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‘Devil you know’: Palisades residents are voting Karen Bass for mayor
Several Pacific Palisades residents who lost homes in the 2025 fire said they voted for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, despite blaming her in part for the disaster. Their comments show how concerns about her challenger, Nithya Raman, and a preference for continuity shaped some voters’ choices.
Residents cited Bass’s engagement with the community, hopes that she had learned from the fire response and the approaching Olympics as reasons to keep her in office. Others described Raman as too extreme or raised concerns about her positions on policing and homelessness; some said they preferred Rick Caruso or voted for Raman to signal dissatisfaction.
In short
- Some fire-affected Palisades residents backed Bass despite blaming her for losses.
- Voters cited concerns about Raman and a desire for continuity.
- Others wanted different candidates, including Rick Caruso.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Residents who lost homes may reasonably favour Bass because they know her record and have seen her engage with their community. They may hope she has learned from the fire response and believe continuity under an experienced incumbent would help with recovery and preparations for the Olympics.
The case against
Residents may reasonably conclude that Bass’s role in the fire response makes her unfit to continue, and that keeping her in office risks too little accountability or change. They may see Raman as a better alternative, or prefer another candidate, because they disagree with Bass’s approach to policing, homelessness or other city issues.
Explained simply
Pacific Palisades is a neighbourhood in Los Angeles, where a 2025 fire destroyed homes and prompted scrutiny of how officials prepared for and responded to the disaster. Karen Bass, the city’s mayor, has faced criticism from some residents over that response.
Bass is seeking another term against Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles city councillor. Voters’ views on issues including policing, homelessness and how the city should recover from the fire have shaped the contest.
Los Angeles is also preparing to host events connected with the 2028 Olympic Games. The election matters to residents deciding who they trust to lead the city through recovery and those preparations.