Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been under intense scrutiny for her response to the recent Palisades fire. For over two months, critics have pointed to her absence during the fire’s outbreak and her shaky public appearances upon returning. Concerns have also been raised about her handling of communications, including lost text messages.
Supporters of Bass are now fighting back against the criticism. They argue that wealthy individuals, such as real estate developer Rick Caruso and billionaire Elon Musk, are using the fire to launch a “disinformation campaign” against her. This backlash is seen as part of a larger political strategy, with some supporters suggesting that the attacks are also rooted in racism.
In a recent email to supporters, Joanne Kim, chief of staff to City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, accused right-wing billionaires of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. She called for Bass’s supporters to counter the narrative and defend the mayor.
Bass’s backers have pointed to her efforts to address the aftermath of the fire, including securing federal funds for recovery and conducting webinars to inform the public about the recovery process. Vahid Khorsand, president of the city’s Board of Public Works, echoed these sentiments, stating that the criticism is politically motivated.
The mayor has faced additional challenges, including the firing of L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who had raised alarms about the department’s funding issues. Bass also received backlash for initially proposing a high salary for her wildfire recovery czar, a plan that was later scrapped amid public outcry.
Polls show that fewer than 20% of L.A. residents believe Bass handled the fire response well. Many voters expressed dissatisfaction with her performance, with over 40% rating her response as poor.
Supporters have rallied around Bass, framing the criticism as an attack on her leadership, particularly as a Black woman in a position of power. They argue that the focus should be on the systemic issues contributing to the fires, such as climate change, rather than on Bass herself.
As the recall effort against her gains momentum, Bass’s team is emphasizing her accomplishments and the progress made in recovery efforts. They are urging supporters to remain vocal and united in the face of what they see as unfair attacks.