As the Palisades fire erupted on January 7, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was attending a reception at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana. At 6:48 p.m. Ghana time, her Deputy Chief of Staff, Celine Cordero, sent an urgent message about the fire’s rapid spread, noting that the blaze was affecting 100 acres and could lead to evacuations. Mayor Bass, who was part of a U.S. delegation for a presidential inauguration, began coordinating efforts from over 7,500 miles away.
The fire, driven by 40 mph winds, quickly became one of the most destructive in California’s history, destroying over 5,000 structures and resulting in 12 fatalities. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Bass’s texts reveal her attempts to manage the crisis remotely, including coordinating with federal resources and planning her return to Los Angeles.
Amid the chaos, Bass faced criticism for her absence during the disaster. According to Santa Monica Mirror, her office initially stated that her texts had been auto-deleted, but they were later recovered using specialized technology. The texts illustrate Bass’s communication with her team and federal leaders, including U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, who offered assistance.
Bass returned to Los Angeles on January 8, after nearly 24 hours in transit. Upon arrival, she faced questions about her absence and the city’s preparedness. As Fox LA reports, Bass later expressed regret for not being present, stating she was not adequately informed of the risks before her trip. The handling of the fire and its aftermath is expected to impact her reelection prospects and legacy.
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