Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Saturday to demand her resignation in the wake of the deadly and devastating wildfires that devastated Southern California this month.
The demonstration was held by about 40 protesters who gathered near a mansion in Windsor Square to call for the mayor's resignation, citing a lack of leadership in the wake of a devastating fire in Los Angeles County. The event was held in the midst of controversy surrounding the city's mayor.
“Mayor Bass is completely irresponsible,” West Los Angeles resident Tony Baer told the Post.
“She left the city knowing that there was an increased risk of fire. When an emergency begins, people rely on their leaders. The decision-making process was not frozen because Mr. Basu was in Ghana. Even though she was late, the bus was the final decision maker and she wasn't there.
Basu, 71, faced harsh criticism for celebrating Ghana's presidential inauguration thousands of miles away in Africa as fires began breaking out in the city.
Additionally, Los Angeles Fire Chief Christine Crowley admitted to local media that City Hall had failed in its role as fire department and Angelenos, cutting the department's budget by $17.5 million ahead of the vicious fire outbreak. He was also furious at the news that he had done so.
Crowley explained that the LAFD is understaffed and underfunded, adding that the situation is “no longer sustainable.”
“It's shameful that Bass isn't taking responsibility,” Baer added.
Brentwood resident David Chasin overruled this response.
“This was one of those out-of-control hurricane fire situations, but the mayor is in charge and has to instill confidence,” he said.
“When you are overseas, when the reservoir closest to the fire scene is empty, when there are many fire engines parked waiting to be repaired or serviced due to lack of funding for the mechanics who service the fire department. That way, once in 100 years or once in 1,000 years, a fire will not start with your back turned.''
As of Saturday, the Eaton Fire was said to be 73% contained and the Palisades Fire was said to be 43% contained.
The inferno killed at least 27 people, destroyed 12,000 buildings, including entire residential areas, and burned more than 60 square miles of land.
