PACIFIC PALISADES — Former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley says Mayor Karen Bass used her well-funded political campaign to spread false claims about Crowley’s handling of the Palisades Fire, an allegation at the center of Crowley’s defamation lawsuit against the mayor.
In a sworn declaration filed Friday, Crowley said, “Bass' choice to use her well-funded political campaign to disparage me, a much lower-level city employee, and damage my reputation as a 26-year veteran of the LAFD is heartbreaking to me,”
Crowley, 55, is asking Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kristin S. Escalante to postpone a Nov. 4 hearing on Bass’ effort to dismiss the suit. Her attorneys want the hearing moved to Dec. 3 for more discovery.
Crowley alleges Bass continued making false and disparaging statements about her performance with “ill will,” despite Crowley’s objections, requests to stop and LAFD documents that her attorneys say contradict the mayor’s account.
The city and Bass are seeking dismissal of Crowley’s two lawsuits.
Crowley’s first lawsuit, filed Feb. 20, alleges the city retaliated against her in violation of the Labor Code and state Constitution. The city denies retaliation and is seeking dismissal.
Her second lawsuit, filed June 23, names Bass personally and alleges defamation over the mayor’s remarks during a televised mayoral debate. Crowley said her removal has effectively demoted her three ranks, leaving the 26-year LAFD veteran as a regular LAFD long-term employee.
Crowley...
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