Los Angeles Mayor Regrets Timing of Ghana Trip Before Wildfires

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles is reflecting on her trip to Africa during the unprecedented windstorm that preceded the deadly wildfires in January, stating for the first time that she considers it a mistake.

“Yes, absolutely, there’s no doubt about it,” Bass responded when NBC4’s Conan Nolan asked her directly if the trip was a misstep during an interview on Friday.

Bass faced significant backlash for being abroad when the fires ignited on January 7. She was in Ghana as part of a four-member U.S. delegation dispatched by President Joe Biden to participate in the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as the president of Ghana.

Although Bass returned to Los Angeles the day following the outbreak of the fires, City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, serving as acting mayor, had to sign the local emergency proclamation that was issued by Bass.

Forecasters had issued warnings regarding perilous fire weather conditions in the days leading up to January 7, anticipating winds of 80 to 100 mph combined with low humidity.

The mayor emphasized her current goal is to restore public trust. “I must prove that every day by showcasing our actions, what is effective, the obstacles we face, and advancing Los Angeles,” she remarked.

During the interview on Friday, Bass highlighted the recent launch of a “one-stop shop” designed to facilitate the rebuilding process for residents impacted by the Palisades Fire. This center is situated at the West Los Angeles office of the city’s Department of Building and Safety, located at 1828 Sawtelle Blvd.

At the center, various city department representatives are available to assist with expediting permits and other necessary documents. These include the Department of Water and Power, Bureau of Sanitation, City Planning, Bureau of Engineering, and the city Housing Department. Officials from Southern California Gas Co. are also present, and representatives from additional non-city agencies like the county Department of Public Works may join.

Los Angeles County is additionally operating a one-stop rebuilding center for residents of the Eaton Fire at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at 540 W. Woodbury Road in Altadena.