Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, declined Bass’ appearance.
During an appearance on the “2 Way” podcast on Monday, Dr. Soon-Shiong called the paper’s “mistake” in supporting embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The LA Times endorsed Bass in the 2022 mayoral race.
“At the LA Times, we supported Karen Bass, and at this point we think that was a mistake, and we admit that,” Soon-Shiong said.
Silence on arrival: LA Mayor Karen Bass refuses to answer questions in absentia as wildfires ravage city
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said there is no animosity between President-elect Trump and the city. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Bass has been under intense scrutiny after a devastating wildfire broke out in his town, burning more than 40,000 acres and killing 24 people. The mayor was initially criticized for being an inactive member of the state at the time of the fire – she was in Ghana attending the presidential inauguration.
When Bass finally returned to the city, he refused to answer Sky News reporter Andrew Blevins’ questions and gave a bewildered press conference, leading to criticism of his leadership during the crisis. The increased doubts led to further backlash.
“Emergency information, resources and shelter are available. All can be found at URL,” the mayor said in a message to the public that was widely ridiculed.
A Change.org petition calling for Mr Bass to be recalled and condemned as “totally incompetent” has garnered more than 123,000 signatures.
LA Mayor Karen Bass tells NY Times she won’t travel abroad as mayor in 2021
Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
“Water supplies have been severely strained, billions of taxpayer dollars have been misallocated or unspent, and countless lives have been lost,” the petition reads. .
“Competence is important,” Soon-Shiong said on a podcast hosted by veteran political reporter Mark Halperin.
“We should think about how we actually select people based on whether they actually have a job, whether they’re actually paid a salary. Instead of putting it down,” Soon-Shiong reiterated the past. The criticism he leveled at California’s political establishment in the wake of deadly wildfires.
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“We really need people to understand how it affects people living on the streets. President Trump understood that in this election. In terms of addressing the problem of people living on the streets. “Republicans have become Democrats,” the LA Times said. the owner said.
