Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman on Thursday criticized Mayor Karen Bass’ response to the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, more than 8 kilometers from her District 4, as she visited the area for the first time since the blaze began June 17. Raman is challenging Bass in the November mayoral election.[2][3][4]
Speaking outside Jim’s Burgers on Indiana Street near the fire site, Raman said the area “smells like a garbage can” and described the conditions as unbearable, saying the smell has persisted hour after hour and day after day. She said residents are also reporting rat and fly infestations and a range of health problems.[2]
Raman said residents were not given accurate information about the risks and accused Bass of repeatedly saying the air was safe, that masks were unnecessary and that no mandatory evacuation order was issued. She added that every resident she had met reported health effects ranging from throat irritation and red eyes to emergency room visits.[2]
Bass’ office pushed back, saying it provided temporary lodging vouchers to more than 1,100 heavily affected residents, operated mobile health clinics and distributed free air purifiers, masks and business relief aid.[2]
Raman also raised questions about Yusef Robb, a Bass ally and former communications director for former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is now associated with Lineage Logistics, the warehouse owner.[2]
