Elizabeth Chambers, a prominent Hollywood figure, has vocally criticized Los Angeles city officials for their handling of the deadly fires that have ravaged parts of the city since January 7, 2025.
Fox News reported that Chambers described the governmental response as disastrously unprepared, contrasting sharply with private efforts to mitigate damage in specific areas.
The fires, which broke out early this month, have already caused significant devastation. Over 30 individuals have been declared missing, and the death toll currently stands at 27.
Amidst this chaos, Chambers was forced to evacuate her home, taking essential documents and sentimental family photos.
During her evacuation, Chambers observed and criticized the emergency responses firsthand. She highlighted the actions of Rick Caruso, a former mayoral candidate, who managed to protect Palisades Village from the flames.
According to Chambers, Palisades Village remained "eerily untouched" by the disaster, thanks to Caruso's efforts. "The music is still playing in Palisades Village as if it's Disneyland and everything around it is destruction," she said, questioning the adequacy and speed of the broader citywide response.
Caruso himself has been vocal about the city's handling of the situation, particularly criticizing the inadequate water supply for firefighting.
He pointed out a critical shortfall: "There's no water in the Palisades. There's no water coming out of the fire hydrants," Caruso told Fox11 Los Angeles, pinpointing this failure as a clear example of mismanagement, though he absolved the firefighters from blame.
When discussing her evacuation, Chambers detailed her prioritization of what to take as she left her home. Important identity documents and irreplaceable family photos were her choices.
She also shared insights into her approach to discussing the crisis with her children, aimed at maintaining calm and ensuring safety. "If the captain of the plane is panicking, the passengers are panicking," she explained, emphasizing the need for stable leadership in crises.
Chambers further elaborated on her communication strategy with her children. She advocates for transparency and reassurance in tough times. Acknowledging the severity of their situation, she reassures them of their family’s unity and security regardless of external circumstances.
In response to the crisis, Chambers leverages her bakery, Bird Bakery, to aid the affected. They have introduced a "Cupcake for a Cause," a strawberry lemonade-flavored treat, reflecting her intent to turn a difficult situation into a positive action.
She explained that the flavor choice signifies turning lemons into lemonade, nodding to California’s abundant strawberry production.
The initiative has seen early success, with significant sales contributing directly to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. "It's a vanilla cake with sliced strawberries folded in and lemon buttercream," she described, highlighting the sweetness of the contribution to relief efforts.
Chambers noted the personal impact of the fires on her family, stating they had been evacuated for over a week, still uncertain about the fate of their home.
"This has truly been the most devastating unthinkable for so many, and this is our chance to help," she noted, signaling her commitment to both her immediate and extended community during these trying times.
Through her efforts both as a parent and a philanthropist, Elizabeth Chambers embodies a responsive and responsible approach to crisis management, challenging city officials to step up their efforts while directly contributing to support and recovery initiatives.