🗞️☀️ Fires Decimate Los Angeles, NYC Congestion Pricing Pros and Cons, and The Trump Ring Kissing Continues

Good morning. It’s Friday, January 10.

Today, we are covering the devastating fires in Los Angeles, the outcry against New York City’s congestion pricing policy, Mark Zuckerberg rolling back fact-checking, and much more.

But first, I wanted to share some thoughts on the fires in Los Angeles, a place I’ve called home for the past eight years. I moved to LA right after turning 30. Fresh out of a relationship, leaving behind my old job, and ready for a new chapter—LA was my reset button. I needed a change, but figured I’d be here for maybe four or five years before heading back to New York. Fast forward eight years, and here I am: a LA homeowner, an entrepreneur, and the proud dad of a two-year-old son. I didn’t see that coming! But honestly, it’s hard to leave a place that shows you so much love and keeps its arms open.

I love this city. LA has given me space to grow, evolve, and dream in ways I never imagined. That’s why watching it go up in flames this past week was heartbreaking. But it was also a powerful reminder of why I love this place so much. Seeing neighbors and strangers alike step up to help each other—that’s the LA I know. Neighbors staying behind to save another’s home, someone risking their safety to rescue an elderly neighbor left behind, businesses transforming into disaster relief centers, offering free food and clothing to first responders and displaced families, people opening their doors to strangers and rescuing pets—that’s the heart of this city. That’s the LA I fell in love with.

And yeah, I’m forever a New Yorker—I’ll always have that energy. But this city adopted me and made me who I am today. It taught me resilience in a different way. It helped me rebuild at one of my lowest moments, and it’s given me friendships, opportunities, and memories I wouldn’t trade for anything. Even though the Dodgers have a weird obsession with beating up on my Mets, I can’t stay mad at them because LA has become home. To see people coming together in the middle of a crisis—helping each other without hesitation—that’s what this city is about. And it’s why, no matter what, it’ll always have a piece of my heart. To all of my LA friends, please stay safe and continue looking out for one another. I’ve included ways to help and resources below.

Ways to Help:

• Baby2Baby is accepting donations to support children impacted by the wildfires

• GoFundMe has compiled a list of verified fundraisers for people impacted by the ongoing wildfires

• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is accepting donations to support firefighters on the front lines. The foundation is seeking monetary donations, wildland brush tools, hydration backpacks and emergency fire shelters.

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting donations and looking for volunteers

• Pasadena Humane Society is looking for animal supplies, including food, water bowls, extra-large crates, and blankets. Anyone able to donate these items can drop them off at the donation bin in the shelter’s front parking lot.

• World Central Kitchen, spearheaded by chef José Andrés, has a relief team in Southern California to assist first responders and families. The organization is accepting donations to support the ongoing relief effort.

Resources for those impacted:

• 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary housing for people displaced from their homes due to wildfires

• Infatuation LA has compiled a list of restaurants in the Los Angeles area that are offering shelter or free meals to first responders and evacuees

• Planet Fitness is offering evacuees and first responders free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and WiFi. Offer is valid until January 15 Please contact your nearest Planet Fitness for more information.

• Local hotels are also offering discounted rates, with more information available here and here

• If you need food assistance in Los Angeles County, check out this map to find food near you

• Those impacted by the wildfires can get 30 days of free U-Haul self-storage or U-Box container rentals at one of 92 locations

• The Los Angeles County Access Center is open and operational 24/7 as the entry point for mental health services, information and referrals. Call 1-800-854-7771

• Information on dealing with your insurance company, including on issues of rebuilding, can be found here

Best,

Rashad Drakeford

Co-Founder & Publisher, Good Diet

P.S.: If you like what Good Diet is building and curating, share our subscribe URL with a friend. You can always send feedback directly to me at [email protected].

Why are the LA fires so intense?

The wildfires tearing through Los Angeles right now aren’t just a random event—they’re the result of a dangerous mix of extreme weather and bigger environmental issues that have been building up for years. Unusually strong Santa Ana winds, a bone-dry winter, and the lasting effects of climate change have set the stage for what’s becoming one of the most destructive fire seasons we’ve seen. Experts are sounding the alarm: this isn’t just a bad year—it’s part of a growing trend of longer, more intense fire seasons fueled by rising temperatures and unpredictable weather.

• Santa Ana Winds Create Critical Fire Weather: The notorious Santa Ana winds have been a major catalyst in spreading the wildfires. With gusts reaching up to 100 mph, these winds fuel rapid fire expansion by drying out vegetation and creating ember storms that can ignite new blazes miles away. Historically, Santa Ana wind events have contributed to California’s most severe fire outbreaks.

• Lack of Rainfall Extends Fire Season: Southern California’s failure to receive typical winter rainfall has left the landscape exceptionally dry. Normally, rains by November would saturate vegetation and reduce fire risk, but this year’s drought conditions have extended fire season into January. Climate scientists note that this kind of precipitation shortfall is highly unusual and dangerous.

• Climate Change Intensifies the Threat: Rising global temperatures are making wildfires more frequent and destructive. Warmer conditions dry out vegetation faster, while longer periods of drought create highly flammable environments. Researchers estimate that human-driven climate change has increased the burned area in California by 172% since the 1970s, making fire seasons longer and more severe.

• Vegetation Growth Followed by Drought Creates Perfect Fuel: The Los Angeles region experienced two unusually wet winters in 2022 and 2023, leading to significant vegetation growth. However, the sharp return to drought this year turned that lush growth into dry, combustible fuel. With no rain to dampen the landscape, grasses, shrubs, and trees ignited easily, providing ample material for the fires to spread rapidly.

The Bass Blame Game

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that have scorched parts of the city. Critics have accused her of mishandling fire preparedness, particularly around claims of budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and issues with water supply in hard-hit areas like Pacific Palisades. While Bass has pushed back on the misinformation surrounding these accusations, the heightened emotions and political tensions have made it difficult to separate fact from fiction during the crisis, so we took a stab at clearing it up.

• LAFD Budget Misconceptions: Bass entered office facing fiscal headwinds, with city revenues falling short of projections. To address pressing needs—including homelessness and public safety—her administration reallocated portions of the general budget. Despite accusations that the mayor cut the LAFD’s budget to fund a new police contract, city officials clarified that the fire budget actually increased by $50 million year-over-year. Critics latched onto an inaccurate claim made by Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, which spread widely online before being corrected. A separate reserve fund had been set aside for the department while contract negotiations were underway, but the nuance was lost in the public backlash.

• Cal Fire’s Increased Budget and State-Local Coordination: In fiscal year 2024-2025, Cal Fire's budget increased to $3.7 billion, up from $3.1 billion the previous year, reflecting the state’s heightened investment in wildfire mitigation and response. This boost in funding supports over 7,500 personnel, new fire engines, and expanded use of aerial firefighting assets. In coordination with local agencies, including LAFD, Cal Fire provides critical resources during major wildfires, particularly when blazes exceed the capacity of municipal departments.

• Water Supply and Firefighting Challenges: Reports about dry fire hydrants crippling firefighting efforts were also refuted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Officials confirmed that the area’s three water tanks were filled to capacity, but unprecedented demand—four times the typical usage—quickly drained resources. The high winds prevented the use of aerial firefighting, putting enormous pressure on ground-based efforts.

• Extreme Weather and Expert Analysis: Fire experts noted that the conditions—a 70-mile-per-hour windstorm combined with dry vegetation and no air support—created an almost impossible firefighting scenario. One retired battalion chief likened the effort to “trying to fight a 200-foot-tall dragon with a tiny little sword.” Experts stressed that while preparation and funding are important, the reality is that fires driven by such intense winds are difficult to control until natural barriers or weather changes slow their spread.

• Bass’ Response to Criticism: Bass acknowledged the spread of misinformation, attributing it to heightened emotions during a crisis that impacted many Angelenos directly. She urged the public to seek out accurate information, while also emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the fire conditions and limited options available to firefighters given the extreme weather.

California’s Insurance Crisis

The devastating wildfires tearing through parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas are shining a harsh spotlight on California’s already fragile home-insurance market. Even before the fires erupted, homeowners faced skyrocketing premiums, policy cancellations, and limited options in fire-prone regions. Now, with estimated losses from the fires potentially exceeding $50 billion, concerns are mounting about the long-term availability and affordability of insurance in the Golden State.

• The Insurance Market Already in Crisis: Even before the wildfires broke out, California’s home-insurance market was in a state of crisis. Insurers like State Farm and Allstate had already scaled back or halted new policies, citing unmanageable risks from increasingly severe wildfire seasons. In 2023, non-renewals impacted tens of thousands of homeowners, with State Farm alone announcing plans to drop 30,000 property policies in Pacific Palisades, affecting nearly 70% of homes in the area.

• The FAIR Plan’s Growth and Strain: The FAIR Plan, designed as a last resort for homeowners denied private coverage, has seen its policies surge by 85% in Pacific Palisades over the past year, now covering nearly 1,500 properties. Offering only basic fire and smoke protection, it forces homeowners to buy costly supplemental policies to meet lender requirements. With its exposure exceeding $450 billion and massive claims expected, fears are rising that private insurers may further retreat, making coverage even scarcer and more expensive.

• Regulatory Efforts and Insurer Concerns: California regulators have recently approved steep home-insurance rate hikes—some exceeding 30%—in an attempt to stabilize the market and entice insurers to return. New rules will allow insurers to factor in projected wildfire risks and the cost of reinsurance. Despite these efforts, experts worry that the scale of losses from the current fires could undermine progress and push insurers further away from high-risk areas.

• Impact on Homeowners and Future Outlook: For many homeowners, the rising costs of insurance—combined with the fear of future fires—raise existential questions about whether owning property in fire-prone areas is worth it. With insurers expected to reassess their wildfire risk appetite after this latest disaster, affordability and access to coverage may worsen. Consumer advocates warn that unless the fires are quickly contained, progress toward market stabilization could be derailed, leaving many Californians without viable options for protecting their homes.

NYC Congestion Plan: The Good and The Bad

New York City’s congestion pricing plan is officially live, making it the first city in the U.S. to adopt a toll on drivers entering busy parts of Manhattan. The goal? Cut down on traffic and pollution while raising around $1 billion annually for overdue upgrades to the city’s aging public transit system. While cities like London and Stockholm have seen success with similar models, NYC’s rollout has sparked heated debate. On one hand, this could mean cleaner air and faster trains. On the other, many worry it could hit working-class communities and small businesses the hardest.

The Pros:

• Reduced Traffic & Cleaner Air: Traffic congestion isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous for your health. The MTA projects a 13-15% reduction in vehicles entering the congestion zone, which could bring significant health benefits to nearby neighborhoods. A study in Stockholm, where congestion pricing was introduced in 2007, found that air pollution dropped by 5-15%, leading to fewer hospital visits for asthma and cardiovascular issues. If NYC sees similar results, this could be a game-changer for communities.

• Investing in Public Transit: Congestion pricing isn’t just about traffic—it’s about cash flow. The projected $1 billion per year will go toward modernizing subway signals, adding elevators to stations for accessibility, and expanding electric bus fleets. More reliable trains and buses mean fewer people feeling forced to drive into the city. For context, only 25% of NYC subway stations are currently wheelchair accessible, and outdated signal systems still cause constant delays. If this money is spent right, it could make public transit a real alternative for more people.

The Cons:

• Financial Burden on Working-Class Commuters: The $9 daily toll may not seem like much to some, but for working-class commuters, especially those coming in from areas with fewer transit options, it adds up. Someone driving into Manhattan five days a week could be paying over $2,000 a year in tolls. Critics argue that this disproportionately impacts low-income drivers who rely on their cars for work—delivery drivers, tradespeople, and healthcare workers, for example. Without meaningful discounts or exemptions, this toll risks widening the economic divide in a city already struggling with affordability.

• Impact on Small Businesses: Small businesses in the city, particularly those relying on deliveries or service vehicles, could take a hit. Increased delivery costs from companies like UPS and FedEx will likely be passed down to both businesses and consumers. A report from the Partnership for New York City noted that nearly 70% of small businesses already cite rising costs as a major challenge, and the congestion toll may add more pressure. For businesses on slim margins, this could hurt their ability to compete.

• Potential Spillover Effects on Poorer Communities: There’s real concern about spillover traffic into outer boroughs as drivers seek to dodge the tolls by rerouting. The South Bronx, for example, already bears the brunt of pollution from highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway, which is one of the most congested routes in the country. More cars cutting through these areas could worsen air quality and increase accidents. Studies from other cities with congestion pricing show mixed results on spillover, so NYC will need to keep a close watch to avoid unintended harm.

Final Take:

Congestion pricing could be a win for the city—if it delivers on its promises. Cleaner air, fewer cars, and a more reliable subway system sound great, but they’ve got to make sure they are not leaving everyday people behind. That means transparency on where the revenue goes, ensuring outer borough communities don’t suffer from spillover traffic, and offering relief for low-income drivers and small businesses. Without that, this could end up being another policy that looks good on paper but hurts the very people it’s supposed to help. Let’s hope the city gets it right.

Meta Goes All In On Trump

Meta is making some controversial moves that signal a significant shift in its political strategy. After years of fact-checking misinformation and pushing back on Trump, the company is now changing leadership and eliminating third-party fact-checking. Critics see this as a calculated pivot—an attempt to survive in a political climate increasingly hostile toward Big Tech. Whether this shift shields Meta from regulatory heat or damages public trust, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about tech—it’s about power and survival.

• Board Changes Suggest Political Alignment: Dana White, a known Trump ally, was appointed to Meta’s board just weeks before Trump’s inauguration. While White is primarily recognized for his work with the UFC, his close ties to Trump raise questions about Meta’s future direction. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to build connections with key figures in Trump’s orbit, potentially securing political favor as regulatory battles loom.

• Leadership Shakeup Signals a New Direction: Meta recently replaced its head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, with Joel Kaplan, a well-connected Republican lobbyist and longtime Trump ally. This leadership change underscores a deliberate strategy shift as Meta looks to manage political pressures from a GOP-controlled White House and Congress.

• Elimination of Third-Party Fact-Checking: In a controversial decision, Meta has scrapped its third-party fact-checking program in favor of a "community notes" system similar to X’s. Critics worry this could lead to a surge in misinformation, especially in a charged political environment. The timing is notable, given Trump’s history with misinformation and Meta’s prior struggles moderating his posts during his presidency.

• The Regulatory Gamble: At the heart of Meta’s pivot seems to be a gamble on reducing regulatory risks. With antitrust scrutiny and content moderation laws in flux, aligning with the new administration may help Meta avoid aggressive crackdowns. However, it’s a risky play—if public trust continues to erode due to perceived bias or unchecked misinformation, it could backfire, harming both its reputation and user base.

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“Several major wildfires are raging in and around Los Angeles today. In this episode, we explain why the cost of fighting these blazes has ballooned. We’ll also hear about what makes urban wildfires particularly dangerous and destructive.”

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Masters of Scale: How Oura Ring is Redefining Health Tech, with CEO Tom Hale (Listen)

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