Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces fierce criticism over her response to devastating wildfires that have ravaged the city, causing billions in economic losses.
At a Glance
- California wildfires have caused $52 to $57 billion in economic losses.
- Mayor Karen Bass cut $17 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget.
- Bass was criticized for being out of the country when the fires began.
- Over 1,500 properties were destroyed, and more than 100,000 residents evacuated.
- Critics argue Bass should have returned earlier due to a fire weather watch.
Economic Impact and Devastation
California’s recent wildfires have inflicted a staggering economic toll, with losses estimated between $52 and $57 billion. The fires, among the most destructive in the state’s history, have left a trail of devastation across landscapes and communities. In Los Angeles, the impact has been particularly severe, with over 1,500 properties destroyed and more than 100,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes.
The scale of the disaster has strained local economies and ecosystems, prompting urgent discussions on recovery strategies. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, mobilizing resources to combat the uncontained blazes. However, the city’s ability to respond effectively has come under scrutiny, with reports of stretched firefighting resources and dry fire hydrants in affected areas.
Mayor Bass Under Fire
At the center of the controversy is Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has faced a barrage of criticism for her handling of the crisis. Bass was on a diplomatic mission in Ghana when the fires began, a decision that has drawn sharp rebuke from many Angelenos. Upon her return, she was confronted by a Sky News reporter about her absence and budget cuts to the fire department.
Bass largely ignored these questions, instead defending her actions by stating, “I took the fastest route back, which included being on a military plane, which facilitated our communications.” Critics argue that Bass should have returned earlier, given that the National Weather Service had issued a fire weather watch.
Budget Controversies
Adding fuel to the fire is the revelation that Bass cut $17 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget, leaving it with $819.6 million for the fiscal year 2023–2024. This decision has come under intense scrutiny in light of the current crisis. Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, voiced his concerns about the budget cuts and their potential impact on the city’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and are seeking shelter. Fires in LA are sadly no surprise, yet the Mayor cut LA Fire Department’s budget by $23M. And reports of empty fire hydrants raise serious questions. Competence matters… Follow @latimes for live…
— Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong (@DrPatSoonShiong) January 8, 2025
The controversy deepened when it was revealed that while the fire department faced budget cuts, the city allocated $1.3 billion to address homelessness, with $837 million going to support the homeless population. This disparity in funding allocation has sparked debates about the city’s priorities and its preparedness for natural disasters.
Political Fallout
The ongoing fire crisis has become a significant test of Bass’ 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 the wildfires and citing city mismanagement as a reason for the situation:
“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”
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the wildfires, Bass has returned to Los Angeles to assess the damage alongside US Senator Padilla and Governor Gavin Newsom. The coming weeks will likely see continued debate over the city’s emergency preparedness and the adequacy of its response to this devastating natural disaster.
Sources:
- LA Times owner blames mayor for cutting fire department budget ahead of wildfires: ‘Competence matters’
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass under fire for response to raging wildfires
- Report: Calif. Wildfire Costs Estimated at $52-57B
