Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer is standing by embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass amid the looming threat of a recall while wildfires have devastated much of the Los Angeles area.
Dyer took to social media on Sunday to defend Bass from the criticism she faces and to call on others to support her.
Driving the news: The Los Angeles area was struck by wildfires last week, which have destroyed over 12,000 structures across over 60 square miles.
- As of Monday morning, the death toll increased to at least 24 people, with the fires expected to only get worse on Tuesday and Wednesday with red flag winds warnings.
The big picture: Over 120,000 people have signed a change.org petition calling for Bass to be immediately recalled.
- The petition accuses Bass of gross mismanagement, saying she has failed to effectively respond to the devastating fires.
- “In the wake of these catastrophic fires, our city has been left in crisis,” the petition reads. “Water supplies have been severely strained, billions of taxpayer dollars have been misallocated or left unaccounted for, and countless lives have been lost. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered – yet Mayor Bass has been absent from the frontlines, choosing to travel abroad while her constituents suffer.”
Zoom in: The petition referred to Bass’ trip to Ghana last week when the fires sparked. Bass told the New York Times in 2021 that she would not travel internationally as mayor.
- Along with her trip to Ghana, Bass has traveled to Mexico once and to Paris three times for the Olympics.
What we’re watching: The petition demands that Bass immediately resign, and it calls for a transparent investigation into the city’s disaster preparedness, response and resource allocation.
- It also calls for a comprehensive plan to ensure all Los Angeles residents are safe from future disasters.
Dyer’s support: Dyer posted a message on Instagram supporting Bass amid the crisis.
- “Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is not only a remarkable leader but someone I truly admire,” Dyer wrote. “Her deep experience at the local, state, and federal levels has prepared her to lead with strength and compassion during tough times. I’m proud of how she’s navigated this crisis, and I stand by her – not just as a fellow mayor, but as her friend.”
- Dyer said this is a time to come together to help those who have lost everything in the disaster.
- “We need to put politics aside and extend a hand to those who need it most,” Dyer wrote. “Criticism isn’t going to help one person rebuild and start over. But a heart of compassion and kindness will make a difference.”
