Samantha Masunaga

Staff Writer

Samantha Masunaga covers aerospace for the Los Angeles Times. Since joining The Times in 2014, she has covered local and national breaking news, the craft beer industry and Southern California’s Japanese American community. Masunaga has previously worked for the Oregonian, the Orange County Register and the Rafu Shimpo, among other publications. A Southern California native, she is an alumna of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and UCLA.

Latest From This Author

Business

SpaceX broadband service will be ‘bumpy’ at first, Gwynne Shotwell says

Business

SpaceX broadband service will be ‘bumpy’ at first, Gwynne Shotwell says

The president of SpaceX said she expects the company to mature as an internet service provider by 2021.
Technology

Google’s Sundar Pichai becomes Alphabet CEO; Larry Page and Sergey Brin step down

Technology

Google’s Sundar Pichai becomes Alphabet CEO; Larry Page and Sergey Brin step down

Sundar Pichai is ascending at Google’s parent, Alphabet, becoming CEO of the entire tech giant as co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin take a step back.
Business

Tariffs will boost prices on toys and smartphones — but not until next year

Business

Tariffs will boost prices on toys and smartphones — but not until next year

Most retailers already stocked up over the summer and early fall on items affected by the tariffs.
Business

Police can keep video from Ring doorbells indefinitely, adding to privacy concerns

Business

Police can keep video from Ring doorbells indefinitely, adding to privacy concerns

Once Ring doorbell owners give law enforcement access to video captured by their cameras, police can keep the video as long as they want and share it.
Business

Chick-fil-A says it won’t donate to anti-LGBTQ groups — at least for now

Business

Chick-fil-A says it won’t donate to anti-LGBTQ groups — at least for now

Chick-fil-A picked a new lineup of charities for 2020, but it didn’t rule out giving to anti-LGBTQ groups in the future.
Business

Could drone deliveries help the environment? Let’s unpack that

Business

Could drone deliveries help the environment? Let’s unpack that

Transportation is responsible for 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Drones delivering packages could help reduce that — depending on how and where they’re deployed.
Business

LAX rules for Uber, Lyft and taxis create chaos — and opportunities

Business

LAX rules for Uber, Lyft and taxis create chaos — and opportunities

LAX’s “LAXit” pickup area is rough for taxis and ride-hailing services. Freeloaders are packing courtesy shuttles. But limos and SuperShuttle see an upside.

More Coverage

After a chaotic week, LAX to expand Uber, Lyft and taxi pickup lot
Business

LAX’s new system for Uber, Lyft and taxi pickups is plagued with long waits

Business

LAX’s new system for Uber, Lyft and taxi pickups is plagued with long waits

On Sunday night it took more than an hour for taxis to drive to the LAX rideshare pickup lot from a waiting zone that’s about a five-minute walk away.

More Coverage

Video: It took me 52 minutes to get an Uber at LAX
Business

Does fast fashion have to die for the environment to live?

Business

Does fast fashion have to die for the environment to live?

The clothing industry is responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes more energy than aviation and shipping combined, the U.N. says.
Business

What if a delivery drone falls on your head? Thorny legal questions loom as services increase

Business

What if a delivery drone falls on your head? Thorny legal questions loom as services increase

Google sibling Wing just launched commercial drone delivery in the U.S., and other companies are pursuing it. Questions about privacy, noise and liability still need to be answered.