LA Cuts Fire Department Budget Amid Wildfires, Funds Progressive Programs Instead

As wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, destroying homes and displacing families, scrutiny intensified over Mayor Karen Bass’s decision to cut $17.6 million from the LA Fire Department’s budget. Critics slammed the city for allocating funds to progressive initiatives like a “Midnight Stroll Transgender Cafe” and the Gay Men’s Chorus, alongside social justice art projects, while sidelining critical emergency services. Despite the backlash, Bass defended the cuts, citing “tough budgetary times” and claiming they had no impact on the firefighting efforts. Critics argue the spending priorities reveal misplaced values in a time of crisis.