Filmmaker and former “Family Ties” star Justin Bateman blamed Los Angeles County officials for their apparent mismanagement and lack of preparedness for the ongoing wildfires in parts of the city.
“I'm pretty pissed off, and I think a lot of people in Los Angeles are pissed off, too,” Bateman said Thursday on “Jesse Watters Prime Time,” adding that city leaders don't tolerate this type of behavior. He argued that the situation should have been handled better.
California wildfires ravage Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of homes
The Palisades, Eaton, Hearst, Lydia, and Sunset fires affected Los Angeles County. As of Friday, authorities reported the death toll was at least 11 people and the fire had burned more than 36,000 acres and destroyed more than 10,000 buildings.
A vehicle goes up in flames during the Eaton Fire on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. (Ethan Swope/Associated Press)
“If you're trying to run a city or a state, you have to take care of the basics, and that's making sure the fire department and police department are adequately funded.”Film Production said, and “rehearsed” plans to minimize the impact of natural disasters. In California, this includes wildfires, earthquakes, heavy rains, and associated landslides.
Bateman argued that California's elected officials are “incompetent” to plan such large-scale events and that they are “useless” if they don't do everything in their power to respond to disasters before they occur. said.
“If you can't cover the basics, get out of our city. You are of no use to us. You are responsible and you destroyed people's lives by not doing your job.” “I did,” she said. “You didn't do the job you were hired to do. You didn't do the job we paid you to do.” Bateman said officials were “now showing shame and shame on the people whose lives you destroyed.” He should resign from his responsibility,” he added.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have faced significant backlash over their response to the rampant fires. A resident was caught on video confronting Newsom and demanding to know “what he's going to do” about fire preparations and recovery efforts.
Firefighters respond to destroyed homes as helicopters spray water as the Palisades Fire spreads in Pacific Palisades, California, January 7, 2025. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images)
As for whether Newsom and Bass knew they were “incompetent,” Bateman argued that incompetent people “don't understand” that they are incompetent.
She acknowledged that the “incredibly unusual” windy weather that hit the Los Angeles area caused more inferno and added difficulty for firefighters battling the blaze.
California wildfires: Police shoot dead celebrities, arson theory emerges
“If you know what's going to happen, you can make sure you're prepared for what could happen, but that wasn't the case,” Bateman said.
Bateman emphasized how voters need to approach their elected officials to prevent further devastation from future natural disasters.
“Stop looking for the 'R' and 'D' next to these names. Just stop. You need to look at the person. Do you think this person can do the job?” she said. said, emphasizing how Californians primarily do their jobs. I have voted based on a “D” in the past.
Los Angeles area residents need phone numbers and how to get help.
“We voted for people who don't have the ability to handle these things. If someone is capable, and they demonstrate that ability, and there's a 'D' next to them, we vote for them. please. If it has an “R” in it, vote for that person. “Who cares, vote for the person you think can do this job,” she said next to their names.
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – JANUARY 08: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass chats with California Governor Gavin Newsom during a Palisades Fire damage assessment on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. do. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images) (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images))
Bateman explained that when looking for a plumber, housekeeper, someone to fix your car or someone to receive a service from, you look at “reputation” rather than political affiliation.
“Are you asking other people who have had experience with them, are they doing a good job? Do that for politicians too, please. Otherwise, you We will see the results,” she continued.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Bateman further expressed concern about whether Los Angeles will be able to host the 2028 Olympics due to the current leadership's “lack of adequate preparation capabilities.”
“If there's anything you want people to pray for, this is what you're praying for. Pray for an earthquake in Los Angeles while both Newsom and Bass are in charge. Please pray that they don't, because they can't deal with it,'' she said.
