Petition To Oust Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Gains Momentum Amid Wildfire Crisis
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing mounting calls for her resignation as public frustration over her handling of the city’s deadly wildfires intensifies. A petition demanding her immediate removal from office has surpassed 86,000 signatures, with residents blaming her absence and budget decisions for worsening the disaster.
Bass was thousands of miles away in Ghana when the first wildfire erupted in Pacific Palisades. By the time she returned, wildfires had already consumed over 54 square miles, destroyed more than 4,000 structures and forced over 130,000 residents to evacuate. At least 11 people have died as firefighters continue to battle the flames.
Karen Bass needs to resign for seriously cutting the fire department budget and going to Ghana instead of being in LA doing her job.
If she doesn’t resign, LA needs to do a recall vote! pic.twitter.com/OImXKVedZH— hpowders (@hpowders24805) January 11, 2025
The petition criticizes Bass for neglecting her duties during a critical moment, accusing her of prioritizing personal travel over the safety of Los Angeles residents. “Families have been displaced, homes destroyed and lives lost, while Mayor Bass was absent,” the petition states. Signatories are calling for her immediate resignation and a full investigation into the city’s disaster response failures.
I’m hesitant to feel optimistic about left-wing Californians calling for resignations from the LA Mayor and Governor Newsom.
In NY, they got rid of Andrew Cuomo and ended up with Kathy Hochul.
In Chicago, they recalled Lori Lightfoot and elected Brandon Johnson.
If it’s up to…
— Jessica 🇺🇸 (@RealJessica05) January 12, 2025
Fueling the outrage are reports that Bass cut $17.6 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. A leaked memo revealed additional plans to slash another $49 million, which could have led to the closure of 16 fire stations. Critics argue these cuts severely crippled the city’s ability to fight the fires effectively.
Oakland recalled our failed progressive puppet mayor and you can too LA!!!! https://t.co/R91pqu17iI
— Seneca Scott (@SenecaSpeaks21) January 11, 2025
Former Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Martin Adams admitted that the city’s infrastructure is incapable of handling massive wildfires. Reports of empty fire hydrants in multiple neighborhoods have highlighted the city’s lack of preparation, leaving firefighters with limited resources to combat the blazes.
In response to the growing backlash, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into Los Angeles’ emergency preparedness and response. However, many Angelenos believe this investigation is too late and that Bass must be held accountable for the administration’s failures.
Residents are now demanding not only Bass’s resignation but also a thorough review of how taxpayer funds for disaster preparedness were managed. Many believe that Los Angeles needs stronger leadership to ensure the city is better prepared for future emergencies.
As the fires continue to devastate communities, the pressure on Mayor Bass grows stronger, with many residents insisting that her leadership failures have made the crisis even worse.