LOS ANGELES — In a troubling turn of events earlier this week, hurricane-force winds strained through the parched hills of Los Angeles, triggering a surge of fierce firestorms that wreaked havoc across the city. As the second-largest city in the U.S. grappled with unprecedented destruction, Mayor Karen Bass was unexpectedly in Ghana as part of a presidential delegation, facing a moment that testifies to the trials of leadership.
Upon her hurried return to manage the crisis, Bass responded strongly to the barrage of criticism surrounding her absence. “LA has to be strong, united,” she asserted during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of community and rejecting division and misinformation amid turmoil. Despite her quick return via military transport, the 24-hour delay was marked by over 5,000 homes consumed by flames and a major depletion of the city’s water supply, which led to the disruption of fire hydrants.
In the wake of the disaster, Governor Gavin Newsom initiated an investigation into the Department of Water and Power over the water pressure failures. Public dissatisfaction was palpable, with an online petition calling for Bass’ resignation collecting 33,000 signatures. Rick Caruso, a local developer and former mayoral opponent, expressed outrage over the mayor’s international trip during the fires, likening the scene to a third-world disaster as he confronted the loss of his children’s homes.
The situation escalated with business magnate Elon Musk labeling Bass as “utterly incompetent” via social media, joining conservatives condemning budget cuts to the fire department that occurred in July, although funding has since been increased. Some critics suggested that the city’s focus on diversity within the fire department impacted its effectiveness during the emergency.
Bass, celebrated as a coalition builder and low-key legislator, now finds herself under immense pressure to steer the city through this calamity and to demonstrate effective crisis management skills two years into her first term. “She will be defined by this crisis,” remarked Fernando Guerra from Loyola Marymount University, echoing the sentiment that her actions during this time are crucial for her political future.
While the wildfires did not stem from specific municipal policies, they highlighted the inherent risks involved with hillside development—warnings experts have voiced for decades. The devastation extended beyond city boundaries, underscoring a broader regional challenge. Bass initially struggled with her response upon returning from her diplomatic trip, facing scrutiny over her delayed comments and public appearances as reporters questioned her preparedness.
Departing for Africa the day after a fire watch alert was issued, Bass’s timing became a contentious point as conditions rapidly escalated into dangerous scenarios. She stated it was premature to address criticisms while the infernos still raged, indicating that a thorough review would take place once the fires were under control.
Critics have noted that Bass’s expertise lies in legislative negotiations rather than the decisive approach often required of mayors in emergencies. Political scientist Christian Grose pointed out that this crisis is calling for a vigorous, clear executive response, contrasting Bass’s collaborative method with the immediate action expected by constituents in dire situations.
In a city where power is often distributed among various governmental entities, Guerra highlighted Bass’s suitability amid those dynamics, wherein her leadership style resonates more with Los Angeles voters seeking unity over divisiveness. National figures, including President Joe Biden, began to show support for Bass, acknowledging the complexities of managing such crises and reassuring her against detractors.
Strategist Michael Trujillo emphasized the importance of Bass’s upcoming decisions in the rebuilding process over her initial whereabouts during the disaster, suggesting that the real challenge lies ahead as the affluent communities affected, such as Pacific Palisades and Malibu, will demand swift recovery efforts.
This surge of wildfires abruptly shifted Bass’s priority from the ongoing homeless crisis she faced early in her administration, as the urgency of rebuilding will intensely challenge limited resources. “This is basically her entire mayoral legacy,” Trujillo stated regarding the upcoming reconstruction efforts.
While acknowledging past concerns regarding fire department funding, he and others noted that regardless of budget adjustments, the scale of the disaster would have resulted in significant damage under any circumstances. The consensus among experts remains that, with ongoing warnings about the wildfire risks in the Los Angeles area, this incident highlights a reality the region has long known.
Guerra noted, however, that local governance has responded commendably in comparison to decades past, affirming that the current infrastructure is more adept at managing such crises than it once was.
