Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley Again Throws Mayor Karen Bass Under the Bus for Cutting LA Fire's Budget

LA Fire chief, other prominent Democrats continue to throw Karen Bass administration under the bus for poor choices prior to Palisades Fire

LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley publicly criticized Mayor Karen Bass for budget cuts that she claimed made it harder for firefighters to perform their duties, especially during the recent wildfires. She also pointed out that a significant number of fire hydrants ran dry during the crisis, which she attributed to the city's lack of resources.

Crowley said Bass' leadership did "negatively impact" their efforts to stop the fire. The Dept. has received 50% more calls since 2010, but has to cover them with fewer stations and fire fighters.

"Let me be clear. The $17M budget cut and elimination of our civilian positions like our mechanics did and has and will continue to severely impact our ability to repair our apparatus."

"Over the last 3 years, we have been clear that the fire department needs help. We can no longer sustain where we are."

"I have also requested multiple interim budgets... to show how understaffed, under-resourced, and underfunded the LAFD is."

Maria Shriver, wife of former Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar, reacted to this story on Twitter. LA cannot go forward with the status quo," tweeted Shriver.

"LA is no longer what it was. It has to be different. It has to prioritize the safety of its citizens, police, fire, schools. LA residents deserve better. Chief Crowley is saying LA cannot sustain itself. It needs more help. Chief Crowley says she rang the bell. The mayoral race presented a clear choice last time around."

"Moving forward, LA residents have to decide what’s important and what’s not. Right now what’s important is getting this fire under control, getting firefighters the support they need, getting our neighbors the support they need. Once that happens it’s time to rethink what is and imagine what can be."

Maria Shriver is an American journalist, author, a member of the prominent Shriver, Kennedy and Schwarzeneggar families, former First Lady of California, and the founder of the nonprofit organization The Women's Alzheimer's Movement

 
 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 02/16/2025 12:50