Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism for being abroad during devastating wildfires that ravaged the city. Her absence during the crisis, coupled with budget cuts to the fire department, has sparked public outcry. Despite efforts to manage the situation remotely, many blame her leadership for the city's unpreparedness.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under intense scrutiny as wildfires ravage the city, forcing thousands to evacuate. Her absence during the early stages of the crisis, due to a diplomatic trip to Ghana, has drawn criticism from both the public and political opponents. The situation has been exacerbated by recent budget cuts to the city's fire department, raising questions about the city's preparedness for such disasters.
Mayor Karen Bass's absence during the initial outbreak of wildfires in Los Angeles has led to significant criticism. Bass was in Ghana as part of a presidential delegation, attending the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama. Her absence was highlighted by a Sky News reporter who questioned her decision to be abroad during the crisis, asking if she owed citizens an apology for not being present while their homes were burning [1]. Despite her efforts to manage the situation remotely, many felt her physical absence during the disaster was a significant oversight [2].
Critics have pointed to Mayor Bass's decision to reduce the Los Angeles Fire Department's budget as a contributing factor to the city's struggles in managing the wildfires. The budget was cut by $17.6 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which some argue left the city ill-prepared for such a widespread disaster [3]. Businessman Rick Caruso, whose daughter lost her home in the fires, criticized the lack of water pressure in hydrants, which hampered firefighting efforts [4].
Despite the backlash, Mayor Bass has defended her actions, stating that she took the fastest route back to Los Angeles and was in constant communication with city officials during her trip [5]. Her deputy chief of staff, Celine Cordero, emphasized that Bass remained actively engaged throughout the crisis. Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed support for Bass, acknowledging her efforts to coordinate the response even while abroad [6].
The wildfires in Los Angeles have highlighted critical challenges in emergency preparedness and response. Mayor Karen Bass's absence during the early stages of the crisis and her previous budget cuts to the fire department have fueled public dissatisfaction. As the city grapples with the aftermath, the focus will likely remain on improving infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to better handle future disasters.
"We have a mayor who seems to be more concerned about being at some party, wherever the hell that is." - Rick Caruso
"Even though I may not see the mayor, I feel her presence." - Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna