personal gain. We need a figure who can communicate a clear plan of action and instill confidence in the population.

California’s complex governance and diverse population present unique challenges, but history has shown that strong leadership is essential in times of crisis. The absence of a unifying figure in Los Angeles has only exacerbated the sense of uncertainty and helplessness among residents.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of the fires and the ongoing challenges, the need for a decisive and authoritative leader is more pressing than ever. We cannot afford to wait any longer for someone to step up and take charge.

While I do not advocate for authoritarian leadership, I recognize the necessity for strong and assertive guidance in times of crisis. Leaders who can make tough decisions and provide a sense of direction are crucial in navigating through monumental challenges.

Every day brings new devastation and heartache as we witness our city and lives being consumed by the fires. The lack of effective leadership leaves us feeling adrift, seeking information and support through unconventional means.

At this moment, we need someone who prioritizes the well-being of the community above all else. We require a leader who can step forward with a plan and a sense of authority to guide us through this dark period. Whether it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger or another figure, we need someone who can provide the leadership that Los Angeles so desperately needs.

Amy Chozick, a screenwriter and executive producer based in Los Angeles, is the author of “Chasing Hillary,” which she adapted into the Max series, “The Girls on the Bus.”

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