LOS ANGELES — A catastrophic situation unfolded in Los Angeles earlier this week as hurricane-force winds fanned flames across dry hillside neighborhoods, bringing to fruition longstanding fears of rampant firestorms devastating the city.
Amid this disaster, Mayor Karen Bass found herself navigating one of the hardest tests of her leadership from thousands of miles away, as she was attending a presidential delegation in Ghana. Her unanticipated absence sparked criticism while Los Angeles grappled with its most significant emergency in years. Upon finally returning home via military transport after more than a day away, she faced intense backlash from detractors who accused her of lacking preparedness.
“Los Angeles must remain strong and united,” Bass asserted in a press conference, addressing critiques. “We will not allow division or misinformation to take hold.” Despite battling the fire and managing the growing public discontent, Bass’s leadership has been subjected to scrutiny, especially after the wildfires left over 5,000 homes in ruins and caused water supply issues due to the high demand draining city reserves.
In response to the water crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an investigation into the city’s Department of Water and Power regarding the drop in water pressure. A petition demanding Bass’s resignation quickly amassed 33,000 signatures, reflecting growing public frustration. “We’ve got a city on fire and a mayor outside of the country,” stated Rick Caruso, a former mayoral opponent, lamenting the destruction of homes belonging to his family.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk joined the chorus of critics, branding the mayor “utterly incompetent” on a social media platform. The backlash intensified when conservatives connected budget cuts to the fire department earlier this year to the perceived inadequate response, even though the department recently received increased funding. The focus on enhancing diversity in agencies was also a point of contention among some opponents.
Bass, a seasoned legislator, now finds herself in a predicament as she grapples with a natural disaster’s escalating demands and the mounting pressures of leadership. Experts highlight that this crisis will likely define her tenure. “This situation demands proactivity not just for political survival but for the well-being of the city,” remarked Fernando Guerra, head of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles.
While the extent of the devastation isn’t solely attributable to city policies, it has led to substantial harm extending beyond city boundaries, impacting communities governed by different regulations. The fires exacerbated existing vulnerabilities of hillside living, revealing the compounded dangers of dry brush, high winds, and topographical challenges over the years.
After returning from her trip, Bass initially struggled with a public presence. During her first appearance back, she was caught off-guard by press inquiries and struggled to communicate effectively at a subsequent briefing, which only intensified public scrutiny.
Traveling to Ghana just after the National Weather Service issued fire weather warnings for Los Angeles, Bass faced heightened urgency when conditions worsened. On Thursday, she deferred responding to criticisms, stating, “Once the fires have been extinguished, we will conduct a thorough review of our response efforts.”
Christian Grose, a political scientist at USC, remarked that Bass must now exhibit the strong leadership traits characteristic of major city mayors. “This moment requires someone to decisively lead and outline concrete actions,” he emphasized. Guerra suggested that Bass’s collaborative style is better suited to Los Angeles, appealing to an electorate that values teamwork over traditional authoritative leadership.
As national Democrats began to circle the wagons around Bass, President Biden expressed support for her efforts during an Oval Office meeting. “I understand the challenges you’re facing,” he reassured Bass, addressing her critics.
Los Angeles-based strategist Michael Trujillo pointed out that the true measure of Bass’s leadership won’t revolve around her absence during the fires but rather her effectiveness in overseeing the city’s recovery and rebuilding.
With significant damaged areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu — home to some of the wealthiest individuals — the pressure for swift reconstruction will be tremendous. “This crisis is pivotal for Bass’s entire legacy as mayor,” Trujillo added.
Since wildfires erupted, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley made her concerns clear about budget limitations affecting response capabilities, although she later maintained that the destruction would have been severe regardless of funding. When asked if the city had let down the fire department, Crowley acknowledged the missteps without directly implicating the mayor.
For decades, experts have warned of the wildfire threat in the Los Angeles region, and while wildfires are an unfortunate aspect of life in Southern California, the scale and intensity of these recent fires have been unprecedented.
Guerra, reflecting on the situation, noted that local governance has remarkably adapted in recent years. “Considering the circumstances, the local government has been impressively responsive. It’s a far cry from the city of two decades past,” he remarked.
