A Change.org petition demanding the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has surpassed 100,000 signatures as wildfires continue to devastate Southern California.
Started by a user identified as “Frustrated Californian,” the petition accuses Bass of “gross mismanagement” and a lack of leadership during the crisis.
The petition points to Bass’ diplomatic trip to Ghana, which left her out of the country when the fires erupted. It also criticizes the city’s preparation and resource allocation, including water shortages and underfunding of emergency services.
“Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered—yet Mayor Bass has been absent from the front lines,” the petition reads.
LAFD budget cuts at the center of controversy
Calls for Mayor Bass’ resignation intensify as Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley says budget cuts hindered the department’s wildfire response.
“My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded,” Crowley told FOX LA. “It’s not.”
In the 2025 fiscal year, the Los Angeles Fire Department saw a $17.6 million budget reduction. Crowley noted that call volumes have doubled since 2010, while the city has fewer fire stations and firefighters.
Bass defended the budget cuts during a Thursday press conference, saying they did not affect the city’s response. Crowley disagreed: “Yes, it was cut, and it did impact our ability to provide service.”
What is the scope of the devastation of the wildfires?
The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Lidia fires have burned over 30,000 acres, killed at least 11 people, and destroyed more than 10,000 homes. Hurricane-strength winds and dry conditions exacerbated the disaster, forcing over 180,000 residents to evacuate.
Water shortages across the city have hindered firefighting efforts, leading Gov. Gavin Newsom to launch an investigation into the Department of Water and Power.
Mayor Bass defends leadership amid calls to resign
Bass returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday after her trip to Ghana and defended her leadership during the crisis. “Although I wasn’t physically here, I was in touch with many of the individuals standing here throughout the entire time,” Bass said.
She emphasized her commitment to saving lives and homes, promising a comprehensive review of the city’s response once the fires are contained.
“LA has to be strong, united,” Bass said Thursday. “We will reject those who seek to divide us and seek to misinform.”
Backlash from public figures
The petition has garnered support from both frustrated residents and high-profile figures. Actress Sara Foster and Elon Musk publicly called for Bass to resign, with Musk labeling her “utterly incompetent” on X.
We pay the highest taxes in California. Our fire hydrants were empty. Our vegetation was overgrown, brush not cleared. Our reservoirs were emptied by our governor because tribal leaders wanted to save fish. Our fire department budget was cut by our mayor. But thank god drug…
— Sara Foster (@saramfoster) January 9, 2025
Actor James Woods criticized Bass and Newsom, blaming poor fire management rather than climate change for the crisis.
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar voiced frustration on Instagram over evacuation gridlock and a lack of preparedness, highlighting growing public backlash.
What’s next for Los Angeles?
The wildfires have become a defining crisis for Mayor Bass’ tenure. With mounting pressure from critics and ongoing calls for her resignation, Bass faces an uphill battle to restore trust and lead the city’s recovery.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has stressed the need for increased funding and resources to ensure the city is better prepared for future disasters.
Bass has pledged a “deep dive” into the city’s response once the fires are contained, but for many Angelenos, the damage is already done.
