After the devastating fires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena back in January, a high-profile, star-studded benefit concert was held. The hoi polloi were told that money donated was to help the victims “directly” with nothing going to “administrative” costs. Six months later and?

The FireAid hype back in January was all in, a concert driven by the likes of Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish and Rod Stewart. It was carried by multiple outlets and streamed online.

FireAid was the feel-good event of the new year ostensibly to help the thousands of individuals and families burned out of their homes and businesses. However, the $100,000,000 was not, has not been, distributed directly to victims by FireAid. Regardless of the sales-pitch to donors, the direct beneficiaries of the fundraisers have been “non-profit organizations”.

Especially after the revelations of the corruption in the USAID program, with millions upon millions of dollars disappearing into a web of interconnected NGOs with no competent accountability, questions about FireAid’s funds have bubbled up.

now wildfire victims have been asking where all this fundraised support has gone. One person trying to come up with some answers about how victims can receive direct financial help is LA-based investigative journalist Sue Pascoe, who runs the site Circling The News.

In a recent TV interview, Pascoe shared her experience reaching out to the Annenberg Foundation, which was tasked with distributing funds, this past April. The foundation responded that the money raised was intended for specifically nonprofits, not individuals affected by the fires. Pascoe points out there’s a large variety of organizations that received funds, some more seemingly credible than others, but it’s not disclosed how much each nonprofit is given.

In the video, they discuss what passes for vetting the non-profits on FireAid — a one-page, six-question submission form. No where on the site is how actual victim can seek out and apply for relief from any of these non-profits.

Americans showed amazing generosity in giving $100 million to support LA fire victims. Now we've learned the money went to non-profits promoting "civic engagement" and "multi-generational power building." Some don't even operate in LA. We need answers and accountability. https://t.co/gbsPK1w6t8

— Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) July 23, 2025

And it’s not like this shell game with FireAid donations is taking place in a vacuum. The mishandling of the Palisades/Eaton fires, both prior to the fires and the bureaucratic nightmares following it, are legion. As of today, July 24, the combined Palisades/Eaton 12,000 parcels destroyed, 130 building permits have been issued. In the Palisades alone, 14 building permits. Let that sink in. In seven months since the Palisades turned into a smoking moonscape FOURTEEN BUILDING PERMITS have been issued.

Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass EXPOSED, they lied

Contractor walks into the City of LA One Stop Rebuilding Center handling the Pacific Palisades fires permits to speak directly to the source

– Building permits ARE NOT being issued
– Permit Fees ARE NOT WAIVED
– They can’t… pic.twitter.com/iXL1nDvF4H

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) June 29, 2025

And if that insult to the families isn’t enough, we have witnessed the California Democrats, including Hairgel Newsom, salivating to seize what property they can for “low-income housing”.

You know, for the inclusiveness, diversity and sustainability of Los Angeles. Let’s look at some more of that cultural enrichment diversity brings, eh?

Squatters taking over lots in LA Fire zones. Property owners helpless. pic.twitter.com/YKMwPIGaGf

— Luke Melchior (@LukeMelchior307) July 21, 2025

On one hand victims have to battle City Hall to rebuild their own homes, on the other they now have to secure the ashes of those homes with fencing to keep squatters out.

I said within a few hours of the Palisades fire that the neighborhood would never be allowed to build back to the way it was.

I hate being right.

featured image original graphic by Darleen Click