On Tuesday, January 7th, two major fires tore through Southern California—the Palisades and Eaton fires. Their rapid, devastating paths displaced thousands and caused billions in damages. Why did these fires happen? Who was most affected? We explore LA’s budget priorities, disaster preparedness, and the systemic issues behind recent fires. From underfunded fire departments to rising costs of living and policy failures, we discuss how politics shape everyday life—whether you vote or not. Stay tuned for part two!