Los Angeles Community Leaders Demand Public Correction from LA Times Owner Over False information About Mayor Bass and Fire Budget

*In light of his recent remarks regarding the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget, a coalition of community leaders and organizations is urging billionaire and Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to issue a public correction.

The controversy stems from comments made by Dr. Soon-Shiong during an appearance on Fox News, where he criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alleging that her decisions harmed the fire department’s ability to manage wildfires devastating neighborhoods.

The urgency of this call for accountability underscores a growing frustration with misinformation that can shape public perceptions and erode trust.

“The mayor wanted $23 million cut; she got $17.8 million as I understand. But that’s a really bad call, especially when dealing with water and fire. I see the end result of that devastation,”  Dr. Soon-Shiong stated in the controversial interview which can be streamed here.

However, local leaders quickly rallied against these assertions, labeling them as inaccurate and indicative of a broader misinformation campaign meant to discredit Mayor Bass’s leadership.

Najee Ali, senior organizer with Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches, led a charge against Dr. Soon-Shiong’s statements, condemning them as “a big lie” tied to a political agenda allegedly orchestrated by billionaire and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso.

“Caruso has intentionally spread the false allegations concerning Bass cutting the fire department’s budget and politicized this crisis to score political points,” Ali said. He also emphasized that these misleading narratives have been amplified by several news organizations and social media platforms, further fueling division and distrust in the city.”

The urgent call for accountability reflects the collective concern that influential figures like Dr. Soon-Shiong have a responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity and ensure the accuracy of their statements. Ali pointed out the broader implications of disseminating misinformation, stating: “Misleading the public about critical issues like fire safety only serves to divide our community further.”

The situation highlights the critical importance of transparency and correctness in discussions surrounding public safety and resource allocation.

To clarify the situation, a spokesperson for L.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield provided additional context regarding the alleged cuts to the fire department budget. Blumenfield, who served as budget chair last year, confirmed that there was actually an increase of approximately $53 million in the fire department’s budget for the current fiscal year. The apparent discrepancy arose from the allocation of $76 million intended for LAFD personnel, which was temporarily held in a separate fund during negotiations. Once those negotiations reached completion, the funds were allocated back to the fire department’s budget, resulting in an overall increase.

Dr. Soon-Shiong’s comments, made during the recent interview and disseminated widely on social media, not only overlooked this crucial timeline but also mischaracterized Mayor Bass’s budget decisions. The spokesperson emphasized that “this kind of misrepresentation creates unnecessary confusion,” reinforcing that the supposed reduction was merely a matter of timing and accounting procedures.

Moving forward, the clarification from Blumenfield’s office serves as a reminder of the vital need for accuracy in public discourse—especially as Los Angeles grapples with significant challenges, including wildfire management and emergency preparedness. The coalition of community leaders is set to hold a press conference on January 13 at Ora Café in Leimert Park to address these issues further and demand a correction from Dr. Soon-Shiong.

The upcoming press conference, sponsored by Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches, Project Islamic Hope, Southern California Ceasefire, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), aims to shine a light on the ramifications of misinformation and the responsibility of public figures in their representations of critical community issues.

Press conference info
Date: Monday, January 13
Time: 12Noon
Location: Ora (Cafe) in Leimert Park
4331 Degnan Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90008

Sponsored by
Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches
Project Islamic Hope
Southern California Ceasefire
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

As the community calls for truth and transparency, it remains to be seen whether Dr. Soon-Shiong will respond to these requests for a correction. However, the pressing need for accurate information and responsible discourse has never been clearer, as local leaders strive to combat the wave of misinformation in their pursuit of justice and informed public dialogue.

The interplay between public perception and factual accuracy will play a crucial role as Los Angeles faces its multifaceted challenges. Ensuring that the fire department has the support it needs is paramount, and holding influential figures accountable for their statements will be essential in addressing the systemic issues within the city.

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