An email obtained by 7 On Your Side Investigates appears to show the mayor had a lot of sway over when the then-fire chief could speak to reporters regarding a crucial after-action report.
It was Oct. 8 when investigators told us the small New Year's Day blaze called the Lachman Fire had smoldered underground for a week, and then raged into the Palisades Fire.
The next day, with reporters asking if the Lachman Fire was property extinguished, LAFD spokesperson Capt. Erik Scott sent an email to his department counterparts, then-Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, staff from an outside public relations company, and the mayor's then main press representative.
In the email, Scott wrote: "Any additional interviews with the Fire Chief would likely depend on the Mayor's guidance," and, "Regarding a press conference, I would be cautious as it could invite a high volume of challenging questions, and this would also be contingent on the Mayor's direction."
Scott went on to write, "Consider incorporating clips of the Fire Chief's interviews, particularly favorable coverage..." and Scott then referenced coverage from another local news outlet.
ABC7 asked Bass's office if all messaging over the fires was run through them and if Bass had the final say.
"No and no," answered Yusef Robb, an advisor to the mayor. "The Mayor's Office is in contact with every department on issues large and small, and so obviously and appropriately the Mayor's Office engaged with the LAFD about the rollout of the report."
The LAFD administration on Friday said it had no comment. But ABC7 did reach out to Scott directly. He told 7 On Your Side that throughout the Palisades Fire response, LAFD spokespeople conducted hundreds of interviews.
He said this email reflects an internal discussion and it's up to the administration to approve or deny a press conference.