Mayor Karen Bass faces backlash for being in Ghana during devastating fires

On January 7, 2023, the Palisades Fire ignited, wreaking havoc across Southern California. While the fire erupted, Mayor Karen Bass was in Ghana as part of a diplomatic delegation for the inauguration of Ghana's president. Weather officials had issued warnings prior to the incident regarding high winds and fire risks, but Bass's trip intensified criticism toward her leadership. Despite the difficulties, Bass attempted to maintain communication with her staff back in Los Angeles through text messages, even as she encountered technical problems due to her location. Her deputy chief of staff, Celine Cordero, informed Bass about the fire's rapid growth and the need for evacuation. The fire quickly escalated, burning around 24,000 acres and prompting urgent updates as Bass returned to the U.S. Bass's communication struggles became public through text messages, revealing her concerns and the reactions from her staff and colleagues during the crisis. Upon her return on January 8, the mayor was met with both sympathy and condemnation, highlighting the challenges politicians face when balancing responsibilities abroad with domestic emergencies. The series of events raises important questions about leadership accountability and the expectations placed on public officials during catastrophic events.