Los Angeles mayor faces recall effort over handling of Palisades Fire
LA Mayor Karen Bass / FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/David Goldman)
LOS ANGELES – Facing mounting criticism and a recall effort Wednesday over her handling of the Palisades Fire, Mayor Karen Bass declared, “I would never quit on my city.”
The recall campaign is led by Nicole Shanahan, the former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to the recall website, the effort is also supported by some Palisades residents.
On Tuesday, during an interview with KNX News, the mayor reaffirmed she is “here now, and I’m running.”
“I would never quit on my city. This is where I was born and raised,” Bass told the radio station. “Did I know that it was a difficult job? Absolutely. Am I ready for the job? Most definitely.”
The mayor, who is up for re-election in 2026, has already launched her campaign.
“I mean, anybody that runs for office — if you’re not emotionally ready to accept that — then you’re in the wrong business,” Bass told KNX.
The recall effort will require 330,000 ballot signatures to progress, which will need to be obtained within a span of four months.
Douglas Herman, a political strategist for Bass’ campaign, told City News Service on March 4, that the recall committee’s filing was “nothing more than another extreme right-wing political stunt designed to divide Los Angeles when we need to move forward.”
He added that spending millions of dollars on a recall election should be better spent on rebuilding.
Since the wildfires in January, Bass has faced growing criticism over her response and leadership. The Palisades fire broke out on Jan. 7, and residents have faulted her for being out of the country in its early days.
Concerns have also mounted over fire hydrant issues, low water pressure in the Palisades and limited resources within the Fire Department.
Former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), the union representing LA firefighters, and LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia highlighted that the fire department’s operational budget was reduced by $17 million in the fiscal year 2024-25 adopted budget.
Bass and City Council members have refuted that figure, noting the LAFD received an increase in $50 million due to a new contract with UFLAC.
The Los Angeles Times has also reported on tensions between Bass, her recovery czar Steve Soboroff and county leaders.
Bass entered office in 2022 after defeating her opponent, billionaire Rick Caruso. She’s the first woman and second Black mayor of Los Angeles.
In recent weeks, Caruso has made headlines with the launch of Steadfast LA, a private-sector-led recovery effort, sparking speculation about a possible mayoral run. He has yet to make an official announcement. (CNS)
