Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she was not aware of proper fire warnings
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced intense scrutiny for her recent trip to Africa amid a botched fire response in the city. In a recent interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, Mayor Bass expressed regret for not being present during the crisis, calling the trip a mistake and acknowledging that the proper preparation did not happen to notify her ahead of the journey to Ghana.
“I felt absolutely terrible not being here for my city,” Mayor Bass said. “Would I say it was a mistake, absolutely. The idea that I was not present was very painful.”
The National Weather Service issued a fire weather warning on Jan. 3, and the mayor left for Africa the next day, returning on Jan. 8. The Palisades Fire broke out on Jan. 7 and caused significant damage to homes and businesses in the community.
In an interview with NBC Los Angeles, Mayor Bass admitted that her Africa trip was a mistake and emphasized the need to regain the public’s trust. She stated that she is working to demonstrate her commitment to addressing the challenges facing the city in the aftermath of the fires.
Despite facing backlash and calls for her resignation, Mayor Bass remains focused on rebuilding and recovery efforts in Los Angeles. She dismissed criticism from figures like former Democratic mayoral opponent Rick Caruso and talk show host Bill Maher, who referred to her as the “Nero of American politics.”
Over 170,000 people have signed a petition calling for Mayor Bass to step down, but she remains determined to lead the city through the recovery process. While some have suggested alternative candidates for the mayoral race in 2026, Mayor Bass remains focused on her responsibilities to the residents of Los Angeles.
As investigations into the city’s response to the fires continue, Mayor Bass is committed to transparency and accountability. She is working to address the challenges facing the city and ensure that all affected individuals can return to their homes in the Palisades.
Despite the criticism and scrutiny she has faced, Mayor Bass remains steadfast in her commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles and rebuilding the community in the wake of the devastating fires.
