lataco.com|2 minute read

Karen Bass: The Mayor Who Flew Back to Chaos Amid LA Wildfires

TL;DR

Los Angeles is burning, and Mayor Karen Bass just landed from a trip to Ghana. With wildfires tearing through the region, she faces backlash for her absence. Critics are questioning her decision to cut the LAFD budget by $17.6 million amid escalating disasters.

As fires rage, including the Palisades Fire consuming over 15,000 acres, the mayor's leadership is under scrutiny. Even Democrats have joined the chorus of criticism, highlighting the disconnect between her actions and the city's dire needs.

Returning to a city in crisis, Bass surveyed the damage but remained tight-lipped about her trip. With calls for accountability growing louder, will she step up to the plate? Here’s the full scoop.

Full Story

Fires Rage as Mayor Returns

Imagine this: you’re the mayor of a sprawling city like Los Angeles, and while your constituents are battling raging wildfires, you’re halfway across the globe in Ghana. Welcome to the reality of Mayor Karen Bass, who just touched down to find her city engulfed in flames. Talk about a fire drill gone wrong!

Backlash from All Corners

As the Palisades Fire scorched over 15,000 acres in just 24 hours, critics wasted no time lighting up social media and news outlets with their disdain. Bass, who had just returned, was met with a chorus of boos—both from the public and political allies. Even Democrats were quick to jump on this hot mess, questioning her leadership during a critical moment.

Budget Cuts Amid Crisis

Adding fuel to the fire (pun intended), Bass made headlines for slashing the Los Angeles Fire Department budget by a staggering $17.6 million. As fire hydrants ran dry and the flames spread, the decision raised eyebrows and ire. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the LA Times, didn’t hold back, suggesting her actions raised “serious questions” about her priorities.

Returning to Chaos

When Bass finally returned to LA, she was met with devastation. Alongside Governor Gavin Newsom, she surveyed the damage but remained uncharacteristically tight-lipped when reporters pressed her for answers. Stone-faced and seemingly unfazed, she sidestepped questions about her absence, leaving many to wonder if she was ready to lead or just wanted to dodge the flames of criticism.

What Happens Next?

In the wake of such a catastrophic situation, one has to wonder: can Bass regain the trust of Angelenos? Will she step up and address the glaring issues at hand, or will she continue to dance around the fire? The stakes are high, and with every passing hour, the pressure mounts.

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