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Filmmaker and former “Family Ties” actress Justine Bateman has voiced her frustration with Los Angeles County officials regarding their management of ongoing wildfire crises affecting the region. Speaking on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Bateman expressed her anger, stating that many residents share her sentiments about the city’s leadership in crisis situations.
Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles County
Recent wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Lidia Fire, and Sunset Fire, have wreaked havoc across Los Angeles County. As of Friday, at least 11 fatalities have been reported, with the fires engulfing over 36,000 acres and destroying more than 10,000 structures.
Bateman highlighted the urgent need for city and state authorities to prioritize funding for fire and police departments. She underscored the significance of having well-rehearsed disaster response plans to mitigate the impact of natural catastrophes such as wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides, which are prevalent in California.
Further criticizing the state’s elected officials, Bateman claimed they are “incapable” of adequately planning for emergencies, expressing that their failures have harmed countless lives. “If you can’t cover the basics, get out of our city,” she declared, urging those in office to resign in acknowledgment of their responsibilities toward residents.
The leadership of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced substantial criticism for their response to the fires. Video footage captured a resident confronting Newsom, demanding to know what actions he would take regarding fire preparedness and recovery.
Bateman attributed the chaotic conditions to the unusually severe winds in the LA area, complicating efforts by firefighters to combat the blazes.
Looking Ahead: Political Accountability
To prevent future disasters from yielding similar consequences, Bateman advised voters to reassess their approach to elections, advocating for a focus on competence rather than political affiliation. “Stop looking for the ‘R’ and the ‘D’ next to these names,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of electing capable individuals based on their qualifications rather than party lines.
“If they have shown their competence,” she added, “vote for them, regardless of their political party.” Bateman stressed that just as one would research reviews when hiring a plumber or mechanic, the same diligence should be applied to evaluating politicians.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Bateman also conveyed her concern over Los Angeles’s ability to host the upcoming 2028 Olympics amid apparent leadership shortcomings regarding emergency preparedness. She remarked, “Pray that we don’t have an earthquake while these two people, Newsom and Bass, are in charge,” illustrating her fear concerning the city’s readiness for potential disasters.
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