The recent Los Angeles wildfire research by the UCLA Latino Politics Institute (LPPI) was the focus of a media briefing hosted on March 5 at UCLA.  Dr. Silvia González, LPPI’s director of research and representatives from the Institute of Popular Education of Southern California (IDEPSCA), an organization that has been on the front lines of wildfire support and recovery efforts, led the program.

In attendance were visiting journalists from across the country from the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources (IJNR), an organization dedicated to helping journalists understand and report on the intersections between society and the environment. The session began with a presentation, where LPPI’s latest wildfire research was highlighted.

“The motivation behind this research was the lack of media coverage of Latino and Latino workers,” González said. “We wanted to shift that narrative and provide data points to our partners on the ground so they were better informed about how to focus the recovery efforts.”

Wildfires’ Reach into Latino Lives

Among the research findings highlighted, over 74,000 Latinos—23% of the 324,000 Angelenos in LA’s evacuation zones—were impacted by wildfires. More than 35,000 Latino jobs, or 36% of the 98,000 affected, were disrupted, with Latinos comprising 84% of LA County construction workers and 85% of household workers—roles vital to rebuilding. 

At the onset of the wildfires, IDEPSCA and other Los Angeles community organizations played a critical role in supporting day laborers and Latino families affected by these disasters. They distributed N-95 masks, set up food banks, provided educational materials about health and the dangers of smoke inhalation, and informed day laborers about their legal rights.

“We saw that many of the day laborers we connected with early on when the wildfires were spreading were not aware of the severity of the situation, Guadalupe Garcia, program manager at IDEPSCA. “Much of the information out there was in English, which makes it difficult for them to access the resources and support they need. It wasn’t until we provided educational materials in Spanish and with constant outreach that they began to understand the dangers and take necessary precautions.”

IDEPSCA’s work ensures that day laborers, who are often overlooked, receive the necessary protection and information during disasters like wildfires.

The briefing was part of a week-long IJNR program spanning San Diego and Los Angeles, immersing 15 journalists from outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and National Public Radio (NPR) in Southern California’s wildfire story. Paired with site visits and LPPI’s data, the session equipped reporters with insights to highlight the wildfires’ impact on Latino and underserved communities most affected.