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The Los Angeles Fireplace Division Basis paid a star public relations agency to assist high LAFD officers handle their picture after the lethal Palisades Fireplace, at the same time as division leaders publicly complained they lacked funds for fundamental firefighting wants.
The muse, which raised tens of millions of {dollars} for gear and coaching, quietly employed the Lede Firm — whose shoppers embody stars like Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron and Rihanna — to help with communications following a fireplace that killed 12 individuals and destroyed 1000’s of houses, the Los Angeles Occasions reported.
The spending is drawing scrutiny as a result of it had little to do with firefighting itself, at a time when the division mentioned it was struggling to afford engines, staffing, and different core assets wanted to maintain the town protected.
The revelation comes because the LAFD faces criticism for altering its after-action report on the hearth in ways in which downplayed failures in preparation and response. The division declined to say how a lot was paid to the PR agency or what particular work it carried out, the Occasions reported.
Businessman Rick Caruso, a significant donor to the muse, mentioned he’ll search an audit to make sure his contributions weren’t used on public relations, saying donations had been meant “for the safety and repair of the town of Los Angeles,” not for a PR agency. Caruso just lately threw within the towel on his potential runs for LA mayor and California governor.
“The donation that our household made to the muse is particularly meant for and restricted to the safety and repair of the town of Los Angeles,” Caruso instructed the LA Occasions. “I don’t need the cash we donated going to a PR agency.”
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