PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES () — It’s been one year since the deadly Palisades Fire ignited, burning down thousands of homes.
In that time, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism and anger from the community over her handling of the fire.
Eyewitness News political reporter Josh Haskell walked through the Palisades with Bass to discuss the resentment that remains one year later.
Bass was out of the country in Africa when the Palisades Fire erupted, destroying nearly 7,000 structures.
“The Palisades is always top of mind, and I’m not going to rest until the Palisades looks like it did before Jan. 7, 2025,” Bass said.
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It was a rocky start for Bass to the greatest disaster in the city’s history, and there have been more challenges and scandals along the way. But at the one-year mark, Bass says she’s inspired by the pace of rebuilding, with 417 homes currently under construction.
“Even though there’s lots of rebuilding going on, most people that are rebuilding are still not home, and they had to go through the holidays, and I know there’s a lot of grief they’re still experiencing. So, I feel optimistic on one hand, but very much connected to people who are struggling with insurance issues or finance issues or forbearance issues,” Bass said.
“One year after the fires, are you surprised that so much of that anger is directed at you?” Haskell asked
“A little, but again, I do understand the anger,” Bass responded. “If they need to focus them on me, you know, whatever, whatever it takes for them to heal and get through this. I don’t take it personally.”
Haskell also asked Bass about the “They Let Us Burn” rally being held in Pacific Palisades on Wednesday, and if she thinks that’s how residents should commemorate the one-year anniversary of the fires.
“I don’t think so. But again. I think there are people who are profiting off this, and that is what I find very despicable. Intentionally putting out misinformation. Intentionally profiting from social media, book deals, etc. I think that’s unfortunate,” Bass said. “To me, I hope it’s about healing and moving forward and getting this community back. Every single Palisadian that wants to come back. That should be the focus,” Bass said.
When asked about whether she is concerned that the growing anger towards her about the Palisades Fire will impact her campaign for a second term, Bass said, “You know, I’m just not going to focus on that. I’m really not. I’m going to do my job. People choose to vote for me, or they don’t. My focus is getting this community built back.”
Bass has signed 13 executive directives aimed at expediting rebuilding, and residents who spoke with Eyewitness News say the permitting process with the city isn’t what’s slowed them down, but rather their insurance. Bass hopes those rebuilding recognize they’re in a high fire severity zone.
Haskell asked Bass whether the level of destruction in the Palisades Fire should have ever happened in the first place.
“Of course it should have never happened,” Bass replied. “But, I do think that’s something we’re all coming to grips with in our world, certainly within our city. Weather events we would have never thought would have taken place in Los Angeles. What do Angelenos know about hurricanes? Hurricane-strength winds? And so, it’s a reckoning for all of us, and frankly, for the people rebuilding, and we’re trying to encourage people to rebuild in a way that is resilient, fire-resistant.”
Still, questions remain about why the Jan. 1, 2025, Lachman Fire wasn’t properly mopped up by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the role of California State Parks, and whether more people should be held accountable — besides former LAFD chief Kristin Crowley, who was fired by Bass last February.
Haskell also asked Bass about reports that LAFD’s after-action report was “watered down” before getting released.
“Troubling. That’s very troubling,” Bass said. “But again, there are independent reports becoming available. The governor’s report he initially ordered is an independent company that investigates fires all around the country, and that first part of that report from Jan. 7, 2025, should be released to the public soon.”
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