Governor Gavin Newsom recently faced criticism for his animated body language during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press as he discussed his response to the wildfires devastating Los Angeles.
Clad in a casual black button-down shirt and jeans, Newsom gestured frequently with his hands throughout the 18-minute conversation.
His exaggerated movements, including clapping and large gestures, drew attention as he answered questions in Altadena, a community ravaged by the Eaton Fire.
Wildfire Response Under Scrutiny
During the interview, Newsom was asked about the water storage situation, particularly the Pacific Palisades’ three tanks, which mysteriously ran dry as the fires broke out.
Each tank held about 1 million gallons of water, and Newsom acknowledged the issue without offering a clear explanation, stating, “It was a combination of pipes, electricity, and pumps.”
When asked if the lack of water contributed to the severity of the fire, Newsom implied that the winds, reaching speeds of 99 miles per hour, were likely the more significant factor.
Newsom defended his decision to launch an independent investigation into the water shortage, insisting that it wasn’t about “finger pointing” but rather getting answers to important questions.
He emphasized that the investigation was focused on uncovering facts and ensuring transparency.
Death Toll and Ongoing Crisis
As of Sunday morning, the Palisades Wildfire had scorched over 22,660 acres with just 11% containment.
The Eaton Fire, burning northeast of Los Angeles, had consumed 14,100 acres, with containment at 15%.
Over 5,000 structures had been destroyed, and 16 lives were lost.
Newsom, however, provided a more conservative estimate of 13 deaths, explaining that authorities were still receiving information from coroners.
He added that search and rescue teams were active and the death toll could rise.
Governor’s Deflection of Blame
When asked if the responsibility for the crisis ultimately fell on him, Newsom responded, “You’re governor of California.
It might as well be the mayor of California. We’re all in this together.”
He also emphasized the importance of unity, dismissing political attacks that could divide people during a crisis.
His comments came amid criticism from former President Donald Trump, who blamed Newsom for the wildfires.
Trump’s Criticism and Water Controversy
Trump, referring to Newsom as “Gavin Newscum,” criticized the governor for refusing federal aid during his presidency.
Trump claimed that Newsom blocked a water restoration plan that could have brought millions of gallons of water to drought-stricken areas.
He also pointed to Newsom’s efforts to protect the Delta smelt, arguing that this had prevented water from reaching farmers and cities in need.
Newsom dismissed Trump’s claims, stating that the state’s reservoirs were full and that the situation with the Delta smelt was unrelated to the current crisis.
However, new reports revealed that the Palisades area’s water supply had been neglected.
A key reservoir, managed by the Department of Water and Power (LADWP), had been disconnected, leaving fire hydrants without water and hampering firefighting efforts.
The shutdown of this 117-million-gallon reservoir, originally reported by the LA Times, has raised further questions about preparedness and response.
Plans for Recovery and Support
In response to the damage caused by the fires, Newsom announced plans to issue executive orders targeting price gouging and speeding up the recovery process.
These orders will also facilitate quicker insurance claim approvals and allow the relaxation of environmental regulations, such as those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), to streamline rebuilding efforts.
He also promised that property tax assessments would remain unchanged for those rebuilding their homes.
Newsom expressed his gratitude to President Joe Biden for committing to cover 100% of disaster-related costs in California for the next 180 days.
With early damage estimates reaching up to $150 billion, Newsom reiterated the importance of federal support in the recovery efforts and called for ongoing communication with the president-elect as well.
Looking Ahead
The road to recovery will be long, and with extensive damage and loss, it’s clear that significant efforts will be required to rebuild California.
Newsom’s leadership is under intense scrutiny, but his plans to expedite recovery and secure federal support will play a crucial role in the state’s ability to bounce back from this disaster.
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