Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces fire department funding backlash and proposed sales‑tax measure

Mayor Karen Bass approved the city’s 2024‑2025 budget, cutting the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget by $17.6 million. The reduction drew criticism after the January 2025 Palisades Fire, with firefighters and unions arguing the department was understaffed and under‑equipped. The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City collected more than $1 million, secured signatures and prompted the City Council to place a ballot measure before voters that would add a 0.5 % sales tax to fund fire‑department improvements. Bass has expressed support for the measure, while former fire chief Kristin Crowley filed a retaliation lawsuit alleging Bass falsely claimed the department had sufficient resources and mischaracterized the budget cuts.

Separately, political commentator Spencer Pratt used the recent Boyle Heights warehouse fire to denounce Bass, labeling her a “soulless goblin” and accusing her of political posturing. Pratt quoted Bass’s statement, “We will hold those responsible accountable, and we will fight to change the longstanding systemic failures…”, and framed the incidents as evidence of systemic neglect under her administration.