Mayor Bass's brother joins lawsuit over Palisades fire

The brother of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has joined a major class-action lawsuit against the city and other entities over the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire, creating a politically sensitive situation for the mayor as she campaigns for reelection. Kenneth Bass and his wife, Cindy, are among thousands of plaintiffs alleging that officials failed to provide adequate infrastructure and response when the wildfire broke out on January 7, 2025, destroying their Malibu home.

Court filings from May show the lawsuit names multiple defendants, including the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the state of California. The suit alleges the city failed to fill the Santa Ynez Reservoir as the fire spread, driven by strong winds through Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Kenneth Bass claims he and his wife suffered smoke inhalation injuries and emotional distress, with their property listed as a "Total Burn Down."

Mayor Bass's office downplayed the significance of her brother's involvement. A spokesperson stated there is nothing new about the lawsuit, noting the mayor has publicly acknowledged her brother's loss since January 2025 and that thousands of...