In a private phone call with an anonymous source, Mayor Karen Bass sought to downplay her trip to Ghana as a brief visit, as criticism mounted: "Just so you know, I'm missing two workdays. That's it. And if President Biden extends me an invitation, I took it,” prioritizing international commitments over immediate local concerns.

Just three days before fires erupted in the Los Angeles area, Bass issued a cryptic message to our source, advising them to "read in between the lines and hold tight… you will understand soon," suggesting she was aware of significant developments that would soon impact the city.

Bass also acknowledged the growing dangers surrounding MacArthur Park. "The situation is very dangerous," she said, citing security concerns. She remained adamant in her refusal to hold a press conference, stating, "I will take the criticism before I do a publicity stunt, and frankly, a press conference at this point in time, which would just be publicity."