LA Mayor Karen Bass’ brother loses home in Palisades Fire

Embroiled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has made a heartbreaking revelation that her brother lost his long-standing Malibu home in the ongoing Palisades wildfires. The disclosure came during a virtual meeting of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, where Bass shared the devastating news with around 1,000 attendees.

In a somber tone, Bass expressed her empathy for the community, stating, \”The loss that you’re going through, I share indirectly. It’s hit my family too.\” She went on to explain that her brother, who had resided in Malibu for four decades and had weathered numerous wildfires in the past, was unable to escape the destructive blaze this time around.

Describing the loss of her family’s cherished holiday home as a profound shock and grief, Bass emphasized the lasting impact that such a traumatic event would have on her loved ones. The Palisades Fire, which ignited on Jan. 7, has ravaged over 23,000 acres, claiming more than 900 structures and tragically claiming the lives of 11 individuals. As of the latest update from Cal Fire, containment stands at 72%.

Furthermore, the Eaton Fire has engulfed 14,000 acres with 95% containment, while the Hughes Fire, which erupted on Wednesday, has burned over 10,000 acres with 56% containment, according to Cal Fire.

Criticism has been mounting against Mayor Bass for her overseas trip and subsequent response to the wildfires. Despite warnings of extreme fire weather conditions due to Santa Ana winds, Bass was attending a diplomatic event in Ghana as part of a delegation representing the Biden administration. Just days after her departure, the Palisades Fire erupted, prompting evacuations in the area.

Additionally, it was revealed that the Los Angeles Fire Department chief had raised concerns to Bass about a significant budget cut impacting the department’s operational capabilities in responding to large-scale emergencies like wildfires. Although Bass approved the budget measures, she has refuted claims that the cuts hindered the city’s firefighting efforts, promising a thorough evaluation of the response at a later date.

Celebrities and public figures, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Patricia Heaton, and Jillian Michaels, have called for greater accountability from Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and other California state leaders. Criticism has also been directed at Newsom for allegedly prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over effective fire response strategies.

Former President Donald Trump has joined the chorus of voices condemning the officials, accusing them of gross incompetence and suggesting Newsom’s resignation. Trump has attributed the devastating wildfires to poor forest management practices and alleged obstruction of stormwater flow from the north.

As the state grapples with the aftermath of the wildfires, Trump is scheduled to visit California on Friday to assess the situation firsthand. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and effective leadership to safeguard communities against the threat of wildfires.