(NewsNation) — Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong said it’s “crazy” his state “doesn’t elect leaders with competence.”
As wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles County, Soon-Shiong criticized LA Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s handling of the city before the crisis.
“It’s so crazy we have leaders that are reactive rather than proactive,” Soon-Shiong said during an appearance on NewsNation’s “On Balance.” “We have to ask ourselves where are we spending the money and why. Where is the actual planning of preparing for this.”
“With this event, we really must investigate,” Soon-Shiong added. “That’s the basis of the paper. Speaking truth to power. And really investigating the root cause of all these issues and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
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Soon-Shiong directed the public on X to follow his paper for live updates on the situation while calling out Bass. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget was cut by approximately $17 million, according to a Newsweek fact check, contrary to Soon-Shiong’s claim that Bass reduced it by $23 million.
“Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and are seeking shelter. Fires in LA are sadly no surprise, yet the Mayor cut LA Fire Department’s budget by $23M. And reports of empty fire hydrants raise serious questions. Competence matters…Follow @latimes for live coverage in partnership with @Spectrum. The live camera view coverage will give our readers a real time view of the fires and the stream is open to all Angelenos. Stay safe,” Soon-Shiong wrote.
Prior to the 2024 election, a number of staff members of the Los Angeles Times editorial board resigned after Soon-Shiong blocked the board’s plan to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
He also announced his intention to overhaul the Times’ editorial board to add more conservative voices, which prompted the paper’s union to publicly rebuke him and longtime columnist Harry Litman to resign.
Economic loss from LA wildfires could reach $150B: Report
More than 36,000 acres have been burned in total as wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, and at least 10 people have died. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Friday that 153,000 residents are still under evacuation orders, and 16,000 are under evacuation warnings.
The Biden administration detailed actions to support local firefighters. There are already five U.S. Forest Service air tankers in operation and an additional one is en route. More than 20 federal firefighting helicopters are being used, and two air firefighting system units have been deployed.
There are also 10 Navy helicopters with water buckets en route to help with aerial suppression efforts. Colorado has also announced it will be assisting.
Click here to view the LAPD’s interactive evacuation zone map.
