Tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents have called for Democratic Mayor Karen Bass to resign, accusing her of failing to adequately respond to the fires raging across the city and overseeing fiscal irresponsibility.
“We, the undersigned Los Angeles residents and concerned citizens, acknowledge Mayor Karen Bass' gross mismanagement and failure to effectively respond to the devastating 2025 fires in and around the City of Los Angeles. “For this reason, I urgently demand the immediate dismissal of the mayor,” he said at the outset. petition It was started by a “frustrated Californian” on Thursday.
More than 61,000 people have signed it as of this report.
The petitioners allege that Bass “chose to travel overseas and stay away from the front lines while his constituents suffered” and that he was not fiscally responsible enough to provide water for firefighting to lessen the damage suffered by the city. He claims that it was insufficient to do so.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Basu was traveling on Saturday as the firestorm approached to attend Tuesday's inauguration of re-elected Ghanaian President John Mahama. reported. When she returned home, she remained silent when Sky News reporter David Blevins peppered her with questions about the timing of the trip and budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The most talked about moment.
“Do I owe the public an apology for being absent while my house was on fire?'' Do I regret cutting the fire brigade's budget?
@skydavidblevins Questions Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass facing backlash over California wildfires.https://t.co/Nkz8onjC7V pic.twitter.com/WwRwp6Imqz— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 8, 2025
“Despite the tireless efforts of first responders, the city is woefully unprepared to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents,” the petitioners wrote. (Related article: 'Excuses go viral': California Democrats pave way for 'Big One' takeover of Los Angeles)
They demanded Mr. Basu's immediate recall. “A full and transparent investigation into the failures in disaster preparedness, response, and resource allocation that have left our cities vulnerable.” These include an audit of allegations of taxpayer mismanagement of disaster relief, and a “comprehensive” safety plan in the event of a future disaster.
“Mayor Bass' actions, or lack thereof, demonstrate that she is unfit for office,” the petitioners wrote, adding, “It's time for a change.”
Los Angeles began burning late Tuesday due to Santa Ana's near-hurricane winds, and fire planes remained grounded. Some fire hydrants reportedly ran out of water. LAFD had to do that. recollection Off-duty police officers were dispatched to expand the firefighting force. According to , the Los Angeles Fire Department has never had to make such a move in 19 years. CBS News.
LAFD Chief Christine Crowley said. various outlet The city claimed LAFD was failing because $17 million in budget cuts limited its ability to manage the disaster. Bass called Crowley out Friday afternoon after his comments on NBC4 Los Angeles. reported. Crowley and Bass' absence from a news conference about the fire sparked rumors that Bass had fired Crowley, but the mayor's office has dispelled the rumors, ABC 7 Los Angeles reported. reported.
According to current information, four fires have burned across Los Angeles County: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, the Kenneth Fire, and the Hearst Fire, killing seven people and burning 38,628 acres. update From the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
As of this report, the Kenneth Fire, which started Thursday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, is 80% contained, and the Hearst Fire is 76% contained.
The Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Pasadena areas continue to burn, with the fire barely contained, according to the latest information. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone said CNN said Friday that the still-raging fires were the biggest concern and that there had been “nothing but help” from the federal and state governments.
Celebrities including actress Jamie Lee Curtis, actors James Woods, Miles Teller and Mel Gibson, comedian Rosie O'Donnell and socialite Paris Hilton all lost their homes in the fire. . various outlet Reported. Several landmark buildings were also destroyed.
“One day I was swimming in the pool and the next day it was all gone,” a tearful Woods told Entertainment Today.
Vice President Kamala Harris' home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, was forced to be evacuated as the Palisades Fire approached, according to the Washington Post. reported. She and President Joe Biden reportedly cancel Their separate and final trip abroad.
California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed The state's National Guard was activated Thursday to combat a surge in looting. said Survivors could begin applying for federal aid on Friday.
