To the editor: It isn’t a great search for a mayor to throw her fireplace chief beneath the bus. (“Bass ousts L.A. fire chief, saying LAFD needs ‘new leadership,’” Feb. 21, and “Bass says LAFD Chief Crowley failed to warn her about fire risk,” Feb. 20)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was made conscious of the approaching damaging Santa Ana winds earlier than she left the nation as a part of a Biden administration delegation to Ghana. She was additionally conscious of the dry circumstances all through the world.
She made the selection to go to Africa to signify the U.S. in a comparatively insignificant ceremony in Ghana. Bass must personal this choice as an alternative of firing Los Angeles Fireplace Division Chief Kristin Crowley.
Mark Elfont, Valencia
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To the editor: Please let me test the timeline on this.
On Jan. 2, the Nationwide Climate Service warned of the potential for “excessive fireplace climate circumstances” starting Jan. 7. On Jan. 3, the company escalated its warning to “main threat.” Within the following days, it might warn that life-threatening circumstances have been potential.
This info was broadcast on each main media outlet in Los Angeles. As well as, at the moment, the LAFD despatched out messages on its social media platforms warning of important fireplace hazard.
On Jan. 4, Bass left for Ghana. This week, she acknowledged she wouldn’t have left if Crowley had referred to as to tell her of the approaching hazard.
Bought it.
Larry Levy, Winnetka
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To the editor: Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath actually is aware of methods to preserve the fires going lengthy after they’ve been contained. (“‘Doesn’t feel very “locked arms” to me’: Texts reveal strain between Bass and Horvath,” Feb. 19)
Has Bass made some errors? After all. When an unprecedented occasion on the dimensions of those fires happens, there isn’t a playbook to consult with, and nobody goes to get it 100% right.
What we do anticipate from our elected officers in a time of disaster is to work collectively regardless of their variations to assist folks in determined want. Utilizing the fires and ongoing aftermath for political leverage will not be productive, and it creates hostile relationships that assist nobody.
Rodney Kemerer, Beverly Hills
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To the editor: Bass ought to admit her mistake in overlooking the fireplace hazard warnings that proliferated in early January.
If she will settle for accountability for her failings as an alternative of blaming others for her lack of management, her constituents very seemingly would possibly forgive her and categorical their appreciation for her dedication to those that have suffered.
Till that point, Bass is prone to proceed dealing with criticism for perceived errors in judgment in overlooking the disaster that unfolded whereas she was in Ghana on U.S. authorities enterprise.
Christian Teeter, Los Angeles
