Good morning. Welcome to this week’s Essential California update, bringing you the latest headlines and insights from the Golden State. Here’s a roundup to kick off your Sunday:
Communication Crisis in L.A. Leadership During Fire Emergencies
In the wake of the Palisades fire, which ignited on January 7, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced a critical communication gap. While on a diplomatic mission approximately 7,000 miles away in Ghana, her staff maintained contact with her during a 24-hour journey back home. Nonetheless, key communications from this period are shrouded in uncertainty.
Investigative reporters Julia Wick and Matt Hamilton from The Los Angeles Times revealed that Bass’ text messages during this time were not preserved, raising the question: why?
Context of the Incident
A city attorney, David Michaelson, clarified that Bass’ phone settings automatically delete text messages, and city officials are not mandated to retain them. This is troubling given the city’s documentation policies, which require various records to be stored for at least two years.
The Request for Records
Following the outbreak of the fire, reporters submitted a public records request on January 10, seeking text messages from Bass that mentioned responses to the fire or travel plans. Bass departed Accra at around 9 p.m. local time and utilized a military aircraft for the initial leg of her journey, enabling her to text and communicate via email. After a subsequent commercial flight from Washington D.C., she returned to Los Angeles International Airport at 11:24 a.m. on January 8.
Approximately two months later, Bass’ office responded to the records request, indicating there were “no responsive records” pertaining to the inquiry.
Debate Over Text Retention
Michaelson maintained that the city’s regulations, specifically the Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 12.3(b)(6), do not encompass text messages, stating, “The city has no requirement that a city official or employee retain text messages.” However, this viewpoint has been contested, as other departments have successfully released records related to the fire to similar requests, reinforcing the notion that California law mandates the release of records unless an exemption applies.
Legal experts, like David Loy from the First Amendment Coalition, argue that Bass’ text communications should be preserved based on the city’s own more rigorous retention standards than what state law specifies.
Highlights from the Past Week
Here are some of the most significant stories emerging from California:
- Insights into the policies of the Trump administration and their implications.
- Updates on the ongoing recovery efforts following the Los Angeles fires.
- A look at the later chapters of actor Gene Hackman’s life.
- Notable events from South by Southwest and other entertainment news.
In-Depth Feature
This week’s featured article presented by The Times delves into the transformative journey of Ahmed Bellozo. After enduring a difficult childhood and facing various obstacles, he turned to investigative journalism and educational programming while incarcerated.
Since his release, Bellozo has reinvented himself on social media, becoming the face of “On the Tira,” a video series that blends local community highlights with investigative storytelling about incidents affecting the Inland Empire.
Plans for the Weekend
Whether you’re considering going out for a new experience or opting to stay in and relax, there are ample opportunities awaiting you this weekend. Explore the local scene, or enjoy a quiet night in with your favorite entertainment.
L.A. Affairs: Connection and Community
Engage with compelling narratives that explore the dynamics of dating, relationships, and marriage within Los Angeles.
As we wrap up this week’s edition, stay informed and engaged with the stories that shape California. Thank you for joining us, and have a wonderful weekend!
Andrew J. Campa, Reporter
Luke Money, News Editor
