Welcome to this week’s edition of Essential California. I’m Andrew J. Campa, your guide to the pivotal stories shaping the Golden State. As we enter the weekend, here’s what you need to know:
Mayor Bass and the Controversy Surrounding Text Messages During the Fire Response
On January 7, as the Palisades fire erupted, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was traveling approximately 7,000 miles away on a diplomatic mission in Ghana. During her roughly 24-hour journey home, her staff claimed they maintained constant communication with her.
However, the details of their communication remain unclear. Investigative reporters from The Times, Julia Wick and Matt Hamilton, uncovered that Bass’s text messages from this period were not saved, prompting the critical question: why not?
City Policies on Text Message Retention
A city attorney, David Michaelson, clarified that Mayor Bass’s phone settings automatically delete text messages. He noted that while city officials are required to adhere to document retention policies, there isn’t a mandated law obligating them to save text messages specifically. Generally, the city maintains that most records should be kept for a minimum of two years.
This situation began when Times reporters filed a public records request on January 10, seeking all text communications from Bass regarding the fire response during her return from Ghana on January 7 and January 8. Specifically, they wanted any texts mentioning her travel plans or fire-related communications.
From her itinerary, Bass departed Accra around 9 p.m. local time on January 7, utilizing a military aircraft for the first leg of her journey. This leg allowed her to communicate via phone, text, and email. Later, she transitioned to a commercial flight that restricted her communication choices to text and email only, arriving in Los Angeles on January 8 at 11:24 a.m.
Two months later, Bass’s office responded to the request stating there were “no responsive records.”
Interpretation of Record-Keeping Obligations
Michaelson asserted that the auto-deletion feature on Bass’s phone had been active for at least two years and contended that existing city administrative codes, particularly Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 12.3(b)(6), do not pertain to text messages. This section outlines that records should be retained for a minimum of two years, except where otherwise specified by law.
However, this viewpoint has faced challenges. Various city officials and agencies have complied with public records requests by releasing numerous documents from the initial stages of the fire. According to California law, governmental bodies must make such records accessible unless specific exemptions apply.
David Loy, Legal Director for the First Amendment Coalition, argued that the retention of Bass’s text messages should be mandated. “The city has imposed upon itself a more stringent record retention requirement than state law might otherwise require,” he remarked.
For a detailed account, you can read the full article from The Times.
This Week’s Key Headlines
- Analysis of Trump administration policies and public reactions
- Updates on the recovery from recent fires in Los Angeles
- A look back at the final days of actor Gene Hackman
- Insights from the South by Southwest festival and entertainment news
Featured Column: A Transformative Journey
In this week’s edition of Column One, we explore the inspiring story of Ahmed Bellozo. After navigating a challenging childhood and spending time in prison, Bellozo found solace in educational documentaries and investigative journalism shows. This passion led him to create “On the Tira,” a video series focusing on local news and community issues across the Inland Empire. His journey from a troubled past to a role in journalism highlights the power of resilience and reinvention.
Weekend Activities
As you plan your weekend, here are some recommendations:
- Explore local events happening across California
- Stay in and enjoy some of this week’s online content
L.A. Affairs: Intriguing Stories of Love and Relationships
Dive into our L.A. Affairs section for captivating narratives around dating, relationships, and marriage challenges faced by residents.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend from the entire Essential California team.
Kind regards,
Andrew J. Campa, Reporter
Luke Money, News Editor
