L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Faces Intense Criticism as City Burns

Bright orange flames against a dark background.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces intense scrutiny as wildfires ravage the city, causing billions in damage and forcing mass evacuations.

At a Glance

  • California wildfires have caused an estimated $52-$57 billion in damages in the Los Angeles area.
  • Mayor Karen Bass criticized for $17 million budget cut to LA Fire Department and absence during crisis.
  • Over 1,500 properties destroyed and more than 100,000 residents evacuated.
  • Critics, including LA Times owner and former mayoral candidate, demand accountability.
  • Governor Newsom declares state of emergency as fires remain uncontained.

Devastating Wildfires Engulf Los Angeles

California is battling some of its most ferocious wildfires to date, with the Los Angeles area emerging as a critical focal point. The fires have wreaked havoc, destroying over 1,500 properties and forcing more than 100,000 residents to evacuate as of this writing. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as containment efforts struggle against the unrelenting blaze.

The economic impact of these wildfires is staggering, with damages estimated between $52 and $57 billion, marking them as historically destructive. This unprecedented crisis threatens long-term effects on the region’s economic health and environmental integrity, placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure.

Mayor Bass Under Fire for Budget Cuts and Absence

As the crisis unfolds, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass finds herself at the center of a political firestorm. Bass is facing severe backlash due to previous budget cuts to the fire department and her absence during the initial stages of the wildfire crisis. The mayor cut $17 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget, leaving it with $819.6 million for the fiscal year 2023–2024.

Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, criticized Bass’s handling of the city during the Pacific Palisades fires, emphasizing that “competence matters.” Soon-Shiong’s statement highlighted the budget cut, although he cited a $23 million reduction when the actual cut was closer to $17 million.

Criticism Mounts Over Mayor’s Absence

Adding fuel to the fire, Mayor Bass faced criticism for being out of the country in Africa when the wildfires began. She was on a diplomatic mission in Ghana and returned on a military jet as the crisis escalated. Critics argue that Bass should have returned earlier, citing a fire weather watch issued by the National Weather Service.

“Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning? And do you regret cutting the Fire Department budget by millions of dollars, Madame Mayor?” – Sky News reporter

When confronted by a Sky News reporter about her absence and the budget cuts, Bass largely ignored the questions. She later claimed she took the fastest route back and was in communication during her flight. Upon her return, Bass joined U.S. Senator Padilla and Governor Gavin Newsom to assess the damage.

Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability

The ongoing fire crisis is testing Bass’s leadership, with calls for accountability and scrutiny over resource allocation growing louder. Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has been particularly vocal in his criticism, blaming Bass for inadequate emergency preparedness and city mismanagement.

“There’s no water in the Palisades. There’s no water coming out of the fire hydrants. This is an absolute mismanagement by the city. Not the firefighters’ fault, but the city’s” – Rick Caruso

The criticism has intensified due to stretched firefighting resources and reports of dry fire hydrants in affected areas. This situation has created widespread discontent and scrutiny as communities demand better preparedness and accountability from their leadership. As the wildfires continue to rage, the political heat on Mayor Bass and her administration shows no signs of cooling down.

Sources:

  1. LA Times owner blames mayor for cutting fire department budget ahead of wildfires: ‘Competence matters’
  2. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass under fire for response to raging wildfires
  3. Report: Calif. Wildfire Costs Estimated at $52-57B