Kristin Crowley: Last News

passed her firefighter exam) or that the department’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives took money away from firefighting efforts.Experts believe that the wildfires currently ravaging Southern California are caused by climate change, which has altered wind and rain patterns in the region, and, when combined with a lack of rainfall, hot Santa Ana winds that have dehydrated vegetation, and a series of extended droughts that have plagued California in recent years, creates fires that are more severe and harder to contain.Additionally, the Los Angeles infrastructure contains an abundance of flammable materials, including low-hanging power cables and wooden telephone poles, that make perfect fuel for a fire. Due to these conditions, any small spark can lead to an out-of-control fire.Still, according to conservative news outlets, the wildfires are an example of “death by DEI,” in which either allegedly unqualified individuals are promoted to positions where they are ineffective in stopping natural disasters or preventable crimes, or where people in positions of power have prioritized diversifying their workforce over promoting people on “merit.”Newsmax host Rob Finnerty claimed last week that Crowley was “incompetent” at her job, citing, as evidence for this claim, the fact that the Los Angeles city website notes she is the first female and LGBTQ fire chief in the city’s history.Finnerty appeared to link Crowley’s sexual orientation to DEI, alleging that Crowley was more concerned about promoting pro-diversity hiring efforts than preparing for “wildfire season” by ensuring there was enough water in fire hydrants.