Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under intense scrutiny following revelations about her trip to Ghana and the timing of her return to the United States as the devastating Palisades Fire erupted in Southern California. The fire, which began on january 7, 2025, has become one of the most destructive in the city’s history, raising questions about whether Bass acted swiftly enough to address the crisis.
Bass traveled to Ghana on January 4 to attend the inauguration of ghana’s new president, John Dramani Mahama. her departure came just a day after the national Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for Los Angeles. By January 5, the day she arrived in Ghana, the weather service escalated its warnings, issuing a red flag warning for the region. The situation worsened on January 6, with conditions described as a “particularly perilous situation.”
The inauguration ceremony in Ghana began at 10 a.m.local time on January 7, coinciding with 2 a.m. Pacific Time in Los Angeles. Just hours later, at 10:30 a.m. L.A. time, the Palisades Fire broke out. Meanwhile, social media photos showed Bass attending a reception hosted by the U.S. ambassador to Ghana at around 12 p.m. L.A. time, an hour and a half after the fire began. According to The Los Angeles Times, Bass posed for photographs at the event, sparking criticism about her priorities during the crisis.
A spokesperson for the mayor defended her actions, stating that Bass and the U.S. delegation stopped at the reception on their way to the airport and were en route to the U.S. on a military flight by 1 p.m.L.A.time. Data from flightradar confirms that the plane departed shortly after 1 p.m. and landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland around 2 a.m. Pacific Time on January 8. bass then traveled to Dulles International Airport, where she continued her journey back to los Angeles.
the timeline of events has fueled public debate about whether Bass could have returned sooner to address the escalating fire crisis. Critics argue that her presence at the reception and delayed return demonstrate a lack of urgency, while supporters emphasize her efforts to manage the situation remotely.
Key Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Time (Local) |
|—————–|———————————————————————————————–|————————|
| January 3 | National Weather service issues fire weather watch for Los Angeles | N/A |
| January 4 | Bass departs for Ghana to attend presidential inauguration | N/A |
| January 5 | Bass arrives in Ghana; red flag warning issued for Los Angeles | N/A |
| January 6 | Fire warnings escalate to “particularly dangerous situation” | Late afternoon |
| January 7 | Inauguration ceremony in Ghana begins | 10 a.m. (Ghana) / 2 a.m.(L.A.) |
| January 7 | Palisades Fire breaks out in Los Angeles | 10:30 a.m. (L.A.) |
| January 7 | Bass attends U.S. ambassador’s reception in Ghana | 12 p.m. (L.A.) |
| January 7 | Bass departs Ghana on military flight | 1 p.m. (L.A.) |
| January 8 | Flight lands at Andrews Air Force Base | 2 a.m. (L.A.) |
The controversy underscores the challenges faced by public officials balancing international commitments with domestic emergencies. As the Palisades Fire continues to devastate communities,the focus remains on Bass’s leadership and her ability to navigate crises effectively.Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Faces Scrutiny over Travel Amid Wildfire Crisis
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under scrutiny for her decision to travel overseas as wildfires ravaged Southern California earlier this month. By the time she landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on January 8,around 1,000 structures had been destroyed,and more than 70,000 residents were under evacuation orders.
In a press conference last week, Bass defended her actions, stating she took the “fastest route back” to Los Angeles and was in constant communication with officials. ”I was on the phone coordinating every hour of my flights,” she said during a live interview.
When questioned by CBS News national correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti about whether she was satisfied with the city’s response, Bass acknowledged room for improvement. “Well, you know, everything could be better, there is no question about that,” she said.
Vigliotti pressed further, asking if she regretted her decision to travel. After initially deflecting, Bass responded, “No,” but emphasized her focus on addressing the ongoing crisis.
Timeline of Mayor Bass’s Travels During Wildfire Warnings
Here’s a breakdown of Mayor Bass’s movements as the wildfires escalated:
| Date | Event |
|—————–|—————————————————————————|
| January 8 | Mayor Bass boards a flight to LAX, arriving around 11 a.m. |
| Upon Arrival | Over 1,000 structures burned; 70,000+ residents under evacuation orders |
| Press Conference| Bass defends her travel, citing constant coordination with officials |
The wildfires, fueled by strong winds, have caused widespread devastation across California. For the latest updates on the situation, visit CBS News’ live coverage of the California wildfires.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
the mayor’s decision to travel has sparked mixed reactions among residents and officials. While some appreciate her efforts to stay connected during the crisis, others question the timing of her trip.
As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires, Bass has pledged to focus on recovery efforts. “Today, my priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of all Angelenos,” she said.
For more in-depth reporting on this story, contributed by Taylor Johnston, visit CBS news.
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|————————-|———————————————————————————|—————————————————————————-|
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