Ms. Bass, a longtime state and federal lawmaker, was seen as a pragmatic leader before the fires. But many Los Angeles residents are looking for something bolder at the moment.

Gov. Gavin Newsom told the president that California needed his help, and President Trump said he would work to “get something completed.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom faces what may be his greatest political test and leadership challenge. He planned to greet President Trump upon his arrival in Southern California on Friday.

Who’s in charge? The muddled jurisdiction of Los Angeles leaves a critical question in doubt.

Rebuilding areas ravaged by wildfires will present a daunting challenge, but the flip side could be the “compelling image of a city emerging from the ashes.”