Southern California residents are bracing for the return of powerful Santa Ana winds, raising concerns about the potential for worsening wildfire conditions. Amidst this backdrop, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism for her recent trip to Ghana while fires raged across the city.
Mayor Bass had previously stated her intention to avoid international travel during her mayoral term, focusing instead on domestic issues relevant to Los Angeles. However, since taking office, she has traveled abroad four times, including trips to Mexico and Paris for the Olympics. Her recent trip to Ghana coincided with the outbreak of wildfires in Los Angeles, drawing criticism from the public and media.
Upon her return, Mayor Bass declined to answer reporters' questions about her absence during the crisis. One reporter pointedly asked if she owed an apology to the citizens affected by the fires, referencing a previous social media post in which Bass criticized Senator Ted Cruz for being out of state during the Texas winter storm. Bass continued to ignore the questions.
A spokesperson for Mayor Bass stated that she is "laser focused" on ensuring the safety of Angelenos and protecting property. The spokesperson emphasized that Bass has secured necessary resources to combat the fires and is working on a recovery plan. Bass herself later asserted that she maintained constant communication with officials during her flight back to Los Angeles.
This incident has sparked renewed debate about the mayor's travel priorities and her commitment to addressing critical issues at home, particularly in times of crisis. The mayor's previous pledge to avoid international travel has also come under scrutiny.
Rep. Karen Bass at a campaign event. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LA Mayor Karen Bass and City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo unveil the city budget. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
