Focusing on the Homelessness Crisis Ignited a Catastrophe in the Palisades
Photo of Palisade’s fire/CALFire
The Southern Truth
By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
The focus on homelessness, compounded by multiple fires, has devastated homes and lives in several cities around Los Angeles, including Alta Dena and Pacific Palisades—a once-beautiful, tranquil enclave tucked away on a winding road, leading to an oasis of chic, historic homes and meticulously manicured yards near the Pacific Ocean. This is not a desolate valley of abandoned properties, nor a neighborhood of billion-dollar homes in decline. No. It is all gone now.
The Palisades, once shaded and serene, is lost—and it may never be the same again.
For many in Altadena, staying in their homes meant keeping the flames from their neighbors’ house from spreading. That process required a mix of wit and diligence — and consistent watering with garden hoses. Altadena, Calif. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Who is to blame for this destruction? Many point fingers at Mayor Karen Bass, while others blame Governor Gavin Newsom. But the truth is, regular people—those who understand the real dynamics—know who is truly responsible. James Breslo, a civil rights attorney, former partner at the international law firm Seyfarth Shaw, and host of the Hidden Truth Show podcast, is one of those people. He has extensive experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a clear-eyed perspective on what has happened to the Palisades and the larger problem at hand. Breslo’s recent commentary in The Daily Signal, titled “I Live in Pacific Palisades and I Know Who Caused the Fire,” immediately captured my attention. He writes with a matter-of-fact assurance, stating, “As officials investigate what caused Los Angeles’ devastating fires, I know the answer.” And that answer, according to Breslo, is simple: it was the homeless.
We Are Our Brother’s Keepers giving backpacks to homeless during one of their annual Christmas Backpack giveaway downtown on Skid Row. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
LAPD officer, on Thursday, June 1, 2023, removing homeless Black man from off the street at 54th & Crenshaw.
The original HHH was a beacon of light in the South Los Angeles community for the homeless and hungry who visited daily for resources and help provided by Dr. Landry and her team of helpers. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
A line of homeless Black people coming to get resources from Dr. Humphrey at the original HHH in the hood located then on Slauson Avenue near Arlington before there were Union Rescue Mission or any other mission that served Black people in Los Angeles. The idea was usurped and made into an initiative and a money pit to serve the rich. Now decades later what do we get? More homelessness and it is a mess. The Southern Truth Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Rev. Dr. Gloria Shell Mitchell standing by one her nonprofit organization’s empty beds that need to be filled but she say red tape is keeping them empty even after going to meeting after meeting. I was told about her when speaking to a homeless advocate T. Bailey. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
The administration’s obsession with addressing homelessness became the number one priority, consuming all available resources and time, while other critical needs—such as infrastructure—fell to the wayside. Why? Because the city, under court order to clean up its homeless crisis, prioritized short-term solutions that overlooked long-term consequences. What we’re left with now is nothing less than an atrocity: the loss of lives, the destruction of historic homes, and the devastation of entire communities, from the Palisades to Altadena’s historically Black neighborhoods.
LAPD officer inspecting a homeless encampment on 54th Street & Crenshaw in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 1, 2023.Black homelessness is an epidemic even though Black people are the lowest in population yet the highest number of homeless people. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Photo by Tyrone Cole of homeless disabled Black man in downtown L. A.
A homeless resident in Ladera Heights off LaCienega who says that he would rather be homeless than to be bound by all the insensitivity you get from going to homeless shelters in Los Angeles. He said he fell out on Centinela and LaBrea and was taken to Ronald Reagan Hospital and some doctors from Dubai was flown over to treat him at Cedar’s but he stop the treatment they were administering him because he didn’t like the way it made him feel. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Why did this happen? Because in the fight to address homelessness, crucial funds and resources were diverted away from essential infrastructure needs. There was no investment in things like maintaining adequate water reserves to fight fires. In fact, public money was misallocated to programs and initiatives that did not address the root cause of the problem. Instead of investing in what could have saved lives and property, resources were drained into a futile and ineffective battle against homelessness.
A mailbox and a citrus tree in blossom are among a few recognizable remains on this severely damaged property. Altadena, Calif. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Now, we see the tragic result: more and more homeless people—yes, but also a growing number of people who were once secure in their homes and neighborhoods. It’s no longer just the poor who are affected; the homeless crisis has begun to spread across communities in ways we never anticipated.
Palisade’s Fire Photo source: Flicker/CalFire
This is the truth that must be acknowledged. The neglect of vital infrastructure, in favor of political gestures, has led to destruction and loss that could have been prevented. And the blame for this disaster falls squarely on the shoulders of those who failed to prioritize the wellbeing of the people and the safety of the communities they are meant to protect.
The Southern Truth
